Methods, computer devices, and programs

Abstract

To provide a novel method. [Solution] A method performed on at least one computer device, comprising: a main line transparency step of making main lines transparent in an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; a color fill step of coloring the area of ​​the main lines that has been made transparent by the main line transparency step with the color of a neighboring area; and a main line overlap step of overlapping a processed main line or a newly created main line on an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by the color fill step, or on an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a computer device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Anime is produced based on a colored image in which an area formed by a main line (outline) is colored. The main line is often drawn in black, but after coloring, it may be necessary to process the main line or change the color of the main line to match the coloring.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] At least one object of the present invention is to provide a novel method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The problems of the present invention are [1] A method executed in at least one computer device, comprising: a main line transparency step of making a main line transparent in an image including a line drawing in which at least a part of an area is colored; a color filling step of applying the color of a neighboring area to the range of the main line made transparent by the main line transparency step; and a main line overlapping step of overlapping a processed main line or a newly created main line on the image in which the range of the main line is colored by the color filling step or on the image including the line drawing in which at least a part of the area is colored; [2] The method according to [1], wherein the color filling step extends, with the same color, an area that is colored and located near the main line up to the range of the main line; [[ID=三十五]][3] The method according to [2], further comprising an extended range input step of receiving an input for specifying a range for extending the color by the color filling step; [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the processed main line is one which has been processed to make the main line appear faded, and the main line overlapping step is to overlap the processed main line with an image in which the area of ​​the main line has been colored by the color filling step; [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] above, comprising a main line creation step which creates a main line composed of pixels of the same color as the color of a neighboring area, based on an image in which the main line range has been colored by a color interpolation step, and a main line overlapping step which overlaps the main line created by the main line creation step onto an image in which the main line range has been colored by a color interpolation step, or an image including a line drawing in which at least a part of the area has been colored; [6] A computer device comprising: a main line transparency means for making the main lines transparent in an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; a color filling means for coloring the area of ​​the main lines that has been made transparent by the main line transparency means with the color of a nearby area; and a main line overlapping means for overlapping a processed main line or a newly created main line with an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by the color filling means, or with an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; [7] A program that causes a computer device to function as a main line transparency means for making main lines transparent in an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; a color filling means for coloring the area of ​​the main lines that has been made transparent by the main line transparency means with the color of a nearby area; and a main line overlapping means for overlapping a processed main line or a newly created main line in an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by the color filling means, or in an image including a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; [8] A method performed on at least one computer device, comprising a color interpolation step of assigning the same color to a transparent pixel as a neighboring colored pixel in an image including colored pixels and transparent pixels; [9] The method according to [8], wherein the color filling step extends the same color to a predetermined range, centered on the colored pixel;

[10] A computer device comprising a color-filling means for assigning the same color to a transparent pixel as a neighboring color-filled pixel in an image that includes colored pixels and transparent pixels;

[11] A program that causes a computer device to function as a color-filling means for coloring transparent pixels in an image containing colored pixels and transparent pixels, by coloring the transparent pixels with the same color as the neighboring colored pixels;

[12] A method performed on at least one computer device, comprising a color interpolation step in an image including pixels having a first color and pixels having a color other than the first color, of assigning the same color to the pixels having the first color as to neighboring pixels having a color other than the first color;

[13] A computer device comprising a color-filling means for assigning the same color to a neighboring pixel having the same color as a pixel having the same color as a pixel having the other color, in an image including pixels having a first color and pixels having a color other than the first color;

[14] A program that causes a computer device to function as a color-filling means for assigning the same color to a neighboring pixel having a color other than the first color in an image which includes pixels having a first color and pixels having a color other than the first color; This can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, a novel method can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of the dilate process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the main line processing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the main line overlap processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the main line creation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart of the main line overlap processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments unless it contradicts the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the description of effects is only one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention and is not limited to those described herein. The order of each process constituting the flowchart described below is not limited to any order insofar as it does not cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content. It is also possible to omit some of the processes constituting the flowchart or to add new processes to each process constituting the flowchart, as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the device that is the main entity that executes each process constituting the flowchart can be changed to another device unless it contradicts the spirit of the present invention. In this case, it is possible to change the processing content so as not to cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The computer device 1 includes a control unit 11, a RAM 12, a storage unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, and a communication interface 16, which are connected by a bus respectively.

[0009] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes a program stored in the storage unit 13 to control the computer device 1. The RAM 12 is a work area of the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a storage area for storing programs and data. That is, the storage unit 13 functions as a recording medium storing a program. The control unit 11 performs arithmetic processing based on the program and data read from the RAM 12, and the data input by the input unit 14.

[0010] The display unit 15 has a display screen. The control unit 11 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 15 may be a touch panel including a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input unit 14. Note that the display unit 15 and / or the input unit 14 may be externally connected to the computer device 1. The input unit 14 may include a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse, a tablet, etc.).

[0011] The communication interface 16 can be connected to a communication network wirelessly or by wire, and can transmit and receive data with other computer devices via the communication network. The data received via the communication interface 16 is loaded into the RAM 12, and arithmetic processing is performed by the control unit 11.

[0012] The program (program product) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be pre-installed in the computer device 1, or may be distributed from an external computer device and installed in the computer device 1. The program only needs to be capable of causing the computer device 1 to execute a predetermined function. Also, the program may function by plugging into other applications, or may function as an independent application.

[0013] Also, the program (program product) may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In this case, the program stored in the recording medium may be installed in the computer device 1, and the computer device 1 may be caused to execute a predetermined function.

[0014] Here, an example in which all processing is executed in the computer device 1 is given, but at least a part of the processing may be executed in a server device or another computer device. That is, the method of the present invention can be executed in at least one computer device. In this case, information used for processing may be appropriately transmitted and received between the computer device 1 and the server device or another computer device.

[0015] Also, the method of the present invention can be executed by at least one program. The method of the present invention may be executed by two or more programs. In that case, which program executes which processing is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed. For example, all the processing described later may be executed by one program, and the processing of making the main line transparent, the processing of coloring the transparent range, the processing of processing the main line, and the processing of overlapping the processed main line on the image described later may be executed by two or more different programs.

[0016] The following describes examples of processing main lines and overlaying them onto an image using the method of the present invention, and examples of creating new main lines and overlaying them onto an image. The example of processing main lines and overlaying them onto an image is described as the first embodiment, and the example of creating new main lines and overlaying them onto an image is described as the second embodiment.

[0017] [First Embodiment] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the dilate process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the computer device 1 receives an input image including a colored line drawing (step S101) and displays the input image (step S102).

[0018] In step S101, the method for receiving image input is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, image input may be performed by receiving image data transmitted from another device, or by reading image data stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1.

[0019] The image format should preferably be raster format (bitmap format).

[0020] "Line drawing" refers to an illustration drawn with lines. Within a line drawing, the main lines that make up the outline of the drawn object are called main lines. Main lines do not need to include color tracing lines. Also, "an image containing a colored line drawing" refers to an image in which at least a portion of the area formed by the main lines has been colored.

[0021] Furthermore, "regions formed by main lines" refers to regions that are considered to be formed by main lines. "Regions formed by main lines" may be regions that are closed by main lines, or regions that are not closed by main lines.

[0022] A region formed by a main line may be entirely filled with one or more colors, or it may have one or more colors applied but unfilled portions. If a region formed by a main line is colored with two or more colors, it is considered that the region formed by the main line contains two or more sub-regions colored with different colors.

[0023] In animation production, areas formed by outlines are generally colored differently from the outlines.

[0024] In an image, pixels that make up the main lines and pixels that make up colored areas are preferably opaque. "A pixel is opaque" means, for example, that the value of the pixel's alpha channel is a value indicating opacity. Alternatively, "opaque" may mean, for example, that the opacity is 100%. Hereafter, the alpha channel value of an opaque pixel will be assumed to be "1". Since an opaque pixel possesses one of the colors, it can be said to be a "colored pixel".

[0025] Furthermore, in the image, it is preferable that pixels other than those constituting the main lines and those constituting the colored areas be transparent. "A pixel is transparent" may mean, for example, that the value of the pixel's alpha channel is a value indicating transparency. Note that "transparent" may also mean, for example, that the opacity is 0%. Hereafter, the alpha channel value of a transparent pixel will be set to "0".

[0026] Note that "pixels constituting the main line" refers to pixels located at the main line positions in the input image (hereinafter also referred to as the original colored image). The position of a pixel may be represented, for example, by pixel coordinates. Even if the main line becomes transparent due to the processing described later, pixels that were at the main line positions in the original colored image can still be said to be pixels constituting the main line. Furthermore, the range in which the pixels constituting the main line are located will also be referred to as the "main line range" below.

[0027] The method for representing the color of a pixel (color mode) is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the color mode may be RGB or CMYK. The number of color channels set for pixels in an image may be determined according to the image's color mode. Hereinafter, we will assume that the image's color mode is RGB, and that each pixel in the image has three color channels: red, green, and blue.

[0028] In step S102, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(A) is an example of an overall view of an image including a colored line drawing, and Figure 3(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 3(A). In Figure 3, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S102, for example, an image 100a as shown in Figure 3(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0030] Image 100a contains an illustration of a bear wearing armor and a helmet. The illustration is drawn using line drawings, and the areas formed by the main lines are colored. Figure 3(B) shows a magnified view (hereinafter also referred to as the magnified view) 101a of the helmet decoration part of the bear illustration contained in Image 100a.

[0031] The enlarged view 101a shown in Figure 3(B) includes a pair of kuwagata (antler-shaped ornaments) 102 (102a and 102b) that form a set of ornaments on the left and right sides, and a kuwagata base 103 that is located on the front of the helmet and forms the base portion of the kuwagata 102.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the outer contour of the right-hand stag bead 102a is drawn by the main line 104a, and the inside of the stag bead 102a is drawn by the main line 104b to express three-dimensionality. Here, the main lines 104 (104a, 104b, ...) included in image 100a are drawn in black. That is, the color of the pixels that make up the main line 104 is black. Furthermore, the main line 104 is assumed to be opaque. That is, the alpha channel value of the pixels that make up the main line 104 is "1". Note that in Figure 3(B), the symbols for main lines other than main lines 104a and 104b are omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, the area of ​​the right-hand hoe shape 102a formed by the main line 104a contains three sub-regions 105, from top to bottom: a sub-region 105a with a highlight color, a sub-region 105b with a base color, and a sub-region 105c with a shadow color. Here, the highlight color is light yellow, the base color is yellow, and the shadow color is dark yellow. Also, the highlight color, base color, and shadow color are opaque. That is, the alpha channel value of the highlight color pixels, base color pixels, and shadow color pixels is "1".

[0034] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the computer device 1 then receives input to make the main lines in the displayed image transparent (step S103). The computer device 1 makes the main lines in the displayed image transparent (step S104) and displays the image with the main lines made transparent (step S105).

[0035] The mode of receiving input for making the main line transparent in step S103 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0036] For example, computer device 1 may accept input to make pixels having a predetermined color transparent. Specifically, computer device 1 may accept input to specify the color of the pixels to be made transparent, and input to instruct the user to make the pixels of the specified color transparent. The color of a pixel may be specified, for example, by inputting the values ​​of three color channels: red, green, and blue, or by selecting any color from the colors included in the image. In step S104, the user can make the main lines transparent by specifying the color of the pixels that make up the main lines as the color of the pixels to be made transparent.

[0037] Alternatively, for example, computer device 1 may accept input to make pixels located at predetermined pixel coordinates transparent. Specifically, for example, computer device 1 may accept input to create an image having an alpha channel that makes the main lines transparent and to superimpose it on the original colored image. An image having an alpha channel that makes the main lines transparent can be created, for example, based on an image containing only the main lines (hereinafter also referred to as the original line image) that corresponds to the original colored image.

[0038] In step S104, the computer device 1 may make the main lines transparent by setting the alpha channel value of the pixels constituting the main lines in the image displayed in step S102 (the image input in step S101) to "0", in accordance with the input in step S103. By step S104, the computer device 1 can generate an image in which the main lines are transparent.

[0039] In this case, the computer device 1 does not need to change the color channel values ​​of the pixels that make up the main lines; it may change them to predetermined values ​​such as "0".

[0040] In step S105, the manner in which the image with transparent main lines is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(A) is an example of an overall view of an image with transparent main lines, and Figure 4(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 4(A). In Figure 4, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S105, for example, an image 100b as shown in Figure 4(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0042] Image 100b is an image in which the main line 104, which was black in image 100a shown in Figure 3(A), has been made transparent. As shown in the enlarged view 101b of Figure 4(B), the pixels that make up the main line 104a and the pixels that make up the main line 104b are transparent. In Figure 4, the alpha channel value of the pixels that make up the main line 104 is "0".

[0043] The image displayed in step S105 (the image generated in step S104) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0044] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the computer device 1 then receives input to color the neighboring region within the transparent main line area (step S106). The computer device 1 then colors the neighboring region within the transparent main line area (step S107) and displays the image with the neighboring region colored within the main line area (step S108). Steps S101 to S108 complete the dilate process.

[0045] In step S106, the method for receiving input to color the surrounding area within the transparent main line is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0046] For example, computer device 1 may accept an input to extend a colored area located near the main line to the area within the main line using the same color. Specifically, computer device 1 may accept an input instructing that, centered on a colored pixel (opaque pixel), the color of transparent pixels be changed to the same color as the colored pixel within a predetermined range.

[0047] The specified range (the range to which the color is extended) may be a range specified by the user, or it may be a predetermined range. If the user can specify the range, the computer device 1 may accept input to specify the range to which the color is extended. The range to which the color is extended may be specified by a numerical value such as "3", "5", or "8", or by a criterion that represents a degree such as "small", "medium", or "large".

[0048] The specified range (the range to which the color is extended) is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The specified range (the range to which the color is extended) may be a range in which the color of the neighboring area is applied to the entire range of the transparent main line, or it may be a range in which the color of the neighboring area is applied to a part of the range of the transparent main line.

[0049] In step S107, the computer device 1 may perform a process to change the color of transparent pixels to the same color as the colored pixels, up to a predetermined range centered on the colored pixels. This expands the colored area located near the main line to the range of the main line with the same color, and the transparent area of ​​the main line can be colored with the color of the surrounding area.

[0050] For example, computer device 1 first determines whether there are any transparent pixels among the pixels adjacent to the central, colored pixel (hereinafter also referred to as the "pixel of interest") (pixels whose distance from the pixel of interest is approximately "1" when the length of one side of a pixel is "1"). If there are transparent pixels, the color of the transparent pixels may be changed to the same color as the pixel of interest. If there are opaque pixels (colored pixels) among the pixels adjacent to the pixel of interest, the color of the opaque pixels does not need to be changed.

[0051] Next, the computer device 1 determines whether there are any transparent pixels among the pixels adjacent to the pixel of interest and the adjacent pixels (pixels whose distance from the pixel of interest is approximately "2" when the length of one side of a pixel is "1"). If there are transparent pixels, the color of the transparent pixels may be changed to the same color as the pixel of interest. If there are opaque pixels (colored pixels) among the pixels adjacent to the pixel of interest and the adjacent pixels, the color of the opaque pixels does not need to be changed.

[0052] Thus, the determination of whether or not there are transparent pixels may be performed sequentially on pixels located on a circle with a predetermined radius, centered on the pixel of interest. Preferably, the determination of whether or not there are transparent pixels is performed sequentially starting from the pixels in the vicinity of the pixel of interest. By repeating the same process up to a predetermined range centered on the pixel of interest, the color of the pixel of interest can be extended to a predetermined range.

[0053] Whether or not a pixel is transparent, that is, whether or not the pixel being judged is transparent, can be determined based on the value of the alpha channel of the pixel being judged. For example, computer device 1 may determine that the pixel is transparent if the value of the alpha channel of the pixel being judged is "0", and determine that the pixel is opaque if the value of the alpha channel of the pixel being judged is "1".

[0054] By not extending the color to opaque pixels, and only extending the color to transparent pixels, it becomes possible to neatly color the surrounding areas within the transparent main line.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above configuration, if there are no transparent pixels on a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the pixel of interest, the color expansion process centered on the pixel of interest may be terminated. By configuring it in this way, the colors of the neighboring area can be expanded only to the transparent area.

[0056] If the main line is adjacent to two or more areas of different colors, the color may be extended evenly from each of the adjacent areas to the main line. By extending the color evenly from each of the adjacent areas to the main line, it becomes possible to fill the transparent area of ​​the main line with the color of the neighboring areas without color bias.

[0057] In step S107, the computer device 1 may extend the colored area to pixels outside the main line range. For example, if there are transparent pixels within the area formed by the main line due to color omissions, the color of the surrounding area may be applied to these transparent pixels as well.

[0058] Furthermore, the method for coloring the area of ​​the transparent main line in step S107 is not limited to the above and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may change the color of a transparent pixel located within a predetermined range from a colored pixel to the same color as the colored pixel.

[0059] In step S107, the computer device 1 can generate an image (hereinafter also referred to as a dilated image) in which the area adjacent to the main line is colored.

[0060] In step S108, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0061] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5(A) is an example of an overall view of an image in which the area of ​​the main line is colored with the surrounding area, and Figure 5(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 5(A). In Figure 5, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S108, for example, an image 100c as shown in Figure 5(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0062] Image 100c is an image in which the area of ​​the transparent main line 104 in Image 100b shown in Figure 4(A) is colored with the surrounding area.

[0063] For example, as shown in the enlarged view 101c of Figure 5(B), the area of ​​main line 104b located between the sub-region 105b with the base color and the sub-region 105c with the shadow color is colored with both the base color and the shadow color. Since the upper side of main line 104b was in contact with the sub-region 105b with the base color, the upper part of the area of ​​main line 104b is colored with the base color. Also, since the lower side of main line 104b was in contact with the sub-region 105c with the shadow color, the lower part of the area of ​​main line 104b is colored with the shadow color. The entire area of ​​main line 104b is colored with the color of the neighboring region, and there are no transparent pixels remaining in the area of ​​main line 104b. Note that in Figure 5(B), the notation for the symbol indicating main line 104b has been omitted.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view 101c of Figure 5(B), the area of ​​main line 104a located near the small area 105a with the highlight color is also highlighted, the area of ​​main line 104a located near the small area 105b with the base color is also colored with the base color, and the area of ​​main line 104a located near the small area 105c with the shadow color is also colored with the shadow color.

[0065] The image displayed in step S108 (the image generated in step S107) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0066] The dilate process described above makes the main lines of the original colored image transparent, and then allows the color of the area near the main line to be applied to the transparent area of ​​the main line. By making the main lines of the original colored image transparent, it is easy to apply the color of the area near the main line, regardless of the original color of the main line in the original colored image. Next, we will explain the main line processing process, which processes the main lines contained in the image.

[0067] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the main line processing process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the computer device 1 displays an image containing only the main lines (step S201). Next, the computer device 1 receives input for processing the main lines contained in the image (step S202). The computer device 1 processes the main lines (step S203) and displays the image with the processed main lines (step S204). Steps S201 to S204 complete the main line processing process.

[0068] In step S201, the "image containing only the main lines" refers to an image containing only the main lines from the image input in step S101 (the original colored image). The image containing only the main lines may be generated by extracting only pixels of a predetermined color (pixels with the color of the main lines) from the original colored image, or it may be obtained by inputting an image containing only the line drawings of the main lines (the original line image) that corresponds to the original colored image. In the image containing only the main lines, pixels other than the main lines may be transparent or white.

[0069] In step S201, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0070] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7(A) is an example of an overall view of an image including only the main lines, and Figure 7(B) is an enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 7(A). In step S201, for example, an image 100d as shown in Figure 7(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0071] Image 100d is an image containing only the main lines included in Image 100a shown in Figure 3(A). As shown in the enlarged view 101d of Figure 7(B), the main line 104, including main lines 104a and 104b, is drawn as a solid line and is not blurred.

[0072] The manner in which input for processing the main line is received in step S202 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0073] For example, computer device 1 may accept input for applying an effect to an image. Specifically, computer device 1 may accept input for selecting the type of effect to apply to the image, and for giving instructions to apply the effect to the image. The type of effect is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. Examples of effect types include blur, choke, noise, etc.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, computer device 1 may accept inputs such as thinning the main line or erasing part of the main line. The input to thin the main line may be performed, for example, using a tool for correcting line width. The input to erase part of the main line may be performed, for example, using a tool capable of erasing lines, such as an eraser tool.

[0075] The type of processing applied to the main line is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The type of processing applied to the main line may be such that it appears faded. "Fading the main line" means that parts of the main line disappear or are interrupted.

[0076] Furthermore, at this time, the computer device 1 may also accept input to change the color of the main line.

[0077] In step S203, the computer device 1 may process the main lines included in the image according to the input in step S202. For example, the computer device 1 may process the main lines included in the image to make them appear blurred. By step S203, the computer device 1 can generate an image with processed main lines.

[0078] In step S204, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0079] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8(A) is an example of an overall view of an image with processed main lines, and Figure 8(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 8(A). In step S204, for example, an image 100e as shown in Figure 8(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0080] Image 100e is an image of Image 100d shown in Figure 7(A) with the main lines blurred. As shown in the enlarged view 101e in Figure 8(B), the main line 104, including main lines 104a and 104b, is blurred, with parts of the line disappearing or being broken.

[0081] The image displayed in step S204 (the image generated in step S203) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0082] Next, we will explain the main line duplication process, which involves overlaying the main lines processed by the main line processing process onto the dilated image.

[0083] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the main line overlapping process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Computer device 1 receives input to overlap the processed main line onto an image in which the area near the main line is colored (step S301). In step S107, computer device 1 overlaps the main line processed in step S203 onto the image in which the area near the main line is colored (step S302), and displays the overlapped image (step S303). Steps S301 to S303 complete the main line overlapping process.

[0084] In step S301, the method for receiving input to overlay the processed main line onto an image in which the area near the main line is colored (dilated image) is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may receive input for selecting a dilated image, selecting an image with the processed main line, and an instruction to overlay the image with the processed main line onto the dilated image.

[0085] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that pixels other than the main lines in the processed image are transparent. If the aforementioned main line processing process generated an image in which pixels other than the main lines were white, it is preferable to make the pixels other than the main lines transparent before executing step S301. Furthermore, if the main lines were processed to make them appear faded in the main line processing process, it is preferable that the faded and disappeared parts of the main lines become transparent.

[0086] In step S302, the computer device 1 can overlay the processed main lines onto the dilated image according to the input in step S301. For example, the computer device 1 may overlay a selected layer of the image with processed main lines on top of a selected layer of the dilated image. Alternatively, the computer device 1 may combine the two layers to generate an image in which the processed main lines are overlaid on the dilated image.

[0087] In step S303, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0088] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10(A) is an example of an overall view of an image in which the processed main lines are superimposed on an image in which the area surrounding the main lines is colored, and Figure 10(B) is an enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 10(A). In Figure 10, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S303, for example, an image 100f as shown in Figure 10(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0089] Image 100f is an image in which Image 100e, shown in Figure 8(A), is superimposed on Image 100c, shown in Figure 5(A). As shown in the enlarged view 101f of Figure 10(B), the main line 104 is faded, with parts of the line disappearing or being interrupted. However, since the area of ​​the main line is colored with the color of the surrounding area, the gaps caused by the fading of the main line 104 are filled in with the color of the surrounding area. For example, the main line 104b, located between the small area 105b with the base color and the small area 105c with the shadow color, has some sections that are interrupted due to fading, but these interrupted sections are filled in with the base color and shadow color, and there are no areas where the color is missing.

[0090] The image displayed in step S303 (the image generated in step S302) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0091] In the above example, an image containing the processed main lines, generated in step S203, is superimposed on an image containing the transparent main lines, generated in step S107, in which the area near the transparent main lines is colored. However, the computer device 1 may also superimpose the image containing the processed main lines, generated in step S203, onto an image containing the colored line drawing, which was input in step S101. For example, if the type of processing applied to the main lines does not cause them to become blurred, the part below the processed main lines will not be visible, so the processed main lines may be superimposed on the original colored image.

[0092] [Second Embodiment] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the main line creation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the computer device 1 receives an input image including a colored line drawing (step S401) and displays the input image (step S402).

[0093] Next, computer device 1 receives input to make the main lines in the displayed image transparent (step S403). Computer device 1 makes the main lines in the displayed image transparent (step S404) and displays the image with the main lines transparent (step S405).

[0094] Next, the computer device 1 receives input to color the neighboring areas within the transparent main line range (step S406). The computer device 1 colors the neighboring areas within the transparent main line range (step S407) and displays the image with the main line range colored with the neighboring areas (step S408).

[0095] For the processing in steps S401 to S408, the explanation of the processing in steps S101 to S108 of the dilate process can be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0096] Next, the computer device 1 receives input to extract pixels located at the positions of the main lines from the image displayed in step S408, in which the areas near the main lines are colored (step S409). The computer device 1 extracts the pixels located at the positions of the main lines (step S410) and displays an image including the line drawing from which the pixels located at the positions of the main lines were extracted (step S411).

[0097] In step S409, the manner in which input is received for extracting pixels at the location of the main line is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may create an image having an alpha channel that makes the colored areas transparent in the image with the main line made transparent displayed in step S405, and receive input in step S408 to overlap this image with the image with the area near the main line colored.

[0098] In step S410, the computer device 1 may extract pixels at the location of the main line by setting the alpha channel value of the pixels constituting the colored area to "0" in an image in which the area near the main line has been colored. By step S410, the computer device 1 can generate an image that includes a line drawing in which the pixels at the location of the main line have been extracted. In the image that includes a line drawing in which the pixels at the location of the main line have been extracted, pixels other than those at the location of the main line may be transparent.

[0099] The color of pixels located at the main lines is changed to the color of the area near the main line. Therefore, the line drawing extracted from pixels located at the main lines will be a line drawing drawn using the colors of the area near the main line.

[0100] In step S411, the manner in which an image including a line drawing obtained by extracting pixels at the positions of the main lines is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0101] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12(A) is an example of an overall view of an image including a line drawing in which pixels at the positions of the main lines have been extracted, and Figure 12(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 12(A). In Figure 12, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S411, for example, an image 100g as shown in Figure 12(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0102] Image 100g is an image generated by extracting pixels located at the main lines from image 100c shown in Figure 5(A). As shown in the enlarged view 101g in Figure 12(B), the main line 104a included in the right-hand hoe shape 102a is drawn using the highlight color, base color, and shadow color applied to the area near the main line 104a.

[0103] The image displayed in step S411 (the image generated in step S410) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0104] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11, the computer device 1 then receives input to change the color of the line drawing included in the image displayed in step S411 (step S412). The computer device 1 changes the color of the line drawing (step S413) and displays the image with the changed line drawing color (step S414). Steps S401 to S414 complete the main line creation process.

[0105] In step S412, the mode of receiving input for changing the color of the line drawings included in the image is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0106] For example, computer device 1 may accept input to change the color of a line drawing to a different color of the same color family. Specifically, for example, computer device 1 may accept input to change the brightness of an image by adjusting the brightness or contrast of the image. When the brightness of the image is lowered, the color of the line drawing is changed to a darker color of the same color family, and when the brightness of the image is increased, the color of the line drawing is changed to a lighter color of the same color family.

[0107] In step S413, the computer device 1 may change the color of the line drawing according to the input in step S412. If the input in step S412 was to change the color of the line drawing to a different color of the same color family, the computer device 1 can create a line drawing with a color of the same color family as the area near the main line. This "line drawing with a color of the same color family as the area near the main line" can be said to be the "newly created main line".

[0108] In step S413, the computer device 1 can generate an image with the line drawing's color changed, that is, an image including the newly created main lines.

[0109] In step S414, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0110] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13(A) is an example of an overall view of an image with the line drawing color changed, and Figure 13(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 13(A). In Figure 13, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S414, for example, an image 100h as shown in Figure 13(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0111] Image 100h is an image obtained by reducing the brightness of Image 100g shown in Figure 12(A), thereby changing the line drawing colors to different colors of the same color family. As shown in the enlarged view 101h in Figure 13(B), the main line 104a included in the right-hand hoe shape 102a is drawn using a dark color of the same color family as the highlight color, a dark color of the same color family as the base color, and a dark color of the same color family as the shadow color.

[0112] The image displayed in step S414 (the image generated in step S413) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0113] Through the outline creation process described above, new outlines can be created based on an image in which the outline range has been colored. These outlines are composed of pixels of similar colors to the surrounding areas. Next, we will explain the outline duplication process, which involves overlaying the newly created outlines onto the original colored image.

[0114] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the main line duplication process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Computer device 1 receives input in step S401 to duplicate newly created main lines onto an image including a colored line drawing (step S501). Computer device 1 duplicates the newly created main lines onto the image including the colored line drawing received in step S401 (step S413) (step S502), and displays the duplicated image (step S503). The main line duplication process is completed by steps S501 to S503.

[0115] In step S501, the manner in which input is received to overlay newly created main lines onto an image containing a colored line drawing is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may receive input for selecting the original colored image, selecting the newly created image containing the main lines, and an instruction to overlay the newly created image containing the main lines onto the original colored image. In this case, it is preferable that pixels other than the main lines in the newly created image containing the main lines are transparent.

[0116] In step S502, the computer device 1 can overlay the newly created outlines onto the original colored image according to the input in step S501. For example, the computer device 1 may overlay a selected layer of the image containing the newly created outlines onto a selected layer of the original colored image. Alternatively, the computer device 1 may combine the two layers to generate an image in which the newly created outlines are overlaid onto the original colored image.

[0117] In step S503, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0118] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15(A) is an example of an overall view of an image in which newly created main lines are superimposed on an input image including a colored line drawing, and Figure 15(B) is a magnified view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in the image shown in Figure 15(A). In Figure 15, the colors of the pixels included in the image are represented in grayscale. In step S503, for example, an image 100i as shown in Figure 15(A) may be displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0119] Image 100i is an image obtained by overlaying Image 100h, shown in Figure 13(A), onto Image 100a, shown in Figure 3(A). As shown in the enlarged view 101i of Figure 15(B), the main line 104a adjacent to the highlighted small area 105a is drawn with a dark color of the same color family as the highlight, the main line 104a adjacent to the basic colored small area 105b is drawn with a dark color of the same color family as the basic color, and the main line 104a adjacent to the shadowed small area 105c is drawn with a dark color of the same color family as the shadow. Compared to Image 100a, where the main line 104a is drawn in black, Image 100i appears to have a more harmonious blend between the area colors and outlines.

[0120] The image displayed in step S503 (the image generated in step S502) may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 either by user operation or automatically.

[0121] In the above example, an image containing a colored line drawing, input in step S401, is superimposed with a newly created image containing main lines, generated in step S413. However, the computer device 1 may also superimpose an image containing newly created main lines, generated in step S413, onto an image generated in step S407, in which the transparent main lines are colored with the surrounding areas.

[0122] Furthermore, although the above describes an example of creating main lines composed of pixels of the same color as the neighboring region based on a dilated image, the method for creating new main lines is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The computer device 1 can superimpose the main lines created by any method onto the image generated in step S407, in which the color of the neighboring region is applied to the area of ​​the transparent main lines, or onto the image input in step S401, which includes a colored line drawing.

[0123] Furthermore, the process of coloring the surrounding area of ​​a transparent pixel can be used for purposes other than those mentioned above.

[0124] For example, if there are areas in a colored image that are not yet colored, and the uncolored pixels are transparent, the uncolored areas can be eliminated by coloring the surrounding areas to the transparent pixels.

[0125] In other words, in an image containing both colored and transparent pixels, the process of assigning the same color to a transparent pixel as to a neighboring colored pixel functions independently. Furthermore, the process of assigning the same color to a transparent pixel as to a neighboring colored pixel may extend the same color to a predetermined range centered on the colored pixel. The above description can be adopted to the extent necessary for the manner in which the same color is extended to a predetermined range centered on the colored pixel.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above example, in order to generate an image in which the main line area is colored with the color of the neighboring area, the main line is first made transparent, and then the color of the neighboring area is applied to the transparent main line area. However, it is also possible to apply the color of the neighboring area to the main line area without making the main line transparent.

[0127] For example, if the main line color is black, the image containing the colored line drawing may be configured to assign the same color to black pixels as neighboring pixels of a color other than black. For example, the image may be configured to extend the same color as pixels of a color other than black to a predetermined range, with black pixels as the center.

[0128] In other words, if the color of the main line is designated as the first color, and the color applied to the region formed by the main line is designated as a color other than the first color, then in an image containing pixels with the first color and pixels with colors other than the first color, it is possible to apply the color of the neighboring region to the main line area by applying the same color to the pixels with the first color as to neighboring pixels with colors other than the first color. The determination of whether or not a pixel has the first color can be performed based on the value of the pixel's color channel.

[0129] Furthermore, although the above explanation used an image containing only completely opaque pixels (colored pixels) and completely transparent pixels as an example, the method of the present invention can also be applied to images containing semi-transparent pixels. For example, pixels with an opacity of a certain degree or higher may be designated as "colored pixels," and pixels with an opacity below the predetermined degree may be designated as "transparent pixels," and the method of the present invention may be carried out accordingly.

[0130] Thus, a novel method can be provided by having a method executed on at least one computer device that includes a main line transparency step in which the main lines are made transparent in an image containing a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored; a color fill step in which the area of ​​the main lines that has been made transparent by the main line transparency step is colored with the color of a neighboring area; and a main line overlap step in which processed main lines or newly created main lines are superimposed on an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by the color fill step, or on an image containing a line drawing in which at least a portion of the area is colored.

[0131] Furthermore, since the color filling step extends the colored area located near the main line to the area within the main line using the same color, the colored area located near the main line can be extended to the area within the main line using the same color.

[0132] Furthermore, by having an extension range input step that accepts input for specifying the range to which the color will be extended by the color interpolation step, the method allows the user to input the range to which the color will be extended.

[0133] Furthermore, since the processed main lines are those that have been processed to appear faded, and the main line overlapping step overlaps the processed main lines with an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by the color interpolation step, it is possible to generate an image in which there is no color loss in the area of ​​the main lines, even when the main lines are processed to appear faded.

[0134] Furthermore, the process includes a main line creation step that creates main lines composed of pixels of the same color as the neighboring areas, based on an image in which the main line range has been colored by the color interpolation step, and a main line overlapping step that overlaps the main lines created by the main line creation step onto an image in which the main line range has been colored by the color interpolation step, or an image containing a line drawing in which at least a part of the aforementioned area has been colored, thereby generating an image in which the main line color is the same color as the neighboring areas.

[0135] Furthermore, a method performed on at least one computer device, which includes a color-filling step in an image containing colored pixels and transparent pixels, in which the transparent pixels are colored with the same color as the neighboring colored pixels, thereby allowing the transparent pixels to be colored with the colors of their neighbors.

[0136] Furthermore, since the color interpolation step extends the same color to a predetermined range centered on the colored pixel, the same color can be extended to a predetermined range centered on the colored pixel.

[0137] Furthermore, a method performed on at least one computer device, in an image including pixels having a first color and pixels having a color other than the first color, can be color-filled by including a color-filling step of assigning the same color to the pixels having the first color as to neighboring pixels having a color other than the first color. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1. Computer device 11 Control Unit 12 RAM 13 Storage Section 14 Input section 15 Display 16 Communication Interfaces 100 images 101 Enlarged View 102 Kuwagata 103 Kuwagata stand 104 Main line 105 small area

Claims

1. A method performed on at least one computer device, In an image containing a line drawing with colored areas, the main lines are made transparent in a main line transparency step, The process involves a color-filling step in which the area of ​​the main line that has become transparent through the main line transparency step is colored with the color of the surrounding area, A line duplication step is performed to superimpose processed line lines or newly created line lines onto an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by a color-filling step, or an image including a line drawing in which at least a part of the area has been colored. Having, method.

2. The color filling step extends the colored area located near the main line to the area within the main line's boundaries using the same color. The method according to claim 1.

3. A color interpolation step that accepts input to specify the range over which the color will be extended by the color interpolation step. Having, The method according to claim 2.

4. The processed main lines have been treated to give them a faded appearance. The main line overlapping step involves overlapping the processed main lines onto an image in which the main line area has been colored by the color interpolation step. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A main line creation step that creates main lines based on an image in which the main line area has been colored by a color interpolation step, and which consists of pixels of the same color as the surrounding area. It has, The main line overlapping step involves overlapping the main lines created in the main line creation step onto an image in which the main line range has been colored by the color interpolation step, or an image containing a line drawing in which at least a portion of the aforementioned area has been colored. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. In an image containing a line drawing in which at least some areas are colored, a means for making the main lines transparent, A color-filling means applies the color of a nearby area to the area of ​​the main line that has been made transparent by the main line transparency means, A line duplication means that overlays processed line lines or newly created line lines onto an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by a color-filling means, or an image including a line drawing in which at least a part of the area has been colored. Equipped with, Computer device.

7. Computer equipment, In an image containing a line drawing in which at least some areas are colored, a means for making the main lines transparent, A color-filling means applies the color of a nearby area to the area of ​​the main line that has been made transparent by the main line transparency means, A line duplication means that overlays processed line lines or newly created line lines onto an image in which the area of ​​the main lines has been colored by a color-filling means, or an image including a line drawing in which at least a part of the area has been colored. To make it function as program.

Images