JP2014068221A - Image processing apparatus, control method thereof and control program, and album layout generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

When arranging a plurality of images on one sheet, a part of the images is not deleted.
A CPU 101 divides a plurality of images into a plurality of groups, and generates a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining the images with the same vertical and horizontal magnifications for each of the groups. The CPU recursively combines a plurality of rectangles to generate one rectangle including a plurality of images as a layout rectangle. When one of the plurality of images is selected as the specific image, the CPU determines whether the specific image is arranged to be the largest relative to the remaining images in the layout rectangle. When it is arranged in the largest size, the layout rectangle is determined as the paper layout.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on a single sheet, a control method thereof, a control program, and an album layout generation apparatus. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that lays out a large image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus that performs printing by laying out a plurality of images on a single sheet is known. In such an image processing apparatus, there is an apparatus in which a plurality of images are not only equally allocated to one sheet, but also the size, position, and angle of the images are randomly arranged.

  For example, when a plurality of images are arranged and printed on one sheet of paper, one template is selected from templates defined in advance based on the shape and importance of these images, and one template is used using the template. There is one in which a plurality of images are arranged on a sheet (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-50528 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to finely adjust the layout of the image finally applied to the template based on the aspect ratio of the image. For this reason, in some cases, a part of the image may be deleted.

  Also, when trying to determine the layout of a photo album, a plurality of images are laid out on a plurality of pages, but only a title or the like is laid out on the cover of the photo album.

  Therefore, for example, when the shooting period of an image arranged in a layout is long, it is difficult for the user to imagine what the content of the photo album is just by looking at the cover. .

  Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method therefor, and a control program in which a part of the image is not deleted when a plurality of images are arranged on one sheet. There is.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an album layout generation apparatus that can easily imagine the contents of a photo album by simply looking at the cover of the photo album.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on a sheet of paper, divides the plurality of images into a plurality of groups, An image combining unit that generates a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining the images at the same vertical and horizontal magnifications, and a plurality of rectangles generated by the image combining unit are combined recursively, Rectangle generating means for generating a rectangle including an image according to the paper as a layout rectangle, and when at least one of the plurality of images is selected as a specific image, the specific image is displayed in the layout rectangle. Determining means for determining whether or not the image is arranged to be the largest with respect to the remaining image; and the specific image is the largest in the layout rectangle When to is arranged, and having a layout determination means for determining the layout rectangle as sheet layout.

  A control method according to the present invention is a control method for an image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on a single sheet, and divides the plurality of images into a plurality of groups, and the images are vertically and horizontally divided into each of the groups. An image combining step for generating a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining at the same magnification, and a single rectangle including the plurality of images by recursively combining the plurality of rectangles generated in the image combining step. Generating a rectangle corresponding to the sheet as a layout rectangle, and when at least one of the plurality of images is selected as a specific image, the specific image is compared with the remaining images in the layout rectangle. A determination step for determining whether or not the image is arranged at a maximum size, and the specific image is arranged at a maximum size in the layout rectangle When being characterized by having a layout determination step of determining the layout rectangle as sheet layout.

  A control program according to the present invention is a control program used in an image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on a single sheet, and divides the plurality of images into a plurality of groups in a computer included in the image processing apparatus. An image combining step for generating a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining the images at the same vertical and horizontal magnifications for each of the groups, and recursively combining the plurality of rectangles generated in the image combining step. A rectangle generation step for generating a rectangle including the plurality of images as a layout rectangle according to the paper, and when at least one of the plurality of images is selected as the specific image, the specific image A determination step of determining whether or not is arranged to be the largest in the layout rectangle with respect to the remaining image; When the specific image is located in the largest in the layout rectangle, characterized in that to execute a layout determination step of determining the layout rectangle as sheet layout.

  An album layout generation apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described image processing apparatus and layout means for laying out and arranging the plurality of images on a plurality of pages of the album, and the image processing apparatus includes a cover of the album A layout rectangle including the plurality of images is generated as one sheet.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of images are arranged on one sheet, a part of the image is not deleted, and a specific image can be arranged largely.

  Further, according to the present invention, the user can easily imagine the contents just by looking at the cover of the photo album.

1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process performed by the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart for explaining frame placement calculation shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for further describing the reference size of the frame described in FIG. 3, in which (a) is an example of an image in which the width of the reference size is equal to the width of the image and the height of the reference size is equal to the height of the image; FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which the width of the reference size is equal to the height of the image, and the height of the reference size is equal to the width of the image. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of this image. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process of resizing a main rectangle in accordance with the paper layout shown in FIG. 3, where (a) is when the width of the rectangle ÷ the height of the rectangle ≦ the width of the paper layout ÷ the height of the paper layout. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the adjustment when rectangle width ÷ rectangle height> paper layout width ÷ paper layout height. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of couple | bonding a some rectangle so that the aspect-ratio may not be destroyed, and producing | generating a new rectangle. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of the method of couple | bonding a some rectangle so that the aspect-ratio may not be destroyed, and producing | generating a new rectangle. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | generation of the 0th-order main rectangle shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | generation of a subrectangle shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic layout during printing executed by the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the production | generation of the conventional photo album layout. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout determined in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photo album layout created in accordance with the photo album layout generation described in FIG. 11, (a) is a diagram illustrating a cover, and (b) to (f) are the contents of the photo album. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | generation of the photo album layout performed with the album layout production | generation apparatus which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the photo album layout produced according to the photo album layout production | generation demonstrated in FIG. 14, (a) is a figure which shows a cover, (b)-(f) shows the content of a photo album, respectively. FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the cover shown to Fig.15 (a).

  Hereinafter, an example of an image processing apparatus and an album layout generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The illustrated image processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 includes an internal storage device 102, a memory 103, a display control unit 104, an operation unit 105, an image input unit 106, an image processing unit 107, via an internal bus 111. And connected to the printing unit 108. As a result, data can be transmitted / received to / from each other via the internal bus 111. In the illustrated example, a display 110 is connected to the display control unit 104, and an external storage medium 122, an external communication device 121, and a network (NET) 120 are connected to the image input unit 106.

  The built-in storage device 102 stores image data, other data, and various programs that operate on the CPU 101. For example, a RAM is used as the memory 103, and the CPU 101 controls the image processing apparatus 100 using the memory 103 as a work memory in accordance with a program stored in the internal storage device 102.

  The operation unit 105 receives a user operation, generates an operation signal corresponding to the user operation, and sends the operation signal to the CPU 101. For example, the operation unit 105 includes a character information input device such as a keyboard that is an input device that receives a user operation, a pointing device such as a mouse and a touch panel, an operation button, and the like.

  The touch panel is an input device that outputs coordinate information according to the contact position of a planarly configured input unit.

  The CPU 101 controls the image processing apparatus 100 based on an operation signal output from the operation unit 105 according to a user operation, and causes the image processing apparatus 100 to perform an operation according to the user operation.

  The display control unit 104 outputs a display signal for displaying an image on the display 110 under the control of the CPU 101. Specifically, when the CPU 101 sends a display control signal to the display control unit 104, the display control unit 104 generates a display signal corresponding to the display control signal and outputs it to the display 110. For example, the display control unit 104 displays a GUI screen constituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the display 110 based on the display control signal.

  When a touch panel is used as the operation unit 105, the operation unit 105 and the display 110 can be configured integrally. At this time, the touch panel is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of the display 110 so that the transmittance of the touch panel does not interfere with the display on the display 110. Then, the input coordinates on the touch panel are associated with the display coordinates on the display 110. As a result, the user can configure a GUI that can directly operate the screen displayed on the display 110.

  The image input device 106 is loaded with an external storage medium 122 such as a CD, a DVD, and a memory card. The image input device 106 is a drive device that reads data from the external storage medium 122 and writes data to the external storage medium 122 under the control of the CPU 101.

  Further, the image input device 106 is also used as a communication interface for communicating with a network 120 such as a LAN or the Internet and an external communication device 121 such as a mobile phone and a digital camera under the control of the CPU 101.

  The image processing unit 107 performs resize processing and color conversion processing such as predetermined image interpolation processing and reduction processing on the image data acquired from the internal storage device 102 or the image input device 106, and the printing unit 108 An image conversion process is performed for conversion into a processable format. The printing unit 108 performs printing according to the image data processed by the image processing unit 107.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a printing process performed by the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  When performing the printing process, first, the user operates the operation unit 105 to select a paper size to be printed (step S1001). This paper size selection may be performed by mounting a paper to be printed on the image processing apparatus 100.

  Subsequently, the user operates the operation unit 105 to select a paper layout called “automatic layout” described later (step S1002). Here, the user may be allowed to select whether the long side direction of the paper is up or the short side direction is up.

  Subsequently, the user operates the operation unit 105 to select a plurality of images desired to be printed from the image group stored in the internal storage device 102 (or the image input unit 106) (step S1003). At this time, the user may perform a trimming setting for designating a desired print range for each image and a rotation setting for designating the upward direction of printing.

  Subsequently, the user selects an image (referred to as a main image) to be printed with the largest size among the plurality of images selected in step S1003 (step S1004). In selecting the main image, not only the operation by the user but also automatic selection may be made according to the result of image analysis or incidental information (also referred to as accompanying information) added to the image.

  Next, the user operates the operation unit 105 to input a print instruction (step S1005). When a print instruction is input, the image processing apparatus 100 starts print processing for printing a plurality of images on one sheet (step S1006).

  When the printing process is started, the CPU 101 executes frame arrangement calculation described later on a plurality of images selected by the user (step S1007). Note that the frame arrangement refers to the position and size of each image on the paper.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 109 according to the frame layout calculated in step S1007, and generates print data corresponding to the image read from the internal storage device 102 by the image processing unit 109 (step S1008). . The printing unit 108 prints a plurality of images on a single sheet according to the print data under the control of the CPU 101.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the frame arrangement calculation shown in FIG.

  When the frame placement calculation is started, the CPU 101 searches the internal storage device 102 or the image input unit 106 for N images (N is an integer of 2 or more) selected by the user, and the reference size of the frame corresponding to each image. Is acquired (step S2001). Here, the frame standard size is an initial value of the frame width and height used for frame arrangement calculation, and refers to the width and height when images corresponding to each frame are aligned in the head direction. The reference frame size will be described later.

  When the frame reference size is acquired, the CPU 101 checks an image corresponding to a frame having an aspect ratio related to the same reference size as the aspect ratio related to the reference size of the frame corresponding to the main image (step S2002).

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 initializes the image order (step S2003). The image order is determined according to the order selected by the user. Alternatively, the image order may be determined according to the image file name or its accompanying information. In determining the image order, the main image is always arranged first (first).

  Next, the CPU 101 generates a 0th-order main rectangle from N images as described later (step S2004). Here, the main rectangle means a rectangle generated by x images (x is an integer of 2 or more) including the main image.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 resizes the main rectangle generated in step S2004 at the same aspect ratio in accordance with the paper layout, and generates a layout for the print data as described later (step S2005).

  The CPU 101 evaluates the image layout according to the margin amount of the layout generated in step S2005 and the ratio of the sizes of the frames (step S2006). Then, the CPU determines whether or not the image layout is acceptable (step S2007), and if the image layout determination is OK (YES in step S2007), the CPU 101 ends the frame layout calculation.

  On the other hand, if the image layout determination is NG (NO in step S2007), the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S2004 and redoes the generation of the main rectangle.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the reference size of the frame described in FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which the width of the reference size is equal to the width of the image, and the height of the reference size is equal to the height of the image. FIG. 4B is a width of the reference size. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which the height of the image is equal and the height of the reference size is equal to the width of the image. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of an image when trimming setting is performed by the user.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the rotation information that is accompanying information of the image or the rotation information specified by the user in step S1003 shown in FIG. 3 is 0 degree or 180 degrees, and further trimming by the user in step S1003. Settings are not made. In this case, the width of the reference size = the width of the image, and the height of the reference size = the height of the image.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the rotation information is 90 degrees or 270 degrees, and the trimming setting by the user is not performed in step S1003. In this case, the width of the reference size = the height of the image, and the height of the reference size = the width of the image.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the rotation information is 0 degree or 180 degrees, and the trimming setting by the user is performed in step S1003. In this case, the width of the reference size = the width of trimming, and the height of the reference size = the height of trimming.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the process of resizing the main rectangle in accordance with the paper layout shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing adjustment when the width of the rectangle ÷ the height of the rectangle ≦ the width of the paper layout ÷ the height of the paper layout. FIG. 5B shows the width of the rectangle ÷ the rectangular shape. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating adjustment when height> width of paper layout / height of paper layout.

In FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the width of the rectangle, the height of the rectangle, the width of the paper layout, and the height of the paper layout are in the relationship of the following equation (1).
Rectangular width (Rect Width) ÷ Rectangle height (Rect High) ≦ Paper layout width (Layout Width) ÷ Paper layout height (Layout Height) (1)

In this case, the width and height of the rectangle are multiplied by (the height of the paper layout / the height of the rectangle (Layout Height / Rect High)) so that the height of the rectangle matches the height of the paper layout. Further, the amount WP represented by the following equation (2) in the x direction (horizontal direction, that is, the width direction of the paper) is arranged so that the rectangle is arranged at the center of the paper layout. Just move.
WP = (width of paper layout−width of resized rectangle) ÷ 2 (2)

In FIG. 5B, it is assumed that the width of the rectangle, the height of the rectangle, the width of the paper layout, and the height of the paper layout are in the relationship of the following equation (3).
Rectangular width (Rect Width) / Rectangle height (Rect High)> Paper layout width (Layout Width) ÷ Paper layout height (Layout Height) (3)

In this case, the width and height are multiplied by (paper layout width ÷ rectangle width) so that the width of the rectangle matches the width of the paper layout. Further, the amount represented by the following expression (4) in the y direction (vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the paper) is arranged so that the rectangle is arranged at the center of the paper layout. Move by HP.
HP = (height of the paper layout-height of the resized rectangle) / 2 (4)

  By performing the above-described processing, a plurality of images selected by the user can be laid out with no gaps other than the top and bottom or left and right margins with respect to the paper layout.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for generating a new rectangle by combining a plurality of rectangles without breaking the aspect ratio.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, two rectangles are arranged in the vertical direction. Each of these two rectangles may be one frame, or a plurality of frames may be combined into one rectangle.

  One of the two rectangles is set as a reference rectangle and the other is set as an additional rectangle. The width of the reference rectangle is W, the height of the reference rectangle is H, the width of the additional rectangle is w, and the height of the additional rectangle is h. Here, when the additional rectangle is resized by W / w times, the width of the reference rectangle = the width of the resized additional rectangle.

  When the coordinates of the additional rectangle are set to (the X coordinate of the reference rectangle, the Y coordinate + H of the reference rectangle), the additional rectangle is arranged below the reference rectangle. Further, when the coordinates of the additional rectangle are set as (the X coordinate of the reference rectangle, the Y coordinate of the reference rectangle−the height of the resized additional rectangle), the additional image is arranged on the reference rectangle.

  In this way, after resizing the additional rectangle and moving in the Y direction (height direction) by an amount of (W / w) × h, the width of the rectangle defined by the reference rectangle and the additional rectangle = the width of the reference rectangle (W), and the height = (height of the reference rectangle + height of the resized additional rectangle) = H + (W / w) × h.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of a technique for generating a new rectangle by combining a plurality of rectangles without breaking the aspect ratio.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, two rectangles are arranged in the horizontal direction. As described in FIG. 6, one rectangle is set as a reference rectangle and the other rectangle is set as an additional rectangle. Here, the additional rectangle is resized by (H / h) times. The height of the reference rectangle = the height of the resized additional rectangle.

  If the coordinates of the additional rectangle are set as (reference rectangle X coordinate + reference rectangle W, reference rectangle Y coordinate), the additional rectangle is arranged to the right of the reference rectangle. If the coordinates of the additional rectangle are set as (reference rectangle X coordinate-resized additional rectangle width, reference rectangle Y coordinate), the additional rectangle is arranged on the left of the reference rectangle.

  After resizing the additional rectangle in this way, when the amount of (H / h) × w is moved in the X direction (width direction), the width of the rectangle defined by the reference rectangle and the additional rectangle = (width of the reference rectangle) + Resized additional rectangle width) = W + (H / h) × w, and the height = the rectangle of the reference rectangle height (H).

  Even when the reference rectangle and the additional rectangle are composed of a plurality of frames, if the resizing process and the moving process are performed by resizing and moving at the same magnification in the vertical and horizontal directions as described above, there is no gap between the frames arranged inside the rectangle. Can keep.

  That is, if the coordinates of the frames in the additional rectangle are (xi, yi) and the widths and heights of the frames in the additional rectangle are wi and hi, respectively, the coordinates of the frames after vertical combination in the example shown in FIG. xi × W / w, H + yi × W / w), and the width and height are (wi × W / w) and (hi × W / w), respectively. Further, when moving in the Y direction by (W / w) × h, the coordinates of the frame are (xi × W / w, yi × W / w), and the width and height are (wi × W / w) and (Hi × W / w). Here, the subscript i indicates the number of frames.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the coordinates of the frame after the horizontal combination are (W + xi × H / h, yi × H / h), and the width and height are (wi × H / h) and (hi × H / h), respectively. ) Further, when moving in the X direction by (H / h) × w, the coordinates of the frame are (xi × H / h, yi × H / h), and the width and height are (wi × H / h) and (Hi × H / h).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining generation of the zeroth-order main rectangle shown in FIG. Note that the processing according to the illustrated flowchart is performed by the CPU 101 shown in FIG. Since the flow of generating the main rectangle is performed recursively, the generation of the i-th order main rectangle from X images will be described.

  When generation of the main rectangle is started, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of images X = 1 (step S3001). If X = 1 (YES in step S3001), the CPU 101 assumes that the image is only the main image, and sets the size of the i-th main rectangle = the size of the main image and the position (coordinates) of the i-th main rectangle. ) = (0, 0) (step S3002). Then, the CPU 101 ends the generation of the main rectangle.

  If X is not 1 (NO in step S3001), the CPU 101 classifies (divides) the X images into two groups of x and y (= X−x) (step S3003). The images are arranged in a predetermined order, and the images classified into x groups are included in the X images, and are the first (first) to xth images in the image order.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 recursively generates (i + 1) the next main rectangle using x images (step S3004). Then, the CPU 101 generates a (i + 1) -th sub-rectangle described later using y images (step S3005). The sub-rectangle is a rectangle generated from frames corresponding to y images that do not include the main image.

  (I + 1) After generating the next main rectangle and sub-rectangle, the CPU 101 combines the two rectangles in the direction determined by a specific rule using the method described in FIGS. 6 and 7 (step S3006). Here, the specific rule may be random, or may be a rule based on the number of images X or the hierarchy i.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the frame corresponding to the main image is the largest in the generated combined rectangle (step S3007). When the frame corresponding to the main image is arranged with the largest size (YES in step S3007), CPU 101 determines the combined rectangle as the main rectangle (layout rectangle) and ends the generation of the main rectangle.

  On the other hand, if the frame corresponding to the main image is not the largest and arranged (NO in step S3007), CPU 101 determines that the aspect ratio of the reference size of the image corresponding to the largest frame among the combined rectangles (maximum image) is the same. It is determined whether or not the aspect ratio of the reference size of the main image frame is the same (step S3008). If the aspect ratio is the same (YES in step S3008), CPU 101 switches the position and size of the image corresponding to the largest frame and the main image (step S3009). Then, the CPU 101 ends the generation of the main rectangle.

  If the aspect ratios are not the same (NO in step S3008), that is, if replacement is impossible, the CPU 101 changes the order (image order) of the other images (that is, the image of (X-1)) excluding the main image. Shuffle is performed (step S3010). Then, the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S3003 to redo the generation of the i-th main rectangle. Here, the CPU 101 groups the images after shuffling (after change) as described above.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining generation of the sub-rectangle shown in FIG. Since the flow of generating the sub-rectangle is recursively performed, generation of the j-th sub-rectangle from Y images will be described.

  When the generation of the sub-rectangle is started, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of images Y = 1 (step S4001). If Y = 1 (YES in step S4001), the CPU 101 determines the j-th sub-rectangle. The size is set to the reference size of the corresponding image and is initialized to the position (coordinates) of the j-th sub-rectangle = (0, 0) (step S4002). Then, the CPU 101 ends the generation of the sub rectangle.

  If Y is not 1 (NO in step S4001), the CPU 101 classifies Y images into x and y (= Yx) groups (step S4003). Here, x and y are two integers whose difference is 1 or less. The images classified into x groups are the images from the beginning to x images among the Y images.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 recursively generates (j + 1) -th sub-rectangle using x images (step S4004). Similarly, the CPU 101 generates a (j + 1) -th sub-rectangle using y images (step S4005).

  After generating two (j + 1) -th sub-rectangles, the CPU 101 combines the two sub-rectangles in a direction determined by a specific rule using the method described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 (step S4006). Here, the specific rule may be random, or may be a rule based on the number of images Y or the hierarchy j.

  In this way, when processing is performed in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8, and 9, a plurality of images selected by the user have gaps other than the top and bottom or left and right margins with respect to the paper layout. Can be arranged without. Furthermore, a specific main image is arranged larger than the paper layout so that the user can enjoy it as a single photograph after printing.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an automatic layout at the time of printing executed by the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, an image selected by the user in a rectangle in which at least one of the long side or the short side matches a rectangle specified by the paper layout indicated by the broken line is randomly selected and a specific image ( The main image is printed with the largest layout.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when arranging a plurality of images on one sheet, a part of the image is not deleted, and a specific image can be arranged large. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, an example of an album layout generation apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The configuration of the album layout generation apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, the album layout generation device is referred to as an image processing device.

  The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment generates a photo album layout. Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the second embodiment, first, generation of a conventional photo album layout will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of generation of a conventional photo album layout. In the following description, it is assumed that the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the generation of the photo album layout is started, the user selects an image to be printed on the cover from the images displayed on the display 110 using the operation unit 105 (step S5001). Subsequently, the user inputs the title of the photo album using the operation unit 105 (step S5002). The CPU 101 determines the position of the selected cover image and title using a predetermined template.

  Next, the user designates the number of pages of the photo album to be printed using the operation unit 105 (step S5003). Then, the user selects a plurality of images used in the photo album from the images displayed on the display 110 using the operation unit 105 (step S5004). Here, the CPU 101 determines the upper limit and the lower limit of the number of selectable images according to the number of pages specified in step S5003.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines the layout by dividing the image selected in step S5004 into the number of pages specified in step S5003 (step S5005). Then, the CPU 101 ends the photo album layout generation.

  Note that the layout determined in step 5005 may be created by the user, and further, the layout determined automatically may be allowed to be edited by the user.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the layout determined in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the image selected in step S5004 is divided and arranged in the number of pages specified in step S5003. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the image is arranged across two spread pages. You may do it. That is, in FIG. 12, the images 1202 and 1203 are arranged on one page, but the image 1201 is arranged across two pages of spread.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photo album layout created in accordance with the photo album layout generation described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is a view showing a cover, and FIGS. 13B to 13F are views showing the contents of the photo album.

  In FIG. 13, one image is laid out from page 4 to page 5 shown in FIG. By the way, the illustrated photo album is a one-year memory and its long period (span) is long. In the case of such a photo album, it is difficult to imagine what the content is just by looking at the cover.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining generation of a photo album layout performed by the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the generation of the photo album layout is started, the user inputs the title of the photo album using the operation unit 105 (step S6001). Next, the user designates the number of pages of the photo album to be printed using the operation unit 105 (step S6002). Then, the user uses the operation unit 105 to select a plurality of images used in the photo album from the images displayed on the display 110 (step S6003). Here, the CPU 101 determines the upper limit and the lower limit of the number of selectable images according to the number of pages specified in step S5003.

  Subsequently, the CPU 101 determines the layout by dividing the image selected in step S6003 into the number of pages specified in step S6002 (step S6004). Next, the CPU 101 generates a cover layout using all the images (step S6005).

  In step S6005, the layout of one cover page is executed using the method described in the first embodiment. Here, the selection of the main image is not selected by the user. For example, the CPU 101 selects the largest image in the photo album layout determined in step S6004 as the main image. This saves the user from having to select the main image.

  After determining the cover layout, the CPU 101 determines the position of the title input in step S6001 on the cover (step S6006). Then, the CPU 101 ends the photo album layout generation. When determining the position of the title, the CPU 101 determines the position so that the title does not cover the position of the main image in the layout determined in step S6005.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a photo album layout created in accordance with the photo album layout generation described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A is a view showing the cover, and FIGS. 15B to 15F are views showing the contents of the photo album. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the cover shown in FIG.

  15 and 16, one image is laid out from page 4 to page 5 shown in FIG. In addition, all images are laid out on the cover, the main image (representative image) is maximized, and a position that does not overlap with the title “memory for one year in 2010” is arranged.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the representative image (main image) is arranged to be the largest on the cover of the photo album layout, and the title is arranged so as not to cover the representative image. The

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the user can easily imagine the contents of the photo album with a glance at the cover.

  As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 101 functions as an image combining unit, a rectangle generating unit, a determining unit, and a layout determining unit. The CPU 101 also functions as a correction unit and a change unit. Further, the CPU 101 functions as a layout unit, a selection unit, and an arrangement determination unit.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various forms of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also contained in this invention. .

  For example, the function of the above embodiment may be used as a control method, and this control method may be executed by the image processing apparatus. In addition, a program having the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control program, and the control program may be executed by a computer included in the image processing apparatus. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example.

  Each of the above control method and control program has at least an image combining step, a rectangle generation step, a determination step, and a layout determination step.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various recording media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. To be executed.

101 CPU
102 Internal Storage Device 103 Memory 104 Image Control Unit 105 Operation Unit 106 Image Input Unit 107 Image Processing Unit 108 Printing Unit 110 Display 111 Internal Bus

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on a single sheet of paper,
Image combining means for generating a plurality of rectangles by dividing the plurality of images into a plurality of groups, and scaling and combining the images with the same vertical and horizontal magnification for each of the groups;
Rectangle generating means for recursively combining a plurality of rectangles generated by the image combining means, and generating one rectangle including the plurality of images as a layout rectangle according to the paper;
Determining means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of images is selected as a specific image, the specific image is arranged to be the largest relative to the remaining images in the layout rectangle; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a layout determining unit that determines the layout rectangle as a paper layout when the specific image is arranged to be the largest in the layout rectangle. If the specific image is not positioned at the largest position in the layout rectangle, the determination unit expands the specific image to the position of the largest image arranged largest among the remaining images. Determine whether it can be placed,
When the determination unit determines that the specific image and the maximum image can be interchanged, the specific image is replaced with the maximum image to enlarge the specific image, and the layout rectangle is corrected. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correcting unit configured to perform correction.   3. The determination unit according to claim 2, wherein when the aspect ratio of the specific image and the maximum image is the same, the determination unit determines that the specific image and the maximum image are interchangeable. The image processing apparatus described. The plurality of images are arranged in a predetermined order;
The image combining means performs grouping by selecting in order from the first image in the order,
When the determination unit determines that the specific image and the maximum image cannot be exchanged, the determination unit includes a changing unit that shuffles the order of the remaining images except the specific image and changes the order. And
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image combining unit performs grouping of the images according to a changed order. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Layout means for laying out and arranging the plurality of images on a plurality of pages of the album,
The image processing apparatus generates the layout rectangle including the plurality of images by using the cover of the album as the sheet of paper.   6. The album layout generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image processing apparatus includes a selection unit that selects an image arranged largest in the plurality of pages as the specific image.   6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an arrangement determining unit that determines an arrangement of the title so that the title does not overlap the specific image on the cover when the title is laid out on the cover. Or the album layout production | generation apparatus of 6. An image processing apparatus control method for laying out a plurality of images on a single sheet of paper,
An image combining step of dividing the plurality of images into a plurality of groups, generating a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining the images with the same vertical and horizontal magnification for each of the groups;
A rectangle generating step of recursively combining a plurality of rectangles generated in the image combining step and generating one rectangle including the plurality of images as a layout rectangle according to the paper;
A determination step of determining whether at least one of the plurality of images is selected as a specific image and whether the specific image is arranged to be the largest with respect to the remaining images in the layout rectangle; ,
And a layout determining step of determining the layout rectangle as a paper layout when the specific image is arranged to be the largest in the layout rectangle. A control program used in an image processing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images on one sheet of paper,
A computer included in the image processing apparatus,
An image combining step of dividing the plurality of images into a plurality of groups, generating a plurality of rectangles by scaling and combining the images with the same vertical and horizontal magnification for each of the groups;
A rectangle generating step of recursively combining a plurality of rectangles generated in the image combining step and generating one rectangle including the plurality of images as a layout rectangle according to the paper;
A determination step of determining whether at least one of the plurality of images is selected as a specific image and whether the specific image is arranged to be the largest with respect to the remaining images in the layout rectangle; ,
A control program for executing a layout determining step for determining the layout rectangle as a paper layout when the specific image is arranged to be the largest in the layout rectangle.

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