JP2010134779A - Collage photo print order device and collage photo print order program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a collage photo print ordering device that facilitates collage photo ordering operability, shortens the ordering operation time, and improves the order device rotation rate.
A layout setting unit for setting a layout of a collage photo based on an image to be printed as a collage photo, and a collage image creation for creating a collage image by allocating the selected image to the set layout. And a portion 28, and after the collage photo print target image is assigned to the layout, the layout is prohibited from being changed.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a collage photo print ordering apparatus and a collage photo print ordering program used for a collage photo ordering operation by a customer.

  At a photo store (also called a minilab store), a customer can bring in digital image data, and the customer can place an order for photo prints using a reception device installed in the store. For example, Patent Document 1 is known as this reception apparatus.

  The ordering operation in the receiving device of Patent Document 1 is to first read digital image data from a medium storing digital image data and display it as a frame image, then select a print target, print number, print size, predetermined This is a flow for selecting a correction process and determining an order. You can also select a photo print finish type, such as a type that forms one photo for each frame image, or an index print that arranges multiple frame images with regularity on one photo. There is also a type called album print that is printed for final album editing.

  In recent years, collage photography has begun to spread. This collage photo is composed of a plurality of frame images in one photo, but it is freely laid out with design, artistic and entertainment, and distinguishes it from the above index print. Has been. As an editing software for this collage photo, there is an automatic photo collage software “Auto Collage 2008 made by Microsoft Corporation”. First, save the photo image data you want to collage in a folder, and after starting this software, the user arbitrarily selects an image from that folder, then reads the selected image according to the collage creation instruction, and automatically This is a configuration for creating collage photos. This software allows users to edit collage photos using a personal computer at home and print them on a home printer.

  In addition, a plurality of reduced images obtained by reducing a plurality of images are randomly arranged adjacent to each other to generate a layout image, and this layout image is displayed and included in the layout image according to a layout change instruction. There is known a technical configuration for changing the arrangement of reduced images (Patent Document 2). According to this, when the image data is read into the order terminal in the store, the orderer selects a plurality of images, the selected images can be reduced and arranged randomly, and if this random arrangement is not liked It is the structure which rearranges at random again.

JP 2006-103100 A JP 2007-28137 A (Claim 1, paragraph 0043)

  However, there is a demand to shorten the order operation at the store in Patent Documents 1 and 2 as much as possible. For example, in the case of Patent Document 2, since the orderer repeatedly performs random arrangement, there is a problem that the occupied operation time of the reception terminal becomes long and the use rotation rate deteriorates.

  Also, if you want to omit the collage target image selection operation, layout selection operation, layout editing operation after layout selection, and collage image editing operation that are complicated and difficult to understand for some customers, or are unnecessary functions There is also. Further, it is predicted that the customer will make an inquiry to the store clerk due to the complexity of the order operation, etc., and there is a risk that the customer satisfaction will be lowered due to the complexity of the order operation and the workability of the store clerk will be lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to facilitate collage photo order operability, shorten the order operation time, and improve the order device rotation rate. It is to provide an apparatus and a collage photo print ordering program.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a collage photo print ordering apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A collage photo print ordering apparatus that accepts collage photo print orders,
A layout setting section for setting the layout of collage photos;
A collage image creating unit for creating a collage image by allocating a collage photo print target image to the layout set in the layout setting unit;
After the collage photo print target image is assigned to the layout, the layout is prohibited from being changed.

  The effects of this configuration are as follows. The collage photo print ordering apparatus acquires image data by the image data acquisition unit. For example, if the image data is stored in the orderer's storage medium or the like, the image data acquisition unit is configured by a storage medium reader. The reading of the image data here is preferably a thumbnail image of Exif information in the image data from the viewpoint of processing speed. This collage photo print ordering apparatus has a function of automatically selecting an image to be printed as a collage photo. This function is realized by an automatic selection unit, and the automatic selection unit automatically selects a collage photo print target image from the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit. Details of the automatic selection method will be described later.

  Moreover, the orderer may also have a function of arbitrarily selecting an image to be printed as a collage photo. This function is realized by the image selection unit, and the image selection unit receives the selection of an image to be printed on the collage photo from the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit and displayed on the display unit according to the instruction of the orderer. it can.

  The layout setting unit sets the layout of the collage photo. The layout setting method includes, for example, a method in which the orderer arbitrarily selects from a plurality of layout templates displayed on the screen, or a collage photo print target image (selected by the automatic selection unit or the image selection unit). There is a method for setting the layout of collage photos based on the image). For example, the layout is automatically set according to the selected number of images. Then, the collage image creation unit assigns an image to be printed as a collage photo to the layout set by the layout setting unit, and creates a collage image. After the collage image is created, that is, after the image to be printed on the collage photo is assigned to the layout, the layout change is prohibited, and the collage image is displayed on the screen of the display means, and the orderer's order instruction To confirm the print order. In other words, once the collage photo print layout that has been set is changed, it is necessary to scale all the image data to be printed according to the image frame size of the changed layout. As a result, the order receiving operation time becomes longer, and the order device rotation rate becomes worse. Therefore, in the present invention, the layout changing process is prohibited after the image is once assigned to the layout. According to the above, the collage photo ordering operation is facilitated, the ordering operation time can be shortened, and the ordering device rotation rate can be improved. In addition to collage photo print ordering operations, the collage photo print ordering device can also perform other ordering operations, such as accepting orders such as normal photo prints such as L version, index prints, writing to CDs, etc. it can.

Further, as one embodiment of the invention, a background color selection unit that accepts selection of a background color of a collage photo layout and sets the background color;
An image deletion unit that receives an instruction to delete an arbitrary image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means after the collage image creation by the collage image creation unit, and deletes the image from the collage image;
There is a configuration further including a collage image editing unit that sets the image position deleted by the image deletion unit as the background color.

  According to this configuration, the background color selection unit receives an instruction to select the background color of the collage photo layout from the orderer. Then, the image deletion unit sends an instruction to delete any image from the orderer from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means after the collage image generation by the collage image generation unit without changing the layout. Upon receipt, the image can be deleted from the collage image. Further, the collage image editing unit can change the image position deleted by the image deletion unit to the background color set by the background color selection unit without changing the layout. According to the above, the orderer can select the background color of the layout, and the orderer's preference can be reflected. Further, as an edit after the collage image is created, an arbitrary image can be deleted from the collage image, and the orderer can select an image again. Furthermore, since the position where the image is deleted can be used as the background color, the completeness of the collage photo, the design, etc. are not impaired. In addition, these processes are added to the order operation. However, since the operation of each process is easy, the order operation time is not shortened and the order device rotation rate is not deteriorated.

  Further, as one embodiment of the present invention, after the collage image creation by the collage image creation unit, accepting selection of the first image to be replaced from among the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means, A selection of a second image to be included in a collage image instead of the first image to be replaced is received from the images acquired by the image data acquisition unit displayed on the display means, and the first image and the second image There is a configuration that further includes a replacement editing section for replacing.

  According to this configuration, the replacement editing unit can change the first image to be replaced from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display unit after the collage image creating unit creates the collage image without changing the layout. The selection of the second image to be included in the collage image is received instead of the first image to be replaced from the images acquired by the image data acquisition unit displayed on the display means. The image and the second image can be interchanged. Therefore, since an arbitrary image in the collage image can be replaced with another image (an image that already constitutes the collage image or an image that is not so), a collage photo desired by the orderer can be created. Although this process is added to the order operation, since the operation of this process is easy, the order operation time is not shortened and the order device rotation rate is not deteriorated.

Another collage photo print ordering program of the present invention is
A layout setting step for setting the layout of the collage photo;
A program for causing a computer to execute a collage image creating step of allocating a collage photo print target image to the layout set in the layout setting step and creating a collage image,
After the collage photo print target image is assigned to the layout, the layout is prohibited from being changed.

In the above program,
An image data acquisition step for acquiring image data;
There is a program configuration for causing a computer to further execute an automatic selection step of automatically selecting an image to be printed as a collage photo from the image data acquired in the image data acquisition step.

In the above program,
A background color selection step for accepting selection of the background color of the collage photo layout and setting the background color;
After the collage image creation by the collage image creation step, an image deletion step of receiving an instruction to delete any image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means and deleting the image from the collage image;
It is a program configuration for causing a computer to further execute a collage image editing step in which the image position deleted in the image deletion step is used as the background color.

In the above invention,
After the collage image creation in the collage image creation step, the selection of the first image to be replaced is received from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means, and the image data displayed on the display means is acquired. A replacement editing step of accepting selection of a second image to be included in a collage image instead of the first image to be replaced from the images acquired by the first section and replacing the first image with the second image; This is a program configuration for execution.

  The operational effects of the above program configuration are the same as the operational effects of the collage photo print ordering apparatus described above.

Other collage photo print ordering programs
An image data acquisition step for acquiring image data;
An image selection step of receiving the selection of an image to be printed on the collage photo from the image data acquired in the image data acquisition step and displayed on the display means according to an instruction of the orderer;
A layout setting step for setting a layout of a collage photo based on the image selected in the image selection step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a collage image creating step of creating a collage image by allocating the selected image to the layout set in the layout setting step;
After the image to be printed on the collage photo is assigned to the layout, it is configured to prohibit the change of the set layout.

  In the case of this configuration, the orderer can arbitrarily select a collage photo component image.

  In the present invention, an “order” is an order unit when a photographic print is created. “One order” refers to a group of image data related to a print order for one or more films, one or more recording media, and one or more image data folders. The concept of one order can be set as appropriate by the operator and the orderer. The same applies hereinafter.

  A preferred embodiment of a collage photo print ordering apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a photo processing system installed in a photo shop. The type and number of printers installed are not limited to those shown in FIG. Further, the number of installed image processing apparatuses 5 and print order receiving apparatuses (corresponding to collage photo print ordering apparatuses) 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. Each device constituting the photographic processing system is connected to each other by a network such as a LAN.

<System configuration>
This photo processing system is a system for performing image recording such as creation of a photo print and writing of an image on a storage medium. Image data relating to a photo print order is recorded on a recording medium brought by the customer. The customer operates the print order receiving apparatus 1 and can order a photographic print based on the image data recorded on the recording medium. Also, the image data relating to the order can be read from the negative film using a scanner (not shown). In addition, so-called online print ordering is also possible in which an orderer accesses a photo shop server via the Internet from a home PC or mobile terminal and places an order. The online print order is a well-known configuration and will not be described in detail.

  The silver halide printer can create a photographic print based on the image data. When creating a photographic print, image data processed for printing is transmitted to an exposure engine, and an image is printed and exposed on a photographic photosensitive material such as paper. A photographic print can be created by developing the paper on which the image has been printed and exposed.

  The ink jet printer includes a communication unit for various data communication. This communication unit receives image data for printing from the image processing device 5 and stores it in a memory. The ink jet printer has a RIP processing unit, and this RIP processing unit has a function of executing RIP processing. The RIP processing unit performs RIP processing on the print image data of the RGB image data related to the photo print processing, and develops it into grayscale data for each CMYK. Then, the printing unit performs printing processing based on gray scale data for each CMYK. The printing unit includes CMYK print heads. The print head performs one scan in the main scanning direction with respect to the intermittently conveyed paper, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection nozzles of each color and adheres to the surface of the paper during this scanning. By repeating this intermittent conveyance, main scanning operation, and ink ejection operation, an image is formed in the print area of the paper. Examples of the ink ejection method include a general piezo method in which ink is ejected from an ink ejection nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber by changing the volume of the pressure chamber filled with ink by a piezo element.

  A medium writing device (not shown) has a function of writing image data on a recording medium such as a CD-R (an example of a storage medium). By transmitting the image data from the image processing device 5 to the medium writing device, the image data can be written on a recording medium such as a CD-R.

(Print order acceptance device)
The print order receiving apparatus 1 is operated by a customer and can receive image data, set order contents, and the like. The print order receiving apparatus 1 itself may have the function of an image forming printer. For example, a thermal sublimation type printer is incorporated. In this case, the printing process can be performed independently regardless of other devices connected to the network. When the print order receiving apparatus 1 does not have a built-in printer for image formation, or when printing with other printers (or writing to media), the image processing apparatus 5 or directly via the network. Transfer the image data to be printed to the printer. The image processing device 5 will be described later.

  The print order receiving apparatus 1 includes a media driving unit 10 and can take in image data stored in various media A. Examples of the medium A include a CD-R, a storage medium for a digital camera, and an MO disk. Further, image data can be acquired from a photographic print without a photographic film by a flat bed scanner (not shown). Further, the image receiving apparatus 1 includes a monitor 12 and can display input image data on a screen. Further, the setting of order contents can be performed by the touch panel 13 provided on the monitor screen. Of course, input means such as a keyboard and a mouse may be provided.

  The print order receiving apparatus 1 includes a receipt issuing unit 11 and prints out a receipt when order details are confirmed. Order details, billing information, customer information, etc. are printed on the receipt. By handing this receipt to the person in charge of the photo shop, image recording, fee payment, etc. are performed.

  The configuration of the print order receiving apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The print order receiving apparatus 1 includes a controller C and is connected to various hardware via an interface 20. That is, the media driving unit 10, the receipt issuing unit 11, the monitor 12, the touch panel 13, and the hard disk 14 are connected via the interface 20. The hard disk 14 stores the image data acquired via the media driving unit 10 together with data relating to the order. The hard disk 14 may function as a work area when the CPU is executed in addition to the function as the large capacity storage unit. Further, a memory (main memory, ROM, etc.) (not shown) is provided on the controller C side.

  When a photographic print is created by an ink jet printer, image data and data related to an order are sent to the network via the network interface 15 at an appropriate timing.

  The display control unit 21 controls display contents to be displayed on the monitor (corresponding to display means) 12. The display control unit 21 provides display screens related to various operations so that the customer can easily perform the order receiving process. Operation screen data is stored in a memory (not shown). The display order of the operation screens is set in advance.

  The data reading condition part 22 is a data reading condition for reading the thumbnail image data in the Exif information or the main image data when the media driving part 10 of the print order receiving apparatus 1 reads the image data from the storage medium. Set. The main image data is image data as it is not subjected to low resolution processing. According to the data reading condition, the data reading processing unit 221 reads the thumbnail image data of the Exif information at the time of the first reading (this is used for the order operation), and the main image data is obtained in the background execution during the order operation. Read (preview display for confirming order contents is performed using this main image data).

  The print size selection unit 23 is a function that receives and sets an instruction to select a collage photo size from the orderer. The print size is stored in advance in the memory as in the data configuration of FIG.

  The background color selection unit 24 receives an instruction to select the background color of the layout from the orderer, and sets the background color. The background color data is stored in the memory in advance as in the configuration of Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) in FIG.

  The image selection unit 25 accepts selection of an image to be printed as a collage photo from the image data displayed on the monitor 12 read by the media driving unit 10 (corresponding to an image data acquisition unit) according to an order from the orderer. Of the plurality of frame images displayed on the monitor 12, a frame image to be printed as a collage photo can be individually selected or all frames can be selected. Further, the image selection unit 25 may have a function of adjusting the top / bottom direction of the frame image at the time of image selection. As a top-and-bottom adjustment method, for example, it may be rotated clockwise every 90 degrees or may be configured to rotate 180 degrees. In addition, a function for acquiring Exif information for each frame image, determining the vertical direction from the data included in the Exif information, and displaying the frame image with the vertical direction adjusted automatically when displayed on the monitor 12 is provided. You may have.

  The automatic selection unit 26 automatically selects a collage photo print target image from the image data read by the media driving unit 10 (for example, thumbnail image data in Exif information).

  This automatic selection method is not particularly limited, but for example, a method of randomly selecting a predetermined number of frame images, a method of randomly selecting frame images of different shooting dates, or each folder if the image data is divided into folders The method of selecting at random is mentioned. In addition, when selecting from a plurality of image data, there is a method of selecting a frame image in which a plurality of faces are detected or a frame image in which a face size greater than a predetermined size is detected using a face detection program. There is also a selection method in which a frame image with poor exposure is not selected. Further, a frame image group is divided into units of a predetermined shooting period range (for example, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 10 days, 1 month, etc.), and one of the above selection methods is used from the frame image group. There is also a method for selecting a frame image. In addition, there is a method in which a frame image edited by image editing software is always selected or not selected. A combination of the above selection methods can also be used.

  The number of images selected by the automatic selection is not particularly limited, but it is necessary to secure the number of images necessary for composing a collage photo. When the number of images (for example, 18 images) selected by automatic selection is smaller than the number of collage photo allocation areas (for example, 20 images), the shortage (for example, 2 images) is further automatically selected. Thus, it is possible to use an already selected image in an overlapping manner. On the other hand, when the number of images selected by automatic selection (for example, 30 images) is larger than the number of collage photo allocation regions (for example, 25 images), an excess amount (for example, 5 images) from the selected frame image group. Sheet). Further, a minimum value and a maximum value of the number of images to be automatically selected can be set, and the automatic selection process can be executed so as to be within this range. The number of collage photo allocation areas (the number of images constituting the collage photo) is included in the layout data described later.

  The layout setting unit 27 sets the collage photo layout based on the number of collage photo print target images (the number of images selected by the automatic selection unit 26 or the image selection unit 25). As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of layout data is stored in advance in a memory (not shown). One or a plurality of layout templates are stored for the number of layout allocation areas. When the number of images selected automatically or manually differs from the number of layout areas, the layout with the number of allocated areas (number of collage photos) closest to the number of selected images is selected. The above-described method can be configured to apply thinning, additional automatic selection, or overlapping. Alternatively, it can be configured to be manually deleted, added manually selected or duplicated.

  The collage image creation unit 28 assigns an image to be printed as a collage photo to the layout set by the layout setting unit, and creates a collage image. The collage image creating unit 28 can create a collage image of a plurality of image assignment patterns using one layout. The image assignment method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of randomly assigning, a method of assigning in order of shooting date, a method of assigning to a large area in proportion to the face size, and a method of assigning a defocused image to a small area. The collage image display processing unit 281 has a function of displaying the created collage image on the monitor 12. The allocation pattern selection unit 282 is a function of receiving an instruction for selecting an arbitrary allocation pattern from the orderer from a plurality of allocation patterns displayed on the monitor 12. The collage image creation unit 28 creates a collage image based on the thumbnail image data of the Exif information, and in the processing after the allocation pattern is selected, the collage based on the main image data is based on the set layout and allocation pattern. Create an image. A known method can be used as an image composition method used for the collage image creation process. After the collage image is created, the layout is prohibited from being changed. As will be described later, it is possible to delete, replace, and correct an image on the same layout.

  The number setting unit 29 is a function for setting the number of collage photo prints. One sheet is preset as an initial value, and the number of sheets can be increased or decreased by an order from the orderer.

  The editing unit 30 has a function of executing image deletion, replacement, image correction, and the like while confirming a collage image composed of the main image data displayed on the monitor 12. A known method can be used as an image composition method used for processing various functions of the editing unit 30.

  The image deletion unit 301 has a function of receiving an instruction to delete an arbitrary image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the monitor 12 and deleting the image from the collage image. An example of the processing procedure will be described later.

  The collage image editing unit 302 sets the image position deleted by the image deletion unit 301 to the background color set by the background color selection unit 24.

  The replacement editing unit 303 receives the selection of the first image to be replaced from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the monitor 12, and the book read by the media driving unit 10 displayed on the monitor 12. This is a function of accepting selection of the second image to be included in the collage image instead of the first image to be replaced from the image data, and switching the first image and the second image. An example of the processing procedure will be described later.

  The image correction process 304 is a function that executes color / density correction, red-eye correction, backlight correction, and the like. This process may be automatically executed for all the frame images of the collage image, or may be configured to select and execute individual frame images constituting the collage image.

  The trimming process 305 is a function for trimming an arbitrary area of the collage image.

  The character input process 306 is a function for designating a character area at an arbitrary position of the collage image and inputting an arbitrary character. The character key is displayed on the monitor 12 as a character keypad.

  The graffiti process 307 is a function that can freely draw a collage image with a touch pen (not shown).

  The enlargement / reduction processing 308 is a function for designating an arbitrary frame image in the collage image and enlarging or reducing the frame image.

  The rotation process 309 is a function for designating an arbitrary frame image in the collage image and rotating the frame image.

  Each function of the controller C can be realized by, for example, a computer program, a cooperative action of a CPU and a memory, and the program is stored in a ROM (not shown). Further, the controller C may be constituted by a dedicated circuit, firmware, or the like, or a combination thereof.

(Image processing device)
The image processing device 5 has a function of managing image data in order units. It also has a function of controlling photo print processing and media writing processing in units of orders. Hereinafter, an example of main components of the image processing apparatus 5 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The image processing apparatus 5 includes order information storage means (not shown) and has a function of storing order information. Further, the image processing apparatus 5 includes order management means for managing and controlling image data and order information relating to a photo print order. The order management means can set printer settings, print order, and the like regarding print processing. In addition, regarding the print order, it has a function of displaying order information on the monitor and changing the print order.

  The order information storage means stores correction information, image data, order information, and the like set by pre-judge processing to be described later. Further, the image data may be data after image processing based on the correction information. Further, the image processing apparatus 5 includes display means such as a monitor as various operation screens and input means such as a keyboard and a mouse for various inputs.

(Judge processing)
The judgment unit has a function of executing pre-judge processing for image data. In pre-judge processing, a predetermined number of frame images can be displayed on a monitor, and print conditions can be set for each frame image. For example, arbitrary image data (order-based image data) stored in the image data storage unit is selected, a predetermined number (for example, 4 frames, 6 frames) of frame images are displayed on the monitor, and the displayed frames are displayed. Print conditions such as the number of prints, print size, and image correction information can be set for the image. This pre-judge process is not necessarily performed, and the print process can be performed without the pre-judge process. The collage image data (or its constituent image data) may or may not be judged.

  The judgment means provides, for example, a function for inputting correction information for correcting color and density, and the input of such correction information is set as necessary. Examples of other correction information settings include special correction settings such as red-eye correction and backlight correction. The set correction information is stored in the order information storage unit in association with the image data and the order information.

  The print image data creation means performs image processing on the corresponding image data based on the correction data of the print conditions set by the judgment means and the correction information such as the print size, and print image data (RGB image data). ). The print image data creation means is exemplified by a configuration realized by a cooperative action of a computer program and hardware resources such as a CPU and a memory, and a configuration of an image processing board configured by a dedicated circuit. The image processing board includes, for example, an input memory, an image processing circuit unit, and a development memory, and predetermined image processing is performed in the image processing circuit unit. Specifically, color / density correction based on correction data such as pre-judge processing, data expansion / contraction processing according to a set print size, and the like. The print image data created here is transmitted to the printer side by communication means.

  The order information received from the print order receiving apparatus 1 may include a collage image composed of the created main image data. The image data to be used for collage photo printing necessary for creating the collage image, Layout data, layout pattern data, and the like may be included. In such a case, the image processing apparatus 5 has a collage image creation unit and creates a collage image. Then, the print image data creation means creates the print image data of the collage image based on the collage image and transmits it to the printer side by the communication means.

  As another embodiment, collage image data may be transmitted directly from the print order receiving apparatus 1 side to the printer side, and image data for printing a collage image may be created on the printer side.

(Flow of collage photo print order in print order reception device)
Next, a collage photo print ordering procedure will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the order operation screens of FIGS.

  The language of the operation screen can be selected on the order operation screen of FIG. When the “Japanese” part is touched, the Japanese operation screen mode is selected, and the next order menu screen is displayed in Japanese. The language selection of the operation screen is set based on the language data of the operation screen in FIG. This screen may be omitted and may be started from the next screen.

  On the order menu selection screen of FIG. 9, a “collage photo” button 901 is touched to select a collage photo print order (step S1). This is confirmed by touching an “OK” button 902 in the lower right of the screen. A “return” button 903 is an instruction button for returning to the previous screen, and an “x” button 904 at the lower left of the screen is a process stop instruction button. These button operation processes are the same on other screens.

  On the next screen of FIG. 10, the customer's media A is inserted into the media drive unit 10 of the print order receiving apparatus 1 with or without selecting the type of media. When the media type is not selected, the media type is automatically determined, and the corresponding media drive unit 10 is activated. Image data is read from the medium A (step S2).

  A plurality of folders may be created on the medium A. There is also a desire to select and read a necessary image from the media A. In such a case, on the screen of FIG. 11, it is possible to select a configuration for reading in units of folders created on the medium A, a configuration for reading every shooting date, and a configuration for reading all frame images. . For example, when “classify by folder” is touched, the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. On this screen, the image data is classified and displayed for each folder, and a plurality of folders can be selected at the time of selection. It is also possible to review and confirm the frame images in the folder.

  When image data is read, thumbnail image data in Exif information is read instead of the image data itself (main image data). When the thumbnail image data is not included, the image data may be read and a thumbnail image may be generated from the original image. This thumbnail image is used for each process of display and order operation.

  Next, when the image data is successfully read, the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. On this screen, the print size is selected (step S3). For example, touching the size “254 × 203” and touching the OK button confirms the selection. For example, if there is one preset print size, the selection of this print size can be omitted.

  Next, the background color of the collage photo in FIG. 14 is selected (step S4). A plurality of background colors 1402 and their background color names 1403 are displayed in a frame 1401, and the selected background color and its background color name are displayed in a frame 1404. Confirm with the “OK” button to move to the next screen.

  In the collage photo print target image selection method screen of FIG. 15, an image selection method is selected (step S5). When “Auto Select” 1501 is touched and confirmed by the “OK” button, the screen shifts to the screen in FIG. 16A. In the case of “automatic selection”, an image is automatically selected using the selection method described above. On the other hand, when “Select by yourself” is touched and confirmed by the “OK” button, the screen of FIG. 23 is displayed. On this screen, the orderer can select the image himself / herself, and can select the image by touching the “use” button or the “do not use” button. In addition, an image can be rotated and displayed by touching a “rotate” button. In addition, the file name and resolution (or image size) of the image can be displayed for each image. In addition, a “use all images” button and a “do not use all images” button can be provided at the bottom of the screen to select them in units of screen pages. In addition, the images displayed on the screen can be rearranged and displayed in ascending or descending order on the shooting date. Also, the number of frames displayed on the screen can be switched. Touch the “OK” button to confirm the image selection. In addition, when the number of images constituting the layout has not been reached, touching the “OK” button displays a message “Please select additional images” on the screen, and can be further selected. .

  While the screen of FIG. 16A is being displayed, the print order receiving apparatus 1 automatically sets a layout based on the number of selected images (function of the layout setting unit 27) (step S7). Then, a collage image is created from the selected image with a plurality of assignment patterns in this automatically set layout (function of the collage image creation unit 28) (step S8). Collage images of a plurality of assignment patterns are created based on thumbnail images. In other words, thumbnail images are used to display collage images of a plurality of assignment patterns, thereby shortening the image processing time. When collage images with a plurality of assignment patterns are created, the screen moves to the next screen of FIG. 16B, and collage images with a plurality of assignment patterns are displayed on the screen (step S8). In step S8, after the collage photo print target image has been assigned so that collage images of a plurality of assignment patterns are created in one layout, the layout changing process is prohibited. In the screen of FIG. 16B, a collage image 1602 of a plurality of allocation patterns and its title name 1603 are displayed in a frame 1601. The title name may be the name of the layout, the folder name of the component image, or the shooting date period. When an arbitrary one of a plurality of allocation patterns is touched, the touched collage image 1605 and its title 1606 are displayed in a frame 1604. Note that the title can be changed by touching a “change title” button 1607. When selecting the collage image 1605 in the frame 1604, the user touches and confirms the “OK” button (step S9). As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. In the background execution of this screen display, a collage image composed of main image data is created based on a collage image 1605 composed of thumbnail image data. Next, the screen of FIG. 18 is displayed.

  The screen in FIG. 18 is a screen for executing a collage image editing operation and an operation for setting the number of prints. A frame 1801 displays a collage image composed of the main image data. Since the collage image here is created with the main image data, there is no loss of detail as seen in the thumbnail image, which is preferable for image editing and confirmation preview. Also in the editing process described below, the layout changing process is prohibited.

  When editing an image, an “edit” button 1802 is touched to shift to the screen of FIG. 19A (steps S10 and S11). A collage image 1901 is displayed on the screen of FIG. 19A. An edit operation button is provided in the frame 1902. In the case of deleting an image, an arbitrary image 1903 is touched, and then an “delete image” button 1904 is touched. By this operation, the image 1903 is deleted from the collage image 1901, and the broken line 1903a becomes the background color of the collage image as shown in the screen of FIG. 19B.

  An operation for replacing the constituent images of the collage image will be described. In the screen of FIG. 20A, an image 2001 to be removed from the collage image is touched, and then an image 2003 to be included in the collage image is touched from the frame 2002. As a result, the images are switched as shown in the screen of FIG. 20B, and the image 2003 is newly synthesized in the collage image. The image data in the frame 2002 is all the read main image data.

  Other editing functions include movement, rotation, enlargement / reduction processing, etc., and are executed by touching each function button after touching the image to be edited. Also, the collage image title 2101 can be edited on the screen of FIG. By touching the “Edit Title” button, any character can be input to the main title and subtitle frames using the character key touch. Further, correction operations such as density correction, red-eye correction and backlight correction, trimming, character input, and editing operations such as graffiti are possible for each collage image or its constituent images. After completion of the above various edits, it is confirmed by the “OK” button and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 18, the number is increased or decreased by touching a “number +” or “number−” button 1803 (step S <b> 12). “One sheet” is set as an initial value. The printing fee at the bottom of the screen also fluctuates with the increase / decrease in the number of copies. The “OK” button is touched to shift to the screen of FIG. On the order confirmation screen of FIG. 22, the order fee is confirmed (step S13). An “OK” button 2201 is touched to confirm the order. Next, a storage medium take-out screen (not shown) is displayed, and the storage medium is taken out from the media drive unit 10 (step S14). Next, an order completion screen is displayed, and the order is completed (step S15).

  When the order is completed, order information including collage image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5. As described above, the image processing apparatus 5 executes the photo print process based on the collage image data.

  In the above ordering operation, the collage image layout is configured to be automatically set based on the number of selected images. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the orderer selects the layout. May be. For example, after the print size is selected, the screen can be shifted to the screen shown in FIG. 24 and a layout design can be selected. For example, a plurality of layout designs are displayed in a frame 2401. When an arbitrary design 2402 and its name 2403 are touched, the design 2402 is displayed in a frame 2404 and can be determined by touching an “OK” button.

(Another embodiment)
The functional elements of the print order receiving apparatus 1 of the present invention can be realized by the cooperative action of software and hardware (CPU (concept including MPU), memory, etc.), and can be realized by a dedicated circuit or firmware, or a combination thereof. It can also be realized.

  When realized by software, the program is as follows. This program can be provided as a form recorded on a storage medium and stored in the storage medium, or provided (downloaded) via a communication line. When provided via a communication line, only a part of the functions may be provided, or the other part may remain in the server device, and the functions of the present invention may be exhibited as a whole function. Are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

This collage photo print ordering program
An image data acquisition step for acquiring image data;
From the image data acquired in the image data acquisition step, an automatic selection step of automatically selecting a collage photo print target image;
A layout setting step for setting a collage photo layout based on the image selected in the automatic selection step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a collage image creating step of creating a collage image by allocating the selected image to the layout set in the layout setting step;
The configuration is such that the change of the set layout is prohibited.

Further, a background color selection step for accepting selection of a background color of the collage photo layout and setting the background color;
After the collage image creation by the collage image creation step, an image deletion step of receiving an instruction to delete any image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means and deleting the image from the collage image;
It is a program configuration for causing a computer to further execute a collage image editing step in which the image position deleted in the image deletion step is used as the background color.

  Further, after the collage image creation in the collage image creation step, the selection of the first image to be replaced is received from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means, and the image displayed on the display means is received. A replacement editing step of accepting selection of a second image to be included in a collage image instead of the first image to be replaced from the images acquired by the data acquisition unit, and replacing the first image with the second image, It is a program configuration for causing a computer to execute.

  The above-described program is stored in the image processing apparatus 5 or a server apparatus (not shown), and is connected to an orderer PC (including a portable computer, a general-purpose personal computer, a workstation, etc.) connected via a network (including Internet connection). It can be configured to be downloadable upon request. The downloaded program is configured to be installed and executable on the orderer PC. In this case, the orderer can easily place a collage photo print order from a personal computer at home.

Diagram for explaining an example of a photo processing system The figure for demonstrating the function structure of a print reception ordering apparatus Collage photo print ordering flowchart The figure which shows an example of the language data of the operation screen Diagram showing an example of print size data The figure which shows an example of the layout data of a collage image Diagram showing an example of background color data Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen Diagram for explaining an example of the order operation screen

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print order reception apparatus 10 Media drive part 12 Monitor 13 Touch panel 21 Display control part 22 Data reading condition part 23 Print size selection part 24 Background color selection part 25 Image selection part 26 Automatic selection part 27 Layout setting part 28 Collage image creation part 29 Number setting section 30 Editing section 301 Image deleting section 302 Collage image editing section

Claims (6)

A collage photo print ordering apparatus that accepts collage photo print orders,
A layout setting section for setting the layout of collage photos;
A collage image creating unit for creating a collage image by allocating a collage photo print target image to the layout set in the layout setting unit;
A collage photo print ordering apparatus configured to prohibit a change of the layout after the collage photo print target image is assigned to the layout. A background color selection unit that accepts selection of a background color of the collage photo layout and sets the background color;
An image deletion unit that receives an instruction to delete an arbitrary image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means after the collage image creation by the collage image creation unit, and deletes the image from the collage image;
The collage photo print ordering apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collage image editing unit that sets the image position deleted by the image deletion unit as the background color.   After the collage image is created by the collage image creation unit, the selection of the first image to be replaced is received from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means, and the image data displayed on the display means is acquired. A replacement editing unit that accepts selection of a second image to be included in the collage image instead of the first image to be replaced from the images acquired by the unit, and replaces the first image with the second image. Item 3. The collage photo print ordering apparatus according to item 1 or 2. A layout setting step for setting the layout of the collage photo;
A program for causing a computer to execute a collage image creating step of allocating a collage photo print target image to the layout set in the layout setting step and creating a collage image,
A collage photo print ordering program configured to prohibit the change of the layout after the collage photo print target image is assigned to the layout. A background color selection step for accepting selection of the background color of the collage photo layout and setting the background color;
After the collage image creation by the collage image creation step, an image deletion step of receiving an instruction to delete any image from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means and deleting the image from the collage image;
5. The collage photo print ordering program according to claim 4, further causing the computer to execute a collage image editing step in which the image position deleted in the image deletion step is the background color. After the collage image creation in the collage image creation step, the selection of the first image to be replaced is received from the images constituting the collage image displayed on the display means, and the image data displayed on the display means is acquired. A replacement editing step of accepting selection of a second image to be included in a collage image instead of the first image to be replaced from the images acquired by the first section and replacing the first image with the second image; 6. The collage photo print ordering program according to claim 4 or 5 for execution.

Images