Programs, computer devices, and methods

Abstract

This program provides a mechanism to prevent the extraction of colors different from the specified colors. [Solution] A program that causes a computer device to function as a color storage means for storing colors used to color an image, and a color extraction means for extracting displayed colors, wherein the color extraction means is capable of extracting colors stored in the color storage means, but is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color storage means.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Software for editing images (hereinafter also referred to as image editing software) or the like may sometimes include a so-called function called an "eyedropper tool". When a color in an image is extracted by a general eyedropper tool, the extracted color can be applied as a color to be used in other tools (such as so-called "paint bucket tools" and "pen tools").

[0003] On the other hand, images used for animation production (hereinafter also referred to as animation images) are required to be colored with colors specified by a color specification table. In the work of coloring animation images, when a general eyedropper tool is used to extract a color for painting, a different color similar to the specified color may be extracted, and as a result, there is a risk that painting is performed with an unspecified color. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of at least one aspect of the present invention is to provide a program for preventing extraction of a color different from a predetermined color. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The object of the present invention is achieved by [1] A program that causes a computer device to function as: color storage means for storing colors used for coloring an image; and color extraction means for extracting a displayed color, wherein the color extraction means can extract colors stored in the color storage means and cannot extract colors not stored in the color storage means; [2] The program described in [1] above, which causes a computer device to function as an indicator means for indicating a pixel according to user input, and as an extractability indicator means for displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means can be extracted by a color extraction means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in a color storage means, and / or for displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means cannot be extracted by a color extraction means when the color of the pixel is not a color stored in a color storage means; [3] The program according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the colors used to color the image are a base color, a highlight color, and / or a shadow color designated to color the parts that make up the objects contained in the image, and the color storage means stores the colors used to color the image in association with identification information for identifying the colors; [4] A program according to any one of [1] to [3] above, which further causes a computer device to function as a coloring means for applying the color extracted by the color extraction means to other pixels; [5] A computer device comprising a color storage means for storing colors used to color an image, and a color extraction means for extracting displayed colors, wherein the color extraction means is capable of extracting colors stored in the color storage means, but is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color storage means; [6] A method performed in at least one computer device, comprising a color storage step of storing colors to be used to color an image, and a color extraction step of extracting a displayed color, wherein the color extraction step is capable of extracting colors stored in the color storage means and is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color storage means; [7] A program that causes a computer device to function as a color storage means for storing colors to be used to color an image; an indicator means for indicating a pixel according to user input; and a display means for displaying that the color of a pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in the color storage means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or for displaying that the color of a pixel indicated by the indicator means is not a color stored in the color storage means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is not a color stored in the color storage means; [8] A computer device comprising: a color storage means for storing colors to be used to color an image; an indicator means for indicating a pixel according to user input; and a display means for displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in the color storage means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or for displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is not a color stored in the color storage means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is not a color stored in the color storage means; [9] A method performed in at least one computer device, comprising: a color storage step of storing colors to be used to color an image; an instruction step of indicating a pixel according to user input; and a display step of displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction step is a color stored in the color storage means if the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction step is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or displaying that the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means if the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means; This can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program that prevents the extraction of a color different from a predetermined color. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [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 color memory processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the color extraction process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the coloring process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] 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.

[0009] Figure 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 comprises a control unit 11, RAM 12, storage unit 13, input unit 14, display unit 15, and communication interface 16, each connected by a bus.

[0010] The control unit 11 consists of a CPU and ROM. The control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the computer device 1. The RAM 12 is the work area of ​​the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a storage area for saving programs and data. In other words, the storage unit 13 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 11 performs calculations based on the programs and data read from the RAM 12, as well as the data input at the input unit 14.

[0011] 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 calculation processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 15 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as an input unit 14. The display unit 15 and / or the input unit 14 may be connected externally to the computer device 1. The input unit 14 may include a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, pen tablet, etc.), etc.

[0012] The communication interface 16 can be connected to a communication network wirelessly or via a wired connection, and can send and receive data with other computer devices via the communication network. Data received via the communication interface 16 is loaded into the RAM 12, and calculation processing is performed by the control unit 11.

[0013] The program (program product) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be pre-installed in the computer device 1, or it 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 perform a predetermined function. Furthermore, the program may function by being plugged into other applications, or it may function as an independent application.

[0014] Further, 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, causing the computer device 1 to execute predetermined functions.

[0015] Further, although an example in which all processes are executed in the computer device 1 is described herein, at least part of the processes may be executed in a server device or another computer device. For example, a computer device that executes color storage processing, which will be described later, and a computer device that executes color extraction processing and coloring processing may be different from each other. That is, the method of the present invention can be executed in at least one computer device. When the method of the present invention is executed in two or more computer devices, information used for processing may be appropriately transmitted and received between the computer device 1 and a server device or another computer device. Note that the server device is included in computer devices.

[0016] Further, 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 this case, which process is executed by which program is not particularly limited, and can be designed as appropriate.

[0017] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which, using image editing software including the program of the present invention, a color used for coloring an image is registered, and a color displayed on a display screen is to be extracted. Hereinafter, in the image editing software including the program of the present invention, a tool that executes a color extraction function is also referred to as "the dropper tool of the present invention". The dropper tool of the present invention can execute different functions in accordance with the color of a pixel designated by a mouse pointer.

[0018] [Color Storage Processing] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of color storage processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the computer device 1 accepts input of a color to be used for coloring an image (step S101), and stores the input color (step S102). The color storage processing ends through step S101 to step S102.

[0019] The user may start up image editing software and input a request to register colors used for coloring an image. For example, the user may input a request to register a color to be used for coloring an image by pressing a button for registering a color to be used for coloring an image displayed on the execution screen of the image editing software.

[0020] When the computer device 1 receives an input of a request to register a color to be used for coloring an image, it may be enabled to accept input of a color to be used for coloring an image in step S101.

[0021] The "color used for coloring an image" input in step S101 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. When image editing software including the program of the present invention is used for animation production, the "color used for coloring an image" may be a color specified by a color specification table.

[0022] The "color specification table" refers to a collection of colors used for coloring animation images. In the color specification table, colors to be applied to parts constituting objects such as characters and accessories drawn in an animation image are specified. That is, the colors specified by the color specification table are colors specified for separately coloring parts constituting objects included in an image.

[0023] A color specification table may include a color model consisting of a base color, a shadow color, and / or a highlight color. The base color is the main color in the area where the color model specifies the color. The shadow color may represent the area where the shadow falls on the base color. The highlight color may represent the area where light hits the base color. Depending on the scene the image comprises, the shadow color and highlight color do not necessarily have to represent shadow or light. For example, the shadow color may be darker than the base color, and the highlight color may be lighter than the base color. Alternatively, for example, the shadow color and highlight color may simply be different colors from the base color. The colors used to color the image may be the base color, highlight color, and / or shadow color specified in the color specification table.

[0024] "Base color," "shadow color," and "highlight color" can be thought of as roles assigned to the colors that make up a color model. In one color model, "base color," "shadow color," and / or "highlight color" may be managed together as a single group.

[0025] The number of colors that make up a color model is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. A color model only needs to consist of one or more of the following: a base color, a shadow color, and a highlight color. For example, a color model may consist of only a base color, or it may consist of three colors: one base color, one shadow color, and one highlight color, or it may consist of five colors: one base color, two shadow colors, and two highlight colors.

[0026] A color specification table may include multiple color models. A single part may be assigned to one color model, or multiple color models may be assigned to it. For example, the color model assigned to a part may change depending on the scene in the animation (e.g., time of day). Also, one color model may be assigned to multiple parts. For example, the same color model may be assigned to a character's clothes and hat.

[0027] In step S101, the method for receiving input for the colors to be used to color the image is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the user may input the colors to be used to color the image by displaying the image data of the color specification table on the display screen and using a general eyedropper tool to extract the colors specified in the color specification table. Alternatively, for example, the user may input information that identifies the colors to be used to color the image (for example, numerical values ​​of parameters that define the color). The type of parameter that defines the color is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The type of parameter that defines the color may be, for example, RGB or HSV. Alternatively, for example, the user may select the colors to be used to color the image from a general color picker.

[0028] In step S101, the user may input colors specified in a pre-created color specification table, or they may create their own color specification table by inputting the colors to be used to color the image.

[0029] The color entered in step S101 may be stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer device 1 in step S102. For example, the computer device 1 may store numerical values ​​of parameters that define the entered color.

[0030] In step S102, the computer device 1 may store the colors used to color the image, which were entered in step S101, in association with identification information for identifying those colors. Hereinafter, the identification information for identifying the colors used to color the image will be referred to as the "color ID". The color ID may consist of numbers, letters, symbols, etc. The color ID may be assigned automatically by a program or determined according to user input.

[0031] After step S102 is performed, if there are multiple colors to be used to color the image, the user can input the colors to be used to color the image again to the computer device 1. The computer device 1 can store multiple colors as colors to be used to color the image by repeating steps S101 to S102. The computer device 1 can store at least one color as a color to be used to color the image.

[0032] In step S102, if a color is stored in association with a color ID, the computer device 1 may, for example, assign and store a color ID to each of the multiple colors in the order in which they were entered. If the multiple colors entered include two or more of the same color, each of those colors may be assigned a different color ID.

[0033] The color ID may be a number assigned sequentially to the entered color, and may also include information that identifies the color model in which the entered color belongs (e.g., a color model ID) or information that identifies the role of the entered color (e.g., a role ID).

[0034] Steps S101 to S102 register the colors to be used for coloring images in the image editing software.

[0035] [Color extraction process] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the color extraction process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the computer device 1 receives an image input (step S201) and displays the input image on the display screen (step S202).

[0036] The image input in step S201 is an image from which color extraction may be performed. The image from which color extraction may be performed may or may not be an image from which coloring may be performed. Preferably, the image input in step S201 contains at least one color.

[0037] In step S201, 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. The user may be able to select and load any image using image editing software.

[0038] In step S202, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S202, it is sufficient that the image input in step S201 is displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0039] Next, computer device 1 accepts the selection of the eyedropper tool (step S203). Computer device 1 then points to a pixel with the mouse pointer according to the user's input (step S204) and identifies the color of the pointed-to pixel (step S205).

[0040] In step S203, the method for accepting the selection of the eyedropper tool is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may accept the selection of the eyedropper tool by input such as clicking an icon or tool name for using the eyedropper tool.

[0041] In step S204, the mouse pointer is displayed so as to move on the screen in accordance with operations performed by the user, such as moving a mouse in the real world. The mouse pointer functions as an indicator for pointing to pixels. In step S204, a mouse pointer in the shape of an eyedropper may be displayed on the screen. The pixel located at the tip of the eyedropper-shaped mouse pointer may be the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer. The pixel indicated by the mouse pointer may be the target of color extraction, as described later.

[0042] In step S205, the method for determining the color is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may refer to the color channel values ​​of the specified pixel (e.g., RGB values) and determine the numerical values ​​of the parameters that define the color of the pixel.

[0043] Computer device 1 determines whether the color identified in step S205 is the same color stored in step S102 (step S206).

[0044] In step S206, the method for determining whether the identified color (the color of the indicated pixel) is a stored color (a color registered to be used to color an image) is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0045] For example, computer device 1 may determine that a specified color is a stored color if the numerical value of the parameter defining the specified color is the same as any of the numerical values ​​of the parameters defining the stored colors. Alternatively, computer device 1 may determine that a specified color is a stored color if the numerical value of the parameter defining the specified color is within a predetermined range from any of the numerical values ​​of the parameters defining the stored colors. Here, the "predetermined range" is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0046] If a color is stored in association with a color ID in step S102, the computer device 1 may determine in step S206 whether or not the color identified in step S205 is among the colors stored in association with the color ID.

[0047] If the identified color is determined to be a stored color (YES in step S206), the computer device 1 displays an indication that the color of the indicated pixel can be extracted using the eyedropper tool (step S207). When the computer device 1 receives a request to extract a color with the mouse pointer positioned over a location where the indication that the color can be extracted is displayed (step S208), it extracts the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer (step S209).

[0048] On the other hand, if the identified color is not determined to be a stored color (NO in step S206), the computer device 1 displays a message indicating that the color of the indicated pixel cannot be extracted using the eyedropper tool (step S210). When the computer device 1 receives a request to extract a color while the mouse pointer is positioned over a location where an indication of unextractable color is displayed (step S211), it does not extract the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer (step S212).

[0049] In step S207, the manner in which a display indicating that a color can be extracted is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S207, it is sufficient that a display is made that allows the user to understand that a color can be extracted.

[0050] Furthermore, the manner in which a display indicating that a color cannot be extracted is shown in step S210 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S210, it is sufficient that a display is shown that allows the user to understand that a color cannot be extracted.

[0051] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(A) is an example of a display mode in step S207 that indicates that a color can be extracted, and Figure 4(B) is an example of a display mode in step S210 that indicates that a color cannot be extracted. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) may be parts of the execution screen displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0052] The image 100 shown in Figure 4 may be at least a part of the image input in step S201. Image 100 includes a roughly circular region 102 enclosed by two black main lines 101a and 101b. Region 102 is colored red. The background color of image 100 is white. In Figure 4, the red color applied to region 102 is represented by gray.

[0053] In Figure 4, a symbol 104 (104a and 104b) indicating whether a color can be extracted is displayed in the upper left corner of the eyedropper-shaped mouse pointer 103. The display of the symbol 104 indicating whether a color can be extracted may change depending on whether the color of the pixel pointed to by the mouse pointer 103 can be extracted. Here, it is assumed that in step S102, the color red is stored as the color to be used to color the image. Also, it is assumed that in step S102, the color white is not stored as the color to be used to color the image.

[0054] In Figure 4(A), the tip of the eyedropper tool on the mouse pointer 103 is pointing to a red pixel within region 102. Additionally, a red square symbol 104a is displayed in the upper left corner of the mouse pointer 103.

[0055] The rectangular symbol 104a may be an indicator that a color can be extracted. That is, in step S206, it is determined that the color red, which is the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer 103, is a color stored as a color to be used to color the image, and in step S207, an indicator may be displayed to show that the color can be extracted. Alternatively, the rectangular symbol 104a may be displayed with a color that can be extracted at the current position of the mouse pointer 103. In step S207, the display of a red rectangular symbol 104a near the mouse pointer 103 allows the user to understand that the color red can be extracted at the current position of the mouse pointer 103.

[0056] In Figure 4(B), the tip of the eyedropper tool of the mouse pointer 103 is pointing to a white pixel outside of area 102. Also, a black "X" symbol 104b is displayed in the upper left corner of the mouse pointer 103.

[0057] The cross symbol 104b may indicate that a color cannot be extracted. That is, in step S206, if it is determined that the white color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer 103 is not a color stored as a color to be used to color the image, then in step S210, an indication that the color cannot be extracted may be displayed. Furthermore, the color of the cross symbol 104b is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S210, by displaying the cross symbol 104b near the mouse pointer 103, the user can understand that a color cannot be extracted at the current position of the mouse pointer 103.

[0058] Thus, the computer device 1 may display a symbol 104 near the mouse pointer 103 (indicator) and change the shape of the symbol 104 according to the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer 103. In addition, or instead, the computer device 1 may change the color of the symbol 104 according to the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer 103. The shape and color of the symbol 104 are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0059] Computer device 1 may execute steps S205 and S206 each time the pixel indicated in step S204 changes as the mouse pointer 103 moves. Furthermore, computer device 1 may execute step S207 or step S210 depending on the result of the determination in step S206.

[0060] In the above, an example was described in which both an indication that a color can be extracted and an indication that a color cannot be extracted are displayed. However, the computer device 1 may display either an indication that a color can be extracted or an indication that a color cannot be extracted. For example, if it is determined that the identified color is a stored color, a symbol 104 may be displayed near the mouse pointer 103, and if it is not determined that the identified color is a stored color, nothing may be displayed near the mouse pointer 103 (the symbol 104 may not be displayed). The user can understand whether a color can be extracted or not by either of these displays.

[0061] Furthermore, while the above describes an example in which the eyedropper tool of the present invention can extract stored colors but cannot extract unstored colors, the eyedropper tool of the present invention may be able to extract unstored colors as well. In this case, if the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer in step S204 is a stored color in step S102, the computer device 1 may display in step S207 an indication that the color of the indicated pixel is a stored color. In addition, or instead, if the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer in step S204 is not a stored color in step S102, the computer device 1 may display in step S207 an indication that the color of the indicated pixel is not a stored color.

[0062] The modes of displaying whether the color of the specified pixel is a stored color, and the modes of displaying whether the color of the specified pixel is not a stored color, are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The display indicating whether the color of the specified pixel is a stored color may be the same as, or different from, the display indicating that the color can be extracted as described above. The display indicating that the color of the specified pixel is not a stored color may be the same as, or different from, the display indicating that the color cannot be extracted as described above. The display indicating whether or not the color of the specified pixel is a stored color may be a higher-level concept than the display indicating whether or not the color can be extracted.

[0063] By checking the display indicating whether the color of the indicated pixel is a stored color, users can determine whether the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer is a color registered for use in coloring. Therefore, this is expected to prevent users from mistakenly selecting a color different from the one registered for coloring.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the method for receiving the request to extract a color in steps S208 and S211 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may receive a request to extract a color when the mouse pointer is displayed in the shape of an eyedropper and input such as a click is made.

[0065] In step S209, the method for extracting the color is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S209, it is sufficient to make the color of the pixel that was specified when the request was received in step S208 (i.e., the color identified in step S205) usable by other tools that can apply color, such as the fill tool or the pen tool. In other words, "extracting a color" may mean applying the color to be extracted so that it can be used by other tools. When the extracted color is used with the fill tool, it may be possible to fill an area with the extracted color. When the extracted color is used with the pen tool, it may be possible to draw a line with the extracted color. In other words, the computer device 1 may be able to apply the extracted color to other pixels. Note that "other pixels" may be pixels different from the pixel from which the color was extracted.

[0066] If the image editing software allows for the display of colors used by a color-adding tool, the color extracted in step S209 may be displayed as the color used by the color-adding tool.

[0067] In step S212, control should be implemented to prevent color extraction. If the identified color is not a stored color, the color of the pixel indicated by the mouse pointer will not be available for use by other tools.

[0068] Steps S201 to S212 complete the color extraction process. This color extraction process makes it possible to extract only the colors registered as colors to be used for coloring.

[0069] [Coloring process] The following describes an example of using the color extracted in step S209 to fill an area. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the coloring process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] First, computer device 1 receives an image input (step S301) and displays the input image on the display screen (step S302).

[0071] The image input in step S301 is the image to be colored. If coloring is to be performed on the image input in step S201, step S301 does not need to be executed.

[0072] In step S301, the method for receiving image input can be adopted to the extent necessary, as described in step S201.

[0073] In step S302, the method of displaying the image can be adopted to the extent necessary, as described in step S202.

[0074] Next, computer device 1 accepts the selection of the bucket tool (step S303). When computer device 1 accepts the selection of the area to be filled (step S304), it fills the selected area with the color extracted in step S209 (step S305) and displays the image with the area filled (step S306). Steps S301 to S306 complete the coloring process.

[0075] In step S303, the method for accepting the selection of the bucket tool is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the computer device 1 may accept the selection of the bucket tool by having the user click an icon or tool name for using the bucket tool.

[0076] In step S304, the method for accepting the selection of a region is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, when any pixel within a region is clicked, the computer device 1 may accept the selection of a region containing the clicked pixel.

[0077] The term "region" may refer to an area that is filled in one step by a general fill process. For example, a "region" may be an area composed of pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in all directions (up, down, left, and right), an area enclosed by main lines and / or color tracing lines, or an area composed of pixels with the same label. The number of pixels that make up one region must be at least one. The term "area enclosed by main lines and / or color tracing lines" may refer to an area (i.e., a closed region) that is closed by pixels that make up the main lines and / or color tracing lines in the up, down, left, and right directions. Furthermore, if a "region" is an "area composed of pixels with the same label," the multiple pixels that make up one region do not need to be adjacent in any of the up, down, left, or right directions. The terms "up, down, left, and right" may refer to directions equivalent to the up, down, left, and right directions of the input image.

[0078] The algorithm for the fill process in step S305 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The fill process algorithm may be, for example, a seed-fill algorithm (also called a "Flood Fill Algorithm"), a scanline seed-fill algorithm, or any other algorithm.

[0079] For example, according to the seed-fill algorithm, computer device 1 first changes the color of the pixel located at the starting point of the fill process (the clicked location), and designates the pixels adjacent to the starting point pixel in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as the next pixels of interest. Next, it determines whether the pixels of interest meet the conditions for being filled, and if they do, it changes the color of that pixel. Furthermore, it designates the pixels adjacent to the colored pixel in all directions (up, down, left, and right) as the next pixels of interest, and similarly determines whether the pixels of interest meet the conditions for being filled. Through this process, the area including the starting point can be filled by spreading the color outwards from the starting point. The "condition for being filled" may simply be that the area is included in the same region as the starting pixel.

[0080] In step S306, the manner in which the image is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S306, it is sufficient that the image in which the fill process was performed in step S305 is displayed on the display screen of the computer device 1.

[0081] The colors extracted using the eyedropper tool of this invention can be used with various tools other than the bucket tool, just like colors extracted with a general eyedropper tool.

[0082] In the above, an example of using the program of the present invention for animation production purposes was described, but the uses of the program of the present invention are not particularly limited and can be used for any purpose.

[0083] In this way, a program can be provided that causes a computer device to function as a color storage means for storing colors used to color an image and a color extraction means for extracting displayed colors, and that prevents the extraction of colors different from predetermined colors by ensuring that the color extraction means can extract colors stored in the color storage means and cannot extract colors not stored in the color storage means. The "predetermined color" refers to the color stored in the color storage means.

[0084] Furthermore, by having the program function as an extraction feasibility indicator, which includes an instruction means for instructing pixels according to user input, and an indicator that shows whether the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means can be extracted by the color extraction means if the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or an indicator that shows whether the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means cannot be extracted by the color extraction means if the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means, it becomes easy for the user to understand whether or not a color can be extracted.

[0085] Furthermore, the colors used to color the image are designated as base colors, highlight colors, and / or shadow colors to differentiate the parts that make up the objects contained in the image. By storing the colors used to color the image in association with identification information for identifying those colors, the color storage means can manage the base colors, highlight colors, and / or shadow colors in association with the identification information.

[0086] Furthermore, the program makes it possible to apply the extracted color to other pixels by causing the computer device to function as a coloring means that applies the color extracted by the color extraction means to other pixels.

[0087] Furthermore, the program can provide a program that prevents the extraction of colors different from predetermined colors by having the computer device function as a color storage means for storing colors used to color an image, an instruction means for instructing pixels according to user input, and a display means that, when the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is a color stored in the color storage means, displays that the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or displays that the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means, displays that the color of the pixel instructed by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means. The "predetermined color" refers to a color stored in the color storage means. The "display means" may be a higher-level concept than the "extraction feasibility display means". [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Computer device 11 Control Unit 12 RAM 13 Storage Section 14 Input section 15 Display section 16 Communication Interfaces 100 images 101 Main line 102 areas 103 Mouse Pointer 104 Symbols

Claims

1. Computer equipment, A color memory means for storing the colors used to color an image, Color extraction means for extracting the displayed color To make it function as, The color extraction means is capable of extracting colors stored in the color memory means, but is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color memory means. program.

2. Computer equipment, An instruction means for specifying pixels according to user input, Extraction feasibility indicator means: Displays an indication that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means can be extracted by the color extraction means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or displays an indication that the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means cannot be extracted by the color extraction means when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicator means is not a color stored in the color storage means. To make it function as The program according to claim 1.

3. The colors used to color the image are the base color, highlight color, and / or shadow color specified to differentiate the parts that make up the objects contained in the image. The color storage means stores the colors used to color an image, associated with identification information for identifying those colors. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computer device, further, Coloring means that apply the color extracted by the color extraction means to other pixels. To make it function as The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A color memory means for storing the colors used to color an image, Color extraction means for extracting the displayed color Equipped with, The color extraction means is capable of extracting colors stored in the color memory means, but is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color memory means. Computer device.

6. A method performed on at least one computer device, A color memory step that stores the colors to be used to color the image, Color extraction step to extract the displayed colors It has, The color extraction step is capable of extracting colors stored in the color memory means, but is not capable of extracting colors not stored in the color memory means. method.

7. Computer equipment, A color memory means for storing the colors used to color an image, An instruction means for specifying pixels according to user input, Display means: When the color of the pixel indicated by the indicating means is a color stored in the color storage means, it displays that the color of the indicated pixel is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or, when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicating means is not a color stored in the color storage means, it displays that the color of the indicated pixel is not a color stored in the color storage means. To make it function as program.

8. A color memory means for storing the colors used to color an image, An instruction means for specifying pixels according to user input, Display means: When the color of the pixel indicated by the indicating means is a color stored in the color storage means, it displays that the color of the indicated pixel is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or, when the color of the pixel indicated by the indicating means is not a color stored in the color storage means, it displays that the color of the indicated pixel is not a color stored in the color storage means. Equipped with, Computer device.

9. A method performed on at least one computer device, A color memory step that stores the colors to be used to color the image, An instruction step that directs pixels according to user input, Display step: If the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction step is a color stored in the color storage means, display an indication that the color of the indicated pixel is a color stored in the color storage means, and / or, if the color of the pixel indicated by the instruction means is not a color stored in the color storage means, display an indication that the color of the indicated pixel is not a color stored in the color storage means. Having, method.

Images