Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method, Program, and Storage Medium

Abstract

To solve the problem that, as the number of placed objects increases, new objects are automatically placed by object snapping, increasing the number of position candidates, therefore there was a risk that object snapping would perform placement processing unintended by a user.SOLUTION: An information processor capable of performing object snapping that automatically aligns a new object in an arrangement area with respect to an arrangement position of a previously placed object in the arrangement area and places the new object in the arrangement area, uses selection means for selecting an object and a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling object snapping based on user operation, and uses object snapping when object snapping is enabled to place the selected object in the arrangement area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method, a program, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] There is a function called object snapping to improve the operability of the user in the arrangement process of objects in presentation material creation software and CAD software (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as the number of arranged objects increases, the number of candidates for the position where a new object is automatically arranged by object snapping increases. As a result, there is a possibility that an unintended arrangement process may be performed by object snapping.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of executing object snapping for automatically aligning the position of a new object in the arrangement area with respect to the arrangement position of the arranged objects in the arrangement area, a first selection means for selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which the arrangement position of the objects arranged in the arrangement area is automatically determined and a manual layout mode; a second selection means for selecting an object; When the automatic layout mode is selected, the object snapping is disabled, and when the manual layout mode is selected, the object snapping is enabled. A switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping; When the object snapping is enabled, arranging means for arranging the selected object in the arrangement area using the object snapping; Comprising 、 When the manual layout mode is selected and object snapping is enabled, and an image is placed in the placement area, the placement means places the image in the placement area using object snapping. When the manual layout mode is selected and object snapping is enabled, and another object different from the image is placed in the placement area, the placement means places the other object in the placement area without using object snapping. Characterized by

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user by object snapping.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <Embodiment 1> The configuration diagram of the printing system 1000 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. First, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1004 according to this embodiment will be described. An album editing application 90 is held in the ROM 1009 of the information processing apparatus 1004. The album editing application 90 can generate album data for creating an album 10 (photo album, photo book) as shown in FIG. 5 from the input image data. The information processing apparatus 1004 can output the album data as print data to the printer 1005 or upload the album data to the external server 1002. The information processing apparatus 1004 includes a ROM 1009, a RAM 1010, and a CPU 1011. Further, a printer 1005, a monitor 1006, an input device 1007, and a storage device 1008 are connected to the information processing apparatus 1004. The information processing apparatus 1004 also has an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to the network 1003. Note that the album data includes a plurality of spread page data. Also, image data is arranged in the spread page data.

[0009] The CPU 1011 is a central processing unit that controls the entire information processing device 1004 by executing an operating system program (hereinafter abbreviated as OS) stored in the storage device 1008, ROM 1009, and RAM 1010. Also, the CPU 1011 executes each function of the information processing device 1004 by executing programs stored in the ROM 1009 and RAM 1010. The ROM 1009 stores each program. The RAM 1010 is a random access memory and is used as the work memory of the CPU 1011. Also, if the RAM 1010 is a non-volatile RAM, each program is stored in the RAM 1010.

[0010] The information processing device 1004 can communicate with an external server 1002 via a network 1003. The external server 1002 has an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to a printer 1001 and can communicate with the printer 1001 via the input / output interface.

[0011] Album data created in the information processing device 1004 is uploaded to the external server 1002 via the network 1003. The external server 1002 transmits print data based on the uploaded album data to the printer 1001. For example, the external server 1002 receives an order for album creation, manages the order for album creation, creates print data based on the album data, and instructs printing. The user uploads the album data created on the information processing device 1004 to the external server 1002 and performs the necessary album purchase procedures. When these user operations are performed appropriately, the external server 1002 transmits print data based on the album data to the printer 1001. Thereafter, the printed matter printed by the printer 1001 is bound, and an album 10 as shown in FIG. 5 is created and delivered to the user.

[0012] Printer 1005 prints print data based on album data created by information processing device 1004. For example, the printed matter printed by printer 1005 is bound by the user. Monitor 1006 is a display device that displays the image information output by information processing device 1004. Input device 1007 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device for inputting to information processing device 1004. Depending on the form of the input device, it may be integrated with the monitor, and there is also a touch panel that directly touches the monitor for input. Storage device 1008 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD that stores image data, templates, and the like. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and another form is also acceptable. For example, information processing device 1004 may have a configuration including monitor 1006, input device 1007, and storage device 1008.

[0013] Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 15. First, object snapping will be described with reference to FIG. 15. Object snapping is a process for automatically determining the placement position of a new object based on the position where the already placed object is located. By object snapping, when the user places a new object, it becomes possible to easily align the positional relationship between the already placed object and the new object. An example will be given for explanation. For example, in a state where image data 51 is already placed as shown in FIG. 15(a), the user performs a drag operation to place new image data 60 in the spread page area 50. In the state of FIG. 15(a), the reference line L1 for object snapping is set at a position at a distance D1 from the binding position by the already placed image data 51. Further, a reference line L2 for object snapping is also set at a position symmetric with respect to the line with the binding position as the reference (D2 = D1 from the binding position). In this situation, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the new image data 60 is dragged within a predetermined distance from at least one of L1 and L2, a guide line L is displayed. In FIG. 15(b), since the new image data 60 is dragged within a predetermined range from the reference line L2, the guide line L is displayed with respect to the reference line L2. That is, the CPU 1011 executes a display control process for displaying the guide line. When the user performs a drop operation on the image data 60 in the situation of FIG. 15(b), the image data 60 is automatically placed along the guide line L as shown in FIG. 15(c). That is, the album editing application 90 is software capable of executing object snapping.

[0014] Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 1. When the user launches the album editing application 90, the processing of FIG. 1 starts. When the album editing application 90 is launched, first, the user sets the size of the album, the type of cover, the binding format, and the total number of pages of the album. The values set here are displayed as the initial values of the binding parameters in FIG. 3. Note that these parameters can also be changed during editing, and the amount is also changed as the binding parameters are changed. After these setting operations, a folder selection screen described later is displayed. Each step of the flowchart of this embodiment is realized by the CPU 1011 reading out a program related to the processing of the flowchart from the memory and executing it.

[0015] The CPU 1011 accepts the selection of image data from the user (S101). When the album editing application 90 is launched, a folder selection screen is displayed. When the user selects a desired folder, a list screen of the image data stored in the selected folder is displayed. By the user selecting image data using this screen, the CPU 1011 executes S101.

[0016] When S101 ends, the CPU 1011 determines whether the automatic layout mode has been selected as the layout mode (S102). When S101 ends, the screen of FIG. 2 is displayed by the album editing application 90. The CPU 1011 determines whether the automatic layout 21 has been selected by the user or the manual layout 22 has been selected by the user.

[0017] If it is determined in S102 that automatic layout is selected, the CPU 1011 invalidates object snapping (S103). Then, the CPU 1011 evaluates the image data selected in S101 using the album editing application 90 and assigns scores to each image data. Then, the image data to be arranged in the album data is selected based on the scores assigned to each image data. The CPU 1011 layouts the selected image data in the spread page area 50. When the automatic layout mode is selected, the automatic layout process of the image data is performed by the album editing application 90. In the automatic layout process, the process of determining the spread page where the image data is to be arranged and the process of determining the size of the image data are automatically performed. When the automatic layout mode is selected, all of the image data selected in S101 is laid out on one of the spread pages.

[0018] If it is determined in S102 that manual layout is selected, the CPU 1011 enables object snapping (S104). When manual layout is selected, the selection of the image data to be arranged in the album data, the process of determining the spread page where the image data is to be arranged, and the process of determining the size of the image data are performed by user operations. When the manual layout mode is selected, only the images selected by the user among the image data selected in S101 are laid out on the spread page. Subsequently, when S103 or S104 ends, the CPU 1011 executes an editing process (S105). When S105 is executed via S103, the CPU 1011 displays an editing screen 30 including the spread page on which the image data is laid out. On the other hand, when S105 is executed via S104, the editing screen of FIG. 3 is displayed. When S105 is executed via S104 and the editing screen 30 is displayed for the first time, no image data is arranged in the spread page area 50. Also, the editing screen 30 is provided by the album editing application 90.

[0019] The editing screen 30 includes a layout mode switching checkbox 31 and an order button 70. The editing screen 30 also includes an image selection area 40. The checkbox 31 accepts a selection of whether to perform automatic layout or manual layout.

[0020] In the image selection area 40, the image data groups 41 to 46 selected in S101 are displayed. The editing screen 30 also includes a spread page area 50 of the album. Note that FIG. 3 shows the result of the user arranging the image data 51 in the spread page area 50 of the editing screen 30 in the initial state.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a case where new image data 60 is added to the spread page area 50 where the image data 51 has already been arranged. Note that FIG. 4(a) shows the case where object snapping is invalid, and FIG. 4(b) shows the case where object snapping is valid.

[0022] In FIG. 4(a), since object snapping is invalid, no guide display is shown on the editing screen 30. Since the CPU 1011 is operating in the automatic layout mode, the user executes the automatic layout process based on the drop operation to determine the location where the image data 60 is arranged.

[0023] FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the editing screen in the manual layout mode. In the manual layout mode, object snapping is enabled. Therefore, when the user drags to place the new image data 60 on the spread page, a guide line L serving as a mark for placement is displayed. In FIG. 4(b), the guide line L is displayed so that the distances D1 and D2 from the binding part in the center of the album are the same margin to assist the user's layout operation.

[0024] In addition, the layout mode can be set not only in the above-described layout mode selection screen 20 but also during editing. That is, the user can instruct the switching of the layout mode by switching the state of the checkbox 31 on the editing screen 30. The CPU 1011 determines whether the content of the checkbox 31 has been changed (S106). For example, in FIG. 2, when automatic layout is selected, the checkbox 31 is checked. When the user unchecks this, the CPU 1011 determines that a change from the automatic layout mode to the manual layout mode has occurred, and executes the processes after S105 via S104.

[0025] Also, for example, in FIG. 2, when manual layout is selected, the checkbox 31 is not checked. When the user checks the checkbox 31, the CPU 1011 determines that a change from the manual layout mode to the automatic layout mode has occurred, and executes the processes after S105 via S103. When changed from the manual layout mode to the automatic layout mode, the CPU 1011 executes automatic layout processing on the newly arranged image data. In this case, the guide lines are not displayed and object snapping is also disabled. Also, automatic selection of image data is not performed.

[0026] Subsequently, the CPU 1011 determines whether the order button 70 has been pressed (S107). If it is determined that the order button 70 has been pressed, the CPU 1011 executes print control processing (S108). As an example of the processing in S108, the CPU 1011 transmits the generated album data to the external server 1002 via the network 1003 and instructs printing. Note that if it is confirmed that a payment-related screen is displayed and appropriate information has been input, the album data may be transmitted to the external server 1002. Also, the editing screen 30 may be provided with a print button instead of the order button. When the print button is pressed, S108 is executed. Note that when the print button is pressed, the CPU 1011 generates print data based on the album data as print control processing and transmits the print data to the printer 1005.

[0027] Note that when the order button 70 (or the print button) is pressed, the CPU 1011 determines whether there is a blank page where no image data is arranged. If it is determined that there is a blank page where no image data is arranged, the CPU 1011 displays an error message. At this time, the CPU 1011 may display the blank page where no image data is arranged on the editing screen 30.

[0028] Furthermore, the switching between enabling and disabling object snapping can also be switched according to the type of object to be arranged. For example, when the user selects the manual layout mode, object snapping is enabled. Here, when the user tries to arrange image data in the spread page area 50, object snapping is executed. On the other hand, when the user tries to arrange an object other than image data (for example, a stamp image) in the spread page area 50 in a state where object snapping is enabled, object snapping is temporarily disabled. Then, the other object is arranged in the spread page area 50 by the manual layout by the user.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the object snapping is switched between enabled and disabled according to the set layout mode. By doing so, it is possible to create an album with a unified feel by utilizing object snapping only when necessary, while also improving the operability.

[0030] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the method of changing the object snapping between enabled and disabled is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the object snapping is switched between enabled and disabled depending on whether it is in the automatic layout mode or not. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the object snapping is switched between enabled and disabled by accepting an input to the checkbox 32 in FIG. 8. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the manual layout mode is enabled. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Each step of the flowchart of this embodiment is realized by the CPU 1011 reading a program related to the flowchart processing from the memory and executing it.

[0031] The CPU 1011 accepts a selection of image data from the user (S201). Since S201 is the same process as S101, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. When S201 is completed, the CPU 1011 displays the screen of FIG. 8. On the screen of FIG. 8, a checkbox 32 for accepting the switching of the object snapping between enabled and disabled is displayed.

[0032] The CPU 1011 determines whether the object snapping mode is enabled (S202). Specifically, when a check is input to the checkbox 32, the CPU 1011 determines that the object snapping mode is enabled. On the other hand, when no check is input to the checkbox 32, the CPU 1011 determines that the object snapping mode is not enabled.

[0033] If it is determined Yes in S202, the CPU 1011 activates the object snapping mode (S203) and performs the editing process of S205. Note that the process of S205 performed via S203 is the same as the process of S105 performed via S104 in FIG. 1.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is determined No in S202, the CPU 1011 deactivates the snapping mode (S204) and performs the editing process of S205. Therefore, even if the user performs an operation of arranging new image data on the editing screen, no guide display is performed, and object snapping is not performed either.

[0035] The CPU 1011 determines whether the snapping mode has been switched (S206). Specifically, the CPU 1011 realizes S206 by determining whether the state of the checkbox 32 has changed. Note that the processes after S207 are the same as the processes after S107 in FIG. 1, so detailed description is omitted.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the user can switch between enabling and disabling the snapping mode during editing in the manual layout mode. Therefore, for example, the user can enable the snapping mode in a situation where there is little image data arranged on the facing pages. Then, when the amount of image data arranged on the facing pages increases and the user feels that the guide display is troublesome, it is possible to improve the operability by unchecking the checkbox 32.

[0037] <Embodiment 3> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the manual layout mode is enabled. Note that in this embodiment, the method of changing the enable / disable of object snapping is different from that of the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the object snapping mode is disabled only while the disable key is being pressed. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. Each step of the flowchart of this embodiment is realized by the CPU 1011 reading a program related to the processing of the flowchart from the memory and executing it.

[0038] The CPU 1011 receives a selection of image data from the user (S301). Note that since S301 is the same process as S101, detailed description thereof will be omitted. When S301 is completed, the CPU 1011 enables the object snapping mode (S302) and displays the editing screen 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the editing screen 30 is displayed with the checkbox 33 checked. The CPU 1011 performs an editing process of the album data according to the operation on the editing screen 30 (S303). Note that since the object snapping mode is enabled at this timing, the same process as the case where S105 is executed via S104 in FIG. 1 is performed.

[0039] Subsequently, when the checkbox 33 for the object snapping disable key is checked, the CPU 1011 determines whether or not the disable key is being pressed (S304). When it is detected in S304 that the disable key is being pressed, the CPU 1011 disables the object snapping mode (S305) and performs the editing process (S303). Since the object snapping mode is disabled at this timing, the same process as the case where S205 is executed via S204 in FIG. 7 is performed. For example, in this embodiment, the Alt button is used as the disable key. Therefore, when adding new image data while pressing the Alt button, no guide display is performed and no object snapping is performed as shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0040] Since the processing after S306 is the same as the processing after S107, detailed description thereof is omitted. Note that when the check box 33 is not checked, the CPU 1011 performs the editing process in the state where the object snapping mode is enabled even when it detects the pressing of the invalidation key.

[0041] As described above, in the present embodiment, the validity of object snapping is switched depending on whether or not the invalid key for object snapping is pressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to utilize object snapping only when necessary, and it is possible to create an album with a sense of unity and improve the operability at the same time.

[0042] <Embodiment 4> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the method of changing the validity / invalidity of object snapping is different from that of the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the validity and invalidity of object snapping are switched according to the number of image data arranged in the spread page area 50. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, FIGS. 12 and 4. Each step of the flowchart of the present embodiment is realized by the CPU 1011 reading a program related to the processing of the flowchart from the memory and executing it.

[0043] First, since the processing from S401 to S403 is the same as the processing from S301 to S303, detailed description thereof is omitted. Subsequently, the CPU 1011 measures the number of image data arranged in the spread page area 50 and determines whether or not the measurement result exceeds the upper limit number (S404). When it is determined that the upper limit number is exceeded, the CPU 1011 invalidates the object snapping mode (S405) and performs the editing process (S403). The editing process (S403) performed via S405 is the same as the editing process (S303) performed via S305. Note that since the processing after S406 is the same as the processing after S107, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0044] The setting of the threshold value serving as the criterion for switching between enabling and disabling object snapping is performed using the upper limit number setting item 34 in FIG. 12. For example, when the upper limit number X is set to 5, object snapping is disabled when the number of image data within the two-page spread area 50 exceeds 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), when new image data 60 is to be arranged in a state where four pieces of image data 51 to 54 are arranged, object snapping is performed. However, when a sixth piece of image data is further added, object snapping is not performed.

[0045] Note that when the checkbox of the upper limit number setting item 34 is not checked, the CPU 1011 performs editing processing in a state where the object snapping mode is enabled even when the number of image data exceeds the upper limit number.

[0046] As described above, in the present embodiment, the enabling and disabling of object snapping are switched according to the number of image data arranged in the two-page spread area 50. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily switch between enabling and disabling object snapping.

[0047] <Embodiment 5> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the method of changing the enabling and disabling of object snapping is different from that of the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the enabling and disabling of object snapping are switched according to the number of reference lines that are the objects of object snapping. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, FIGS. 14 and 4. Each step of the flowchart of the present embodiment is realized by the CPU 1011 reading out and executing a program related to the processing of the flowchart from the memory.

[0048] First, since the processes from S501 to S503 are the same as those from S301 to S303, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Subsequently, the CPU 1011 measures the number of reference lines that are the targets of object snapping from the image data arranged in the two-page spread area 50, and determines whether or not the measurement result exceeds the upper limit number (S504). If it is determined that the upper limit number is exceeded, the CPU 1011 invalidates the object snapping mode (S505) and performs an editing process (S503). The editing process (S503) performed via S505 is the same as the editing process (S303) performed via S305. Note that the processes after S506 are the same as the processes after S107, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0049] In addition, the setting of the threshold value that serves as the criterion for switching between enabling and disabling object snapping is performed using the upper limit number setting item 35 in FIG. 14. For example, when 5 is set as the upper limit number Y, object snapping is invalidated when the number of reference lines for object snapping displayed within the two-page spread area 50 exceeds the number. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(d), when five pieces of image data 51 to 55 are arranged, four reference lines L1 to L4 are set as the reference lines for object snapping. In this state, when a sixth piece of image data is arranged, guide lines are displayed and object snapping is performed. However, when new image data is arranged while the number of reference lines for object snapping has reached five, object snapping is not performed.

[0050] As described above, in the present embodiment, the enabling and disabling of object snapping are switched according to the number of reference lines that are the targets of object snapping in the two-page spread area 50. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily switch between enabling and disabling object snapping.

[0051] <Other Embodiments> The album editing application 90 may have all the functions of the five embodiments described above.

[0052] Also, although the above-described embodiments have been described as being executed using the album editing application 90, this is not the only case. For example, the processing of the above-described embodiments may be executed using a layout editing application that newly arranges object data.

[0053] Also, in the above-described embodiments, it has been described that when a drop operation is performed, image data is automatically moved by object snapping, but object snapping may be performed at other timings. For example, in a state where image data 51 is already arranged as shown in FIG. 15(a), the user performs a drag operation to arrange new image data 60 in the spread page area 50. In the state of FIG. 15(a), the reference line L1 for object snapping is set at a position at a distance D1 from the binding position by the arranged image data 51. Further, a reference line L2 for object snapping is also set at a position symmetric with respect to the line based on the binding position (D2 = D1 from the binding position). In this situation, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the new image data 60 is dragged within a predetermined distance from at least one of L1 and L2, the image data 60 is automatically arranged along the guide line L as shown in FIG. 15(c) during the drag operation. And the guide line L is displayed at this timing.

[0054] The above-described embodiments 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 device via a network or various storage media. And it is a process in which a computer (CPU, MPU, processor, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program. Also, the program may be executed by one computer or may be executed in cooperation by a plurality of computers. Also, it is not necessary to realize all of the above-described processing by software, and a part or all of the processing may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC.

[0055] Further, the CPU does not necessarily perform all processes with a single CPU, and a plurality of CPUs may perform processes while appropriately cooperating with each other.

Explanation of Signs

[0056] 1009 ROM 1010 RAM 1011 CPU

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of performing object snapping for automatically aligning a position of a new object with respect to a position of an object already placed in a placement area, the information processing device comprising: a first selection means for selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection means for selecting an object; a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that, when the automatic layout mode is selected, the object snapping is disabled, and, when the manual layout mode is selected, the object snapping is enabled; placement means for placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if the object snapping is enabled; Equipped with when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and an image is to be placed in the placement area, the placement means places the image in the placement area using object snapping; An information processing device characterized in that when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and an object other than an image is placed in the placement area, the placement means places the other object in the placement area without using object snapping.

2. An information processing device capable of performing object snapping for automatically aligning a position of a new object with respect to a position of an object already placed in a placement area, the information processing device comprising: a first selection means for selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection means for selecting an object; a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that, when the automatic layout mode is selected, the object snapping is disabled, and, when the manual layout mode is selected, the object snapping is enabled; placement means for placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if the object snapping is enabled; Equipped with An information processing device characterized in that, when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and the number of images placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

3. An information processing device capable of performing object snapping for automatically aligning a position of a new object with respect to a position of an object already placed in a placement area, the information processing device comprising: a first selection means for selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection means for selecting an object; a switching means for switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that, when the automatic layout mode is selected, the object snapping is disabled, and, when the manual layout mode is selected, the object snapping is enabled; placement means for placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if the object snapping is enabled; Equipped with An information processing device characterized in that, when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and the number of reference lines of the object snapping generated based on an image placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

4. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and when the number of images placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, characterized in that when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and when the number of reference lines of the object snapping generated based on an image placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

6. The apparatus further includes a receiving unit for receiving a user operation for switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping, An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and when a user operation to disable the object snapping is accepted by the accepting means, the object snapping is disabled.

7. 7. An information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for controlling the display of a reference line for the object snapping when the object snapping is enabled and an operation to place a new object in the placement area is performed.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the automatic layout mode, a size of an object to be placed in the placement area is also automatically determined.

9. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the automatic layout mode, a process of determining a size of an object to be placed in the placement area and a process of determining a placement position of the object in the placement area are automatically performed.

10. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the placement area is a page area.

11. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs data based on the result of placing the object in the placement area.

12. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the data is album data.

13. 1. A control method for an information processing device capable of performing object snapping in which a new object is placed in a placement area by automatically aligning the position of the new object with respect to a placement position of an object already placed in the placement area, comprising: a first selection step of selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection step of selecting an object; a switching step of switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that the object snapping is disabled when the automatic layout mode is selected and is enabled when the manual layout mode is selected; placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if object snapping is enabled; Equipped with When the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and an image is to be placed in the placement area, the placing step places the image in the placement area using object snapping; A control method characterized in that, when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and an object other than an image is placed in the placement area, the placement process places the other object in the placement area without using object snapping.

14. A control method for an information processing device capable of performing object snapping, which places a new object in a placement area by automatically aligning the position of a placed object with respect to a placement position of an already placed object placed in the placement area, comprising: a first selection step of selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection step of selecting an object; a switching step of switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that the object snapping is disabled when the automatic layout mode is selected and is enabled when the manual layout mode is selected; placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if object snapping is enabled; Equipped with a control method characterized in that, when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and the number of images placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

15. A control method for an information processing device capable of performing object snapping, which places a new object in a placement area by automatically aligning the position of a placed object with respect to a placement position of an already placed object placed in the placement area, comprising: a first selection step of selecting a layout mode from a plurality of modes including an automatic layout mode in which a placement position of an object to be placed in the placement area is automatically determined, and a manual layout mode; a second selection step of selecting an object; a switching step of switching between enabling and disabling the object snapping such that the object snapping is disabled when the automatic layout mode is selected and is enabled when the manual layout mode is selected; placing the selected object in the placement area using object snapping if object snapping is enabled; Equipped with A control method characterized in that, when the manual layout mode is selected and the object snapping is enabled, and the number of reference lines of the object snapping generated based on the image placed in the placement area exceeds an upper limit, the object snapping is disabled.

16. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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