Image processing device, image processing method, program, and image processing system

Abstract

To enable a user to easily customize characters included in an image outputted on the basis of a template.SOLUTION: An image processing device 10 includes an image acquisition part 111 for acquiring image data which respectively correspond to one or more characters, a template acquisition part 112 for acquiring template data including an arrangement area with characters associated in advance therewith, and an output part 113 for outputting composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to the characters associated with the arrangement area in advance with the template data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and an image processing method. 、 program and image processing systems Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a display control device is known that displays a photo image in a photo area different from a date area in a calendar image displayed on a display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-212825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using a conventional display control device, it is possible to create a calendar in which a user-specified image is placed in a photo area set in a calendar template. However, the conventional display control device does not allow customization of text included in images created based on a template.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and has as its object to make it easier for users to customize characters included in images that are output based on templates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires image data corresponding to one or more characters, a template acquisition unit that acquires template data including placement areas with which characters are pre-associated, and an output unit that outputs composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to the characters pre-associated with the placement areas with the template data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an advantage that it is easy for a user to customize characters included in an image that is output based on a template. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an image processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an information terminal 20 displays a calendar image. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing device 10. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal 20. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration of the image processing device 10. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of character image attribute information stored in a storage unit 12. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of template attribute information stored in a storage unit 12. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a plurality of placement regions. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user performs an operation to transmit image data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user performs an operation to set a user image. [Figure 11] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the image processing device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Image Processing System 1 Overview> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The image processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes an image processing device 10 and one or more information terminals 20 (a first information terminal 20-1, a second information terminal 20-2, and a third information terminal 20-3). The image processing device 10 and the multiple information terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N, such as the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or a mobile communication network.

[0010] The image processing device 10 is, for example, a computer, and is configured from one or more physical servers. The image processing device 10 may be configured using a virtual server that operates on a hypervisor, or may be configured using a cloud server.

[0011] The image processing device 10 is a device for generating composite image data including one or more character image data representing characters customized by a user, such as calendar image data, New Year's card image data, or clock face image data. The characters customized by a user may be, for example, handwritten characters of the user's family or characters created by the user using a computer. The image processing device 10 is characterized by generating composite image data in which such characters are arranged in a predetermined arrangement area. The characters may be any characters, including numbers, alphabets, kanji, hiragana, and katakana.

[0012] The information terminal 20 is a device used by a user who creates composite image data using the image processing system 1, and is, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like.

[0013] A dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a "dedicated application") is installed in the information terminal 20 so that, for example, a user can create character image data to be used in creating composite image data and edit an image based on the composite image data. Via the dedicated application, the user can transmit the created character image data to the image processing device 10 and display an image based on the composite image data acquired from the image processing device 10 on the information terminal 20 for confirmation.

[0014] The character image data is generated, for example, when a user captures an image of a subject showing characters using a camera mounted on or connected to the information terminal 20, or when the user inputs characters using a touch panel provided on the information terminal 20. The subject showing characters is, for example, a medium such as paper on which handwritten characters are written, or a person assuming a pose that represents the shape of the characters.

[0015] When the composite image data is calendar image data, the user can use a calendar creation service provided using the image processing device 10 to receive a calendar on which calendar image data including customized text image data is printed, or to display the calendar image on the information terminal 20 used by the user. In this embodiment, the operation of the image processing system 1 will be described using an example in which the composite image data is calendar image data.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a calendar created using the image processing system 1. The calendar shown in Fig. 2 is a calendar for December 2022. The calendar includes a photo image 201, a year image 202, a month image 203, a day image 204, and a day of the week image 205.

[0017] Photo image 201 is, for example, a photo image sent by a user from information terminal 20. Year image 202, month image 203, and day image 204 are images created based on character image data sent by a user from information terminal 20. Day image 205 is an image created based on font image data stored in advance in image processing device 10, but day image 205 may also be created based on character image data sent by a user from information terminal 20. The configurations and operations of the image processing device 10 and the information terminal 20 will be described in detail below.

[0018] <Hardware configuration> 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 10. The image processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a communication IF (Interface) 13, an input device 14, and an output device 15.

[0019] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 has a storage medium such as a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 stores the programs executed by the processor 11. The storage unit 12 also stores data acquired from the information terminal 20.

[0020] The communication IF 13 has a communication controller for performing wired communication or wireless communication with the information terminal 20 via the network N. The communication IF 13 notifies the processor 11 of data received from the information terminal 20. The communication IF 13 also transmits data input from the processor 11 to the information terminal 20.

[0021] The input device 14 receives input operations from, for example, an administrator of the image processing device 10. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a microphone. The output device 15 outputs information to, for example, an administrator of the image processing device 10. The output device 15 is, for example, a display or a speaker.

[0022] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a storage unit 22, a communication IF (Interface) 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25.

[0023] The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, and realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 has storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 22 stores the programs executed by the processor 21.

[0024] The communication IF 23 has a communication controller for performing wired or wireless communication with the image processing device 10 via the network N. The communication IF 23 notifies the processor 21 of data received from the image processing device 10. The communication IF 23 also transmits data input from the processor 21 to the image processing device 10.

[0025] The input device 24 receives input operations from a user, for example. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, or a microphone. The output device 25 is, for example, a display unit and an audio output unit that output information to the user. The output device 25 is, for example, a display or a speaker.

[0026] <Function block configuration> 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional block configuration of the image processing device 10. The processor 11 has an image acquisition unit 111, a template acquisition unit 112, and an output unit 113. The processor 11 functions as the image acquisition unit 111, the template acquisition unit 112, and the output unit 113 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0027] The storage unit 12 stores character image data corresponding to each of one or more characters and character image attribute information indicating the attributes of the character image data, which are acquired from the information terminal 20. The information indicating the attributes of the character image data includes, for example, creator identification information (hereinafter referred to as "creator ID") for identifying the creator of the characters indicated by the character image data, information indicating the age of the creator at the time the characters indicated by the character image data were written, character identification information (hereinafter referred to as "character ID") for identifying the characters indicated by the character image data, and image identification information (hereinafter referred to as "image ID") for identifying the character image data.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of character image attribute information stored in the storage unit 12. In Fig. 6, multiple ages, multiple character IDs, and multiple image IDs are associated with creator identification information of one creator.

[0029] The character ID corresponds to the character indicated by the character image data, and for example, the last digit of the character ID is the character indicated by the character image data. The image ID is, for example, address information indicating the storage address of the character image data in the memory unit 12. Note that the creator corresponding to the creator ID is not limited to the user who uses the information terminal 20, but may also be a user who has a predetermined relationship with the user who uses the information terminal 20. The predetermined relationship may be, for example, family, relatives, friends, or acquaintances.

[0030] The storage unit 12 also stores pre-created template data. The template data is image data that serves as a base on which character image data is arranged. The template data is associated with template attribute information that includes a calendar ID for identifying the type of calendar, a month ID, an arrangement ID, arrangement area information, and arrangement characters.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of template attribute information stored in the storage unit 12. The calendar ID is calendar identification information for identifying multiple calendars, each with a different arrangement of photo images or text images. The month ID is month identification information for identifying the month. The layout ID is layout area identification information for identifying the area in which photo image data or text image data is laid out (hereinafter referred to as "layout area"). The layout area information is coordinate information for specifying the position of the layout area. The layout area information may include the coordinates of the four corners of each layout area, or may include the coordinates of the center of each layout area and the size of each layout area. The layout characters are characters to be laid out in each layout area.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a plurality of placement areas. FIG. 8 includes placement area 211 and placement area 212. Placement area 211 is an area indicating an image placement area for displaying a user image, and is an area corresponding to photo image 201 shown in FIG. 2. A plurality of areas surrounded by dashed lines in placement area 212 are areas indicating a plurality of placement areas, and are areas corresponding to year image 202, month image 203, day image 204, and day of the week image 205 shown in FIG. 2. Characters are associated in advance with each of the plurality of placement areas. As an example, the character "12" is associated in advance with placement area 212a corresponding to month image 203 shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] Returning to Fig. 5, the configuration of each part of the processor 11 will be described. The image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data corresponding to one or more characters. For example, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data corresponding to each of the numbers from "0" to "9" or each of the alphabets from "A" to "Z" from the information terminal 20. The image acquisition unit 111 may also acquire character image data corresponding to two or more characters, such as "10" or "SUN", from the information terminal 20.

[0034] The image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data based on, for example, information about handwritten characters acquired from the information terminal 20. The information about handwritten characters is, for example, a captured image of characters handwritten by a user on a medium such as paper captured by the information terminal 20, or information indicating the trajectory of handwritten characters input to the information terminal 20 while a sample image showing predetermined characters is displayed on the information terminal 20.

[0035] The image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data generated based on an image captured by the information terminal 20, or character image data showing the trajectory of handwritten characters, from the information terminal 20. The image acquisition unit 111 may also acquire character image data generated by the information terminal 20 capturing an image of a user assuming a posture that represents the shape of a character.

[0036] The image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data corresponding to each of one or more characters in association with each of the multiple creator IDs. The image acquisition unit 111 acquires creator information including at least one of a user's name, creator ID, and time information from the information terminal 20 in association with, for example, the character image data. The time information is, for example, the age of the user corresponding to the creator ID or the date of birth of the user corresponding to the creator ID.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user performs an operation to send character image data. The screen shown in Fig. 9 includes a display area 221, a display area 222, a display area 223, an operation image 224, and an operation image 225. The display area 221 is an area for displaying a subject indicating the content displayed on the screen. In Fig. 9, the subject "Send Image" is displayed.

[0038] Display area 222 is an area where the user inputs creator information. In FIG. 9, the creator's name and age included in the creator information are shown. Display area 223 is an area where character image data to be sent by the user is displayed. In FIG. 9, character image data generated by capturing images of handwritten characters "1" to "5" is displayed. In FIG. 9, the user can add an image to be sent by pressing the image indicating "Add."

[0039] The operation image 224 is an operation image that allows the user to send character image data. When the user presses the operation image 224, the information terminal 20 associates the multiple character image data displayed in the display area 223 with the creator information displayed in the display area 222 and sends them to the image processing device 10. The operation image 225 is an operation image that allows the user to stop sending the character image data. When the user presses the operation image 225, the information terminal 20 switches the content displayed on the screen to another content.

[0040] The image acquisition unit 111 associates character image data and creator information acquired from, for example, the information terminal 20 and stores them in the storage unit 12. Specifically, when character image data corresponding to the number "1" displayed in the display area 223 and creator information displayed in the display area 222 are acquired, the image acquisition unit 111 stores the character image data corresponding to the number "1" in the storage unit 12.

[0041] Next, the image acquisition unit 111 associates the image ID "P11" corresponding to the address of the character image data corresponding to the number "1" in the memory unit 12, the character ID "C11" indicating the number "1", the user's age "5 years and 2 months", and the creator ID "U01" corresponding to the user's name "Kiichi", and stores them in the memory unit 12.

[0042] Template acquisition unit 112 acquires template data including placement areas with which characters are previously associated. For example, template acquisition unit 112 acquires template data stored in storage unit 12 and inputs the acquired template data to output unit 113. Template acquisition unit 112 may acquire template data via communication IF 13 from an external device that stores multiple pieces of template data. Template acquisition unit 112 may also acquire template data created by a user from information terminal 20.

[0043] When acquiring template data from an external device or information terminal 20, the template acquisition unit 112 acquires template attribute information, which includes an arrangement ID indicating the arrangement area and text previously associated with the arrangement area, in association with the template data. The template acquisition unit 112 stores the acquired template attribute information in the storage unit 12 in association with the calendar ID corresponding to the template data.

[0044] The template data may include a first placement area group and a second placement area group, each of which includes a plurality of placement areas. The placement area groups are area groups corresponding to months; for example, the first placement area group corresponds to month ID "M1" shown in FIG. 7, and the second placement area group corresponds to month ID "M2" shown in FIG. 7. The template data may include an image placement area for placing a user image associated with a creator ID. The image placement area is, for example, placement area 211 shown in FIG. 8.

[0045] The output unit 113 generates composite image data by combining template data with character image data corresponding to characters previously associated with the placement areas, and outputs the generated composite image data. The output unit 113 first identifies characters associated with each of the multiple placement areas by referring to the template attribute information shown in FIG.

[0046] Next, the output unit 113 identifies the image ID associated with the character ID corresponding to the character associated with each placement area by referring to the character image attribute information shown in Fig. 6. The output unit 113 first reads out from the storage unit 12 character image data corresponding to the image ID associated with the character ID corresponding to the first placement area, and arranges the read character image data in the first placement area. Next, the output unit 113 reads out from the storage unit 12 character image data corresponding to the image ID associated with the character ID corresponding to the second placement area, and arranges the read character image data in the second placement area.

[0047] The output unit 113 repeats this process for all placement areas, thereby placing character image data in all placement areas. In this way, the output unit 113 generates composite image data by combining multiple character image data with template data, and outputs the generated composite image data to the information terminal 20. The output unit 113 may also output the generated composite image data to a printing device. By operating the output unit 113 in this manner, the user can be provided with a calendar image with customized characters or a calendar based on a calendar image.

[0048] Incidentally, calendars use characters that combine multiple numbers, such as "2022" to indicate the year, "10," "11," and "12" to indicate the month, and "10" to "31" to indicate the day. Creating all of these characters would be a heavy burden for the character creator. Therefore, the output unit 113 may output composite image data in which character image data corresponding to each of multiple characters previously associated with the placement area is composited into the placement area in the template data.

[0049] Specifically, the output unit 113 arranges character image data corresponding to the character "3" on the left side of the arrangement area previously associated with the character "31," and arranges character image data corresponding to the character "1" on the right side of the arrangement area. The output unit 113 combines the arranged character image data corresponding to the character "3" and the character image data corresponding to the character "1" with template data.

[0050] More specifically, the output unit 113 may combine image data corresponding to the first character in a first placement area associated with the first character based on a first size ratio, and combine image data corresponding to the first character in a second placement area associated with both the first character and the second character based on a second size ratio different from the first size ratio. The size ratio is the ratio between the vertical width and the horizontal width of the image data corresponding to the character.

[0051] For example, when placing character image data "10" in an arrangement area associated with the character "10," the output unit 113 converts the character image data corresponding to the character "1" and the character image data corresponding to the character "0" into image data in which the width in the horizontal direction is reduced by 50% without reducing the width in the vertical direction. The output unit 113 places the character image data of "1" after the size conversion in a first arrangement area included in the arrangement area associated with the character "10," and places the character image data of "0" after the size conversion in a second arrangement area.

[0052] Instead of reducing the horizontal widths of multiple characters by 50%, the output unit 113 may change the reduction rate depending on the type of character, so that the first size ratio of the first placement area and the second size ratio of the second placement area are different. As an example, in the case of "10," it may be better balanced to make the horizontal width of "1" smaller than the horizontal width of "0." In such a case, the output unit 113 may reduce the horizontal width of "1" by 30% and the horizontal width of "0" by 70%, thereby setting the first size ratio to 0.3 and the second size ratio to 0.7.

[0053] [Generate calendar images based on creator ID] Output unit 113 may combine character image data associated with a creator ID specified for the template data. The creator ID specified for the template data is the creator ID of a creator specified by the user, for example, a creator ID that output unit 113 obtained from information terminal 20. Output unit 113 may further receive from the user a selection of template data to be used. In that case, output unit 113 may obtain a creator ID associated with the selected template data. Output unit 113 may also obtain a creator ID from the user associated with the month.

[0054] To achieve this, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires image data corresponding to one or more characters in association with each of a plurality of creator IDs, as shown in FIG. 6. The output unit 113 identifies a plurality of character image data corresponding to a plurality of image IDs associated with the acquired creator IDs by referring to the character image attribute information stored in the storage unit 12. The output unit 113 arranges, in each of the plurality of arrangement areas, character image data from the identified plurality of character image data that corresponds to characters previously associated with arrangement areas included in the template data corresponding to the creator ID. By operating in this manner, the output unit 113 can, when there are a plurality of creators of character image data, create a calendar in which the character image data that the user wants to use is arranged.

[0055] When a creator ID is specified for each month, the output unit 113 places character image data corresponding to the first creator ID in the placement area included in the template data for January, for example, and places character image data corresponding to the second creator ID in the placement area included in the template data for February.

[0056] For example, the output unit 113 places character image data associated with a first creator ID specified from multiple creator IDs in a first group of placement areas (e.g., multiple placement areas corresponding to January), and places character image data associated with a second creator ID specified from multiple creator IDs in a second group of placement areas (e.g., multiple placement areas corresponding to February).

[0057] When creator ID "U1" is specified for the first placement area group, the output unit 113 places character image data associated with creator ID "U1" and corresponding to image IDs "P00" to "P09" in multiple placement areas included in the first placement area group by referencing the character image attribute information shown in FIG. 6. When creator ID "U2" is specified for the second placement area group, the output unit 113 places character image data associated with creator ID "U2" and corresponding to image IDs "P40" to "P49" in multiple placement areas included in the second placement area group. By the output unit 113 operating in this manner, the image processing device 10 can generate a calendar image including character images created by different people for each month.

[0058] [Combining photo image data and text image data] In addition to dates and days of the week, calendars are printed with images such as photographs. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to customize the photographs as well as the text. It is also desirable to include a photograph of the creator of the text. Therefore, the output unit 113 may generate calendar image data by combining text image data associated with the creator ID and user image data associated with the creator ID.

[0059] The output unit 113, for example, combines character image data associated with a creator ID associated with user image data arranged in the image arrangement area with template data. The output unit 113, for example, identifies creator ID "U1" associated with user image data acquired from the information terminal 20. The output unit 113 identifies character image data corresponding to the image ID associated with creator ID "U1" by referring to FIG. 6. The output unit 113 generates calendar image data by combining the identified character image data and user image data with the template data. By operating in this manner, the output unit 113 can create a calendar that includes, for example, a photo image of the creator of the character image.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user performs an operation to set a user image. The screen shown in Fig. 10 includes a display area 231, a display area 232, and a display area 233. The display area 231 is an area for displaying a subject indicating the content displayed on the screen. In Fig. 10, the subject "Screen Settings" is displayed. The display area 232 is an area for displaying a calendar image generated by the image processing device 10.

[0061] Display area 233 is an area for performing operations to change the user image included in the calendar image displayed in display area 232. Display area 233 displays a user image different from the user image displayed in display area 232, an operation image "Change," and an operation image "Exit." The operation image "Exit" is an operation image for ending the setting of the user image. When the user presses the operation image "Exit," information terminal 20 switches the content displayed on the screen to another content.

[0062] The operation image "Change" is an operation image for changing the user image displayed in the display area 232. When the user presses the user image displayed in the display area 233 and then presses the operation image "Change," the information terminal 20 transmits the user image pressed by the user to the image processing device 10. In the image processing device 10, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires the user image from the information terminal 20. The output unit 113 identifies the creator ID associated with the user image acquired by the image acquisition unit 111, and outputs a calendar image in which the character image data associated with the identified creator ID is combined with template data.

[0063] [Generating calendar images based on time information] Output unit 113 may output composite image data obtained by combining template data with character image data associated with the creator ID and time information specified in the template data. The time information may be, for example, the user's age, the user's date of birth, or the date and time when the character image data was acquired. For example, template acquisition unit 112 acquires the creator ID and user age associated with the template data from information terminal 20.

[0064] 6, the output unit 113 identifies the image ID associated with the creator ID and the user age acquired by the template acquisition unit 112. The output unit 113 generates composite image data by combining the character image data corresponding to the identified image ID with the template data. By operating in this manner, the output unit 113 can generate a calendar image using character image data according to the age designated by the user, thereby increasing the means by which the user can customize the calendar image.

[0065] When the calendar image displays dates and days of the week associated with multiple months, the output unit 113 may generate the calendar image using character image data associated with time information corresponding to each of the multiple months. In this case, the image acquisition unit 111 acquires character image data corresponding to each of one or more characters in association with multiple pieces of time information including first time information and second time information indicating different times. The first time information is, for example, the age "3 years and 4 months" associated with the creator ID "U1" shown in FIG. 6, and the second time information is, for example, the age "5 years and 2 months" associated with the creator ID "U1" shown in FIG. 6.

[0066] The template data includes a third placement area group and a fourth placement area group, each of which includes a plurality of placement areas. The third placement area group and the fourth placement area group may be the same as or different from the first placement area group and the second placement area group described above. The third placement area group is, for example, the placement area group corresponding to the month ID "M1" shown in FIG. 7, and the fourth placement area group is, for example, the placement area group corresponding to the month ID "M2" shown in FIG. 7.

[0067] For example, the output unit 113 combines character image data associated with the first time information with the third arrangement area group, and combines character image data associated with the second time information with the fourth arrangement area group. Specifically, the output unit 113 arranges character image data corresponding to image IDs "P00" to "P09" associated with creator ID "U1" and age "3 years and 4 months" in the third arrangement area group corresponding to month ID "M1." The output unit 113 arranges character image data corresponding to image IDs "P10" to "P19" associated with creator ID "U1" and age "5 years and 2 months" in the fourth arrangement area group corresponding to month ID "M2." The output unit 113 generates a calendar image by combining the arranged multiple character image data with template data.

[0068] By operating in this manner, output unit 113 can use character image data representing different ages at the time of creation for each month displayed in the calendar image. As a result, output unit 113 can increase the means by which the user can customize the calendar image and increase user satisfaction.

[0069] The output unit 113 may determine the text image data to be used in the calendar image according to the age corresponding to the user's image, such as a photo, displayed in the calendar image. For example, the template acquisition unit 112 acquires template data including an image arrangement area for arranging a user image associated with a creator ID and time information. The template acquisition unit 112 acquires the user image associated with the creator ID and time information from the information terminal 20.

[0070] The output unit 113 combines, for example, the creator ID associated with the user image arranged in the image arrangement area and image data associated with time information with the template data. Specifically, the output unit 113 identifies the creator ID "U1" and the user age "3 years and 4 months" associated with the user image acquired by the image acquisition unit 111. The output unit 113 identifies character image data corresponding to the image IDs "P00" to "P09" associated with the identified creator ID and user age. The output unit 113 generates a calendar image by combining the identified character image data with the template data.

[0071] By operating in this manner, the output unit 113 can generate a calendar image using character image data corresponding to the age associated with the user image. As a result, the image processing device 10 can create a calendar that includes, for example, characters written by the user's child and a photo image of the child at the time the child wrote the characters, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0072] <Flow of Operation in Image Processing Device 10> 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations in the image processing device 10. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows the operations when the image processing device 10 generates a calendar image based on the creator ID and age acquired from the information terminal 20.

[0073] The template acquisition unit 112 receives from the information terminal 20 the creator ID and the user age corresponding to each of the multiple months (i.e., each month) corresponding to the multiple placement area groups included in the template data (S11). The output unit 113 selects one month from the multiple months (S12). The output unit 113 selects one placement area from the multiple placement areas corresponding to the selected month (S13).

[0074] If the number of characters associated in advance with the selected placement area is one (YES in S14), the output unit 113 places character image data corresponding to each character in the placement area (S15). If the number of characters associated in advance with the selected placement area is two or more (NO in S14), the output unit 113 generates character image data with two or more characters using multiple character image data corresponding to multiple characters included in each character (S16). The output unit 113 places the generated character image data in the placement area (S17).

[0075] If the output unit 113 has not placed character image data in all of the placement areas corresponding to the selected month (NO in S18), it repeats the processes from S13 to S17. If the output unit 113 has placed character image data in all of the placement areas corresponding to the selected month (YES in S18), it places an image such as a photo corresponding to the user's age received from the information terminal 20 (i.e., a user image) in the image placement area (S19).

[0076] If the output unit 113 has not yet placed character image data and user image data in all of the placement areas corresponding to all months (NO in S20), it repeats the processes from S12 to S19. If the output unit 113 has placed character image data and user image data in all of the placement areas corresponding to all months (YES in S20), it outputs calendar image data generated by combining the placed image data with template data (S21). Then, the image processing device 10 ends the process.

[0077] <Effects of the image processing device 10> As described above, the image processing device 10 includes the image acquisition unit 111 that acquires image data corresponding to characters, and the template acquisition unit 112 that acquires template data that includes an arrangement area in which image data is to be arranged and to which characters are previously associated. The output unit 113 then outputs composite image data obtained by combining the template data with the image data corresponding to the characters previously associated with the arrangement area.

[0078] By configuring the image processing device 10 in this way, the image processing device 10 can customize the text included in an image, such as a calendar image or a clock face image, making it easier for users to create content with customized text. The image processing device 10 can generate composite image data that matches the user's preferences, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0079] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments.

[0080] In addition to the above embodiment, the following is further noted. (Appendix 1) an image acquisition unit that acquires image data corresponding to one or more characters; a template acquisition unit that acquires template data including a placement area to which characters are previously associated; an output unit that outputs composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to the character previously associated with the placement area with the template data; An image processing device having: This configuration of the image processing device makes it easier for the user to customize the characters included in the image that is output based on the template. (Appendix 2) the image acquisition unit acquires the image data based on handwritten character information acquired from an information terminal. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize the characters included in the image that is output based on the template, based on the image acquired from the user via the information terminal. (Appendix 3) the output unit outputs the composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to each of a plurality of characters previously associated with the placement area with the placement area in the template data. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to increase the number of types of characters that can be customized. (Appendix 4) the output unit combines the image data corresponding to a first character with a first placement area associated with the first character based on a first size ratio, and combines the image data corresponding to the first character with a second placement area associated with both the first character and a second character based on a second size ratio different from the first size ratio; 4. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. By configuring the image processing device in this manner, it is possible to use image data that matches the size of the placement area, making it easier to recognize characters contained in images output based on a template. (Appendix 5) creator identification information for identifying a creator of the image data is associated with the image data; the output unit combines the image data associated with designated creator identification information with the template data. 5. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize the characters in the template data based on image data corresponding to each user. (Appendix 6) the image acquisition unit acquires image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters in association with each of the plurality of creator identification information; the template data has a first placement area group and a second placement area group, each of which includes a plurality of placement areas; the output unit combines, with respect to the first placement area group, the image data associated with first creator identification information designated from the plurality of creator identification information, and combines, with respect to the second placement area group, the image data associated with second creator identification information designated from the plurality of creator identification information. 6. The image processing device according to claim 5. By configuring the image processing device in this way, different regions of the template data can be customized based on image data associated with each of a plurality of users. (Appendix 7) the template data includes an image placement area for placing a user image associated with the creator identification information, the output unit combines the image data associated with creator identification information associated with the user image arranged in the image arrangement area with the template data; 6. The image processing device according to claim 5. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize the characters in the template data based on image data corresponding to the user image to be placed in the template data. (Appendix 8) The image data is associated with creator identification information and time information, the output unit outputs the composite image data obtained by combining the image data associated with the creator identification information and time information specified in the template data with the template data. 6. An image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize the characters in the template data based on the user and time information. (Appendix 9) the image acquisition unit acquires the image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters in association with a plurality of pieces of time information including first time information and second time information each indicating a different time; the template data has a third placement area group and a fourth placement area group, each of which includes a plurality of placement areas; the output unit arranges the image data associated with the first time information in the third arrangement area group, and arranges the image data associated with the second time information in the fourth arrangement area group. 9. The image processing device according to claim 8. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize characters in a plurality of different regions in the template data based on image data associated with different time information. (Appendix 10) the template data includes an image placement area for placing a user image associated with creator identification information and time information; the output unit combines the image data associated with creator identification information and time information associated with the user image arranged in the image arrangement area with the template data; 9. The image processing device according to claim 8. By configuring the image processing device in this way, it is possible to customize the characters in the area of ​​the template data based on image data corresponding to the user and time information specified for the area of ​​the template data. (Appendix 11) A computer acquires image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters; The computer acquires template data including placement areas to which characters are previously associated; a computer outputs composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to the character previously associated with the placement area with the template data; Image processing methods. This configuration of the image processing method makes it easier for the user to customize the characters included in the image that is output based on the template. (Appendix 12) On the computer, obtaining image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters; obtaining template data including placement areas with which characters are pre-associated; outputting composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to the character previously associated with the placement area with the template data; A program to execute. This configuration of the program makes it easy for the user to customize the characters included in the image that is output based on the template. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Image processing device 11 processors 12 Storage section 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Devices 15 Output Devices 20 Information terminal 21 processors 22 Memory section 23 Communication Interface 24 Input Devices 25 Output Devices 111 Image acquisition unit 112 Template Acquisition Unit 113 Output section

Claims

1. An image acquisition unit that acquires image data corresponding to one or more characters, the image data being associated with creator identification information for identifying the creator of the image data; a template acquisition unit that acquires template data including a placement area to which a character is previously associated; an output unit that outputs composite image data obtained by combining the image data associated with the creator identification information specified for the template data and corresponding to characters that have been previously associated with the placement area with the template data; An image processing device having:

2. the image acquisition unit acquires the image data based on handwritten character information acquired from an information terminal. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the output unit outputs the composite image data obtained by combining the image data corresponding to each of a plurality of characters previously associated with the placement area with the placement area in the template data.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1.

4. the output unit combines the image data corresponding to a first character with a first placement area associated with the first character based on a first size ratio, and combines the image data corresponding to the first character with a second placement area associated with both the first character and a second character based on a second size ratio different from the first size ratio; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the image acquisition unit acquires image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters in association with each of the plurality of creator identification information; the template data has a first placement area group and a second placement area group, each of which includes a plurality of placement areas; the output unit combines, with respect to the first placement area group, the image data associated with first creator identification information designated from the plurality of creator identification information, and combines, with respect to the second placement area group, the image data associated with second creator identification information designated from the plurality of creator identification information. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the template data includes an image placement area for placing a user image associated with the creator identification information, the output unit combines the image data associated with creator identification information associated with the user image arranged in the image arrangement area with the template data; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The image data is associated with creator identification information and time information, the output unit outputs the composite image data obtained by combining the image data associated with the creator identification information and time information specified in the template data with the template data. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

8. the image acquisition unit acquires the image data corresponding to each of the one or more characters in association with a plurality of pieces of time information including first time information and second time information each indicating a different time; the template data has a third placement area group and a fourth placement area group each including a plurality of placement areas; the output unit arranges the image data associated with the first time information in the third arrangement area group, and arranges the image data associated with the second time information in the fourth arrangement area group. The image processing device according to claim 7 .

9. the template data includes an image placement area for placing a user image associated with creator identification information and time information; the output unit combines the image data associated with creator identification information and time information associated with the user image arranged in the image arrangement area with the template data; The image processing device according to claim 7 .

10. A computer acquires image data associated with creator identification information for identifying the creator of the image data and corresponding to one or more characters, The computer acquires template data including placement areas to which characters are previously associated; a computer outputs composite image data obtained by combining the template data with the image data associated with the creator identification information specified for the template data and corresponding to characters previously associated with the placement area; Image processing methods.

11. On the computer, acquiring image data associated with creator identification information for identifying a creator of the image data and corresponding to one or more characters; obtaining template data including placement areas with which characters are pre-associated; outputting composite image data obtained by combining the image data associated with the creator identification information specified for the template data and corresponding to characters previously associated with the placement area with the template data; A program to execute.

12. A system comprising a server and an information terminal, The server an image acquisition unit that acquires image data associated with creator identification information for identifying a creator of the image data and corresponding to one or more characters; a template acquisition unit that acquires template data including a placement area to which a character is previously associated; an output unit that outputs to the information terminal composite image data obtained by combining the template data with the image data that is associated with the creator identification information specified for the template data and that corresponds to characters that have been previously associated with the placement area, the information terminal has a display unit that displays an image based on the composite image data acquired from the server; Image processing system.

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