JP2008065670A - Image layout apparatus and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

When a plurality of images are laid out, a layout image having a sense of unity and a layout image composed of various images can be obtained.
An input unit 20 receives selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified. The image selection unit 34 selects one image to be laid out in the layout area from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified. The layout unit 36 lays out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image layout apparatus and method for laying out an image on a template having a plurality of layout areas, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image layout method.

  When editing an image acquired by shooting, a plurality of images may be laid out in a single template to create a highly decorative image. In order to select an image to be laid out in the template as described above, it is necessary for an operator to select an image to be used for layout while confirming a plurality of images so as to improve the appearance of the finally obtained image. Therefore, the burden on the worker is large.

  For this reason, various methods for automatically selecting an image to be used for layout have been proposed. For example, when an image is laid out in a plurality of layout areas having a predetermined symmetry, after an image including a face is placed in a predetermined layout area, the face area and face variance value of the face included in the image are determined. A method has been proposed in which approximate images are arranged so as to have a symmetrical positional relationship with the images (see Patent Document 1). Also proposed is a method of acquiring layout order information associated with a layout area included in a template, calculating the attention level of the image to be laid out, and laying out the image according to the layout order information and the calculated order of attention level. (See Patent Document 2).

According to these methods, an image to be used for layout can be selected and laid out on a template without an operator having to perform troublesome work.
JP-A-2005-190401 JP 2004-234500 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, a well-balanced layout image that maintains symmetry can be obtained. However, since only the symmetry of the image is taken into consideration, a layout with a sense of unity is provided. A layout image composed of images and various images cannot be obtained. In addition, since the method described in Patent Document 2 only determines the order of layouts, as with the method described in Patent Document 1, a layout image having a sense of unity and a variety of images are included. Can't get.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to obtain a layout image having a sense of unity and a layout image composed of various images.

A first image layout apparatus according to the present invention includes: a selection receiving unit that receives selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
Image selecting means for selecting images to be laid out in the layout area one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified;
And a layout means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.

  In the first image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the image selection means selects an image having the lowest similarity with the key image from each of the groups different from the group into which the key image is classified. It may be a means.

  Here, when the number of groups into which the images are classified is equal to or greater than the number of layout areas, an image having the lowest similarity to the key image is selected from each of the groups different from the group into which the key image is classified. May be selected in ascending order of similarity. On the other hand, when the number of groups is smaller than the number of layout areas, images having the next lowest similarity with the key image are selected from each of the groups for which images have already been selected after selecting images one by one from all groups. Are selected in descending order of similarity to the key image, and the number of key images and selected images may be made to match the number of layout areas.

Further, in the first image layout device according to the present invention, another image selection means for selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified,
And further comprising a specifying means for specifying any of the image selecting means and the other image selecting means,
An image to be laid out in the layout area may be selected by the image selection unit or the other image selection unit according to the designation result by the designation unit.

  In this case, the other image selecting means may be means for selecting the images in the descending order of similarity to the key image from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified.

  When the number of images in the group into which the key images are classified is equal to or greater than the number of layout areas, the images may be selected in descending order of similarity to the key images. On the other hand, if the number of images in the group into which the key image is classified is smaller than the number of layout areas, after selecting all images from the group into which the key image is classified, the similarity to the key image from other groups It is only necessary to select an image with a high image quality, select an image in descending order of similarity to the key image from the group to which the image belongs, and match the number of the key image and the selected image with the number of layout areas.

  In the first image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the layout means may be means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area in a predetermined order.

A second image layout apparatus according to the present invention includes a selection receiving unit that receives selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified.
Image selecting means for selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified;
And a layout means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.

  In the second image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the image selecting means selects the images from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified in descending order of similarity to the key images. It is good.

  In the second image layout device according to the present invention, the layout means may be means for laying out the key image and the selected image in a predetermined order.

The first image layout method according to the present invention accepts selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified,
The images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified, respectively.
The key image and the selected image are laid out in the layout area.

In the first image layout method according to the present invention, the images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified, or the key images are classified. Accepts whether to select from the same group as
An image to be laid out in the layout area may be selected according to the designation result.

The second image layout method according to the present invention accepts selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified,
An image to be laid out in the layout area is selected from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified,
The key image and the selected image are laid out in the layout area.

  Note that the first and second image layout methods according to the present invention may be provided as programs for causing a computer to execute them.

  According to the first image layout apparatus and method of the present invention, selection of one key image is accepted, and images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified. The key image and the selected image are laid out in the layout area. For this reason, the operator can obtain a layout image in which various images that are not similar to each other are laid out without performing a troublesome work.

  In addition, it accepts designation of selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area, one each from a group different from the group into which the key image is classified, or from the same group as the group into which the key image is classified, By selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area according to the specified result, either a layout image in which various images that are not similar to each other are laid out or a unified layout image in which images that are similar to each other are laid out is obtained. Can do.

  According to the second image layout apparatus and method of the present invention, selection of one key image is accepted, an image to be laid out in the layout area is selected from the same group as the group into which the key image is classified, and the key image The selected image is laid out in the layout area. Therefore, the operator can obtain a unified layout image in which images similar to each other are laid out without performing a troublesome work.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image layout apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment performs various controls such as recording control and display control of image data, and controls each part of the apparatus 1 and operates the CPU 12. A system memory 14 composed of a ROM for recording programs and various constants and a RAM serving as a work area when the CPU 12 executes processing, a display unit 16 composed of a liquid crystal monitor for performing various displays, and a display The display control unit 18 that controls the unit 16, the input unit 20 including a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel for performing various instructions to the apparatus 1, and the input control unit 22 that controls the input unit 20 are provided.

  The image layout apparatus 1 controls the image reading unit 24 for reading image data from a medium such as a memory card in which image data representing an image is recorded and recording the image data on the medium, and the image reading unit 24. The image reading control unit 26 to store, the image database (DB) 28 to store the read image, the template database (DB) 30 to store the template for laying out the image, the image read by the image reading unit 24 and the image already read A similarity calculation unit 32 that calculates the similarity with the image stored in the image DB 28; In the image DB 28, a plurality of images are classified into a plurality of groups consisting of images similar to each other according to the degree of similarity.

  Here, the similarity calculation unit 32 calculates the similarity between the newly read image and all the images stored in the image DB 28. The image DB 28 classifies and stores newly read images in groups to which images similar to each other belong according to the similarity calculated by the similarity calculation unit 32. The similarity calculation unit 32 also calculates the similarity as will be described later when selecting an image.

  For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-203477, the similarity is calculated using the feature vector of each pixel on the newly read image and the feature vector of the image stored in the image DB 28. However, the method is not limited to this, and various known methods can be used.

  Further, the image layout device 1 selects an image having the lowest similarity with the key image from each of the groups different from the group into which the key image selected by the operator is classified as described later. And a layout unit 36 that generates a layout image by laying out the selected image in the layout area of the selected template as will be described later. It is assumed that the number of images selected by the image selection unit 34 is input from the input unit 20 in advance.

  The image layout apparatus 1 further includes a printer 38 and a printer control unit 40 that controls the printer 38.

  Hereinafter, processing performed in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the first embodiment. It is assumed that the images used for the layout are read from the media and stored in the image DB 28. When the operator issues an image layout instruction from the input unit 20, the CPU 12 starts processing, and a number input screen for inputting the number of images to be laid out is displayed on the display unit 16 (step ST1).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a number input screen in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the number input screen 100 displays a number input box 102 for inputting the number of images to be used for layout and a confirmation button 104. The operator can input the number of images used for the layout into the apparatus 1 by inputting the number of images used for the layout in the number input box 102 and pressing the confirm button 104.

  Next, the CPU 12 starts monitoring whether or not the number of images has been input (step ST2). When step ST2 is affirmed, an image selection screen for selecting a key image is displayed on the display unit 16 (step ST2). ST3).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image selection screen. As shown in FIG. 4, the image selection screen 110 has a list display area 112 for displaying a list of thumbnail images of images stored in the image DB 28, a scroll bar 114 for scrolling the list display area 112, and a selected one. A confirmation button 116 for confirming the image is displayed. The operator can select a designated image as a key image by designating one desired image from the list of thumbnail images displayed in the list display area 112 and pressing the confirm button 116.

  Subsequently, monitoring of whether or not a key image has been selected is started (step ST4). When step ST4 is affirmed, the similarity calculation unit 32 is classified into groups stored in the key image and the image DB 28. The image similarity is calculated (step ST5), and the image selection unit 34 selects one image each from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified (step ST6). Specifically, an image having the lowest similarity with the key image is selected from each of the groups different from the group into which the key image is classified.

  In the image DB 28, if the number of groups into which the images are classified is equal to or greater than the number of input images (that is, the number of template layout areas described later), a group different from the group into which the key images are classified. The image having the lowest degree of similarity to the key image may be selected from each in the order of the degree of similarity to the key image. On the other hand, if the number of groups is less than the number of input images, after selecting images one by one from all the groups, the similarity to the key image is the next lowest from each group that has already selected images. Images may be selected in ascending order of similarity to key images, and the number of key images and selected images may be made to match the number of input images.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining classification of images, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining selection of images in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, 15 images S1 to S15 are registered in the image DB 28, the images S1 to S3 are the group G1, the images S4 and S5 are the group G2, and the images S6 and S7. Are group G3, images S8 and S9 are classified into group G4, and images S10 to S15 are classified into groups G5 to G10, respectively.

  Here, it is assumed that the image S2 is selected as the key image and the number of images used for the layout is three. Then, the similarity between the calculated image S2 and the other images S1, S3 to S15 is the image S14, S15, S13, S12, S10, S11, S8, S9, S7, S6, S5, S4, S3, S1. If the order is low (that is, the image S14 has the lowest similarity), the image selection unit 34 selects the images S14 and S15 as images to be used for the layout, as shown in FIG. When ten images are used for layout, the image selection unit 34 lays out images S14, S15, S13, S12, S10, S11, S8, S9, and S7 as shown in FIG. 6B. Select as the image to use.

  Subsequently, the layout unit 36 lays out the key image and the selected image in the layout area of the template (step ST7), and displays the layout image generated thereby on the display unit 16 (step ST8). Note that a template having a layout area corresponding to the number of images input in step ST2 is selected from the template DB 30. In the present embodiment, since the number of input images is 3, it is assumed that a template 120 having three layout areas L1 to L3 is selected as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a list of templates stored in the template DB 30 may be displayed on the display unit 16 to allow the operator to select a desired template.

  Here, the layout areas L1 to L3 of the template 120 are reduced in size in this order, and the priority order for inserting images in the order of L1, L2, and L3 is set in each layout area L1 to L3. . The layout unit 36 assigns the image S2, which is a key image, to the layout region L1 having the highest priority, the image S14 having the lowest similarity to the key image to the layout region L2, and the image S15 having the next lowest similarity to the layout region. A layout image 130 is generated as shown in FIG.

  Note that the operator can view the layout image 130 displayed on the display unit 16, and use the input unit 20 to perform an editing instruction on the layout image 130 such as changing the image to be used or adding characters. . For this reason, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an editing instruction has been made (step ST9). If step ST9 is affirmed, the CPU 12 performs editing according to the instruction content of the operator (step ST10), and the process returns to step ST8. If step ST9 is negative, the generated layout image 130 is stored in the image DB 28 (step ST11), and the process ends.

  The stored layout image 130 can be printed out from the printer 38 or recorded on a medium from the image reading unit 24.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, images to be used for layout are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified, and the key image and the selected image are selected as the layout area of the template. Therefore, the operator can obtain a layout image in which a variety of images that are not similar to each other are laid out without performing troublesome work.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the image layout apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The image layout apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the image layout apparatus 1A includes an image selection unit 42 that selects an image in a manner different from the image selection unit 34 in the first embodiment.

  The image selection unit 42 according to the second embodiment is configured to select images in the descending order of similarity to the key image from the same group as the group into which the key image is classified.

  Hereinafter, processing performed in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the second embodiment. It is assumed that the images used for the layout are read from the media and stored in the image DB 28. The CPU 12 starts processing when the operator gives an image layout instruction from the input unit 20, and a number input screen for inputting the number of images to be laid out is displayed on the display unit 16 as in the first embodiment. Displayed (step ST21).

  Next, the CPU 12 starts monitoring whether or not the number of images has been input (step ST22). If step ST22 is affirmed, an image selection screen for selecting a key image is displayed as in the first embodiment. It displays on the display part 16 (step ST23).

  Subsequently, monitoring of whether or not a key image has been selected is started (step ST24). When step ST24 is affirmed, the similarity calculation unit 32 is classified into groups stored in the key image and the image DB 28. The degree of similarity with the image is calculated (step ST25), and the image selection unit 42 selects an image from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified (step ST26). Specifically, among the images classified into the same group as the group into which the key image is classified, images are selected in order from the image having the highest similarity with the key image.

  If the number of images in the group into which the key images are classified is equal to or greater than the number of input images (that is, the number of template layout areas), the images may be selected in descending order of similarity to the key images. On the other hand, if the number of images in the group into which the key image is classified is smaller than the number of input images, all images are selected from the group into which the key image is classified and then similar to the key image from other groups. Select an image with a high degree, select an image from the group to which the image belongs, in descending order of similarity to the key image, and match the number of key images and selected images with the number of input images. .

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining image selection in the second embodiment. Note that the images stored in the image DB 28 are classified in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Here, if the image S2 is selected as the key image and the number of images used for the layout is three, the image selection unit 42, as shown in FIG. 11A, has the same group G1 as the image S2. Images S1 and S3 (S1 and S3 are in the order of high similarity to the image S2) are selected as images to be used for the layout. When there are five images to be used for the layout, the image selection unit 42 first selects images S1 and S3 as shown in FIG. 11B, and further image S4 having a high degree of similarity with image S2. Images S4 and S5 are selected as images to be used in the layout in descending order of similarity to the image S2.

  Subsequently, the layout unit 36 lays out the key image and the selected image in the layout area of the template (step ST27), and displays the layout image generated thereby on the display unit 16 (step ST28). Also in the second embodiment, it is assumed that a template 120 having three layout regions L1 to L3 is selected as shown in FIG.

  Here, the layout areas L1 to L3 of the template 120 are reduced in size in this order, and the priority order for inserting images in the order of L1, L2, and L3 is set in each layout area L1 to L3. . The layout unit 36 sets the image S2, which is a key image, to the layout region L1 having the highest priority, the image S1 having the next highest similarity to the key image to the layout region L2, and the image S3 having the next highest similarity to the layout region. A layout image 140 is generated as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an editing instruction has been given (step ST29). If step ST29 is affirmed, the CPU 12 performs editing according to the contents of the operator's instruction (step ST30), and the process returns to step ST28. If step ST29 is negative, the generated layout image 140 is stored in the image DB 28 (step ST31), and the process ends.

  The stored layout image 140 can be printed out from the printer 38 or recorded on a medium from the image reading unit 24.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the number of images corresponding to the layout area is selected from the same group as the group into which the key image is classified, and the key image and the selected image are laid out in the layout area. Therefore, the operator can obtain a unified layout image in which similar images are laid out without performing troublesome work.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The image layout device 1B according to the third embodiment includes both the image selection unit 34 in the first embodiment and the image selection unit 42 in the second embodiment, and any of the image selection units 34 and 42 is used. This is different from the first and second embodiments in that an operator can instruct whether to select an image.

  Hereinafter, processing performed in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the third embodiment. It is assumed that the images used for the layout are read from the media and stored in the image DB 28. When the operator issues an image layout instruction from the input unit 20, the CPU 12 starts processing, and a number input screen for inputting the number of images to be laid out and an image selection instruction is displayed on the display unit 16 (step ST41). ).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a number input screen in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the number input screen 150 uses a number input box 152 for inputting the number of images to be used for layout and a similar image (that is, using the image selection unit 42). A first check box 154 that is checked when making a selection, a second check box 156 that is checked when selecting an image using a dissimilar image (that is, using the image selection unit 34), A confirmation button 158 is displayed. The operator inputs the number of images to be used for the layout in the number input box 152, checks one of the first and second check boxes 154 and 156, and further presses the confirm button 158 to instruct image selection. (That is, the number of images used for layout and an instruction to select an image using a similar image or a dissimilar image) can be input to the apparatus 1B.

  Next, the CPU 12 starts monitoring whether or not the number of images and an image selection instruction have been input (step ST42). When step ST42 is affirmed, the CPU 12 selects a key image as in the first embodiment. An image selection screen is displayed on the display unit 16 (step ST43).

  Subsequently, monitoring of whether or not a key image has been selected is started (step ST44). When step ST44 is affirmed, the similarity calculation unit 32 is classified into groups stored in the key image and the image DB 28. The degree of similarity with the selected image is calculated (step ST45), and the image selection unit 34 or the image selection unit 42 selects an image in accordance with the image selection instruction result. The image selection process in the image selection unit 34 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the image selection process in the image selection unit 42 is the same as in the second embodiment. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted here. .

  Subsequently, the layout unit 36 lays out the key image and the selected image in the layout area of the template (step ST47), and displays the layout image generated thereby on the display unit 16 (step ST48). Next, the CPU 12 determines whether or not an editing instruction has been made (step ST49). If step ST49 is affirmed, the CPU 12 performs editing according to the contents of the operator's instruction (step ST50), and the process returns to step ST48. If step ST49 is negative, the generated layout image is stored in the image DB 28 (step ST51), and the process ends.

  The stored layout image can be printed out from the printer 38 or recorded on a medium from the image reading unit 24.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, the number of images corresponding to the layout region is selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key image is classified, or the group with the key image is classified. Since designation of whether to select from the same group is accepted and the number of images corresponding to the layout area is selected according to the designation result, layout images in which various images that are not similar to each other are laid out or images that are similar to each other are displayed. Any layout image with a sense of unity can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the images used for the layout are all images that can be viewed in landscape orientation as shown in FIG. 5. However, in the image DB 28, as shown in FIG. The images (here, S3 ′ and S8 ′) that can be viewed normally are also included. When a vertically long image is selected as an image to be used for layout in the first to third embodiments, when the image is directly inserted into a horizontally long layout area as shown in FIG. 3, it is shown in FIG. Thus, blank portions are formed on both sides of the image, so that the appearance of the layout image is deteriorated.

  Therefore, when a vertically long image is selected, an image S3 ″ obtained by enlarging the vertically long image S3 ′ and cutting the top and bottom of the image S3 ′ as shown in FIG. 18A is laid out. It is preferable to insert the image into the region or rotate the layout region by 90 degrees so that the vertically long image S3 ′ can be laid out as it is, as shown in FIG.

  Whether the image is a vertically long image may be determined by using information representing the top and bottom of the image described as supplementary information in the image tag.

  Further, when the similarity calculation unit 32 calculates the similarity with the image stored in the image DB 28, the rotation angle from the reference angle (for example, the state where the image is horizontally long is set to 0 degree) is calculated. Then, the information on the rotation angle may be described in the tag of the image as incidental information, and the layout area may be rotated by an angle corresponding to the rotation angle from the reference angle using the information on the rotation angle. The reference angle of the layout area is an angle at which the layout areas L1 to L3 are arranged as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Hereinafter, calculation of the rotation angle when calculating the similarity will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of processing performed when determining a similarity degree with respect to a rotation angle between a reference image and an image whose similarity is to be determined. When a similar image is input, the similarity calculation unit 32 starts processing, and an image based on the size of an image (hereinafter referred to as a determination target image) for determining the similarity (hereinafter referred to as a reference image). The size of the determination target image is resized to match the size of (Yes) (step ST61). In addition, it is preferable to use an image that can be viewed in landscape orientation as the reference image. Then, the determination target image is rotated to the reference angle (0 degree) (step ST62), and the similarity between the determination target image and the reference image is calculated (step ST63). In the present embodiment, the similarity is calculated by rotating the rotation angle from 0 to 350 degrees in increments of 10 degrees.

  Next, it is determined whether or not similarity is calculated for all rotation angles (step ST64). If step ST64 is negative, the determination target image is rotated to the next rotation angle (step ST65), and the process returns to step ST63. The processes after step ST63 are repeated.

  If step ST64 is affirmed, the degrees of similarity calculated at each angle are compared (step ST66), and the rotation angle at which the largest degree of similarity is calculated is described as incidental information in the tag of the object image to be determined. (Step ST67), and the process ends.

  Thus, the layout area can be rotated in consideration of the rotation angle of the image used for the layout, and the image can be laid out.

  The devices 1, 1A, and 1B according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the computer is caused to function as a unit corresponding to the similarity calculation unit 32, the image selection units 34 and 42, and the layout unit 36. A program for performing processing as shown in 2, 10, and 14 is also one embodiment of the present invention. A computer-readable recording medium in which such a program is recorded is also one embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the number input screen in 1st Embodiment Figure showing the image selection screen Illustration for explaining image classification The figure for demonstrating selection of the image in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the template used in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the layout image produced | generated in 1st Embodiment Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows the process performed in 2nd Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating selection of the image in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the layout image produced | generated in 2nd Embodiment The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the image layout apparatus by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the number input screen in 3rd Embodiment The figure for explaining the classification of the image when the vertically long image is included The figure which shows the state which laid out the portrait image A figure showing a vertically laid out image The flowchart of the process performed when determining the similarity with respect to the rotation angle between the reference image and the image whose similarity is to be determined

Explanation of symbols

1,1A, 1B Image layout device 12 CPU
14 System Memory 16 Display Unit 18 Display Control Unit 20 Input Unit 22 Input Control Unit 24 Image Reading Unit 26 Image Reading Control Unit 28 Image DB
30 Template DB
32 Similarity calculation unit 34, 42 Image selection unit 36 Layout unit 38 Printer 40 Printer control unit

Claims (14)

Selection accepting means for accepting selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
Image selecting means for selecting images to be laid out in the layout area one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified;
An image layout apparatus comprising: layout means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the image selection means is a means for selecting an image having the lowest similarity with the key image from each of the groups different from the group into which the key image is classified. Layout device. Other image selection means for selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified,
Further comprising: designation means for designating any of the image selection means and the other image selection means,
3. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image to be laid out in the layout area is selected by the image selection unit or the other image selection unit according to a designation result by the designation unit.   The said other image selection means is a means to select the said image in order with a high similarity with the said key image from the same group as the group by which the said key image was classified. Image layout device.   5. The image layout according to claim 1, wherein the layout means is means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area in a predetermined order. apparatus. Selection accepting means for accepting selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
Image selecting means for selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified;
An image layout apparatus comprising: layout means for laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.   7. The image layout according to claim 6, wherein the image selection means is a means for selecting the images in descending order of similarity to the key image from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified. apparatus.   8. The image layout apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the layout means is means for laying out the key image and the selected image in a predetermined order. Accepting selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
The images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified, respectively.
An image layout method comprising laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area. It is possible to specify whether images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key image is classified, or selected from the same group as the group into which the key image is classified ,
The image layout method according to claim 9, wherein an image to be laid out in the layout area is selected according to the designation result. Accepting selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
An image to be laid out in the layout area is selected from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified,
An image layout method comprising laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area. A procedure for receiving selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
A procedure of selecting images to be laid out in the layout area, one each from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified;
A program for causing a computer to execute an image layout method comprising laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area. A designation is made as to whether images to be laid out in the layout area are selected one by one from a group different from the group into which the key images are classified, or from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified. Procedure and
13. The program according to claim 12, further comprising a step of selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area in accordance with the designation result. A procedure for receiving selection of one key image for laying out a template having a plurality of layout areas from a plurality of groups into which images similar to each other are classified;
A procedure for selecting an image to be laid out in the layout area from the same group as the group into which the key images are classified;
A program for causing a computer to execute an image layout method comprising laying out the key image and the selected image in the layout area.

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