JPH11355556A - Image processor, image processing method and computer readable recording medium storing program for computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable even a beginner to stick images at high level through simple operation in the case of image editing work. SOLUTION: This device is provided with an image designating part 401 for designating images more than two as an object of sticking, image arranging part 402 for arranging images to perform sticking, display control part 307 for displaying the arranged images, coupling point designating part 403 for designating only one arbitrary coupling point for coupling the adjacently arranged images for each image, and sticking part 404 for sticking the adjacent images with the designated coupling point as a reference.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing method for displaying an image on a display screen, editing the displayed image, and retrieving the edited image. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a program to be executed by a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technique for pasting a plurality of images into one image. For example, the whole image of a tall building or event venue, an aerial photograph, etc. cannot be taken unless it is divided into two or more shots. It is difficult to fit the whole image into one image because it is not enough. In these cases, it is necessary to combine the images of the panoramic photographs taken twice or more. Here, as a method of pasting two images,
There is a method in which one of the images is manually carefully moved / adjusted and pasted while confirming the joint on the screen.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, it is extremely difficult for a novice to perform these operations efficiently, even if it is a skilled person. Further, when a large number of images are pasted together to form one image, it is necessary to adjust adjacent images individually, and it is difficult for even a skilled person to perform this operation efficiently. . Furthermore, it is necessary to correct the images in order to make the joints inconspicuous, and in this case, if the images are manually bonded, the images must be corrected manually, which further reduces the work efficiency. There was a problem that it decreased.

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional example, the present invention records an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method, which enables beginners to perform advanced bonding by simple operations. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved,
In order to achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit for displaying an image on a display screen, and an image processing apparatus for editing and processing an image displayed on the display unit. Image designating means for designating two or more images to be processed, image arranging means for arranging the images designated by the image designating means in an array of bonding, and controlling the display means to control the image arrangement Display control means for displaying the images arranged by the means, and a connection point designation for designating only one point for each image for any connection point for combining the images displayed vertically or horizontally adjacent to each other by the display control means Means for combining images adjacent to each other based on the connection point specified by the connection point specifying means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the designated images are arranged side by side in a pasting arrangement, the arranged images are displayed, and an arbitrary joining point is added to the images displayed adjacent to each other. Since only one point is specified for each image, images can be pasted together by a simple operation of simply designating a point to be a joining point, and image editing processing such as image pasting can be performed easily and efficiently. is there.

The image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a connection line drawing means for drawing a connection line between the connection points specified by the connection point specification means, The control means controls the display means,
The image arranged by the image arrangement means is displayed, and the connection line drawn by the connection line drawing means is displayed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the connecting line is drawn between the specified connecting points, the connecting point can be specified in the same sense as drawing the line, and the connecting point is specified. It is possible to recognize at a glance whether or not the device is operating.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the image processing apparatus performs the processing. A connection point canceling means for canceling the specified connection point.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the already specified connection point is canceled. , When specifying a new connection point, there is no need to cancel the specification of the connection point that has already been performed in advance, and in the same operation as specifying the connection point for the first time,
It is possible to easily and efficiently change the designation of the connection point.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the focal length setting means for setting a focal length used when inputting the image, And an image correcting means for correcting an image based on the focal length set by the focal length designation setting when the images are bonded.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the focal length used when inputting an image is set, and the image is corrected based on the focal length set when the images are combined. Even if images are input by input means having different focal lengths, it is possible to bond the images without causing distortion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing method of displaying an image on a display screen and editing the displayed image, two or more images to be combined are specified. A first step, and a second step of arranging and arranging the images specified in the first step in a bonding arrangement.
Step, a third step of displaying the images arranged in the second step, and an arbitrary connection point for combining the images displayed vertically or horizontally next to each other in the third step, one point for each image And a fifth step of pasting adjacent images based on the connection point specified in the fourth step.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the designated images are arranged side by side in a pasting arrangement, the arranged images are displayed, and an arbitrary joining point is added to the images displayed adjacent to each other. Since only one point is specified for each image, images can be pasted together by a simple operation of simply designating a point to be a joining point, and image editing processing such as image pasting can be performed easily and efficiently. is there.

Further, the image processing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a sixth step of drawing a connection line between the connection points specified by the fourth step. Is characterized by displaying the image arranged in the second step and displaying the connection line drawn in the sixth step.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the connecting line is drawn between the specified connecting points, the connecting point can be specified in the same sense as drawing the line, and the connecting point is specified. It is possible to recognize at a glance whether or not the device is operating.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifth or sixth aspect, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the image processing method is performed. And a seventh step of canceling the designation of the connection point.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the already specified connection point is canceled. , When specifying a new connection point, there is no need to cancel the specification of the connection point that has already been performed in advance, and in the same operation as specifying the connection point for the first time,
It is possible to easily and efficiently change the designation of the connection point.

An image processing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image processing method according to the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein an eighth step of setting a focal length used for inputting an image and an image by the fifth step are performed. And a ninth step of correcting the image based on the focal length set in the eighth step when the images are pasted together.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the focal length used when inputting an image is set, and the image is corrected based on the focal length set when the images are combined. Even if images are input by input means having different focal lengths, it is possible to bond the images without causing distortion.

Further, the storage medium according to the invention of claim 9 is:
By recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method described in claims 5 to 8, the program becomes machine-readable, whereby the operations of claims 5 to 8 can be realized by a computer. .

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer readable recording medium according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The form will be described in detail.

(Embodiment 1) First, the configuration of an entire image-attached document creation system including an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of an entire image-attached document creation system including an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown functionally in FIG. 1, this image-attached document creation system includes an input unit 101 and a processing unit 102.
And an image processing apparatus 100 comprising an output unit 103
And the host computer system 105 via a network such as a LAN.

The input unit 101 performs an image capturing process, and includes, for example, a scanner, an IC card, a digital still camera, a photo CD reader, and the like. The input unit 101 captures an image and converts the captured image into a predetermined file format.
Send to 2.

The processing section 102 performs processing such as registration, deletion, and modification of an image captured by the input section 101, and is performed using, for example, a personal computer (PC). The image data storage unit 104 provided in the processing unit 102 or externally attached to the processing unit 102 includes, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a rewritable CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD built in the PC. For example, the image data processed by the processing unit 102 is stored.

Further, the processing unit 102 searches the image data stored in the image data storage unit 104, pastes the searched image data to another document, and performs display control such that the document is displayed on a display. Print control is performed so as to print on the output unit 103.

The output unit 103 prints the image data and the document including the image data, which are print-controlled by the processing unit 102. For example, a laser printer or a digital copier capable of printing in black and white and full color is included. The output unit 103 also includes a printer having a function of printing a business card or printing a card such as an ID card and then laminating the card.

The host computer system 105 is connected to a PC serving as the processing unit 102 via a network such as a LAN, and includes a host computer 106 and a plurality of terminal devices 107 connected to the host computer 106 via the network. The host computer 106 stores, for example, a personnel information file 108 regarding personnel information in the company, and each terminal device 107 can access the personnel information file 108.

The processing unit 102 and the personnel information file 1
08 can be linked to each other, and by inputting personnel information such as an employee number from the terminal device 107, the information is stored in the image data storage unit 104 of the processing unit 102 via the personnel information file 108. It is also possible to search for the image data.

As a specific application example of the image-added document creation system, for example, a business card creation system for creating a business card with a face photograph, or a postcard such as a guide letter on which a product photograph or a staff face photograph is posted. An ID for creating a postcard creation system or an ID card with a photo
A card creation system, a leaflet creation system for creating leaflets such as proposals, advertising flyers and catalogs, a card creation system for creating cards with photos,
HR information system that creates and manages employee ledgers, addresses, maps, etc. with face photos such as employee photos, resumes, self-reports, used car search systems that search for information with photos of used cars, and purchasing information. The system includes a purchasing information planning / purchasing system to be managed, a process management, a system for the civil construction industry by combining with a construction ledger, a construction completion drawing system by combining with three-dimensional CAD, and the like. Of course, these systems can also be used as color systems for creating and managing using color images such as color photographs.

Next, the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire system; 202, a ROM storing a boot program and the like; 203, a RAM used as a work area of the CPU; A hard disk drive (HDD) 205 controls the reading / writing of data to / from a hard disk (205), an HD 205 stores data written under the control of the HDD 204, and a data 206 to an FD (floppy disk) 207 under the control of the CPU 201. 20 is a floppy disk drive (FDD) for controlling read / write of the FDD, and 207 is a detachable FD for storing data written under the control of the FDD 206.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a display for displaying a document including characters, images, and the like, function information, and the like.

Reference numeral 209 is connected to the network NET via the communication line 210, and the network NET is connected to the network NET.
And the interface that controls the internal interface (I
/ F), 211 is a keyboard provided with keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc., 212 is a mouse for moving a cursor and selecting a range, etc., and 213 is for taking an image using a CCD. Digital still camera, 21
Reference numeral 4 denotes a printer for printing a document or the like, and 215 denotes a bus for connecting the above-described units. Note that a scanner 213 may optically read an image.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the processing unit 102 includes an image data storage unit 10.
4, an operation instruction unit 301, an image registration unit 302,
An image deletion unit 303, an image change unit 304, an image search unit 305, an image pasting unit 306, a display control unit 307,
The configuration includes a display unit 308, a print control unit 309, and the like.

The operation instructing unit 301 includes an image registering unit 302 and an image deleting unit 30 according to the display contents of the display unit 308.
3, for instructing the image change unit 304, the image search unit 305, the image pasting unit 306, the display control unit 307, and the print control unit 309 to operate. For example, it includes a pointing device such as a keyboard 211 and a mouse 212.

The image registration unit 302 registers the image data transmitted from the input unit 101 as an image data file by adding predetermined data such as a file name.
This is stored in the image data storage unit 104. The image deletion unit 303 deletes the image data already stored in the image data storage unit 104 from the image data storage unit 104 according to a deletion instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

The image change unit 304 changes the image data of the image data file already stored in the image data storage unit 104 in accordance with the change instruction from the operation instructing unit 301, and converts the changed image data into an image again. This is stored in the data storage unit 104. Details of the image changing unit 304 will be described later.

The image search unit 305 searches for a desired image data file from the image data files already stored in the image data storage unit 104 in accordance with a search instruction from the operation instruction unit 301. The image pasting unit 306 pastes image data already stored in the image data storage unit 104 onto a document in accordance with an image pasting instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

The display control unit 307 displays an image of the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 104, a reduced image obtained by reducing the image, and the like on the display screen of the display unit 308 in accordance with a display instruction from the operation instruction unit 301. It is controlled so as to be displayed above. Details of the display control unit 307 will be described later.

The print control unit 309 transmits print data such as image data or a document with an image to the output unit 103 in accordance with a print instruction from the operation instruction unit 301. Further, the operation control of the output unit, for example, the setting of the number of prints and the like is also performed according to the operation instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

Image registration unit 302, image deletion unit 303, image change unit 304, image search unit 305, image pasting unit 30
6, the display control unit 307 and the print control unit 309 are respectively
ROM 202, RAM 203 or hard disk 20
5. The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing instruction processing in accordance with instructions written in programs such as an OS and an application program recorded on a recording medium such as the floppy disk 207.

The display unit 308 includes a display control unit 307.
, And displays a document or the like including an image or a character string based on the display control. For example, the display 208 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display, and the like.

Next, the configurations of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304, the display control unit 307, and their peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG.
04 includes an image specifying unit 401, an image arranging unit 402, a joint point specifying unit 403, and a bonding unit 404.

The image designating section 401 is a designating section for designating two or more images to be bonded. The image designating unit 401 designates an image to be stuck by the operator in accordance with an operation instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

The image arranging unit 402 arranges the images specified by the image specifying unit 401 in an arrangement for bonding. When pasting images,
There are cases where the images are pasted in one or more rows vertically or in one or more columns horizontally, and designated by the image designation unit 401 in accordance with the operation instruction from the operation instruction unit 301 in accordance with the arrangement in which the pasting is performed. The images are arranged and the images are rearranged.

The connection point designation unit 403 includes a display control unit 307
Is a designation unit for designating only one arbitrary connection point for combining images displayed next to each other vertically or horizontally on the display screen of the display unit 308 for each image. The image designation unit 401 designates a connection point desired by the operator according to an operation instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

The image specifying unit 401 and the image arranging unit 40
2. Specific contents of the process of the connection point designation unit 403 will be described later.

The bonding section 404 is connected to the joining point specifying section 40.
In this method, adjacent images are pasted on the basis of the connection point designated by No. 3. For details of the bonding method, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 9-316679 or Japanese Patent Application No.
The method described in -91125 can be used. The image pasted by the pasting unit 404 is given a file name, and is stored in the image data storage unit 104 by the appended file name.

The image specifying unit 401, the image arranging unit 402, the joining point specifying unit 403, and the bonding unit 404
OM 202, RAM 203 or hard disk 20
5. The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing instruction processing in accordance with instructions written in programs such as an OS and an application program recorded on a recording medium such as the floppy disk 207.

The display control unit 307 includes a display unit 308
To control the bonding process window 70 shown in FIG.
0 or the image placement unit 40 designated by the image designation unit 401
Window 7 for pasting the images arranged by 2
00 is displayed on the bonding work area 701.

Next, the content of the operation of the image processing apparatus and the content of the display screen will be described using a specific display example. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 is a basic display screen of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the display screen includes a file name display area 501 occupying substantially the upper left half of the screen, and a file name display area. It is composed of three areas: a reduced image display area 502 occupying the lower side of the area 501, and a selected image display area 503 occupying substantially the right half of the screen.

These areas are not displayed by the multi-window, but are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. Therefore, since the screens having the same configuration are always displayed, the operator can view these areas as one screen. Therefore, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures, and can efficiently perform image editing processing.

The file name display area 501 is stored in the image data storage unit 104, specifically, for example, in the hard disk 20.
5 and the file names stored in the floppy disk 207 are displayed hierarchically. File name display area 501
The user can select a desired image data file by looking up the file name of the image data file displayed in (1) and searching for and specifying the desired image data file from the file name.

The reduced image display area 502 is composed of a plurality of reduced images. The actual image data is reduced at a predetermined magnification, and the reduced image is viewed to determine which file is the image data file. Is instantaneously recognized. The file name of the image data file of the reduced image is also displayed below the reduced image.

Instead of specifying the file name in the file name display area 501, a desired image can be selected by moving the cursor to the reduced image itself and clicking a button such as the mouse 212. In this case, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file based on the reduced image even if the file name is not accurately stored.

If a predetermined keyword, for example, a keyword such as "person", "landscape" or "business" or "individual" is added to each image data file and registered, the keyword is based on the keyword. The display order of the reduced images can be changed and displayed. As a result, even if the number of registered image data files increases, it is possible to search for a desired image data file at high speed by rearranging by keyword.

In the display example of FIG. 5, the number of displayed reduced images is set to be 24 in 8 × 3 rows. However, the number of displayed reduced images depends on the resolution of the display device, the content of the displayed image, or the search method. It is possible to change the display arrangement and the number of displayed reduced images.

The selected image display area 503 is an area for displaying the image of the image data file selected from the file name in the file name display area 501 or the image data file selected from the thumbnail in the reduced image display area 502. As the display format, a standard display in which the image is displayed in a standard size, an entire display in which the image is enlarged or reduced in order to display the entire image, and a magnification display in which the operator displays the image at a desired magnification can be considered. The magnification is designated by inputting the percentage of the magnification, and the magnification becomes equal at 100%. When a numerical value smaller than that is input, the magnification is reduced, and when a larger numerical value is input, the magnification is enlarged.

In the selected image display area 503, by specifying a command from a predetermined menu or by double-clicking the image itself, a file name display area 501 and a reduced image display area 502 are displayed on the entire display screen. The currently displayed image can be displayed so as to be hidden. As a result, the editing work can be performed more efficiently. This is particularly effective for large images. When the editing processing is completed, it is possible to return to the original image area by specifying a command from a predetermined menu or by double-clicking the image itself again. At this time, the file name display area 501
And the reduced image display area 502 is displayed again.

Next, the contents of an operation for specifying an image by the image specifying unit 401 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, the number of reduced images in the reduced image display area 502 is eight for convenience of explanation.

In FIG. 6, a plurality of images to be combined are specified from the reduced images in the reduced image display area 502. As a designation method, there is a method of inputting a file name of a reduced image to be designated from the keyboard 211 or the like. In this case, a pointing device such as a mouse 212 is used to move a cursor to a display area of the reduced image and a mouse 212 Specify by clicking a button such as.

Since a plurality of reduced images must be specified at the same time, for example, shift
By clicking a button such as the mouse 212 while pressing a specific key such as a key, a plurality of reduced images can be easily specified.

In FIG. 6, reduced images 601, 60
3 shows a state in which three sheets 2603 are designated as objects to be bonded. In the designated reduced image, the displayed file name portion is highlighted, or the frame of the reduced image is displayed in a bold frame so that the operator can recognize that the reduced image has been designated. It is good to

After designating the reduced image, the user moves the cursor to the “image correction” menu 604 in the menu bar in FIG. 6 and clicks a button such as the mouse 212 to display “one of the pull-down menus”. The selection is made by further clicking on the "image bonding" menu 605. Thereby, a bonding processing window 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in a pop-up manner.

Next, the contents of the processing of the image arrangement unit 402 will be described. 7 to 9 are explanatory diagrams illustrating another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. Lamination processing window 700
Are a bonding work area 701 and a mode switching unit 702
, An arrangement switching unit 703, an enlarge button 704, a reduce button 705, a start button 706, and a cancel button 707.

The image specified by the image specifying unit 401 is displayed in the bonding work area 701. In FIG. 7, the reduced images 601, 6 designated in FIG.
The same image as 06, 603 is displayed at a predetermined reduction magnification (751, 752, 753).

The mode switching unit 702 includes an image position replacement mode 708 and a combined position designation mode 709 as click modes of a pointing device such as the mouse 212.
Click mode is displayed.

The arrangement switching unit 703 has icons for switching the arrangement of the images designated by the image designation unit 401. When three images are designated and selected, there are an array in which three images are arranged horizontally and an array in which three images are arranged vertically, and the arrangement state is displayed as an icon. There are three horizontal icons 710 and three vertical icons 711.

When the cursor is moved to this icon and a button such as the mouse 212 is clicked, the arrangement of the images displayed in the bonding work area 701 is changed. The icons displayed on the array switching unit 703 have different shapes and numbers corresponding to the number specified by the image specifying unit 401.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the icon 711 is selected. Three images 751, 752, and 753 are displayed on the bonding work area 701 in the same arrangement as the icon 710, that is, an arrangement in which three images are arranged vertically.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 8, the state is shown in which the icon 710 is selected. is there. In this manner, the arrangement can be changed by a simple operation of pressing the icon.

The enlarge button 704 is a button for enlarging the size of the image displayed on the bonding work area 701. By pressing the enlarge button once,
That is, by moving the cursor onto the enlarge button 704 and clicking a button such as the mouse 212 once,
The image is enlarged at a predetermined magnification, and the enlarged image is displayed on the bonding work area 701. This makes it easier for the operator to specify the connection point.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, the enlargement button 704 has been pressed only once. State.

In contrast to the enlargement button 704, the reduction button 705 is reduced at the same magnification as the magnification predetermined in the enlargement button 704 by the number of times of pressing. Therefore, when the reduction button 705 is pressed the same number of times as the number of times the enlargement button 704 is pressed, the image returns to the original size. In FIG. 7, since there is no need to further reduce the size of the image, the reduction button 705 is grayed out and cannot be pressed.

A start button 706 is a button for giving an instruction to start the image joining process. At present, the start button 706 is grayed out and cannot be pressed because the connection point has not been designated yet.

A cancel button 707 is a button for giving an instruction to cancel the bonding process. When the cancel button 707 is pressed, the pasting process performed up to this point is stopped, and the pasting process window 700 is closed.

Further, since the connection point is specified by the connection point specifying unit 403 in the image displayed in the bonding area 401, the images must be arranged in an array for bonding. Therefore, the image placement unit 40
2 performs an image position replacement process.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an image position replacement process in the image arrangement unit 402 of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

First, the click mode of the mode switching unit 702 is set to the image position replacement mode 708. Next, specify the image whose position you want to swap. The designation method is performed by, for example, clicking a desired image (referred to as a desired image A) with the mouse 212 or the like (FIG. 10A).

Next, the desired image A is dragged, and the desired image A is dropped near another image (referred to as another image B) displayed at the position to be replaced (refer to FIG. 10).
(B)). Thereby, the desired image A moves to the position where the different image B was located, and the different image B moves to the position where the desired image A was originally located (FIG. 10C).

If the click mode of the mode switching unit 702 is the image position replacement mode 708, the same operation can be repeated any number of times. This makes it possible to perform the image replacement process at high speed and efficiently.

Next, the contents of the processing of the connection point designation unit 403 will be described. First, the click mode of the mode switching unit 702 is set to the combined position designation mode 709. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

In the bonding work area 701 in FIG. 11 (or FIG. 9), adjacent images are compared, and a point having a characteristic in a portion where the same image exists in both images is designated by the mouse 212. Specify with a pointing device such as. In order to accurately designate a characteristic point, it is more reliable to enlarge the image to some extent as shown in FIG.

More specifically, images 752 and 753
The tips 1102 and 1103 of the streets on the left side of the center of the image displayed on both of them are suitable as connection points. By moving a cursor to these tips 1102 and 1103 and clicking a button such as a mouse 212, a connection point is specified. The coordinate data of the specified connection point is stored in a storage unit provided in the connection point specification unit 403. The designation of the connection point is performed for each of the upper and lower and left and right adjacent images.

After the designation of the connection point is completed for all adjacent images, the start button 706 is pressed next to execute the bonding process. When the bonding process is completed, the image on which the bonding process has been completed is displayed in the bonding work area 701, and a window 1200 displaying a message “Is this acceptable?” Is displayed.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, when a “Yes” button 1201 in a window 1200 is pressed, a file name is given to the image as a result of pasting, and the image data storage unit 10
4 is stored. On the other hand, when the “No” button 1202 is pressed, the image of the bonding result is discarded, the screen returns to the screen immediately before the start button 706 is pressed, and the process of specifying the connection point can be performed again.

Next, the sequence of a series of processes performed by the image change unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of a series of processes performed by the image changing unit and the display control unit according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG.
It is determined whether two or more images have been designated (step S1301). After waiting for designation of two or more images (Yes at Step S1301), it is determined whether or not an instruction for a bonding process has been given (Step S1).
302).

In step S1302, when there is no instruction for the bonding process (No in step S1302)
Determines whether there is an instruction for another processing, for example, an instruction for image deletion processing or the like (step S130).
3). Here, if there is no instruction for another process (No at Step S1303), the process proceeds to Step S1301, and the same process is repeated thereafter. On the other hand, step S1
If there is an instruction for another process in 303 (Yes at step S1303), the other process is executed (step S1304), and the process ends.

In step S1302, when there is an instruction for the bonding process (Yes in step S1302)
Performs the image arrangement processing of the designated image (step S1310). The details of the image placement processing procedure will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the image arrangement (step S1340). If there is a change (step S1340: YES), the process proceeds to step S1310,
Perform the image arrangement again. If there is no change in the image arrangement in step S1340 (No in step S1340), it is determined whether or not a connection point has been designated (step S1350). If a connection point is specified (Yes at step S1350), the coordinate data of the specified connection point is held (step S1365). Steps S1350 to S137 until all connection points are specified.
Step 0 is repeated, and when all the connection points are specified (Yes at Step S1370), it is further determined whether or not there is a change in the connection points (Step S1380).

If there is a change in the connection point in step S1380 (Yes in step S1380), the flow shifts to step S1350. On the other hand, if there is no change in the connection point in step S1380 (No in step S1380), it is determined whether the start button has been pressed (step S1381). Here, if the start button is pressed (Yes at Step S1381), the combining process is performed (Step S1382), and the result of the combining process is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 308 (Step S1383).

Next, it is determined whether or not the displayed result is OK (step S1384). put it here,
If the result is not OK (No at Step S1384), the process proceeds to Step S1350, and the process of designating the connection point is performed again. On the other hand, if the result is OK, the result is stored (step S1385), and all the processing ends.

If the start button has not been pressed in step S1381 (No in step S1381), it is determined whether or not the image arrangement has been changed (step S139).
0), when there is a change in the image arrangement (step S1390)
If affirmative, the process moves to step S1310, and the same process is repeated thereafter. On the other hand, when there is no change in the image arrangement (No at Step S1390), Step S1380 is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the connection point, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

Next, a detailed processing procedure of the image arrangement processing in step S1310 will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the image arrangement unit 402 according to the first embodiment. In step S1302 of the flowchart of FIG. 13, when there is an instruction of the bonding process (Yes in step S1302), it is determined whether or not there is an instruction of changing the arrangement of the images in the flowchart of FIG. 14 (step S1311). If there is (Step S1311 affirmative), the array is changed (Step S1312), while if there is no instruction (Step S1311 No), the process proceeds to the next step without performing anything.

Next, it is determined whether or not an image replacement instruction has been given (step S1313). If there has been an instruction (step S1313 affirmative), replacement processing is performed (step S1314), while if no instruction has been given. (No at Step S1313) moves to the next step without performing anything.

Next, it is determined whether or not the image can be enlarged (step S1315). If it is possible (step S1315: YES), it is determined whether or not an enlargement instruction has been given (step S1316). If there is an enlargement instruction (Yes at Step S1316), enlargement processing is performed (Step S1317). On the other hand, when the enlargement is not possible (No at Step S1315) or when there is no enlargement instruction (No at Step S1316), the process proceeds to the next step without performing anything.

Next, it is determined whether or not the image can be reduced (step S1318). If it is possible (step S1318: YES), it is determined whether or not an enlargement instruction has been given (step S1319). If there is an enlargement instruction (Yes at Step S1319), enlargement processing is performed (Step S1320). On the other hand, if the enlargement is not possible (No at Step S1318) or there is no enlargement instruction (No at Step S1319), the process proceeds to the next step, that is, Step S1340, without performing anything.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when pasting a plurality of images, designation of the images, arrangement of the images, and designation of the connection point can be easily performed.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1 described above, the connection point is specified by a point, that is, by clicking a mouse button such as the mouse 212. Like form 2 of
The connection point may be specified by a line, that is, the connection point of adjacent images may be specified by dragging and dropping the mouse 212 or the like.

The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also,
The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the image changing unit 304 will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304 and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the image changing unit 304 includes an image specifying unit 1501 and an image arranging unit 15.
02, a bonding point designation unit 1503, and a bonding unit 150
4 and a connection line drawing unit 1505. The connection point designation unit 1503, the connection line drawing unit 150
Since each part other than 5 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment,
The description is omitted.

The connection point specifying unit 1503 is different from the connection point specifying unit 403 of the first embodiment in that the display control unit 307 connects the images displayed vertically or horizontally on the display screen of the display unit 308. The configuration is the same as the specification unit for specifying only one arbitrary connection point for each image for each image, but the method of specifying the connection point is different from that of the connection point specification unit 403. In addition, the connection line drawing unit 1505
A connection line is drawn between connection points designated by reference numeral 503. The details of the processing of the connection point designation unit 1503 and the connection line drawing unit 1505 will be described later.

[0103] Image designation unit 1501, image arrangement unit 150
2. The connection point designation unit 1503, the bonding unit 1504, and the connection line drawing unit 1505 are respectively a ROM 202 and a RAM
The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the programs such as the OS and the application programs recorded on the recording medium 203 or the hard disk 205 and the floppy disk 207. .

Further, the display control unit 307
8 is displayed, the image arranged by the image arrangement unit 1502 is displayed, and the connection line 1621 drawn by the connection line drawing unit 1505 is also displayed.

Next, the process of specifying a connection point and the process of drawing a connection line by the connection point specifying unit 1503 and the connection line drawing unit 1505 will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the second embodiment. The click mode is changed to the joint position designation mode, and the images 1602 and 160 adjacent to each other are set.
3 are compared, a characteristic point is identified in a portion where the same image exists in both images.
2. Move the cursor to point 1612 on 2.

Next, a button of the mouse 212 or the like is clicked (pressed).
By moving 12 or the like, the cursor is moved in the direction of the point 1613 on the image 1603 (drag). The connection line drawing unit 1505 draws the connection line 1621 at the same coordinates as the locus of the cursor on the screen in conjunction with the movement of the cursor. When the cursor reaches the point 1613, the button holding the pressed state is released (drop), and the connection line 1 drawn by the connection line drawing unit 1505 is released.
621 is determined.

As a result, the designation process of the connection point has been performed. The coordinate data of the designated connection point is retained (stored) in a storage unit provided in the connection point designation unit 1503.
Is done. As in the first embodiment, the designation of the connection point is performed for each of the images adjacent to each other in the vertical and horizontal directions.
After the designation of the connection point has been completed for all adjacent images, the start button is pressed next to execute the bonding process.

As described above, the connection point can be specified by the simplest operation of pressing a button such as a mouse, moving the mouse in that state, and releasing the button pressed at a predetermined position.

The connection line 1621 is preferably a line of a color such as a red line that can be easily identified. Similarly, the thickness of the connection line 1621 is preferably set to a thickness that allows easy identification. Connection line 16
The line type such as the color and the thickness of the line 21 may be selectable so as to be a type desired by the operator. In addition, in consideration of the color used in the image, it may be set so that the color is automatically changed according to the image so as to make the identification easier in relation to the color.

The connection line 1621 may be displayed as a dotted line while dragging, for example, and then changed to be displayed as a solid line after dropping and determining a connection point. This makes it possible to easily confirm the progress of the connection line designation process.

Next, a sequence of a series of processes performed by the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a procedure of a series of processes of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 according to the second embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 17 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, since the same processing is performed in steps S1301 to S1340 and steps S1365 to S1390, and the description and description thereof will be omitted.

First, in step S1340 in the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, if there is no change in the image arrangement (No in step S1340), whether or not a button such as mouse 212 has been pressed in the flowchart of FIG. Is determined (step S135).
1). Here, if the button is pressed (Yes at step S1351), it is determined whether or not the position of the cursor is on the image (step S1352). If it is not on the image (No at step S1352), an error to that effect is made. Display is performed (step S1353), and step S1351 is performed.
Move to. On the other hand, when the position of the cursor is on the image (Yes at step S1353), drawing of the connection line is started from that point.

After that, in step S1355, the control waits until the button of the mouse 212 or the like is released, and
If the cursor has been released (Yes at Step S1355), it is determined whether the cursor position is on an image adjacent to the image where the cursor position was at Step S1352 (Step S1356). If the image is not on the image next to the image (No at Step S1356), an error message to that effect is displayed (Step S1353), and the process proceeds to Step S1351 to repeat the same processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1356 that the cursor position is on the image adjacent to the image (Yes in step S1356), the drawing of the connection line ends (step S1361). Thereafter, the flow shifts to step S1365 in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the connection lines are drawn between the specified connection points, so that the connection points can be specified in the same sense as drawing the lines. At a glance, the state as to whether or not the connection point has been designated can be recognized.

(Embodiment 3) In the above-described Embodiment 1 or 2, there is no description about changing the once-designated connection point, but as in Embodiment 2 described below. Alternatively, if another point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the specification of the already specified connection point may be canceled.

The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Also,
The other parts of the image processing apparatus 100 except for the image changing unit 304 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the image changing unit 304 will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304 and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the image changing unit 304 includes an image designating unit 1801 and an image arranging unit 18.
02, a bonding point designation unit 1803, and a bonding unit 180
4, the connection line drawing unit 1805, and the connection point designation release unit 18
06 is included.

The components other than the connection point designation unit 1803, the connection line drawing unit 1805, and the connection point designation release unit 1806 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment.
Has the same configuration as the connection line drawing unit 1505 of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The connection point designating section 1803 may have either the structure of the connection point designating section 403 of the first embodiment or the structure of the connection point designating section 1503 of the second embodiment. Further, the joint point designation canceling unit 1806 cancels the designation of the joint point already designated when another point is designated for the image for which the joint point has already been designated. The details of the processing of the connection point release unit 1806 will be described later.

Image designating section 1801, image arranging section 180
2. The connection point designation unit 1803, the bonding unit 1804, the connection line drawing unit 1805, and the connection point release unit 1806 are respectively an OS, an application program, and the like recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the hard disk 205, and the floppy disk 207. The functions of each unit are realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the program.

Next, a description will be given of the connection point release processing by the connection point release unit 1806. Connection point release unit 1806
When a joint point between adjacent images is designated, the coordinates of the joint point stored in the storage unit provided in the joint point designation unit 1803 determine whether the joint point between the adjacent images has already been designated. It is recognized by referring to whether or not there is data.

When a new connection point is designated, the connection point release unit 1806 deletes the connection point by deleting the already stored coordinate data, and stores the newly specified connection point. Thereby, the connection point can be easily changed. Further, a coupling point release unit 1806
If there is a connection line drawn between the already specified connection points, the connection line is also deleted.

Next, the sequence of a series of processes performed by the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of the procedure of a series of processes of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 according to the third embodiment.

The flowchart of FIG. 19 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, since the same processing is performed from step S1301 to step S1340 and from step S1365 to step S1390. The flowchart in FIG. 19 is different from the flowchart in FIG.
Steps S1351 to S1356 and step S1365 perform the same processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined in step S1356 that the image is on an adjacent image (Yes in step S1356), then it is determined whether a connection point is specified in the adjacent image (step S1357). Here, if the connection point has not been specified (No at Step S1357), the process proceeds to Step S1361 without performing anything.

On the other hand, if a connection point has been designated (Yes at step S1357), the connection point is released (step S1358), and the connection line drawn between the released connection points is deleted (step S1359). ), And thereafter, proceed to step S1361.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the connection point designation canceling unit 18
Since 06 deselects the already specified connection point, it is not necessary to release the previously specified connection point when specifying a new connection point. By the same operation as described above, the change of the designation of the connection point can be performed easily and efficiently.

(Embodiment 4) In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, an image taken by the digital still camera 213 having the same focal length is always considered, and therefore, the focal length remains unchanged. However, as in the fourth embodiment described below, it is possible to appropriately correct distortion and the like when bonding images even with digital still cameras 213 having different focal lengths. The focal length may be set so that it can be performed.

The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also,
The other parts of the image processing apparatus 100 except for the image changing unit 304 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the image changing unit 304 will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304 and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 20, the image changing unit 304 includes an image specifying unit 2001 and an image arranging unit 20.
02, a bonding point designation unit 2003, and a bonding unit 200
4, a connection line drawing unit 2005, and a connection point designation canceling unit 20
06 and a focal length setting unit 2007. Image correction unit 200
8 is included. The components other than the focal length setting unit 2007 and the image correction unit 2008 have the same configuration as the first to third embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The focal length setting unit 2007 includes the operation instruction unit 3
01, the digital still camera 2
13 is to set the focal length of the image taken at 13 or the like. As a method of setting the focal length, there is a method of directly inputting a numerical value of the focal length, but by inputting information such as the type of the camera and whether or not the zoom is used, the type of the camera stored in advance is set. There is also a method of setting the focal length from a table relating to the focal length. The details of the focal length setting processing of the focal length setting unit 2007 will be described later.

The image correction unit 2008 includes a focal length setting unit 2
When performing the image bonding process based on the focal length data set in step 007, the image is corrected. The content of the correction processing includes, for example, a correction processing of distortion due to distortion of an optical system of an image. Specifically, a distortion aberration coefficient is estimated based on focal length data, and distortion correction is performed on each image using the estimated distortion aberration coefficient. For details, the method described in detail in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 9-303893 of the present applicant may be used.

Image specifying unit 2001, image arranging unit 200
2, the connection point designation unit 2003, the bonding unit 2004, the connection line drawing unit 2005, the connection point release unit 2006, the focal length setting unit 2007, and the image correction unit 2008
M202, RAM 203 or hard disk 205,
O recorded on a recording medium such as the floppy disk 207.
The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing instruction processing according to instructions described in programs such as S and application programs.

Next, the setting process of the focal length by the focal length setting unit 2007 will be described. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG.
Reference numeral 2101 denotes a focal length button for opening a focal length setting window 2102 for setting a focal length. In FIG. 21, the focal length button 2101 has already been pressed,
Accordingly, a state is shown in which the focal length setting window 2102 has popped up.

A focal length setting window 2102 is an input box 2103 for inputting the type of the digital still camera 213.
A zoom switching unit 2104, an OK button 2105,
The configuration includes a cancel button 2106.

The input box 2103 has a keyboard 211 directly.
You can also enter the digital still camera name from, but usually, a list of digital still camera names that can be input is displayed by pressing the rightmost button, and the image to be bonded is taken from among them A digital still camera name can be selected and input.

The zoom switching unit 2104 switches the zoom related to whether or not the image to be bonded has been photographed using the zoom. If the image was not taken using the zoom, the mode is switched to “standard”, while if the image was taken using the zoom, the mode is switched to “maximum”.

In this embodiment, two types of switching can be performed. However, more types of zooming may be switched depending on the type of digital still camera and the type of zoom. Also, depending on the type of digital still camera, it is conceivable to add information about the setting of these focal lengths to image data,
In this case, the information on the setting of the focal length may be read, and the focal length may be set automatically.

By pressing the OK button after the input of the digital still camera name and the switching of the zoom are completed, the focal length setting processing ends, and the focal length setting window 2102 is closed. By pressing a cancel button 2006, the setting process up to that point is stopped, and the focal length setting window 210
2 is closed.

Next, the sequence of a series of processes performed by the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to the fourth embodiment.

The flowchart in FIG. 22 performs the same processing as in the flowchart in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment from step S1301 to step S1310 and from step S1340 to step S1390, so that the notation and description are omitted. The flowchart of FIG. 22 differs from the flowchart of FIG.
Since the same processing is performed from step S1311 to step S1320, the description is omitted.

In the flow chart of FIG. 22, when step S1319 is negative or step S1320 is positive, it is determined whether or not an instruction to set the focal length has been given (step S1331). When there is an instruction (step S1
331 (Yes) performs a focal length setting process (step S1332). On the other hand, when there is no display instruction (No at Step S1331), the process proceeds to the next step, that is, Step S1340, without performing anything.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the focal length setting unit 2207 sets the focal length used when inputting an image, and the image correction unit 2208 sets the focal length when the images are pasted. Since the image is corrected based on the focal length set in (1), even if the image is input by input means having a different focal length, the images can be stuck together without causing distortion.

(Embodiment 5) In Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the number of images in which the shape of the image after bonding is square or rectangular (for example, two images to be bonded, (3, 4, 6, 9 ...)
Only the image to be pasted can be pasted, but as in Embodiment 5 described below,
5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc. . . May be combined as a horizontally long panoramic image.

The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also,
The functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 is also described in the first to fourth embodiments.
Therefore, the description is omitted.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The bonding processing window 2300 includes a bonding work area 2301, a mode switching unit 2302,
The configuration includes an array switching unit 2303, a zoom switching unit 2304, a camera switching unit 2305, an enlargement button 2306, a reduction button 2307, a start button 2308, and a cancel button 2309.

An image specified by the image specifying unit 401 is displayed in the bonding work area 2301 as in the bonding work area 701 of the first embodiment. FIG.
, The same image as the designated five reduced images is displayed at a predetermined magnification (2351, 352, 2
353, 2354, 2355).

The mode switching section 2302 includes the first embodiment.
Similarly to the mode switching unit 702, as the click mode of the pointing device such as the mouse 212, the click mode of the image position replacement mode 2311 and the combination position designation mode 2312 is displayed. Image position replacement mode 23
11 and the combination position designation mode 2312 are the same as the image position replacement mode 708 and the combination position designation mode 709 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

The array switching unit 2303 includes the image designating unit 40
The array candidates that can be selected as to the arrangement of the image specified by 1 are displayed. Details of the contents of the array switching unit 2303 will be described later.

The zoom switching unit 2304 displays selectable zoom switching candidates as to whether or not the image to be bonded is photographed using the zoom. The zoom is switched by selecting the “standard” 2313 if the image has not been taken with the zoom and selecting the “maximum” 2314 if the image has been taken with the zoom.

In the present embodiment, switching can be performed by selecting one of two types of switching candidates. However, depending on the type of digital still camera and the type of zoom, more types of zooming can be performed. May be switched. Further, depending on the type of digital still camera, it is conceivable to add information about the setting of the focal length to the image data. In this case, the information about the setting of the focal length is read, and the focal length is automatically read. May be set.

The camera switching unit 2305 displays a list of selectable digital still camera names. The camera is switched by selecting the name of the digital still camera that has captured the image to be bonded from the displayed digital still camera names.

The enlargement button 2306 is the same as the enlargement button 704 of the first embodiment,
A button for enlarging the size of the image displayed above. By pressing the enlargement button once, that is, moving the cursor onto the enlargement button 2306 and clicking once on a button such as the mouse 212, the image is enlarged at a predetermined magnification and the enlarged image is pasted. It is displayed on the work area 2301. This makes it easier for the operator to specify the connection point.

Similarly to the reduction button 705 of the first embodiment, the reduction button 2307 is reduced at the same magnification as a predetermined magnification in the enlargement button 2306 by the number of times of pressing, contrary to the enlargement button 2306. Therefore, by pressing the reduction button 2307 the same number of times as the number of times the enlargement button 2306 is pressed, the image returns to the original size.

The start button 2308 is a button for instructing the start of the image joining process, similarly to the start button 706 of the first embodiment. At present, since the connection point has not been designated yet, the start button 2308
Is grayed out and cannot be pressed.

A cancel button 2309 is a button for issuing an instruction to cancel the bonding process, similarly to the cancel button 707 of the first embodiment. When the cancel button 2309 is pressed, the bonding process that has been performed so far is stopped, and the bonding process window 2300 is closed.

The images displayed in the bonding work area 2301 are specified with the bonding points by the bonding point specifying unit 403. Therefore, the images must be arranged in an array for performing the bonding. Therefore, the image arranging unit 402 performs an image position replacement process. Note that the image position replacement processing is the same as the image position replacement processing in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 24, first, the click mode of the mode switching unit 2302 is changed to the image position replacement mode 23.
After changing from 11 to the combination position designation mode 2312, in the bonding work area 2301, adjacent images are compared, and a characteristic point in a portion where the same image exists in both images is designated by a mouse. As a result of designation with a pointing device such as 212, the connection line 236
1, 2362, 2363, and 2364 are drawn. For example, connection line 2361 is
It connects the part of the bow present in both 1 and 2352.

At this time, if the brightness of the images differs for each image, the brightness of the images is unified by adjusting the brightness of the other image to the brightest image among the plurality of designated images. Further, the brightness of the other image may be adjusted to the brightness of the image arranged on the leftmost side, and further, the brightness of the image selected arbitrarily by the operator among the designated images may be changed. May be matched.

Connection lines 2361, 2362, 2363, 2
The drawing method 364 corresponds to the connection line 16 in the second embodiment.
Since it is the same as the drawing method of No. 21, the description of the contents is omitted. Further, the method of bonding the images is the same as the method of bonding the images in Embodiment 1, and therefore the description of the contents is omitted. When all connecting lines are drawn,
The start button 2308 can be pressed, and the start button 23
By pressing 08, the distortion correction processing is started.

Next, the contents of the array switching process of the array switching unit 2303 will be described. 25 to 32 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a display of the array switching unit 2303 of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and an array of images in the bonding work area 2301. In FIGS. 25 to 32, (a) of each drawing is an example of display of the array switching unit 2303,
(B) to (c) show the arrangement of images in the bonding work area 2301, respectively.

FIG. 25A shows the arrangement of images displayed on the array switching unit 2303 when two images are specified. If two images are specified, the images
You can arrange them side by side (2 horizontal x 1 vertical) or 2 vertical
There are two types: 1 (horizontal x 2 vertical). FIG. 25B shows an arrangement of images in the bonding work area 2301 when an arrangement candidate of “horizontal 2 × vertical 1” is designated, and FIG. 25 (c) shows “horizontal 1 × vertical 2”. 23 shows an image arrangement in the bonding work area 2301 when the arrangement candidate is designated.

FIG. 26 shows a case where three images are specified, FIG. 27 shows a case where four images are specified, FIG. 28 shows a case where five images are specified, and FIG. 29 shows a case where six images are specified. FIG. 30 shows a case where seven images are designated, FIG. 31 shows a case where eight images are designated, and FIG. 32 shows a case where nine images are designated.

In particular, in FIGS. 27 (a) to 32 (a), the characters "(panorama)" are added and displayed to the array candidates which become a horizontally long image so that they can be seen at a glance. . Further, in the present embodiment, since the basic arrangement is an arrangement of three sheets both vertically and horizontally, except for the case of a panorama,
Arrangement candidates that are four or more in both the vertical and horizontal directions are not displayed. Therefore, in FIG. 31A, when eight images are designated, the arrangement candidates of “horizontal 4 × vertical 2” or “horizontal 2 × vertical 4” are not displayed. However, these sequence candidates may be displayed.

Next, the contents of the camera switching process of the camera switching unit 2305 will be described. FIG. 33 shows the fifth embodiment.
5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a camera switching process of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG.
First, the number of pixels of an image is obtained from the image data storage unit 104 (step S3301). Next, it is determined from the acquired number of pixels whether or not there is a digital still camera in which the number of pixels of the captured image does not match the number of pixels (step S3302).

In step S3302, when there is no mismatching digital still camera (step S3
(No at 302) The process moves to step S3304 to display all the digital still cameras registered in advance in the digital still camera list. On the other hand, if there is a mismatched digital still camera (Yes at step S3302), the unmatched digital still camera name is deleted from the list (step S330).
3) Display the deleted list (step S330)
4).

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, for example, when it is desired to shoot a landscape in a landscape with a digital still camera, a plurality of images shot by shifting the direction of the digital still camera little by little are pasted together. To create a panoramic image.

At this time, since an appropriate arrangement candidate is displayed based on the number of captured images, the arrangement processing of images can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, by acquiring the number of pixels of a captured image, only a digital still camera capable of capturing the number of pixels can be displayed, so that a digital still camera different from the captured digital still camera is erroneously selected. Can be avoided.

[0170]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, designated images are arranged side by side in a pasting arrangement, the arranged images are displayed, and the images displayed next to each other are displayed. Since only one connection point is specified for each image, images can be combined by a simple operation of simply specifying the connection point, and image editing processing such as image combination can be performed easily and efficiently. There is an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of performing the processing can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the connecting line is drawn between the specified connecting points, the connecting point can be specified in the same sense as drawing the line, and the connecting point can be specified. It is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of recognizing at a glance whether or not the operation has been performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the already specified connection point is canceled. Therefore, when specifying a new connection point, there is no need to cancel the specification of the connection point that has already been performed, and it is easy to change the specification of the connection point by the same operation as specifying the connection point for the first time. There is an effect that an image processing apparatus that can perform the processing efficiently can be obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the focal length used when inputting an image is set, and the image is corrected based on the focal length set when the images are combined. In addition, even if images are input by input means having different focal lengths, it is possible to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of performing image pasting without causing distortion.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the designated images are arranged side by side in a pasting arrangement, the arranged images are displayed, and an arbitrary joining point is added to the images displayed adjacent to each other. Since only one point is specified for each image, images can be combined by a simple operation of simply specifying a point to be a joining point, and image editing processing such as image combining can be performed easily and efficiently. This provides an effect that a simple image processing method can be obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the connecting lines are drawn between the specified connecting points, the connecting points can be specified in the same sense as drawing the lines, and the connecting points can be specified. This provides an effect that an image processing method that can recognize at a glance whether or not the operation has been performed is obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when another connection point is specified for an image for which a connection point has already been specified, the already specified connection point is canceled. Therefore, when specifying a new connection point, there is no need to cancel the specification of the connection point that has already been performed, and it is easy to change the specification of the connection point by the same operation as specifying the connection point for the first time. There is an effect that an image processing method that can be performed efficiently can be obtained.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the focal length used when inputting an image is set, and the image is corrected based on the focal length set when the images are combined. In addition, even if images are input by input means having different focal lengths, an image processing method can be obtained in which images can be combined without distortion.

Further, the storage medium according to the ninth aspect of the present invention
Recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, thereby enabling the program to be machine-readable, thereby enabling a computer to implement the operations according to claims 5 to 8. This has the effect that a medium can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing the configuration of an entire image-attached document creation system including an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of an image changing unit of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment and peripheral units thereof.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image position replacement process in the image placement unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process performed by an image placement unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of an image changing unit and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display unit of the image processing device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of an image changing unit and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of an image changing unit and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display of an array switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and an image array in a bonding work area.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the arrangement of the images in the bonding work area.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the arrangement of the images in the bonding work area.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the array switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and an image array in the bonding work area.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and an arrangement of images in a bonding work area.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the arrangement of the images in the bonding work area.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the arrangement of the images in the bonding work area.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display of the arrangement switching unit of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the arrangement of the images in the bonding work area.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a camera switching process of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image processing device 101 input unit 102 processing unit 103 output unit 104 image data storage unit 201 CPU 205 HD 207 FD 208 display 211 keyboard 212 mouse 213 digital still camera 301 operation instruction unit 304 image change unit 307 display control unit 308 display unit 401 Image specifying unit 402 Image arranging unit 403 Joining point designating unit 404 Joining unit 700, 2300 Joining processing window 701, 301 Joining work area 1621, 2361-2364 Connection line 1505 Connection line drawing unit 1806 Connection point designation canceling unit 2207 Focus Distance setting unit 2208 Image correction unit 2302 Mode switching unit 2303 Array switching unit 2304 Zoom switching unit 2305 Camera switching unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying an image on a display screen, wherein the image processing apparatus edits and processes an image displayed on the display means. Means, image arranging means for arranging the images specified by the image specifying means in an array of bonding, and display control means for controlling the display means to display the images arranged by the image arranging means. A connection point designating means for designating only one connection point for each image for combining images displayed vertically or horizontally next to each other by the display control means; and a connection designated by the connection point designating means. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a bonding means for bonding images adjacent to each other on the basis of a point. 2. A connection line drawing means for drawing a connection line between connection points designated by the connection point designation means, wherein the display control means controls the display means, and While displaying the placed image,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection line drawn by the connection line drawing unit is displayed. 3. A connection point designation canceling means for canceling the designation of a connection point already performed when another connection point is designated for an image for which a connection point has already been designated. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A focal length setting means for setting a focal length used when inputting an image, and:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image correction unit configured to correct an image based on a focal length set by the focal length setting. 5. An image processing method for displaying an image on a display screen and editing and processing the displayed image, comprising: a first step of designating two or more images to be bonded; A second step of arranging and arranging the designated images in a stuck array; a third step of displaying the images arranged in the second step; and a vertically displayed or left and right side displayed by the third step. A fourth step of designating only one arbitrary connection point for combining the images for each image; and a fifth step of bonding adjacent images based on the connection point specified in the fourth step as a reference. An image processing method characterized in that: 6. A method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of: drawing a connection line between the connection points designated by said fourth step; and said third step displaying an image arranged by said second step, The image processing method according to claim 5, wherein the connection line drawn in the sixth step is displayed. 7. A method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of canceling the already-specified connection point when another connection point is specified for the image for which the connection point has already been specified. The image processing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein 8. An eighth step of setting a focal length used when inputting an image, and, based on the focal length set in the eighth step, when images are pasted in the fifth step. The image processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising: a ninth step of performing image correction. 9. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 5 is recorded.