Information processor, control method thereof, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, a control method thereof, and a program that allows a user to recognize that reproduction data can be referenced.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer of an information processor to function as: output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing a layout of a layout editing application to a storage destination; generating means for generating an image file related to a layout; first adding means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generating means; and second adding means for adding specific information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various layout editing applications that allow you to lay out objects such as images, text, or shapes to create design content such as posters, flyers, photo albums, etc. Design content created with layout editing applications can be printed and posted, or saved as an image file and then published on a web page or social networking site.

[0003] Some layout editing applications can save layout reproduction data as external data (external files). Typically, such external data is in a file format specific to the application, and the file extension is also specific to the application. Therefore, to check the layout contents, it is necessary to open it in the respective application. On the other hand, if the layout contents are output as a commonly used image file such as JPEG, the layout can be viewed using an image viewer application included with a typical operating system (OS).

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method for saving application reproduction data by saving a screen capture image and the reproduction data itself on a server and recording the URL of the destination for the reproduction data in the metadata of the captured image. According to the method of Patent Document 1, the screen state at the time the data was saved can be seen by viewing the captured image, and the reproduction data can be downloaded by referencing the URL in the metadata. Using this method in a layout editing application also makes it possible to output an image file that allows easy viewing of layout content and reference of layout reproduction data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-29509 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology in Patent Document 1 makes it impossible to distinguish between an image file that can reference reproduction data and an image file that simply outputs layout content. For example, if both are saved in the same folder, they are the same image file, so they are indistinguishable in appearance. This makes it difficult to select a file when you want to reference reproduction data to reproduce a layout in a layout editing application.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to make users aware that they can refer to reproduction data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer of an information processing device to function as an output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of a layout editing application to a storage destination, a generation means for generating an image file related to the layout, a first addition means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generation means, and a second addition means for adding specific information identifying the layout editing application to the image file. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the user can recognize that reproduction data can be referenced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an editing screen of a layout editing application. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output process of an image file. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image file. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout reproduction process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for displaying a file list. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a file list being displayed. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output process of an image file. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a layout reproduction process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for editing an icon. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for editing an icon. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for editing an icon. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an icon. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an icon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> <Information Processing System> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 200 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 200 includes an information processing device 1, an external server 100, and a network 50.

[0013] The information processing device 1 includes a ROM 10, a RAM 11, and a CPU 12. The information processing device 1 also includes a monitor 2, a printer 3, an input device 4, a storage device 5, and an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to a network 50. The CPU 12 is a central processing unit and controls the entire information processing device 1 by executing an OS stored in the storage device 5, the ROM 10, or the RAM 11. The CPU 12 also executes programs stored in the ROM 10 or the RAM 11 to implement the configuration of each application installed in the information processing device 1, calculate or process information, and control and execute each hardware. The ROM 10 is a read-only memory in which each program is stored. The RAM 11 is a random access memory used as a working memory for the CPU 12. If the RAM 11 is a non-volatile RAM, each program can also be stored in the RAM 11. The programs stored in the ROM 10 or the RAM 11 may include a layout editing application 20, which will be described later.

[0014] The monitor 2 is a display device that displays images output by applications executed by the information processing device 1. The printer 3 is a device that prints out images output by applications executed by the information processing device 1. The input device 4 is a keyboard, pointing device, or touch panel for operating applications executed by the information processing device 1 and the GUI screen of the OS. The input device 4 is also an interface for importing images from an external USB memory device, an external HDD device, or the like. Some input devices are integrated with the monitor and have a touch panel configuration that allows input by directly touching the monitor. The storage device 5 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD that stores input images or various information storage files or images output by applications installed on the information processing device 1.

[0015] 1, the information processing device 1, the monitor 2, the input device 4, and the storage device 5 are shown as separate devices. However, depending on the form of the information processing device 1, these may be integrated, and the components of the information processing device 1 may include the monitor 2, the input device 4, and the storage device 5 (which may be shared with the RAM of the information processing device 1).

[0016] The information processing device 1 has a layout editing application 20 and a web browser 30. Although the layout editing application 20 is shown independently in FIG. 1 for the sake of explanation, the layout editing application 20 is a program stored in the ROM 10, the RAM 11, or the like. The layout editing application 20 program is executed by the CPU 12, causing the CPU 12 to function as the layout editing application 20. Similarly, the web browser 30 is also a program stored in the ROM 10, the RAM 11, or the like. The web browser 30 program is executed by the CPU 12, causing the CPU 12 to function as the web browser 30.

[0017] The layout editing application 20 is an application installed in the information processing device 1 and is an application for creating design content. Examples of design content include posters, flyers, and photo albums. These are content in which objects such as images, text, and figures are laid out and edited. Note that, in this embodiment, the layout editing application 20 is described using an example in which it is installed in the information processing device 1, but the layout editing application 20 may also be provided in the form of a web application that runs on a web browser.

[0018] The layout editing application 20 has a layout operation unit 21, a display control unit 22, an output unit 23, a reproduction data processing unit 24, and an application-specific information adding unit 25. The layout operation unit 21 is an operation receiving unit that receives layout operations performed by the input device 4. The display control unit 22 displays an editing user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) screen of the layout editing application 20 on the monitor 2.

[0019] The output unit 23 outputs the layout reproduction data, transfers it to a storage destination, and outputs an image file in which the contents of the layout are visualized (hereinafter referred to as a layout image file). The layout reproduction data is data for reproducing the layout being edited by the layout editing application 20, and is data that is saved as an external file of the layout editing application 20. Generally, the layout reproduction data has a file format specific to the layout editing application 20, and the file extension is also specific to the layout editing application 20.

[0020] The reproduction data processing unit 24 adds a layout reproduction data storage destination to the image output by the output unit 23, and acquires the reproduction data storage destination from the image. The application specifying information adding unit 25 adds information specifying the layout editing application to the image output by the output unit 23.

[0021] The web browser 30 browses websites on the Internet and executes web applications.

[0022] The network 50 is connected to the information processing device 1 and the external server 100, and is a communication network for transmitting information between the connected devices.

[0023] The external server 100 includes a program execution server 110, a storage server 120, and a database server 130. The external server 100 also includes an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to a network 50 such as the Internet. The program execution server 110 includes a processing unit that executes part of the processing performed by the layout editing application 20, or equivalent processing, as necessary. For example, if the layout editing application 20 is a web application, the program execution server 110 realizes the functions of the layout editing application 20. The storage server 120 stores layout reproduction data files and images transferred from the layout editing application 20 via the network 50. The database server 130 stores layout-related information, user-related information, or information to be shared between users transferred from the layout editing application 20 via the network 50. The program execution server 110, the storage server 120, and the database server 130 may be installed on physically different processing devices or on the same processing device. That is, the external server 100 may be a server system including at least one server device.

[0024] <Layout editing application> FIG. 2 illustrates an editing screen of the layout editing application 20. Icon 60 is an icon specific to the layout editing application 20. Editing area 81 is a layout editing area. Layout operations such as adjusting the position of image objects or text objects can be performed in the editing area 81. The New button 40 and the Reproduction Data Load button 41 represent button areas for selecting and managing layout content. For example, when a user presses the New button 40, the layout editing application 20 can initialize the editing area 81 and create a new layout. Note that, in this specification, "press" can include various operations such as clicking, touching, and tapping. When a user presses the Reproduction Data Load button 41, the layout editing application 20 can accept the selection of a reproduction data file to be loaded. For example, the display control unit 22 displays a list of reproduction data files in the currently selected folder on the screen, allowing the user to select a file to be loaded. When a reproduction data file is selected from the file list screen, the reproduction data processing unit 24 reproduces the layout in the editing area 81.

[0025] Buttons 70 to 73 represent an area of buttons for performing layout operations in the editing area 81. For example, when the layout editing application 20 receives a user's press of the background setting button 70, it can set a background color or background image. When the layout editing application 20 receives a user's press of the shape insertion button 71, it can insert a shape into the editing area 81. When the layout editing application 20 receives a user's press of the text insertion button 72, it can insert text into the editing area 81. When the layout editing application 20 receives a user's press of the print button 73, it can output an instruction to print to the printer 3 or a printer (not shown) connected over the network. When the layout editing application 20 receives a user's press of the save button 74, it can output the content laid out in the editing area 81 to a layout reproduction data file or an image file.

[0026] The image list area 80 is an area that displays a list of images imported into the layout editing application 20. FIG. 2 shows that three images have been imported in total. For example, when a user clicks, touches, or drags and drops a thumbnail image in the image list, the layout editing application 20 can lay out the target image in the editing area 81. The background area 90 represents the background portion of the layout. The text area 91, the graphics area 92, and the image area 93 represent the text, graphics, and images laid out in the editing area 81, respectively.

[0027] <Image file output processing> Next, the process of outputting an image file in the layout editing application 20 that allows the user to determine whether the layout reproduction data can be referenced will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an image file output process, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image file that allows a user to recognize that layout reproduction data can be referenced.

[0029] The process shown in Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 12 of the information processing device 1 reading a program stored in the ROM 10 or the storage device 5, etc., into the RAM 11 and executing it. That is, the process shown in Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 12 functioning as each part of the layout editing application 20 shown in Fig. 1. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 3 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (the same applies to flowcharts in the following specification). The flowchart in Fig. 3 is a process that starts when the user presses the save button 74 shown in Fig. 2.

[0030] In S301, the CPU 12 functioning as the output unit 23 determines whether to output layout reproduction data or a layout image based on a selection operation by the user. For example, when the save button 74 is pressed by the user, a selection screen (not shown) is displayed, and the CPU 12 can make the determination in S301 based on the selection operation received on the selection screen. If it is determined that the layout reproduction data is to be output, the CPU 12 proceeds to S302. If it is determined that the layout reproduction data is not to be output, the CPU 12 proceeds to S310.

[0031] In S310, the CPU 12, functioning as the output unit 23, renders (bitmaps) the current layout content to generate a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file. The CPU 12 then outputs the generated JPEG file (image file) to a user-specified storage area, thereby completing the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. For example, rendering can be performed using an image encoder provided in a development environment compatible with each OS if the layout editing application 20 is a native application. Alternatively, for example, rendering can be performed using a screenshot function provided in a web browser if the layout editing application 20 is a web application. The image file format is not limited to JPEG. It can be any format that can incorporate metadata and can be opened by an image viewer application provided in an OS that can run the layout editing application 20. For example, the image file generated by the layout editing application 20 can be in an image format such as PNG (Portable Network Graphics) or TIFF (Tag Image File Format). In this specification, the layout image is output in JPEG format.

[0032] The JPEG file output in S310 is image data showing the current layout contents, but it may be image data that can identify the current layout contents. In other words, it is not limited to image data that has been rendered from the layout contents, but may be image data that includes an image related to the layout contents. For example, instead of an image of the editing area 81, it may be data that has been imaged from the entire screen shown in FIG. 2. It may also be image data that includes, at least as part of the image content, an image of the image data used in the layout (image data selected in the image list area 80).

[0033] In S302, the CPU 12 functioning as the output unit 23 outputs a layout reproduction data file. The layout reproduction data may have a structure suitable for internal processing of the layout editing application 20. For example, the layout reproduction data may hold the placement coordinates, size, and decoration information of the laid out text and graphics in a predetermined format. Examples of the predetermined format include, but are not limited to, XML (Extensible Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). The layout reproduction data may also include original files of the laid out images.

[0034] In S303, the CPU 12 functioning as the output unit 23 saves the layout reproduction data file output in S302 in the storage server 120 via the network 50. The CPU 12 stores the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and file path of the destination of the layout reproduction data file in a storage area such as the RAM 11 or in an external file. The location of the layout reproduction data file may be a storage server accessible only by the layout editing application 20, or may be cloud storage designated by the user or the storage device 5 of the information processing device 1. Note that if the saved layout reproduction data file can be moved to another destination by a user operation, it is preferable that the display control unit 22 display a message not recommending that the file be moved when the saving process is completed.

[0035] In S304, the CPU 12 functioning as the output unit 23 renders the layout content and outputs a JPEG file. The process of S304 is the same as the process described in S310.

[0036] In S305, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 writes the storage destination of the reproduction data in the Exchangeable Image File Format (Exif) included in the JPEG file. For example, the CPU 12 writes the URL and file path of the storage destination stored in S303 in the UserComment (Tag: 37510) of the Exif data included in the JPEG file output in S304. Note that the location where information indicating the storage destination of the layout reproduction data is written is not limited to the UserComment of Exif. For example, the storage destination of the layout reproduction data, such as the URL and file path, may be written in a metadata area where any information can be written.

[0037] In S306, the CPU 12, functioning as the application identification information addition unit 25, adds unique information for identifying the layout editing application 20 to the JPEG image output in S304. Hereinafter, the unique information for identifying the layout editing application 20 will be referred to as application identification information. A specific example of adding application identification information will be described. The CPU 12 combines an icon 60 (see FIG. 2) unique to the layout editing application 20 on top of the bitmap data of the JPEG file output in S304, and re-encodes the JPEG file. The CPU 12 then outputs the re-encoded JPEG file to a storage area designated by the user. Note that a similar process may also be performed on thumbnail images included in the JPEG file. When the process of S306 is completed, the CPU 12 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the display content, size, and position of the icon to be superimposed on the JPEG file are assumed to be fixed. The icon may be prepared as an image file, or bitmap data may be stored in RAM 11. In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which layout reproduction data is generated and output to a storage destination, and then a JPEG file is generated and an icon is added to the JPEG file, but the processing order is not limited to this. An example in which an icon is first added to a JPEG file, and then the layout reproduction data is output to a storage destination, and the storage destination is added to the Exif of the JPEG file may also be used.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of a JPEG image in which an icon 401 specific to the layout editing application 20 is superimposed on the layout edited in Figure 2. Such a JPEG image allows the layout to be viewed using, for example, an image viewer application provided with a general OS. In this case, the presence of the icon 401 allows the user to recognize that the layout reproduction data is available for reference.

[0040] Here, as an example of adding application specific information, an example has been described in which the application specific information adding unit 25 adds an icon specific to the layout editing application 20 to a JPEG file indicating a layout. Other examples of adding application specific information will be described below.

[0041] As another example, the application specific information adding unit 25 may add a character string specific to the layout editing application 20 to the file name of the JPEG. For example, the application specific information adding unit 25 adds a character string derived from the application name, such as "_PA_", to the beginning of the file name. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize from the file name that the layout reproduction data is included in the JPEG image. Note that a character string may also be added to the end of the file name.

[0042] As another example, the application specific information adding unit 25 may set the extension of the JPEG file name to a character string specific to the layout editing application 20. For example, the application specific information adding unit 25 may set the file name extension to ".jpgpa." Alternatively, the application specific information adding unit 25 may add ".jpg" after the extension of the reproduction data file name to create ".cpfx3.jpg." Normally, when an instruction to open a file with an extension that the OS cannot recognize is received, the OS prompts the user to select an application to read the file. In this case, the user can select an image viewer application included in the OS and view the layout image via the image viewer application. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize by checking the extension that the file is an image file that can view the layout contents and that can reference the reproduction data.

[0043] The above-described various modes of adding the application specific information may be fixed in the layout editing application 20, or may be configured to allow the user to specify any mode. In the case where the user specifies any mode, the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 may include a step of specifying the mode by the user, or the user may specify the mode in advance prior to the processing in Fig. 3. The application specific information may be added in a mode that combines two or more of the above examples.

[0044] <Layout reproduction data reading process> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of layout reproduction processing. A method for reproducing a layout using an image file that can refer to layout reproduction data will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The processing shown in Fig. 5 is started when the reproduction data read button 41 in Fig. 2 is pressed and an arbitrary JPEG file is selected on the file list screen that is displayed thereafter. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the image file is described as a JPEG file, and therefore the selection of a JPEG file is also used as the trigger in this description, but the file format is not limited to JPEG.

[0045] In S501, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 refers to the UserComment of the Exif data included in the JPEG file and acquires the destination where the layout reproduction data is saved.

[0046] In S502, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 determines whether the storage destination of the reproduction data was acquired in S501. If the character string was acquired from the UserComment of the Exif data, the CPU 12 determines the result as a success. On the other hand, if the character string could not be acquired, for example, if the character string is empty or if the JPEG does not contain Exif data, the CPU 12 determines the result as a failure. If the result is a success, the CPU 12 proceeds to S503, and if the result is a failure, the CPU 12 proceeds to S510.

[0047] In S510, the CPU 12 functioning as the display control unit 22 displays a message to the effect that the layout reproduction data has not been read successfully, and then the CPU 12 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0048] In S503, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 refers to the storage location of the reproduction data acquired in S501 and acquires the layout reproduction data.

[0049] In S504, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 determines whether the layout reproduction data was acquired. If the layout reproduction data was successfully acquired from the reference destination, the CPU 12 determines that the acquisition was successful. If the layout reproduction data was not successfully acquired from the reference destination, the CPU 12 determines that the acquisition was unsuccessful. If the CPU 12 determines that the acquisition was successful, the CPU 12 proceeds to S505, and if the CPU 12 determines that the acquisition was unsuccessful, the CPU 12 proceeds to S510. The processing of S510 is as described above.

[0050] In S505, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 reads the acquired layout reproduction data and reproduces the layout on the editing screen of Fig. 2. Then, the CPU 12 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5.

[0051] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can be made aware that reproduction data can be referenced. For example, by combining information related to the layout editing application 20 with an image file showing a layout, the user can be made aware that the image file contains a reference to layout reproduction data. The information related to the layout editing application 20 may be an icon combined with the image file, or a character string added to the file name of the image file. The image file showing the layout may be moved from its initial storage location. Also, it may not be stored in a storage location specific to the layout editing application 20. Even with a type of image file that has no restrictions on file movement, the user can be made aware that the image file contains a reference to layout reproduction data by checking the image file.

[0052] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which application-specific information is assigned by processing image data (bitmap data) or a file name of a JPEG file. In this embodiment, an example is described in which an image is generated that can determine whether layout reproduction data can be referenced without processing the output image file. Note that the basic configuration is the same as the example described in the first embodiment, so the differences will be mainly described here.

[0053] <Image file output processing> The image file output process in this embodiment is a process in which the process of S306 in the flowchart of Fig. 3 is omitted. In other words, the process of adding application-specific information to the image file indicating the layout is not performed. As a result of this image file output process, a JPEG file is generated in which the save destination of the layout reproduction data is written in the UserComment of the Exif data.

[0054] <File list display process> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for displaying a file list for loading layout reproduction data. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is started when the reproduction data load button 41 in Fig. 2 is pressed and a folder for displaying a file list is selected. This folder may be a folder managed by the OS of the information processing device 1 or may be a folder in cloud storage.

[0055] In S601, the CPU 12 functioning as the display control unit 22 acquires the file paths and URLs of all JPEG files from the selected folder. While the image format in this embodiment is JPEG, as explained in the first embodiment, it may be PNG or TIFF, or a mixture of these. The following steps S602 to S606 and S610 represent the steps of processing each JPEG file one by one.

[0056] At S602, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 references the UserComment of the Exif data included in the JPEG file to acquire the destination for saving the layout reproduction data. At S603, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 determines whether the destination for saving the reproduction data was acquired at S501. The processes of S602 and S603 are the same as those of S501 and S502 in Fig. 5. If it is determined at S603 that the acquisition of the destination for saving the reproduction data was successful, the CPU 12 proceeds to S604; if it is determined that the acquisition was not successful, the CPU 12 proceeds to S610.

[0057] In S610, the CPU 12, functioning as the display control unit 22, displays the JPEG file to be processed as an image included in the file list. The JPEG file to be displayed may be the image itself, a thumbnail included in the JPEG file, or a reduced-size image. While an example of displaying an image of a JPEG file has been described in S610, the CPU 12 may not display the JPEG file in the file list in S610, making the JPEG file unselectable. The processing in FIG. 6 is performed when the reproduction data read button 41 is selected. If layout reproduction data cannot be acquired as in S610, the corresponding file may be treated as not existing in this processing.

[0058] In S604, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 checks whether layout reproduction data exists by referring to the storage destination of the reproduction data acquired in S602. If it is determined that layout reproduction data exists, the CPU 12 proceeds to S605, and if it is determined that layout reproduction data does not exist, the CPU 12 proceeds to S610.

[0059] In S605, the CPU 12 functioning as the display control unit 22 displays an image in which an icon specific to the layout editing application 20 is superimposed on the JPEG file as an image included in the file list. More specifically, the CPU 12 functioning as the application specific information adding unit 25 generates an image in which an icon specific to the layout editing application 20 is superimposed on the JPEG file to be processed. The display control unit 22 then displays the image generated by the application specific information adding unit 25 in the file list. As in the description of S610, this JPEG file may be the image itself, a thumbnail, or a reduced image. The position or size of the icon superimposed may be fixed. This processing merely changes the way the JPEG file is displayed in the file list, and does not change the image of the JPEG file itself.

[0060] In this example, an example in which an icon is combined as the application specifying information has been described, but the various forms described in S306 of the first embodiment may also be adopted. That is, the file names in the file list may be changed by the layout editing application 20, or the file names themselves may not be changed, and file names to which the application specifying information has been added may be temporarily displayed.

[0061] In S606, the CPU 12 functioning as the display control unit 22 determines whether all JPEG files have been processed. If there are any unprocessed JPEG files, the CPU 12 proceeds to S602. If all JPEG files have been processed, the CPU 12 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0062] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a file list displayed after all JPEG files have been processed. Images 701 and 703 are images displayed after the processing of S606, with icons overlapping. Image 702 is an image displayed after S610, with no icons overlapping. When either image is selected, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment is executed. When image 701 or image 703 is selected, the layout is reproduced in the layout editing application 20. When image 702 is selected, a message is displayed indicating that the reproduction data loading failed.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the user can be made aware that reproduction data can be referenced. That is, in this embodiment, application-specific information is not added to the image file itself, and when the layout editing application 20 displays the file list, the layout editing application 20 outputs the image file with the application-specific information attached. By checking the image files included in the file list, the user can be aware that the image files contain references to layout reproduction data.

[0064] <<Third Embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a JPEG file that can refer to layout reproduction data is output in a format that can be referenced by any user. Here, the JPEG file that can refer to layout reproduction data can be easily distributed to users other than the layout creator via email, cloud storage services, etc. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the layout creator can impose access control on the layout reproduction data so that only specific users can reproduce the layout. Since the basic configuration is the same as the example described in the first embodiment, a description will be omitted and the differences will be mainly described.

[0065] <Image file output processing> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an image file output process. The process of creating layout reproduction data that can be accessed by control will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The flowchart in Fig. 8 shows a process that starts when the save button 74 shown in Fig. 2 is pressed.

[0066] S801 is the same determination process as S301 in Fig. 3. If an image file is to be output instead of layout reproduction data, the CPU 12 proceeds to S810. S810 is the same process as S310 in Fig. 3. When S810 ends, the CPU 12 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. If the determination result of S801 is that layout reproduction data is to be output, the CPU 12 proceeds to S802.

[0067] In S802, the CPU 12 functioning as the display control unit 22 displays a password input form and accepts password input by the user. The subsequent steps S803 to S807 are the same as steps S302 to S306 in Fig. 3. After S807, the CPU 12 proceeds to S808.

[0068] In S808, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 uses a hash generation method such as MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5) to obtain a hash value unique to the JPEG file output in S807.

[0069] In S809, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 stores the password received in S802 and the hash value acquired in S808 as a set in the database server 130. For example, the database server 130 stores the set in a dictionary format with the hash value as a key and the password as a value. When the processing of S809 is completed, the CPU 12 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0070] <Layout reproduction data reading process> Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of layout reproduction processing. The processing for reading layout reproduction data to which access control has been applied will be explained using the flowchart in Fig. 9. The flowchart in Fig. 9 shows processing that starts when the reproduction data read button 41 in Fig. 2 is pressed and a JPEG file is selected on the file list screen.

[0071] In S901, the display control unit 22 displays a password input form and accepts password input by the user. The subsequent steps S902 to S905 are the same as steps S501 to S504 in Fig. 5. If it is determined in S905 that acquisition of layout reproduction data has been successful, the CPU 12 proceeds to S906.

[0072] In S906, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 uses MD5 to obtain the hash value of the JPEG file to be processed, which was selected at the start of the processing of FIG.

[0073] In S907, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 obtains the password that is paired with the hash value obtained in S907 from the database server 130. For example, if the data was stored in dictionary format in S809, the reproduction data processing unit 24 can obtain the password from the database server 130 by using the hash value as a key. If the hash value cannot be obtained, the password value is stored as an empty string or NULL.

[0074] In S908, the CPU 12 functioning as the reproduction data processing unit 24 determines whether the password received in S901 matches the password acquired in S907. If neither password is an empty string or NULL and the character strings of both passwords match, the CPU 12 proceeds to S909; otherwise, the CPU 12 proceeds to S910. S910 is the same process as S510 in FIG. 5. In S910 of this embodiment, in addition to displaying a message that the layout reproduction data has failed to be read, it is preferable to also display a message that the password is invalid.

[0075] S909 is the same process as 505 in Fig. 5. That is, the layout is reflected on the edit screen in Fig. 2. When the process of S909 is completed, the CPU 12 ends the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to control access rights to use layout reproduction data. Therefore, only users who know the password that was assigned when an image file showing the layout was output can remove the access restrictions and reproduce the layout using the layout reproduction data.

[0077] Note that the method for allowing only users who know the password to reproduce the layout is not limited to the example described in this embodiment. It is sufficient if the password and the JPEG file, or the password and the layout reproduction data, can be linked. While the example of linking the JPEG file and the password has been described in this embodiment, the layout reproduction data file and the password may also be linked. For example, in S808 and S906, the layout editing application 20 may acquire a hash value of the layout reproduction data.

[0078] As another example, the layout reproduction data may be encrypted and saved using a method such as AES256 with a password as a key. One example is a method of saving the layout reproduction data as a password-protected ZIP file. When saving the layout, the data may be converted into a ZIP file using the password received in S802, and when loading the JPEG, the layout may be reproduced if the ZIP file can be decompressed using the password received in S901.

[0079] Although this embodiment has been described based on the example described in the first embodiment, a form in which a password is assigned based on the example described in the second embodiment may also be used. That is, in the image file output process, the process of S807 in Fig. 8 is skipped. Then, in the process of displaying the file list, the process described in the second embodiment is performed, and thereafter, if a JPEG file is selected, the process shown in Fig. 9 may be performed.

[0080] <<Fourth Embodiment>> In the embodiments described above, examples have been described in which the content, display position, size, etc. of the icon indicating that the JPEG file is a JPEG capable of referencing layout reproduction data are fixed. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the icon to be combined with the JPEG image or the icon to be superimposed on it is not fixed, but can be changed as appropriate by the user. Since the basic configuration, etc. is the same as the examples described in the embodiments described above, a description will be omitted here, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for editing an icon. FIG. 10 shows a UI screen 1000 for setting the position, size, and rotation direction of an icon to be superimposed on a JPEG image. A preview screen 1001 shows a preview of the content currently being laid out. An icon 1002 is an icon specific to the layout editing application 20. In this example, the icon is the same as that described in the first embodiment. A mark 1003 is a mark for changing the rotation direction of the icon. The rotation direction is determined by dragging the mark 1003. A mark 1004 is a mark for changing the size. The size and aspect ratio of the icon are changed by dragging the mark 1004. An area 1005 is a rectangular area that encompasses the icon 1002. The position of the icon 1002 is moved by dragging the edge of or within the area 1005. An area 1006 is an area showing a button for determining the changes to the icon and closing the UI screen 1000. The UI screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may be configured to open during layout editing in the layout editing application 20, or may be configured to open during a save operation of layout reproduction data.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for editing an icon. Another editing example will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the size of an icon is determined according to the size, such as the number of vertical or horizontal pixels, of an image showing a layout (layout image). For example, the vertical size of the icon is determined to be 1 / H of the vertical size H of the layout image, and the horizontal size of the icon is determined to be 1 / W of the horizontal size W of the layout image, and the icon is adjusted to a constant size relative to the layout image size. Note that, during adjustment, the aspect ratio of the icon may be fixed, or may be configured to be the same as the aspect ratio of the layout image.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for editing an icon. Another example will be described using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a UI screen 1200 for selecting and editing an icon itself. The UI screen 1200 has an icon editing area 1201. An icon 1202 to be edited is displayed in the editing area 1201. Buttons 1211 to 1213 represent an area of buttons for performing layout operations in the editing area 1201. For example, the text insert button 1211 is a button for receiving an instruction to insert text into the editing area 1201. The image insert button 1212 is a button for receiving an instruction to insert an image into the editing area 1201. The shape insert button 1213 is a button for receiving an instruction to insert a shape into the editing area 1201. The icon change button 1214 is a button for receiving an instruction to change the icon. A shape 1291 is inserted based on the pressing of the shape insert button 1213.

[0084] For example, when the icon change button 1214 is pressed, the layout editing application 20 displays an image selection screen and can change the image of the icon 1202 to an image selected by the user. It is preferable that the selected image has content that indicates that it is a reproduction data file of the layout editing application 20. Area 1215 is a button for confirming the icon editing content and closing the UI screen 1200. The UI screen 1200 may be configured to open during layout editing in the layout editing application 20, or may be configured to open during a save operation of the layout reproduction data. Although not shown on the UI screen 1200, the UI screen 1200 may also include editing functions provided by the layout editing application 20. Editing functions include, for example, image trimming, making a portion of a region transparent, replacing a specific color with another color, or freehand line drawing or fill drawing.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of an icon. FIG. 13 shows an example in which version information of the layout editing application 20 is included in the icon. Examples of version notation include the application version of the layout editing application 20 at the time of creating the layout, or the version of the layout editing application 20 that can read layout reproduction data. When the layout editing application 20 is upgraded, layout reproduction data of previous versions may no longer be supported. In such cases, by referring to the version included in the icon, the user can check compatibility with currently available layout editing applications 20.

[0086] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing another example of an icon. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the extension notation of the layout reproduction data file is included in the icon. The example in which the extension notation is included is particularly effective when the extension is unique to the layout editing application 20. Furthermore, the notation of the extension and the notation of the version information may be written together.

[0087] <<Other embodiments>> The above-described embodiment mainly describes a layout editing application as an example of a program, and layout reproduction data as an example of reference data. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. Any form may be used as long as the screen display (or a captured screen) at the time of application interruption is output as an image file, and reproduction data that reproduces the configuration at the time of application interruption is included as a reference in the output image file. For example, the application may be a program that emulates a game program.

[0088] The above-described embodiments can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer, or may be executed by multiple computers in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processes by software; some or all of the processes may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC. Furthermore, the CPU is not limited to one that performs all processes by a single CPU, and multiple CPUs may perform processes in cooperation with each other as appropriate.

[0089] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an operating system running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0090] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following information processing device example, information processing device control method example, and program example.

[0091] <Configuration 1> The computer of the information processing device, an output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; a generating means for generating an image file relating to the layout; a first adding means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generating means; a second adding means for adding specific information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; A program to function as a

[0092] <Configuration 2> 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein the output means outputs the reproduction data to a storage destination outside the information processing device.

[0093] <Configuration 3> 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein the output means outputs the reproduction data to a storage destination inside the information processing device.

[0094] <Configuration 4> 4. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the first adding means adds the information indicating the storage destination as metadata of the image file.

[0095] <Configuration 5> 5. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first adding means adds information indicating the storage destination to Exif of the image file.

[0096] <Configuration 6> 6. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second adding means combines an icon representing the layout editing application with the image file as the specific information.

[0097] <Configuration 7> 7. The program according to configuration 6, wherein the icon is a fixed icon that is set in advance.

[0098] <Configuration 8> 8. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon includes a version indication of the layout editing application that has output the reproduction data.

[0099] <Configuration 9> 8. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon includes a version indication of a layout editing application capable of reproducing a layout using the reproduction data.

[0100] <Configuration 10> The computer 7. The program according to configuration 6, further functioning as an editing means for editing the icon.

[0101] <Configuration 11> 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the editing means edits at least one of the position and size at which the icon is combined with the image file.

[0102] <Configuration 12> 12. The program according to claim 10, wherein the editing means edits at least one of any text, graphic, and image as the icon.

[0103] <Configuration 13> 13. The program according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the editing means edits the aspect ratio of the icon to match the aspect ratio of the image file.

[0104] <Configuration 14> 14. The program according to any one of configurations 6 to 13, wherein the second adding means adds a thumbnail obtained by combining the icon to the image file.

[0105] <Configuration 15> 6. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second adding means adds a character string indicating the layout editing application to the file name of the image file as the specific information.

[0106] <Configuration 16> 6. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second adding means adds an extension indicating the layout editing application to the extension of the image file as the specific information.

[0107] <Configuration 17> The computer A receiving means for receiving instructions from a user; an acquisition means for acquiring the reproduction data based on information indicating the storage destination added to the image file; 17. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, further functioning as:

[0108] <Configuration 18> The computer The program described in configuration 17, characterized in that when the receiving means receives an instruction to save the layout, it further functions as a control means for performing processing by the output means, the generation means, the first addition means, and the second addition means.

[0109] <Configuration 19> 19. The program according to configuration 18, wherein the control means, when receiving an instruction to read out a layout by specifying a specific image file in the receiving means, performs processing by the obtaining means.

[0110] <Configuration 20> The computer The program described in configuration 17, characterized in that when the receiving means receives an instruction to save the layout, it further functions as a control means that performs processing by the output means, the generation means, and the first addition means.

[0111] <Configuration 21> 21. The program according to configuration 20, wherein the control means, when the acceptance means accepts the designation of a folder from which a layout is to be read, causes the second addition means to perform processing.

[0112] <Configuration 22> 22. The program according to claim 21, wherein the control means performs processing by the acquisition means when a specific image file in the folder is designated and an instruction to read out a layout is received.

[0113] <Configuration 23> the output means assigns access control to the reproduction data and outputs the reproduction data to the storage destination; 23. The program according to any one of configurations 17 to 22, wherein the acquisition means acquires the reproduction data if the given access control can be released.

[0114] <Configuration 24> 24. The program according to claim 23, wherein the access control is a control using a password associated with the image file.

[0115] <Configuration 25> 24. The program according to claim 23, wherein the access control is a control using a password linked to the reproduction data.

[0116] <Configuration 26> an output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; a generating means for generating an image file relating to the layout; a first adding means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generating means; a second adding means for adding specific information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; An information processing device comprising:

[0117] <Configuration 27> outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; generating an image file relating to said layout; adding information indicating the storage destination to the generated image file; adding identification information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; 1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Information processing equipment 12 CPU 20 Layout editing application

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device, an output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; a generating means for generating an image file relating to the layout; a first adding means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generating means; a second adding means for adding specific information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; A program to function as a

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the reproduction data to a storage destination outside the information processing device.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein said output means outputs said reproduction data to a storage destination within said information processing device.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first adding means adds the information indicating the storage destination as metadata of the image file.

5. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first adding means adds the information indicating the storage destination to an Exif file of the image file.

6. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second adding means combines an icon representing the layout editing application with the image file as the specific information.

7. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon is a fixed icon that is set in advance.

8. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon includes a version number of the layout editing application that has output the reproduction data.

9. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon includes a version indication of a layout editing application capable of reproducing a layout using the reproduction data.

10. The computer 7. The program according to claim 6, further functioning as editing means for editing the icon.

11. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein said editing means edits at least one of the position and size at which said icon is to be combined with said image file.

12. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein said editing means edits at least one of any text, graphic, and image as said icon.

13. 11. The program according to claim 10, wherein the editing means edits the aspect ratio of the icon to match the aspect ratio of the image file.

14. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the second adding means adds a thumbnail obtained by combining the icon to the image file.

15. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second adding means adds a character string indicating the layout editing application to a file name of the image file as the specific information.

16. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the second adding means adds an extension indicating the layout editing application to the extension of the image file as the specific information.

17. The computer A receiving means for receiving instructions from a user; an acquisition means for acquiring the reproduction data based on information indicating the storage destination added to the image file; 17. The program according to claim 1, further functioning as:

18. The computer The program according to claim 17, characterized in that when the receiving means receives an instruction to save a layout, it further functions as a control means that performs processing by the output means, the generation means, the first addition means, and the second addition means.

19. 19. The program according to claim 18, wherein the control means, when the receiving means receives an instruction to read out a layout by specifying a specific image file, causes the acquisition means to perform the processing.

20. The computer 18. The program according to claim 17, further functioning as a control means for performing processing by the output means, the generation means, and the first addition means when the reception means receives an instruction to save the layout.

21. 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the control means, when the acceptance means accepts the designation of a folder from which a layout is to be read, causes the second addition means to perform the processing.

22. 22. The program according to claim 21, wherein said control means, when receiving an instruction to read out a layout by specifying a specific image file in said folder, causes said acquisition means to perform the processing.

23. the output means assigns access control to the reproduction data and outputs the reproduction data to the storage destination; 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein said acquisition means acquires said reproduction data when said given access control can be released.

24. 24. The program according to claim 23, wherein the access control is a control using a password associated with the image file.

25. 24. The program according to claim 23, wherein the access control is a control using a password linked to the reproduction data.

26. an output means for outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; a generating means for generating an image file relating to the layout; a first adding means for adding information indicating the storage destination to the image file generated by the generating means; a second adding means for adding specific information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; An information processing device comprising:

27. outputting reproduction data for reproducing the layout of the layout editing application to a storage destination; generating an image file relating to said layout; adding information indicating the storage destination to the generated image file; adding identification information for identifying the layout editing application to the image file; 1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

Images