JP2012063800A - Photograph album program for company, computer-readable recording medium recording program, and photograph album producing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photograph album producing program enabling an user to easily order a photograph album with simple and laborsaving operation at a shop and the like, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.SOLUTION: A photograph album producing program for a company makes a computer 10 function as: photograph reading means 20 for reading a plurality of photograph data recorded in a recording medium; photograph selecting means 22 for allowing a user to select photograph data; number of pages inputting means 24 for allowing the user to input the number of pages in a photograph album; control means 26 for automatically assigning the photograph data into pages without excessiveness or shortage to produce photograph album data on the basis of a predetermined determination rule by using the number of frames and the number of pages of the selected photograph data as elements, and calculating a charge; display means 28 for displaying the photograph album data and the charge; and output means 30 for outputting the photograph album data to an album print portion.

Description

  The present invention records, for example, a business photo album creation program and a program used by a user to request the creation of a photo album by operating the user himself / herself at a store where the photo print service is provided. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium and a photo album creation method.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become widespread, and in stores that provide photo print services according to user orders, a computer is used to display a plurality of photo data taken with a digital camera on the screen, and the user himself / herself watching the screen A system is used in which a photograph is selected, and only the selected photograph is requested to be printed by an operator. In many cases, after the user receives the printed photo from the store, the user manually stores and organizes the photo album separately and edits the photo album.

  On the other hand, for example, album creation software for creating photo data taken with a digital camera or the like as an electronic album is known. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a storage unit in which an electronic image file including image information obtained by photographing and comment information regarding a subject image indicated by the image information is stored, and the electronic image file. Display means for displaying an editing screen of an electronic album on which the subject image indicated by the image information is electronically pasted, and displaying the subject image on the editing screen, together with the image information indicating the subject image Album creation support comprising: control means for controlling the display means to display the comment information included in the digitized image file at a position different from the subject image and in the vicinity of the subject image Programs etc. have been proposed. With the program of Patent Document 1, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting comment information when creating an electronic album.

JP 2007-102703 A

  However, when the user himself / herself puts the printed photos in a large number of albums, it is necessary to manually store the photos one by one on each page of the album and edit them, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. There was a problem that it took time. Also, when you want to organize albums by type, such as travel, ceremonial occasions, and events, etc. When you cannot fit in one album or, conversely, there is a blank wasted page left in the album and it cannot be used efficiently was there. In addition, in an electronic album such as Patent Document 1, it is necessary to select and electronically paste and edit photo data one frame at a time, so that it is complicated, time-consuming and time consuming as described above. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and one object thereof is to provide a photo album creation program and a program in which a user can easily request the creation of a photo album by a simple and labor-saving operation in a store or the like, for example. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recorded computer-readable recording medium and a photo album creation method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a computer 10 for reading a plurality of photo data recorded in a recording medium, a photo reading unit 20 for selecting photo data, and a user selecting a photo album. The page number input means 24 for inputting the number of created pages, and automatically distributes the photo data without excess or deficiency based on a predetermined determination rule using the number of frames C and the number of pages N of the selected photo data as elements. The control means 26 for generating the photo album data and calculating the charge corresponding to the number of pages, the display means 28 for displaying the photo album data and the charge, and the output means 30 for outputting the photo album data to the album printing unit. It consists of a business photo album creation program to make it function. The photo reading means 20 reads photo data from, for example, a memory card such as a CD, DVD, SD card or compact flash (registered trademark), a USB flash memory, a hard disk, or any other external recording medium, an internal recording medium, or the like. Any device or interface may be used. The photo selection means 22 may be any other selection method, such as a check box check, drag-and-drop, color reverse display, or the like. Further, the page number input means 24 may be any other method such as a method in which the user inputs an arbitrary numerical value or a method of selecting from a preset number of pages. The order in which the control means 26 arranges the photo data on each page may be, for example, a file name order, a shooting order, a selected order, a data size order, or any other order, or may be randomly arranged. Further, for example, when the number of frames C of the selected photo data is smaller than the input page number N, an error display may be issued. Moreover, the photo selection means 22 and the page number input means 24 may prescribe | regulate the upper limit and lower limit to select, for example.

  Further, the computer 10 further functions as size selection means 44 for the user to select the size of the photo album, and the control means 26 creates photo album data corresponding to the selected size and calculates a fee. It is good to do. For example, standard sizes such as B4, A4, B5, A5, B6, and A6, squares having an arbitrary size, vertical or horizontal rectangles, and other arbitrary sizes may be selected.

  Further, the computer 10 is further caused to function as a rule selection unit 48 for the user to select any one of a plurality of determination rules, and the control unit 26 determines a photo arrangement configuration based on the selected determination rule. It is also possible to create photo album data.

  Furthermore, the present invention comprises a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described program is recorded.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a method for creating a photo album from a plurality of photo data by a programmed store-installed computer, in which a plurality of photo data recorded on a recording medium is read, and the user stores the photo data. Step S14 for selecting, Step S18 for inputting the number of photo album creation pages by the user, and automatically distributing the photo data without excess or deficiency based on a predetermined judgment rule with the number of frames and the number of pages of the photo data as elements. Step S24 for calculating the photo album data and calculating the charge corresponding to the number of pages, Step S26 for displaying the photo album data and the charge, Step 32 for outputting the photo album data to the album printing unit, It consists of photo album creation method including

  According to the business photograph album creation program of the present invention and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, the computer reads the plurality of photograph data recorded on the recording medium, and the user selects the photograph data. A photo selection means for the user to input, a page number input means for the user to input the number of pages to be created in the photo album, and the number of frames and the number of pages of the selected photo data are automatically determined based on a predetermined determination rule. Create photo album data by allocating photo data to pages without any shortage, control means for calculating charges corresponding to the number of pages, display means for displaying photo album data and charges, and output photo album data to the album printing section For example, in a photo print service store, etc. Using the computer, the user can very easily create a handy operation only in photo albums that preference and intention of the user has been well reflected such as photo selection and the number of pages input. In particular, the page is automatically allocated by the control means without excess or deficiency, so that the photo data that you want to make into the album remains without being pasted on the album, or conversely, a blank page on which no photo data can be pasted appears. Therefore, the labor and time required for frame allocation and layout editing such as page allocation and position adjustment of a plurality of photos can be greatly reduced. At the same time, the user can grasp the photo album creation fee immediately during the operation, which is convenient.

  Further, the computer further functions as a size selection means for the user to select the size of the photo album, and the control means creates photo album data corresponding to the selected size and calculates a fee. By doing so, it is possible to easily select a size of an album to be created via the size selection unit and easily create a photo album having a size according to the user's preference.

  In addition, the computer further functions as a rule selection unit that allows the user to select any one of a plurality of determination rules, and the control unit determines a photo arrangement configuration based on the selected determination rule, and a photo album With the configuration to create data, you can select the photo layout of the album to be created via the rule selection unit, so the photo album to be created is unlikely to be monotonous, expanding the user's choices and according to preference Easily create photo albums.

  Furthermore, according to the photo album creating method of the present invention, a method for creating a photo album from a plurality of photo data by a programmed store-installed computer, the step of reading a plurality of photo data recorded on a recording medium; , The user selects the photo data, the user inputs the number of pages to create the photo album, and the number of frames of the photo data and the number of pages automatically and based on a predetermined determination rule, the photo automatically Allocating data to generate photo album data, calculating a fee corresponding to the number of pages, displaying photo album data and fee, outputting photo album data to the album printing unit, For example, a computer is installed at a photo print service store or the like. In use, the user can very easily create a handy operation only in photo albums that preference and intention of the user has been well reflected such as photo selection and the number of pages input. In particular, the page is automatically allocated by the control means without excess or deficiency, so that the photo data that you want to make into the album remains without being pasted on the album, or conversely, a blank page on which no photo data can be pasted appears. Therefore, the labor and time required for frame allocation and layout editing such as page allocation and position adjustment of a plurality of photos can be greatly reduced. At the same time, the user can grasp the photo album creation fee immediately during the operation, which is convenient.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a business photo album creation program, a computer-readable recording medium storing the program, and a photo album creation method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The business photo album creation program according to the present invention is applied when a user requests (orders) the creation of a photo album from a store (business operator) at a photo print service store or the like. The computer reads the photo data from the recording medium on which the photo data is recorded, and the user himself / herself creates the photo album data by operating the computer, and performs printing based on the photo album data. A photo album can be created. In the present embodiment, the business photo album creation program creates a computer with a photo reading means, a photo selection means for the user to select a photo, a page number input means for the user to input the number of pages, and photo album data. It functions as a control means, a display means, and an output means for calculating a charge. That is, the computer 10 on which the program according to the present embodiment is executed, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a photo reading unit 20 as a photo reading unit, a photo selection unit 22 as a photo selection unit, and a page number input unit. Function as a photo album creating apparatus or creating system including a page number input unit 24, a control unit 26 as a control unit, a display unit 28 as a display unit, and an output unit 30 as an output unit.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the computer 10 on which the program is executed directly accesses the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that performs various data processing, calculation, control, and the like by the program, and the CPU. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 as a main storage device, a hard disk drive 106 as an auxiliary storage device for storing programs and various data, an input operation device 108 including a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and an operation screen A display device 110 including a display for displaying, etc., a memory card such as a CD, DVD, CompactFlash (registered trademark), SD card, or USB (Universal serial bus) in which a plurality of photo data taken by a user or the like is stored. ) External recording medium such as flash memory It has an external reading device 112 to read the photographic data, and are connected via a bus. The computer 10 is constituted by, for example, a normal personal computer or a workstation. Further, the computer 10 has an album printing apparatus including a printer 120 that receives photo album data created by the program according to the present embodiment and prints photo data on album paper based on the photo album data. Etc. are connected through.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photo reading unit 20 is realized by an external reading device 112, and the display unit 28 is realized by a display device 110. The computer 10 further functions as an input operation unit 32 for inputting each operation and data by the input operation device 108. The RAM 104 and the hard disk drive 106 are storage means having storage areas for storing programs and various data, and include a photo storage unit 34, a layout database 36, a charge table storage unit 38, an album data storage unit 40, and the like, which will be described later. A storage unit 33 is realized. In accordance with the CPU that executes the program, the input operation unit 32 and the display unit 28 cooperate with each other to obtain a photo selection unit 22, a page number input unit 24, a size selection unit 44, a theme selection unit 46, a rule selection unit 48, and the like. A creation condition setting unit 42 is realized.

  In the present embodiment, all the photo data read via the photo reading unit 20 is stored in the photo storage unit 34. The photo storage unit 34 stores at least a photo image and the file name in association with each other. Note that information such as shooting information including the size of the image, shooting date and time, shooting location, and the like may be stored in association with each piece of photo data. For example, the photo storage unit 34 may be set to automatically delete all photo data in accordance with a command from the control unit or the like after the photo album creation work is completed.

  In the layout database 36, a large number of page layout data for constituting each page of the album is stored in advance. The page layout data includes, for example, paper data of each size, the number of frames in which photo data is arranged for each size of paper data, an arrangement position, a photo image size, a degree of inclination (rotation angle) of the photo image, and the like. It is set as a template with (Frame assignment) set. For example, the paper data is stored corresponding to album sizes such as B4, A4, B5, A5, B6, and A6. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, even a page layout in which the same frame number is arranged on one page stores a plurality of frames having different frame allocation patterns. Specifically, for example, in a page layout in which one frame of photo data is pasted on one page, the photo data image is a vertically oriented pattern, a horizontally oriented pattern, a pattern that is tilted to the right or left, or an image. A plurality of different patterns, such as patterns with different sizes, are prepared. Similarly, even in a page layout in which multiple frames of photo data are arranged on one page, there are a plurality of different patterns such as a pattern in which the arrangement positions of the plurality of photo data are vertically arranged, a pattern in which the photo data are arranged horizontally, and a pattern in which any arrangement is arranged. It is prepared. Further, the layout database 36 also stores various background data pasted on the paper data and various frame data surrounding the photographic image. These background data and frame data are, for example, a pop-modern or monochromatic display that applies a check, a floral pattern, or other patterns suitable for weddings, sports events, festivals, Christmas and other events and seasonal events, etc. It is classified and memorized according to themes such as simple and standard with few decorations such as patterns and patterns.

  The fee table storage unit 38 stores a fee table that is referred to when the control unit 26 calculates the album creation fee. For example, the basic charge for creation, the unit price per page, etc. are stored corresponding to each size of the photo album to be created.

  The album data storage unit 40 secures an area for storing the photo album data created by the control unit 26 and the calculated creation fee data. The photo album data stored in the album data storage unit 40 is output to the album creation unit 120 via the output unit 30.

  The photo selection unit 22 is a photo selection unit for the user to select a photo necessary for album creation from a plurality of photo data read via the photo reading unit 20 and stored in the photo storage unit 34. The photo selection unit 22 displays, for example, an image list of the read photo data on the screen of the display unit 28 and displays a check box adjacent to each photo data so that the user can perform an input operation such as a mouse. Photo data can be selected by operating the unit 32 and checking the check box on the screen. The selected photograph data is passed to the control unit 26. Note that the photo selection unit 22 may be set to automatically select all photos, for example. The photo selection unit 22 may display, for example, an icon or button for selecting all the photos, an icon for canceling the selection of all the photos, or the like.

  The page number input unit 24 is a page number input means for the user to input the number of created photo album pages. The page number input unit 24 displays, for example, a window for inputting the number of pages on the screen of the display unit 28, and selects a number displayed on the screen with a mouse. The number can be input by inputting a number from or by instructing to increase or decrease the number of pages with a mouse. The input page number data is passed to the control unit 26. Note that a default value may be set in advance for the number of pages.

  The size selection unit 44 is size selection means for the user to select the size of the photo album. For example, the size selection unit 44 displays icons and buttons corresponding to B4, A4, B5, A5, B6, A6, etc. on the screen of the display unit 28, and the user operates the input operation unit 32 such as a mouse. Then, it can be selected by selecting an icon or the like of a desired size. The selected size data is passed to the control unit 26.

  The theme selection unit 46 is a theme selection unit for the user to select one of a plurality of predetermined themes recorded in a layout database or the like. The theme selection unit 46 displays, for example, icons and buttons corresponding to themes such as season / event, pop / modern, simple / standard on the screen of the display unit 28, and the user operates the input operation unit 32 such as a mouse. Is selected by selecting an icon of a desired theme by operating. In addition, individual themes that are individually classified from the selected themes (for example, weddings, athletic meet, festivals, etc. from the themes of seasons and events) can be selected. Buttons are displayed, and an individual theme is selected by the user operating the input operation unit 32 such as a mouse and selecting an icon of a desired theme. The selected theme is passed to the control unit 26.

  The rule selection unit 48 is a rule selection unit for the user to select one of the determination rules from among a plurality of determination rules that define the page distribution of the photo data in the control unit 26. The rule selection unit 48 displays, for example, icons corresponding to the A to C pattern rules described below on the screen of the display unit 28, and the user operates the input operation unit 32 such as a mouse to perform a desired operation. It can be selected by selecting the rule icon. The selected determination rule is passed to the control unit 26.

  The control unit 26 is automatically based on a predetermined determination rule using at least the number of frames C of the photo data selected by the user through the photo selection unit 22 and the number of pages N specified through the page number input unit 24 as elements. This is control means for creating photo album data by distributing photo data pages without excess and deficiency, and calculating a charge corresponding to the number of pages. In the present embodiment, the control unit 26 includes an arrangement configuration determination unit 50 that creates photo album data, and a charge calculation unit 52 that calculates a charge. The photo selection unit 22, the page number input unit described above, and the like. 24, data is received from each of the size selection unit 44, the theme selection unit 46, and the rule selection unit 48, and the album data creation processing and fee calculation processing are performed. The arrangement configuration determination unit 50 receives selected photo data, counts the number of selected frames (the number of selected frames) C, and uses the selected frame number C and the number of pages N as elements, based on a determination rule described later. Allocate pages of photo data without excess or deficiency. That is, the arrangement configuration determination unit 50 is a determination unit or an allocation unit that automatically allocates the page of the photo data based on a predetermined determination rule, and there is still photo data that is not arranged on the page among the selected photo data. On the contrary, the number of frames of photo data to be arranged on each of the first to Nth pages is automatically assigned and determined so that no blank page where no photo data is arranged appears. After determining the number of frames to be arranged on each page by determining the page distribution of the photo data, the arrangement configuration determining unit 50 refers to the layout database for each page and reads the page layout corresponding to the number of frames. Photo data is arranged on a page in a predetermined order corresponding to the layout, photo album data is created, and the data is output to the album data storage unit 40 and the display unit 28. For example, the arrangement configuration determining unit 50 may, for example, have one frame on the first page and two frames on the second page. . . When determination processing is performed by page allocation in which m (m is a positive integer) frame photo data is arranged on the Nth page, “one photo data is arranged on one page from the layout database on the first page. Read from “Page layout”. On the second page, read from “Page layout with two frames of photo data on one page”. . . The Nth page is read from the “page layout in which m frames of photo data are arranged on one page”. Then, the arrangement configuration determination unit 50 arranges the photo data in the order of the file names, for example, while adjusting the position, size, inclination, etc. of the photo data image corresponding to each read page layout. Go. Further, according to the theme selected by the theme selection unit 46, background data and frame data are read out and pasted according to the page layout of each page to create photo album data. For example, ID data, a reception number, an order number, or the like may be associated with photo album data created to distinguish users and output to the album data storage unit 40 and the display unit 28. The fee calculation unit 52 calculates the fee by referring to the fee table in the fee table storage unit 38 based on each data of the selected size and the input number of pages, and stores it in the album data storage unit 40 and the display unit 28. Output fee data.

  The determination rule applied in the photo arrangement determination unit 50 is set so that the photo data of the frame number C selected by the user is distributed to N pages without excess or deficiency. In this embodiment, for example, three determination rules A to C having different distribution patterns are prepared, and the determination rule of any one pattern selected via the rule selection unit 48 is applied. Further, the determination rule defines the maximum number of frames MaxC to be arranged per page. For example, the maximum number of frames MaxC per page is set according to the size of the paper, and is maximum 8 frames for B4 size, maximum 6 frames for A4 size, and maximum B5, A5 size. Is set to a maximum of 4 frames, and in the case of B6 and A6, a maximum of 2 frames is set. In this embodiment, the determination rule uses a numerical value obtained by dividing the number of frames by the number of pages.

In this embodiment, according to the A pattern determination rule, a quotient Q and a remainder R obtained by dividing the number of frames C of the photo data selected by the user by the number of pages N are calculated (Q and R are integers), and these numerical values are used. To do. According to this determination rule, Q frames of photo data per page are arranged on pages 1 to (N−R), and (Q + 1) frames of photo data per page are placed on pages (N−R + 1) to N. Place. For example, when 50 frames of photo data selected by the user are distributed to 20 pages by applying this A pattern rule, 50 ÷ 20 = 2, the remainder is 10. Therefore, 1 to 10 pages are per page. The 2 frames and the 11th to 20th pages are allocated without excess or deficiency, such as 3 frames per page. That is, according to this A pattern rule, the maximum difference in the number of frames of photographic data arranged between the pages is assigned approximately evenly so that it is 1 frame or less. Of the number N of pages, (Q + 1) frames of photo data per page may be arranged on the R page, and Q frames of photo data may be arranged on the remaining (N−R) pages. Further, the B pattern determination rule stipulates that the number of frames of photographic data to be arranged per page is determined while being randomly changed for each page and distributed without excess or deficiency. In this B pattern rule, the number of frames per page is determined in order from the first page based on a random number (integer) of 1 to the maximum number of frames MaxC generated by the random number generation program. At this time, in order to perform page allocation without excess or deficiency, for example, it may be defined that the condition of 1 ≦ Cr / Nr ≦ MaxC is satisfied between the number of frames Cr of the remaining photo data and the number of remaining pages Nr. . When Cr / Nr <1, a blank page is generated in the album, and when Cr / Nr> MaxC, photo data remains. When the 50-frame photo data selected by the user is distributed to 20 pages by applying the B pattern rule, for example, the first page is the first frame, the second page is the third frame, and the third page is the third page. Is 2 frames, 1 frame on the 4th page, 4 frames on the 5th page. . . As described above, random and 50 frames of photo data are allocated to 20 pages without excess or deficiency. In addition, for example, the random number value may be generated, for example, by generating an integer value in the range of 1 to MaxC with the same probability, and the peak value is a C / N value obtained by dividing the number of selected frames by the number of pages. It may be generated with a linear function probability, or any other random number generation method may be used. Further, for example, an arithmetic operation based on the following equation (1) may be performed to randomly generate an integer value in the range of 1 to MaxC. Note that RND (n1, n2) is a function that generates an integer random value in the range of n1 to n2, and fn (n1, n2) is a function that is 1 when n1 and n2 are equal, and is 0 that is otherwise. .

In addition, according to the C pattern determination rule, for example, from the first page to the p page specified by the user, one photo data is arranged per page, and each of the (p + 1) to Nth pages is a B pattern. Similarly, the number of frames of photo data to be arranged per page is determined at random, and is distributed so as not to be excessive or deficient. Further, in this C pattern rule, an integer value in the range of 1 to MaxC may be randomly generated by performing an operation based on the following equation (2) instead of the equation (1) of the B pattern. .

  The determination rule may be defined such that one frame of photo data is always arranged on the first page of the album so that the first page of the album becomes a cover. Further, the determination rule is not limited to the above A to C patterns, and may be any other rule. For example, the number of frames per page of 1 to N pages is {1, 1, 1,. . . 2,2,2. . . 3,3,3. . . 4, 4, 4. . . } May be defined so that the number of frames of photo data per page increases as the latter half of the page is reached. On the contrary, the first half page may be set so that the number of frames per page is larger and gradually decreases as the second half page is reached. Further, when the number of frames per page changes randomly as in the rules for the B and C patterns, it may be specified that the maximum value of the random number is gradually increased or decreased as the latter half of the page is reached. Good. For example, when determining the number of frames of photo data to be arranged for each page such as in order from the first page (or Nth page), the number of frames Cr of the remaining photo data and the remaining number The number of pages Nr may be defined so as to satisfy the condition of 1 ≦ Cr / Nr ≦ MaxC.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 26 further includes a photo state check unit 54 that checks the state of the read photo data. The photograph state check unit 54 reads, for example, the number of pixels and the data capacity of the photograph data, and displays a warning display for photograph data smaller than the prescribed value compared to a prescribed prescribed value set by a program or the like. Output to. For example, if the number of pixels of the photo data is small, the photo data check unit 54 may ask the user in advance because the finish may be rough (inferior display) when the photo is printed on album paper by a printing printer. By warning, for example, you can select another photo image instead of a small photo, exclude it from the selection, or change the layout so that the photo is arranged in a small size, and the album creation failure Can be reduced. For example, an appropriate page layout may be selected by referring to the layout database 36 in the arrangement configuration determination unit 50 using the check result of the photo data check unit 54.

  Furthermore, the computer 10 on which the program according to the present embodiment is executed can manually edit the photo album data created by automatically allocating the photo data to the page by the control unit 26 so that the user can manually edit the photo album data as necessary. It also functions as the unit 56. The manual editing unit 56 can, for example, turn and display the photo album data created on the screen of the display unit 28 for each page, and can edit each by operating the input operation unit such as a mouse. Yes. The manual editing unit 56, for example, a layout changing unit 58 that changes the layout of each page of album data with reference to the layout database 36, and a photo changing unit 60 that changes the selected photo data with reference to the photo storage unit 34. A background changing unit 62 that changes the background data of each page with reference to the layout database 36, a frame changing unit 64 that changes the frame data surrounding each photo with reference to the layout database 36, and the brightness of the photographic image. A photo editing unit 66 that edits the adjustment and enlargement / reduction of the print range in the layout, and a comment editing unit 68 that can input and place an arbitrary comment at a designated position on each page via the input operation unit 32 such as a keyboard. And including. For example, the manual editing unit 56 displays icons, tabs, and the like corresponding to the respective changing units and editing units on the screen, and switches them by operating the input operation unit such as a mouse or a keyboard. It may be editable.

  The output unit 30 is an output unit that outputs, for example, photo album data stored in the album data storage unit 40 to an album printing unit such as the printer 120 in response to a user instruction. When the photo album data is transmitted from the output unit 30 to the printer 120, the printer 120 prints the photo on the album paper based on the photo album data. When the printer 120 receives data from the output unit 30, printing may be started immediately, or the photo album data is held on the printer 120 side and a store operator or the like holds the printer. Printing may be started by operating. In the latter case, it is preferable to associate ID data, a reception number, etc. so as to distinguish the photo album data for each user.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the processing executed by the computer 10 by the business photo album creation program according to the present embodiment, that is, the operation of the photo album creation device and the photo album creation method will be described. To do. The program according to the present embodiment is operated in advance on a computer 10 installed in a photo print service store or the like. In step S <b> 10, a user who has visited the store reads a plurality of photo data recorded from an external recording medium such as a CD or a memory card on which photo data is recorded, via the photo reading unit 20. The read photographic data is stored in, for example, the photographic storage unit 34, and the state of each photographic data is checked by the photographic state check unit 54 in step S12. For example, when there is photo data with a small number of pixels, the photo status check unit 54 displays a warning when displaying a list of photo images in the next step S14. In step S14, the user checks the check box corresponding to the photo data to be applied to the photo album from the list of photo images displayed on the screen of the display unit 28 via the photo selection unit 22, for example. To select photo data. In step S16, the user selects one of the plurality of icons corresponding to the album size displayed on the screen of the display unit 28 with the mouse or the like via the size selection unit 44, and selects the size. To do. In step S18, the user operates the soft keyboard displayed on the screen of the display unit 28 with the mouse or the like via the page number input unit 24 to input the page number. In step S20, the user selects one of a plurality of icons or buttons corresponding to various themes displayed on the screen of the display unit 28 with the mouse or the like via the theme selection unit 46, for example. Select a theme. In step 22, the user selects one of a plurality of icons or buttons corresponding to the rule displayed on the screen of the display unit with the mouse or the like via the rule selection unit 48, and sets the rule. select. Through the above steps S14 to S22, the user selects or designates album creation conditions. Note that the order of step S14 to step S22 is not necessarily limited to the above order, and may be executed in any order. A plurality of steps may be executed on the same screen. Next, when proceeding to step S24, the computer control unit 26 automatically automatically exceeds the deficiency based on the determination rule selected using the frame number C and the page number N of the photo data selected in the above step as elements. Create photo album data by allocating photo data to pages instead. At the same time, the control unit 26 calculates a fee corresponding to the number of pages. The created album data and fee data are stored in, for example, the album data storage unit 40, and are displayed on the screen of the display unit 28 in step S26, and the user makes the contents of each page of the photo album data and the album creation fee. Can be confirmed. The album data may be displayed by displaying a plurality of pages at the same time or displaying each page one page at a time. In step S28, it is determined whether or not the user manually edits the album data automatically created by the control unit. If it is not necessary to edit, the process proceeds to step S30, and if necessary, the process proceeds to step S32. . In step S32, the user changes the page layout of each page of the album data as necessary. In step S34, the user changes the photo data of each page of the album data as necessary. In step S36, the user changes the background data of each page of the album data as necessary. In step S38, the user changes the frame data of each page of the album data as necessary. In step S40, the user edits a comment on each page of the album data as necessary. In step S42, the user edits the brightness of the photo data of each page of the album data, color correction, enlargement / reduction, rotation, and the like as necessary. When manual editing in steps S32 to S42 is completed, the process returns to step S28. In step S30, the user finally confirms the content of the album data and the creation fee. If this content is acceptable, the process proceeds to step S44, and if it is necessary to edit, the process returns to any of steps S14 to S22 or step S28. In step S44, the photo album data is output to the printer 120 installed in the same store via the output unit 30, and the photo is printed on each page of the album paper by the printer. When a photo is printed on each page of album paper, for example, a store employee or the like binds the paper manually or with a machine to create a photo album. The photo album can be configured in any way. For example, the album paper can be bound using a structure in which a plurality of holes are perforated on one side and bound by a ring, or a structure that is bound by an adhesive, string, metal needle, etc. In addition, a hard cover of cardboard, a soft cover of leather, synthetic resin, paper, or the like may be applied to the created album, or any other binding configuration may be used.

  In addition, the program to be executed by the computer as described above is, for example, hard disk, flexible disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MO, MD, flash memory, magnetic tape, other ROM, RAM, etc., magnetism, light, magneto-optical It can be used as a computer-readable recording medium using a semiconductor or any other recording method. For example, the program can be recorded on a CD-ROM or the like, and the CD-ROM can be read by an external reading device of the computer 10 as shown in FIG.

  The business photograph album creation program of the present invention described above, the computer-readable recording medium recording the program, and the photo album creation method are not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment alone, Any modification may be made without departing from the essence of the present invention described in the scope.

  The business photo album creation program, the computer-readable recording medium storing the program, and the photo album creation method of the present invention are suitable for use by business operators in photo print service stores and the like, and are operated by the user himself / herself. You can create a photo album.

It is a schematic functional block diagram of a computer that executes a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a computer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a page layout. It is a flowchart figure of the photo album creation method.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Computer 20 Photo reading part 22 Photo selection part 24 Page number input part 26 Control part 28 Display part 30 Output part 32 Input operation part 34 Photo storage part 36 Layout database 38 Charge table storage part 40 Album data storage part 44 Size selection part 48 Rule selection unit 50 Arrangement configuration determination unit 52 Charge calculation unit

Claims (5)

Photo reading means for reading a plurality of photo data recorded in a recording medium on a computer;
Photo selection means for the user to select photo data,
A page number input means for the user to input the number of photo album creation pages,
Create photo album data by automatically allocating pages of photo data without excess or deficiency based on a predetermined judgment rule using the number of selected photo data frames and the number of pages as well as calculating the charge corresponding to the number of pages. Control means,
Display means for displaying photo album data and fees;
A business photo album creation program for functioning as output means for outputting photo album data to an album printing section. The computer further functions as a size selection means for the user to select the size of the photo album,
2. The business photo album creation program according to claim 1, wherein the control means creates photo album data corresponding to the selected size and calculates a fee. The computer is further caused to function as a rule selection means for the user to select any one of a plurality of determination rules,
3. The business photo album creation program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means creates photo album data by judging a photo arrangement configuration based on the selected judgment rule.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is recorded. A method for creating a photo album from a plurality of photo data by a programmed store-installed computer,
Reading a plurality of photo data recorded on a recording medium;
A user selecting photo data;
The user enters the number of photo album creation pages;
Creating photo album data by automatically allocating pages of photo data without excess or deficiency based on a predetermined judgment rule using the number of frames and the number of pages of photo data as well as calculating a charge corresponding to the number of pages; ,
Displaying photo album data and fees;
Outputting photo album data to an album printing section.

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