JP2009065640A - Image forming device, image formation method, image formation program, and computer-readable recording medium with recording image forming program stored - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device capable of outputting the characters included in an image, in such a manner that a reader can easily recognize the same, without enormous efforts to form input image data. <P>SOLUTION: An image formation device includes an obtaining unit 305 for obtaining input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction scale, a first extraction unit 320 for extracting a first region including a character from the two-dimensional image, a first setting unit 340 for setting a second reduction scale greater than the first reduction scale when a size of the reduced character is smaller than a first size, a formation unit 352 for forming processed image data by reducing the first region at the second reduction scale when the size of the character is smaller than the first size, and an output unit 354 for outputting the processed image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image creation device that edits an input image and outputs the image, an image creation method, an image creation program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the image creation program is recorded. In particular, a reader recognizes characters included in an image. The present invention relates to an image creation apparatus, an image creation method, an image creation program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the image creation program is recorded.

  Traditionally, comics have been distributed to the market as comic books printed on paper. Recently, a service has been provided that creates an electronic comic as electronic data based on a paper-based comic and provides the electronic comic to a small terminal such as a mobile phone. The small terminal displays the provided electronic comic.

  However, it is difficult for a small terminal to reproduce the above-described electronic comics in the same vertical and horizontal sizes as paper-based comic materials. This is because the capacity of small terminals is limited. Since it is difficult for a small terminal to play an electronic comic in a large size, the service provider described above needs to recreate a viewable image by reducing or shaping the comic. The created image is so small that it is difficult for the reader to see the characters written in the balloon. Therefore, techniques for solving such problems have been proposed.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-279398 (Patent Document 1) discloses a comic book browsing apparatus including a comic content / data storage unit, a comic page image display unit, and an image enlargement display unit. The comic content / data storage unit stores page data and related image data related to the comic frame image. The page data represents at least one comic page image including at least one comic frame image. The comic page image display unit displays the comic page image represented by the page data on the display screen of the display device. The image enlargement display unit enlarges at least a part of the comic frame image included in the comic page image displayed on the display screen by the comic page image display unit on the part based on the related image data. To display.

  According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-279398 (Patent Document 1), a comic page image is displayed on the display screen, and a part of the frame image included in the page image is enlarged and displayed. The manga displayed on the display screen can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner for the reader (viewer).

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-139710 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method for reproducing a still image comic for reproducing information such as news as a still image on a mobile phone or a portable terminal. In the still image cartoon reproducing method, the following two steps are alternately repeated by the number of frames. The first step is a step of recording the downloaded data in the storage device. The second step is a step of reproducing the image data based on the data recorded in the storage device, and reproducing the character data superimposed on the image data after a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that a still image comic is composed of one or more frames, and each frame of the still image comic is composed of data composed of character data corresponding to balloon characters and image data.

According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139710 (Patent Document 2), it is not necessary to unnecessarily increase the image resolution of a still image cartoon, so that the entire image can be easily recognized with a small amount of information.
JP 2002-279398 A JP 2006-139710 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-279398 (Patent Document 1) has a problem in that restrictions on the terminal are increased in order to display an image. In particular, restrictions on points such as information storage capacity, processing function, and processing speed are increased. The reason for such a limitation is that the amount of data for displaying one image is considerably large. The amount of data increases because the resolution of the comic page image must be high.

  In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139710 (Patent Document 2), in addition to the above-described problems, there is a problem that it takes a great deal of time to create image data. In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-139710 (Patent Document 2), the limitation on performance is high because it is necessary to include character data in addition to the image data itself. It is necessary to take a great deal of time to create image data because it is necessary to reconstruct various information (characters and images) originally included in one image.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to make it easy for a reader to recognize characters included in an image without much effort in creating input image data. An object is to provide an image creating apparatus, an image creating method, an image creating program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the image creating program is recorded.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image creating apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, an acquisition unit configured to acquire input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction rate, and a first including characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data. First extraction means for extracting an area; first determination means for determining whether or not the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction ratio is equal to or larger than the first size; When the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size, the first specifying means for specifying a second reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio, and when the size of the character is equal to or larger than the first size, Creating means for creating processed image data in which the two-dimensional image is reduced at the first reduction rate based on the input image data. The creation means creates processed image data in which the first area is reduced at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size. The image creating apparatus further includes output means for outputting the processed image data.

  Preferably, the image creating apparatus further includes first calculation means for calculating a character size. A first calculating unit configured to generate a histogram of a color distribution for at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the first region; and, based on the histogram, a width and a height of a character in the first region Second calculating means for calculating at least one of the above, and second specifying means for specifying at least one of the width and height of the character in the first area as the character size.

  Preferably, the image creating apparatus further includes third calculation means for calculating a character size. The third calculation means includes an area calculation means for calculating the area of the first area, a character recognition means for recognizing characters in the first area, and a counting means for counting the number of characters recognized by the character recognition means. And dividing means for calculating the size of the character by dividing the area by the number of characters.

  Preferably, the creation unit reduces the first area at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data and removes the first area when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size. Processed image data is generated by reducing the dimensional image at either the first reduction ratio or the second reduction ratio.

  Preferably, the first specifying unit specifies a third reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size. The creating means reduces the first area at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data and the two-dimensional image excluding the first area when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size. Processed image data reduced at the third reduction ratio is created.

  When another situation of this invention is followed, the image creation method in the image creation apparatus which has an arithmetic processing part is provided. In the image creation method, the operation processing unit obtains input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction ratio, and the operation processing unit includes characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data. A step of extracting a first area; a step of determining whether or not the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction rate is equal to or larger than the first size; The arithmetic processing unit specifies a second reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size, and the arithmetic processing unit determines that the character size is the first size. In this case, the step of creating processed image data in which the two-dimensional image is reduced at the first reduction rate based on the input image data, and the arithmetic processing unit has a character size equal to or larger than the first size. Is not based on the input image data. There are the steps of the first region to create a reduced processed image data in the second reduction ratio, the processing unit, and outputting the processed image data.

  When another situation of this invention is followed, the image creation program for making an image creation apparatus which has an arithmetic processing part produce an image is provided. The image creation program acquires input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction ratio, extracts a first region including characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data, Determining whether or not the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction ratio is equal to or larger than the first size; and when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size, A step of specifying a second reduction ratio that is larger than the reduction ratio of the image, and when the character size is equal to or larger than the first size, the two-dimensional image is reduced at the first reduction ratio based on the input image data. Creating the processed image data, and processing image data in which the first area is reduced at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data when the character size is not equal to or larger than the first size. Step to create , And a step of outputting the processed image data to the arithmetic processing unit.

  When another situation of this invention is followed, the computer-readable recording medium which recorded said image creation program is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an image creating apparatus and an image creating method that can output characters included in an image in a state that can be easily recognized by a reader without much effort in creating input image data. , An image creation program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the image creation program is recorded are provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when the names and functions of the parts are the same, detailed description of the parts will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
The comic image creating apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a comic image creating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, comic image creation device 100 in the present embodiment includes control unit 110, storage unit 120, input unit 130, output unit 140, auxiliary storage device 150, and communication unit 160. Including.

  The control unit 110 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and an MPU auxiliary circuit. The control unit 110 controls the entire comic image creating apparatus 100. That is, the control unit 110 controls the storage unit 120, the input unit 130, the output unit 140, the auxiliary storage device 150, and the communication unit 160. The control unit 110 executes predetermined processing according to programs and data stored in the storage unit 120. By this processing, data input from the input unit 130, the auxiliary storage device 150, or the communication unit 160 is processed. The control unit 110 stores the data processed by the control unit 110 in the storage unit 120 or outputs the data to the output unit 140, the auxiliary storage device 150, or the communication unit 160.

  The storage unit 120 stores predetermined information. Specific information stored in the storage unit 120 will be described later.

  The input unit 130 is an interface for inputting predetermined information to the comic image creating apparatus 100. In the case of the present embodiment, input unit 130 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel (all not shown). By generating signals in response to user operations, information can be input. The predetermined information refers to information necessary for the comic image creating apparatus 100 to edit comic image data. Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined information refers to input data to be described later and information indicating a graphic in the image displayed by the output unit.

  The output unit 140 is an interface for outputting images and sounds from the comic image creation apparatus 100. The output unit 140 includes a display 142 configured by a liquid crystal display device (LCD, Liquid Crystal Display) and a speaker 144. When the control unit 110 or the like outputs signals to these, these output images and sounds.

  The auxiliary storage device 150 stores information as an auxiliary to the RAM 122. The auxiliary storage device 150 is also a device that reads a program executed by the control unit 110 from the recording medium 151. The auxiliary storage device 150 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 152 and a medium drive device 154. The HDD 152 reads information recorded on a magnetic disk (not shown) and records information on the magnetic disk. The medium driving device 154 reads information recorded on the recording medium 151 and records necessary information on the recording medium 151. The medium driving device 154 reads a program or data recorded on the recording medium 151 and transmits it to the control unit 110. The medium driving device 154 writes necessary data on the recording medium 151 according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

  The recording medium 151 includes a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and an MO (Magneto Optical disk). ), MD (Mini Disc) and other magneto-optical disks, IC cards, optical cards and other memory cards, mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), flash ROM This is a computer-readable recording medium that carries a fixed program and is realized by a semiconductor memory such as.

  The communication unit 160 is connected to a wired or wireless network 200 and communicates with other computers connected to the network 200. The communication unit 160 is controlled by the control unit 110 to transmit information to other computers or receive information from other computers. In the present embodiment, comic image creation device 100 may or may not include communication unit 160.

  This comic image creating apparatus 100 is realized by computer hardware shown in FIG. 1 and software executed by the control unit 110. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in the recording medium 151, read from the recording medium 151 by the medium driving device 154, and temporarily stored in the HDD 152. Further, it is read into the RAM 122 and executed by the control unit 110 described above. The computer hardware itself is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on the recording medium 151. Since the operation of the computer itself is well known, detailed description beyond the above description will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the comic image creation apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a comic stored as input image data in the data storage unit 300. Referring to FIG. 2, comic image creating apparatus 100 includes a data storage unit 300, an acquisition unit 305, a balloon region extraction unit 310, a text region extraction unit 320, a text size calculation unit 330A, and a reduction rate specifying unit. 340 and a data output unit 350.

  The data storage unit 300 stores input image data read by the medium driving device 154 or received by the communication unit 160. The data storage unit 300 may store a specified magnification (first reduction ratio) and a text size threshold (first size) input via the input unit 130. Alternatively, the data storage unit 300 may store a specified magnification and a text size threshold in advance. Hereinafter, the input image data, the specified magnification, and the text size threshold are collectively referred to as “input data”. A cartoon image indicated by the input image data is referred to as a “cartoon image”.

  In addition to the input data, the data storage unit 300 includes processing image data, information about a comic image (third region), information about a balloon region (second region), information about a text region (first region), Remember. In the present embodiment, “processed image data” is image data output by the data output unit 350. The information related to the comic image includes the position of the boundary of the comic image (each frame or the entire page), the image data of the painted image (binary image data), and the like. The information related to the balloon region includes the position of the boundary of the balloon region, the image data of the painted image (binary image data), and the like. In the present embodiment, the painted image refers to an image obtained by reducing the image of the balloon region and painting the pixel color depending on whether the pixel is inside the balloon. The information related to the text area includes the position of the boundary of the text area, the number of characters indicated by the image in the text area, the size of the character (text size), and the like. In addition, a position means the positional information expressed with a coordinate value etc., for example.

  The acquisition unit 305 acquires input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a specified magnification. More specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 305 receives input image data from the outside of the comic image creation apparatus 100 such as a network via the communication unit 160. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 305 reads input image data from a recording medium or the like.

  Then, the acquisition unit 305 receives the specified magnification from the outside of the comic image creation apparatus 100 such as a network via the communication unit 160. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 305 reads the specified magnification from a recording medium or the like. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 305 receives a specified magnification from the user via the input unit 130 or the like. For example, the acquisition unit 305 may directly receive a specified magnification from the user via the input unit 130 or the like, or may receive an instruction indicating “large size”, “medium size”, “small size”, or the like. In this case, the acquisition unit 305 acquires the designated magnification of 50% based on the “large size” instruction, acquires the designated magnification of 33% based on the “medium size” instruction, and instructs “small size”. A specified magnification of 25% may be acquired based on

  Alternatively, the acquisition unit 305 calculates the designated magnification based on the image size of the input image data and the image size of the display 142. For example, the acquisition unit 305 acquires the number of vertical and horizontal pixels (input image size) of the input image data, acquires the number of vertical and horizontal pixels (output image size) of the display 142, and sets the output image size as the input image. The specified magnification may be obtained by dividing by the size.

  The balloon region extraction unit 310 (first extraction unit) identifies all the regions circumscribing each of the graphics (that is, the region including only the graphics) by extracting all the graphics indicated by the input image data. A position indicating the boundary of the region is stored in the data storage unit 300. In the present embodiment, a region including only a graphic is a “balloon region”.

  However, the balloon region extraction unit 310, based on the input image data, includes a region including a figure such as an animation and a character such as a line (comic image), that is, a region surrounded by each frame or all the pages included in the page. An area surrounded by the frame may be extracted.

For example, by using the following information, it is possible to specify the position indicating the boundary between the balloon area and the other area, or the position where the balloon area exists.
(1) Arbitrary one-point position indicating the boundary between the balloon region and the other region, and painting image data representing the balloon region.
(2) All positions indicating the boundary of the balloon region.
(3) A painted image representing the position of one vertex of a rectangle circumscribing the balloon region, the width and height of the rectangle, and the balloon region.
(4) A separate image representing a balloon region with an image having the same size as the comic image as a background.

  Since the specific process for extracting the balloon region indicated by the input image data is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The text area extraction unit 320 extracts a text area described below. The text area includes characters included in the balloon area stored in the data storage unit 300. The boundary of the text area circumscribes characters included in the balloon area. In order to simplify the size calculation and the like, the text area extracted by the text area extraction unit 320 preferably has a rectangular shape.

  In the present embodiment, one text area includes all the characters included in one balloon area. Specifically, the text area extraction unit 320 detects the position of the boundary of the text area. When the boundary position of the text area is extracted, the text area extraction unit 320 stores the boundary position of the text area in the data storage unit 300 in association with the position of the boundary of the balloon area that includes the text area. Let

For example, by using the following information, it is possible to specify the position indicating the text area and other boundaries, or the position where the text area exists itself. Here, a case where the text area is rectangular will be described. However, when the text area is not rectangular, the same technique as that of the balloon area can be applied.
(1) The position of an arbitrary point indicating the text region and other boundaries (on the sides of the rectangle), and the image of the text region.
(2) A position of an arbitrary point indicating the boundary of the text area (on the side of the rectangle) and a separate image indicating the text area (a separate image indicating the text area and the balloon area).
(3) An image of only a text area with an image having the same size as the comic image as a background.

  Since the specific process for extracting the text area is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The text size calculation unit 330A calculates the text size from the boundary position of each text region stored in the data storage unit 300 and the input image data. In the present embodiment, “text size” indicates the size of characters included in the text area.

  The text size calculation unit 330A includes a horizontal histogram generation unit 331A, a vertical histogram generation unit 331B, a width calculation unit 333A, a height calculation unit 333B, and a size specification unit 335.

  FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing a histogram generated based on the image of the text area. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the horizontal histogram generation unit 331 </ b> A receives the text region image as an input, converts the text image to black and white (white component 0, black component 255), and the color of the text region image in the horizontal direction. A horizontal histogram representing the distribution is generated.

  Based on the horizontal histogram, the width calculation unit 333A determines that a position from a position where the value changes from a low value to a high value to a position where the value changes from a high value to a low value is one character, and calculates the width of one character.

  The vertical histogram generation unit 331B receives the image of the text area, converts the text image to black and white (white component 0, black component 255), and generates a vertical histogram representing the color distribution in the vertical direction of the image of the text area. Information 122-1 indicating the horizontal histogram and the vertical histogram is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 300-1.

  Based on the vertical histogram, the height calculation unit 333B determines that a position from a position where the value changes from a low value to a high value to a position where the value changes from a high value to a low value is one character, and calculates the height of one character.

  The size specifying unit 335 determines the size per character based on the calculated width and height of one character. For example, the average value of the width and height of all characters is determined as the size per character. The text size calculation unit 330A does not necessarily need to calculate both the width and the height, and may calculate the size per character by calculating one of them.

  In particular, when the horizontal histogram and the vertical histogram are not uniform, the following text size calculation method is effective. That is, when the width of each character calculated based on the horizontal histogram is not uniform, it is effective to specify the text size based on the vertical histogram (height of each character). Conversely, when the height of each character calculated based on the vertical histogram is not uniform, it is effective to specify the text size based on the horizontal histogram (width of each character).

  More specifically, for example, when English characters are written in the text area, or when proportional font characters are written in the text area, the method of calculating the text size based on the horizontal histogram is effective. It may not be. Also, the method of calculating the text size based on the horizontal histogram is not effective when Japanese characters or other language characters are written horizontally or when characters of other fonts are written. Sometimes. As described above, when the method for calculating the text size based on the horizontal histogram is not effective, the method for calculating the text size based on only the vertical histogram is effective.

  As described above, when the horizontal histogram (the width of each character) is not uniform, a vertical histogram for one line may be first generated to calculate the height of the character in the line. Thereafter, by generating a vertical histogram for each of the other lines and calculating the height of the characters in each line, the text size may be specified based on those heights. Conversely, when the vertical histogram (height of each character) is not uniform, first, a horizontal histogram for one column may be generated to calculate the width of the character in that column. Thereafter, by generating a horizontal histogram for each of the other columns and calculating the width of the character in each column, the text size may be specified based on those widths.

  Note that it is possible to determine whether characters are written vertically or horizontally in the text area based on the vertical histogram and the horizontal histogram. For example, when the vertical histogram is more uniform (small variance) than the horizontal histogram, it is determined that the characters are written horizontally, and when the horizontal histogram is more uniform than the vertical histogram, the characters are written vertically. It can be judged. After this determination, the text size can be automatically calculated by regenerating the histogram for each line.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the reduction ratio specifying unit 340 includes a text area reduction ratio RTn that is a reduction ratio of each text area, a balloon area reduction ratio RFn that is a reduction ratio of each balloon area, and a comic image reduction ratio. The comic image reduction rate is calculated.

  The reduction rate specifying unit 340 includes a determination unit 345 that determines whether or not the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction rate is equal to or larger than the first size. The determination unit 345 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not a value obtained by multiplying the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A by the specified magnification (first reduction ratio) exceeds the text size threshold (first size). Judging.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the reduction ratio specifying unit 340 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the reduction rate specifying unit 340 according to the present embodiment includes a character reduction rate selecting unit 600, a balloon reduction rate specifying unit 602, and an image reduction rate specifying unit 604.

  The character reduction rate selection unit 600 selects the text area reduction rate RTn based on whether or not a value obtained by multiplying the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A by the specified magnification exceeds a text size threshold value. The balloon reduction ratio specifying unit 602 specifies the balloon area reduction ratio RFn according to whether or not the specified magnification and the text area reduction ratio RTn are equal. The image reduction rate specifying unit 604 specifies the comic image reduction rate according to whether or not the specified magnification and the balloon region reduction rate RFn are equal.

  The character reduction rate selection unit 600 includes a first designated magnification selection unit 610 and a first calculated reduction rate selection unit 612.

  When the value obtained by multiplying the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A by the specified magnification exceeds the text size threshold, the first specified magnification selection unit 610 selects the specified magnification as the text area reduction ratio RTn. When the value obtained by multiplying the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A by the designated magnification is equal to or smaller than the text size threshold, the first calculation reduction ratio selection unit 612 uses the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A as the text size threshold. Division is performed, and a value obtained by the division is selected as a text area reduction ratio RTn (second reduction ratio).

  The balloon reduction rate specifying unit 602 includes a second designated magnification selection unit 620 and a comparison selection unit 622.

  When the text area reduction ratio RTn is equal to the designated magnification, the second designated magnification selection unit 620 selects the designated magnification as the balloon area reduction ratio RFn. When the text area reduction ratio RTn is different from the specified magnification, the comparison selection unit 622 selects the balloon area reduction ratio RFn based on the comparison result of the image generated from the input image data.

  The comparison selection unit 622 includes a painting image data creation unit 640, a reduced character image data creation unit 642, a pixel identification unit 644, a provisional value selection unit 646, and a provisional value change unit 648.

  The painted image data creation unit 640 creates image data indicating a painted image. The image data indicating the color separation image is obtained by reducing the image of the balloon region with the provisional value of the reduction ratio, and setting the color of the pixels constituting the image of the balloon region according to whether the pixel is inside the balloon. It is created by that. Note that the frame itself indicating the balloon region may be regarded as the inside of the balloon, or the frame itself indicating the balloon region may be regarded as the outside of the balloon. Alternatively, the center of the frame may be regarded as an inner and outer boundary. In the present embodiment, the frame itself is regarded as the outside of the balloon.

  The reduced character image data creation unit 642 creates reduced character image data based on the input image data. The reduced character image data indicates a reduced character image. This reduced character image is an image obtained by reducing the image of the text area at the text area reduction rate RTn.

  The pixel specifying unit 644 specifies whether the color is the inner color or the outer color of the painted image from the pixels of the text area points in the painted image. The text area point is predetermined in the text area. The text area point need not be a single point. For example, each point constituting the boundary of the text area may be a text area point. In the case of this embodiment, the vertexes at the four corners of the text area are text area points. Alternatively, the text area point may specify the character itself. Based on the pixels of the text area point, it can be determined whether or not the boundary of the text area exists inside the painted image by the relative position of the text area point with respect to the painted image and the color of the painted image.

  The provisional value selection unit 646 selects a value of the balloon region reduction rate RFn. The selected value is a provisional value for the reduction ratio. That is, the provisional value selection unit 646 sets the balloon region reduction rate RFn so as to be equal to the provisional value of the reduction rate. However, the balloon region reduction ratio RFn is set as such when the color specified by the pixel specifying unit 644, that is, when the color of the text region point is the color of the pixel inside the balloon. In the case of the present embodiment, if the color of all the text area points is the color of the pixel inside the balloon, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn is set as such. Unlike the present embodiment, when all the points constituting the boundary of the text area are text area points, the provisional value of the reduction ratio is obtained when all the colors of those points are the colors of the pixels inside the balloon. The balloon region reduction ratio RFn may be set so as to be equal to.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent part of the balloon from biting into the text area. Of course, when there are two or more text area points, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn may be set as described above on the condition that some of the colors are the colors of the pixels inside the balloon.

  When the color specified by the pixel specifying unit 644 is the color of the pixel outside the balloon, that is, when the color of the text area point is the color of the pixel outside the balloon, the provisional value changing unit 648 sets the provisional value of the reduction ratio. change. In the case of the present embodiment, if at least one of the text area points is the color of a pixel outside the balloon, the provisional value of the reduction ratio is changed. Unlike the present embodiment, when each point constituting the boundary of the text area is a text area point, reduction is performed when at least one of the colors of those points is the color of a pixel outside the balloon. What is necessary is just to change the provisional value of a rate. Of course, when there are two or more text region points, the provisional value of the reduction ratio may be changed on condition that some of the colors are the colors of the pixels outside the balloon.

  The image reduction rate specifying unit 604 includes a third designated magnification selecting unit 630 and a trial specifying unit 632.

  The third designated magnification selecting unit 630 selects the designated magnification as the comic image reduction rate if the balloon region reduction rate RFn is equal to the designated magnification. If the balloon region reduction rate RFn is different from the specified magnification, the trial specifying unit 632 specifies the comic image reduction rate according to the result of changing the arrangement of the balloon region and the text region.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the trial specifying unit 632 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, trial specifying unit 632 includes first proximity point calculation unit 660, first position conversion unit 662, second position conversion unit 664, fourth designated magnification selection unit 666, and second calculation. A reduction rate selection unit 668, a second proximity point calculation unit 670, a third position conversion unit 672, a fourth position conversion unit 674, a fifth designated magnification selection unit 676, and a third calculation reduction rate selection unit 678 including.

  The first proximity point calculation unit 660 calculates the position of the proximity point closest to the center of the comic image among the boundaries of the balloon region based on the position of the boundary of the balloon region and the position of the center of the comic image. However, the first proximity point calculation unit 660 may calculate the closest point from the center point of the comic image at the intersection of the diagonal line of the comic image and the four sides of the balloon region, or the diagonal line of the comic image and the balloon region. The closest point from the lower left vertex of the comic image at the intersection with the four sides may be calculated, or the closest point from the lower left vertex of the comic image to the four sides of the balloon region may be calculated. In the present embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that the proximity point is the point closest to the center of the comic image among the boundaries of the balloon region.

  The method for calculating the proximity point is not particularly limited. For example, the first proximity point calculation unit 660 may calculate the distance from the center of the cartoon image for each position of the boundary of the balloon region, and may use the point where the calculated distance is the shortest as the proximity point.

  Then, the first position conversion unit 662 calculates the position of the proximity point when the comic image is reduced at the specified magnification by multiplying the position of the proximity point by the specified magnification.

  The second position conversion unit 664 calculates the position of the boundary of the balloon region. This position is a position when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the balloon region reduced at the balloon region reduction rate RFn are combined so that the proximity points coincide. This position is calculated based on the position of the boundary of the balloon area, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn, and the position of the proximity point.

  The fourth designated magnification selection unit 666 selects the designated magnification as the comic image reduction rate in the following case. In this case, the boundary of the balloon region when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the balloon region reduced at the balloon region reduction ratio RFn are combined is in the comic image reduced at the specified magnification. Is the case.

  The second calculated reduction rate selection unit 668 calculates the comic image reduction rate if the following requirements are satisfied. The requirement is that the boundary of the balloon region when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the balloon region reduced at the balloon region reduction ratio RFn are combined with each other outside the comic image reduced at the specified magnification. That is. When this requirement is satisfied, the comic image reduction rate is the position of the border of the balloon region when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the balloon region reduced at the balloon region reduction rate RFn are combined. Calculated based on

  The second proximity point calculation unit 670 calculates the position of the proximity point closest to the center of the comic image among the text region boundaries based on the position of the boundary of the text region and the position of the center of the comic image. Similar to the first proximity point calculation unit 660, the method for this is not particularly limited. For example, the second proximity point calculation unit 670 may calculate the closest point from the center point of the comic image at the intersection of the diagonal line of the comic image and the four sides of the text region, or the diagonal line of the comic image and the text region. The closest point from the lower left vertex of the comic image at the intersection with the four sides may be calculated, or the closest point to the four sides of the text area from the lower left vertex of the comic image may be calculated. In the present embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that the proximity point is the closest point to the center of the comic image among the boundaries of the text area.

  The third position conversion unit 672 calculates the position of the proximity point when the comic image is reduced at the specified magnification by multiplying the position of the proximity point by the specified magnification.

  The fourth position conversion unit 674 calculates the position of the boundary of the text area. This position is a position when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the text area reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn are combined so that the proximity points match. This position is calculated based on the position of the boundary of the text area, the text area reduction rate RTn, and the position of the proximity point.

  The fifth designated magnification selection unit 676 selects the designated magnification as the comic image reduction rate in the following case. In that case, the boundary of the text area when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn are included in the comic image reduced at the specified magnification. Is the case.

  The third calculated reduction ratio selection unit 678 calculates a comic image reduction ratio if the following requirements are satisfied. The requirement is that the boundary of the text area when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn are outside the comic image reduced at the specified magnification. That is. When this requirement is satisfied, the comic image reduction ratio is set to the position of the boundary of the text area when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn are combined. Calculated based on

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, the data output unit 350 reduces the text region at each text region reduction rate RTn specified by the reduction rate specifying unit 340, reduces each balloon region at each balloon region reduction rate RFn, One image obtained by reducing the comic image at the comic image reduction ratio and rearranging them based on the relative positions of the balloon regions (hereinafter, this image is referred to as a “processed image”. The image data indicating the processed image is described above. Processed image data).

  Alternatively, the data output unit 350 may paste balloon image data obtained by reducing each balloon area at each balloon area reduction ratio RFn to the comic image data obtained by reducing the comic image at the comic image reduction ratio. Then, the data output unit 350 may paste the text image data obtained by reducing the text area at each text area reduction rate RTn to the comic image data to which the balloon image data is pasted. That is, the data output unit 350 rewrites the portion corresponding to each balloon region with the balloon image data in the comic image data obtained by reducing the comic image at the comic image reduction ratio. And the data output part 350 rewrites the part applicable to each text area with text image data among the comic image data rewritten with balloon image data.

  Each text area reduction rate RTn is, for example, a specified magnification (first reduction rate), a second reduction rate, or the like. Further, the comic reduction rate is, for example, a designated magnification or a third reduction rate such that a text area reduced at a second reduction rate, which will be described later, fits in a comic image.

  The data output unit 350 includes an image processing unit 352 and a processed image data output unit 354. The image processing unit 352 creates processed image data from the input image data. The processed image data output unit 354 outputs processed image data by displaying an image or the like.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the image processing unit 352 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the image processing unit 352 according to the present embodiment includes a first calculation unit 360, a second calculation unit 362, a third calculation unit 364, a fourth calculation unit 366, and a first creation. Unit 368, second creation unit 370, third creation unit 372, first synthesis unit 374, and second synthesis unit 376.

  The first calculation unit 360 calculates the position of the balloon region point based on the position of the boundary of the balloon region. In the present embodiment, the balloon region point is a proximity point from the center of the comic image.

  The second calculation unit 362 calculates the relative position of the text area point with respect to the balloon area point based on the position of the boundary of the text area and the position of the balloon area point. In the present embodiment, the text area points are vertices at the four corners of the text area.

  The third calculation unit 364 calculates the position of the balloon region point in the image indicated by the processed image data by multiplying the position of the balloon region point by the comic image reduction rate RiM.

  The fourth calculation unit 366 calculates the position of the text region point in the image indicated by the processed image data. The position of the text area point in the image indicated by the processed image data is obtained by multiplying the relative position of the text area point with respect to the balloon area point by the balloon area reduction rate RFn, and the value of the position of the balloon area point in the image indicated by the processed image data. It is calculated by multiplying the image reduction ratio RiM and adding them.

  The first creation unit 368 creates reduced image data. The reduced image data indicates a reduced image obtained by reducing the comic image in accordance with the comic image reduction rate RiM.

  The second creation unit 370 creates reduced graphic data. The reduced graphic data indicates a reduced graphic image obtained by reducing the image of the balloon region in accordance with the balloon region reduction rate RFn.

  The third creation unit 372 creates reduced character image data. The reduced character image data indicates a reduced character image obtained by reducing an image of a text region according to a text region reduction rate RTn.

  The first combining unit 374 uses the reduced image data and the reduced graphic data so that the balloon region point in the reduced image matches the balloon region point in the reduced graphic image. And synthesize. This balloon region point is calculated when the reduced graphic image data is created in the sixth procedure described later. This composition is realized by changing a part of the reduced image data so as to match the contents of the reduced graphic data. Which data is changed is specified based on the balloon region point.

  The second synthesizing unit 376 uses the reduced image data and the reduced character image data so that the text area point in the reduced image matches the text area point in the reduced character image. Composite with the image. This text area point is calculated when the reduced character image data is created in the seventh procedure described later. This combining is also realized in the same manner as the combining by the first combining unit 374.

  The text area reduction ratio RTn, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn, and the comic image reduction ratio indicate the ratio of the size of the image after reduction to the size of the image before reduction. 100% is the same size. However, as long as it indicates the ratio of the size of the image after reduction to the size of the image before reduction, 100% may not be the same size.

  In addition, the specified magnification and text size threshold included in the input data in the above description may not be input directly via the input unit 130. For example, it may be a numerical value extracted from a continuous message generated in the flow of GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation, or it may be extracted based on an operation selected from a step size. It may be a numerical value.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the program executed by comic image creating apparatus 100 executes the following control for creating processed image data. In the following, the position of each region is determined by assuming that the center point of the input comic image is the origin, the right direction of the image is the positive direction of the x axis, and the upper direction of the image is the two-dimensional position of the upper direction of the image. can do.

  In step S400, data storage unit 300 stores comic image data, a specified magnification, and a text size threshold.

  In step S402, balloon region extraction unit 310 extracts the position of the boundary of the balloon region. The balloon region to be extracted is a region including a figure. The balloon region extraction unit 310 may automatically extract a balloon region. It should be noted that a specific method for extracting the boundary of the graphic and the position of the area occupied by the graphic is well known, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Alternatively, when the user operates the input unit 130 and designates the figure, the balloon region extraction unit 310 may extract the balloon region. The output unit 140 displays a comic image in advance. Thereby, the user can designate the figure in the comic image. The balloon region extraction unit 310 detects a graphic designated by the user and extracts the position of the boundary of the region circumscribing the graphic. In the case of the present embodiment, the balloon region extraction unit 310 regards a figure designated by the user as a balloon and extracts the position of the boundary. Whether or not the figure is actually a balloon is not identified.

  In step S404, data storage unit 300 stores the position of the boundary of the balloon region.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, in step S406, text region extraction unit 320 determines whether the position of the boundary of the balloon region is stored in data storage unit 300 or not. If it is determined that the boundary position is stored (YES in step S406), the process proceeds to step S408. If not (NO in step S406), the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S408, text region extraction unit 320 detects the position of the boundary of the text region from each balloon region. As described above, in the present embodiment, the position of the boundary of the text area is automatically detected. Since the specific processing for that is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S410, text region extraction unit 320 causes data storage unit 300 to store the position of the boundary of the text region. The data storage unit 300 stores the position of the boundary of the text area in association with the position of the boundary of the balloon area that includes the text area.

  In step S412, text size calculation unit 330A calculates the character size (text size) of each text region. The data storage unit 300 stores the text size calculated by the text size calculation unit 330A in association with the position of the boundary of the text region used for the calculation of the text size.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for calculating the text size. As shown in FIG. 10, the horizontal histogram generation unit 331A receives a text area image as an input, converts the text image to black and white (white component 0, black component 255), and represents the color distribution in the horizontal direction of the text area image. A horizontal histogram is generated (S440). Based on the horizontal histogram, the width calculation unit 333A determines that a position from a position where the value changes from a low value to a high value to a position where the value changes from a high value to a low value is one character, and calculates the width of one character (S442). The size specifying unit 335 determines the size per character based on the calculated width of one character (step S444). For example, the average value of the widths of all characters is determined as the size per character. If the text size calculation unit 330A has calculated the text sizes of all the text regions (YES in step S448), the text size calculation process ends.

  Alternatively, the vertical histogram generation unit 331B receives the image of the text area, converts the text image to monochrome (white component 0, black component 255), and generates a vertical histogram representing the color distribution in the vertical direction of the text area image. (Step S440). Based on the vertical histogram, the height calculation unit 333B determines that a position from a position where the value changes from a low value to a high value to a position where the value changes from a high value to a low value is one character, and calculates the height of one character (step) S442). The size specifying unit 335 determines the size per character based on the calculated height of one character (step S444). For example, the average value of the heights of all characters is determined as the size per character. If the text size calculation unit 330A has calculated the text sizes of all the text regions (YES in step S448), the text size calculation process ends.

  FIG. 11 shows that the position information of the balloon region, the position information of the text region, and the text size are specified from the input data (acquired data) and stored in the data storage unit 300 by the processing up to this point. It is an image figure. In FIG. 11, F (1), F (2), F (3),... F (n) indicate the position information of the balloon region. T (1), T (2), T (3),... T (n) indicate text area position information. S (1), S (2), S (3),... S (n) indicate the text size.

  Referring to FIG. 9 again, in step S414, reduction ratio specifying unit 340 specifies text area reduction ratio RTn, balloon area reduction ratio RFn, and comic image reduction ratio RiM. Specific processing for this is as shown in FIGS.

  In step S416, image processing unit 352 creates processed image data based on text region reduction rate RTn, balloon region reduction rate RFn, and comic image reduction rate RiM. When the processed image data is created, the processed image data output unit 354 outputs the processed image data.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the image processing unit 352 creates processed image data according to the following procedure. The first procedure is a procedure in which the first calculation unit 360 calculates the position of the balloon region point based on the position of the boundary of the balloon region. In the present embodiment, the balloon region point is a proximity point from the center of the comic image.

  The second procedure is a procedure in which the second calculation unit 362 calculates the relative position of the text area point to the balloon area point based on the position of the boundary of the text area and the position of the balloon area point. In the present embodiment, the text area points are vertices at the four corners of the text area.

  The third procedure is a procedure in which the third calculation unit 364 calculates the position of the balloon region point in the image indicated by the processed image data by multiplying the position of the balloon region point by the comic image reduction ratio RiM.

  The fourth procedure is a procedure in which the fourth calculation unit 366 calculates the position of the text region point in the image indicated by the processed image data. The position of the text area point in the image indicated by the processed image data is obtained by multiplying the relative position of the text area point with respect to the balloon area point by the balloon area reduction rate RFn, and the value of the position of the balloon area point in the image indicated by the processed image data. It is calculated by multiplying the image reduction ratio RiM and adding them.

  The fifth procedure is a procedure in which the first creation unit 368 creates reduced image data. The reduced image data indicates a reduced image obtained by reducing the comic image in accordance with the comic image reduction rate RiM.

  The sixth procedure is a procedure in which the second creation unit 370 creates reduced graphic data. The reduced graphic data indicates a reduced graphic image obtained by reducing the image of the balloon region in accordance with the balloon region reduction rate RFn.

  The seventh procedure is a procedure in which the third creation unit 372 creates reduced character image data. The reduced character image data indicates a reduced character image obtained by reducing an image of a text region according to a text region reduction rate RTn.

  In the eighth procedure, the first combining unit 374 causes the reduced image data and the reduced graphic so that the balloon region point in the reduced image in the fifth procedure matches the balloon region point in the reduced graphic image in the sixth procedure. This is a procedure for combining a reduced image and a reduced graphic image using data. The balloon region points are calculated when the reduced graphic image data is created in the sixth procedure. This composition is realized by changing a part of the reduced image data so as to match the contents of the reduced graphic data. Which data is changed is specified based on the balloon region point.

  In the ninth procedure, the second combining unit 376 causes the reduced image data and the reduced character so that the text region point in the reduced image in the fifth procedure matches the text region point in the reduced character image in the seventh procedure. This is a procedure for combining a reduced image and a reduced character image using image data. This synthesis is also realized in the same manner as the synthesis in the eighth procedure. This text area point is calculated when the reduced character image data is created in the seventh procedure.

  In step S418, balloon region extraction unit 310 determines whether to generate and output another processed image data based on a user instruction (image change instruction) received by input unit 130. If it is determined that another processed image data is to be created and output (YES in step S418), the process proceeds to step S420. If not (NO in step S418), the process ends.

  In step S420, balloon region extraction unit 310 determines whether there is input image data to be processed next in accordance with the user instruction received in step S418. If it is determined that such input image comic data exists (YES in step S420), the process proceeds to step S402. If not (NO in step S420), the process ends.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the program executed by comic image creating apparatus 100 executes the following control for specifying the reduction ratio.

  In step S450, first designated magnification selection unit 610 multiplies the text size stored in data storage unit 300 by the designated magnification. The size of the character multiplied by the command magnification is the text size of a text area for which the text area reduction rate RTn has not yet been specified. It is predetermined that the text size of which text area is selected.

  In step S452, first designated magnification selection unit 610 determines whether or not the value obtained as a result of the multiplication performed in step S450 is less than the text size threshold. If it is determined that the value is less than the text size threshold (YES in step S452), the process proceeds to step S454. If not (NO in step S452), the process proceeds to step S458.

  In step S454, the first calculated reduction ratio selection unit 612 divides the text size threshold value by the text size (before multiplication by the specified magnification), and uses the resulting value as the text area reduction ratio RTn, the image processing unit 352. Output to.

  In step S458, first designated magnification selection unit 610 outputs the value stored in data storage unit 300 as the designated magnification to image processing unit 352 as region magnification RTn.

  In step S470, the second designated magnification selection unit 620 determines whether or not the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn fits inside the balloon when the balloon area is reduced at the specified magnification. Judge through.

  The first procedure is a procedure for creating bitmap data. In this bitmap data, the reduction ratio for the balloon region is equal to the specified magnification. The image indicated by the bitmap data is painted in two different colors with a balloon frame as a boundary. Such bitmap data is created by first creating bitmap data of an image obtained by reducing the balloon region at a specified magnification, and changing the color of the pixel depending on whether or not the pixel is inside the balloon. As described above, the balloon frame itself may be regarded as the inside of the balloon, or the balloon frame itself may be regarded as the outside of the balloon. Alternatively, the center of the balloon frame may be regarded as the boundary between the inner side and the outer side. In the present embodiment, the balloon frame itself is regarded as outside the balloon area.

  The second procedure is a procedure for calculating the position of the center of the text region in the balloon region reduced at a specified magnification. This position is calculated by multiplying the relative position of the center of the text area with respect to the balloon area point by a specified magnification.

  The third procedure is a procedure for calculating the relative position of the text area point with respect to the center of the text area when the text area is reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn.

  The fourth procedure is a procedure for converting the position calculated in the third procedure into a position in the balloon region reduced by a specified magnification.

  The fifth procedure is a procedure for determining the color of the pixel at the position calculated in the fourth procedure in the image indicated by the bitmap data created in the first procedure. If the color of this pixel is the color of the pixel inside the balloon, when the balloon area is reduced at a specified magnification, the area obtained by reducing the text area at the text area reduction ratio RTn is accommodated in that area.

  In the present embodiment, the relative position is configured to move based on the ratio. For example, the data output unit 350 may dynamically move the text area vertically and horizontally to fit within the balloon area. The structure controlled by may be sufficient.

  If it is determined that the reduced text area can be accommodated (YES in step S470), the process proceeds to step S472. If not (NO in step S470), the process proceeds to step S480.

  In step S472, second designated magnification selecting unit 620 outputs the designated magnification as balloon region reduction rate RFn to image processing unit 352.

  In step S474, data storage unit 300 temporarily stores the specified magnification as a candidate value for comic image reduction rate RiM.

  In step S476, second designated magnification selecting section 620 determines whether or not the magnification has been calculated for all balloon regions. If it is determined that the magnification has been calculated (YES in step S476), the process proceeds to step S476. Otherwise (NO in step S476), the process proceeds to step S450.

  In step S478, second designated magnification selection unit 620 selects the maximum value from among the candidate values temporarily stored in data storage unit 300 as comic image reduction rate RiM, and outputs the selected value to image processing unit 352.

  In step S480, contrast selection unit 622 specifies balloon region reduction rate RFn and outputs the result to image processing unit 352. This process is specifically the process shown in FIG.

  In step S490, first proximity point calculation unit 660 calculates the position of the point (proximity point) closest to the center of the comic image in the balloon region. In the case of the present embodiment, this position is a relative position with respect to the center of the comic image.

  In step S492, first position converting unit 662 calculates the position of the proximity point when the comic image is reduced at the specified magnification by multiplying the position of the proximity point by the specified magnification. When the position is calculated, the second position conversion unit 664 calculates the relative position of the boundary of the balloon region with respect to the proximity point when the balloon region image is reduced at the balloon region reduction rate RFn. When the relative position is calculated, the second position conversion unit 664 adds the relative position to the position calculated by the first position conversion unit 662. As a result, when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the balloon region reduced at the balloon region reduction rate RFn are combined so that the proximity points match, the position of the boundary of the balloon region (reduced at the specified magnification) The relative position with respect to the center in the cartoon image is calculated.

  Based on the value of this position (that is, based on whether or not the value of this position exceeds the position of the outer periphery of the comic image when reduced at the specified magnification), the fourth specified magnification selection unit 666 reduces It is determined whether or not the balloon region fits inside the comic image. If it is determined that the image falls within the reduced comic image (YES in step S492), the process proceeds to step S494. If not (NO in step 492), the process proceeds to step S496.

  In step S494, fourth designated magnification selection unit 666 temporarily stores the value stored as the designated magnification in data storage unit 300 as a candidate value for comic image reduction rate RiM.

  In step S496, second proximity point calculation unit 670 calculates the position of the text region closest to the center of the cartoon image (text proximity point). In the case of the present embodiment, this position is a relative position with respect to the center of the comic image. When the position of the text proximity point is calculated, the third position conversion unit 672 calculates the position of the text proximity point when the comic image is reduced at the specified magnification by multiplying the position of the text proximity point by the specified magnification. To do. When the position is calculated, the fourth position conversion unit 674 calculates the relative position of the boundary of the text area with respect to the text proximity point when the image of the text area is reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn. When the relative position is calculated, the fourth position conversion unit 674 adds the relative position to the position calculated by the third position conversion unit 672. As a result, the position of the boundary of the text area (reduced at the specified magnification) when the comic image reduced at the specified magnification and the image of the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn are combined so that the proximity points match. The relative position with respect to the center in the cartoon image is calculated. Based on the value of this position (that is, based on whether the value of this position exceeds the position of the outer periphery of the comic image when reduced at the specified magnification), the fifth specified magnification selection unit 676 reduces It is determined whether or not the text area fits in the comic image. If it is determined that it will fit (YES in step S496), the process proceeds to step S498. If not (NO in step 496), the process proceeds to step S500.

  The processing in step S498 will be described based on a coordinate system with the center point of the comic image (frame) as the origin. Hereinafter, the positions in step S498 and step 500 are all positive values. The position of the balloon region point when the comic image is not reduced is assumed to be (Fx, Fy). Then, the position of the balloon region point when the comic image is reduced at the designated magnification n is (n × Fx, n × Fy). In this state, the balloon region may be positioned in accordance with the balloon region point, and a part of the balloon may be positioned outside the reduced comic image. However, the text area exists in the reduced comic image.

  Therefore, the data output unit 350 performs correction to remove the balloon area and leave the text area. That is, the data output unit 350 cuts the portion of the balloon region that protrudes from the comic image at the border line (frame frame) of the reduced comic image, and deletes the balloon region that protrudes from the comic image.

  The process in step S500 will be described based on a coordinate system with the center point of the comic image as the origin. The position information of the text proximity point when the manga image is not reduced is (Tx, Ty). Note that the text proximity point is a point closest to the origin among the text region points. The position information of the text proximity point when the manga image is reduced at the designated magnification n is (n × Tx, n × Ty). In this state, the text area may be positioned in accordance with the text proximity point, and a part of the text area may be positioned outside the reduced comic image.

  Then, when the text area is reduced at the text area reduction rate RnT, the width of the text area is Tw and the height is Th. Further, the position of the vertex of the comic image located in the direction of the text proximity point from the center point when the comic image is reduced by the designated magnification n is defined as (n × Mx, n × My). Here, the vertex of the comic image is a corner of each frame or a corner of each page.

  In this case, (1) n × Tx + Tw exceeds n × Mx or (2) n × Ty + Th exceeds n × My. In order to correct such a relative position, n is further reduced until (1) n × Tx + Tw ≦ n × Mx and (2) n × Ty + Th ≦ n × My are satisfied. This is the comic image reduction rate.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the program executed by comic image creating apparatus 100 executes the following control for specifying balloon region reduction rate RFn.

  In step S520, provisional value changing unit 648 calculates provisional magnification and temporarily stores it in data storage unit 300. The provisional magnification calculated in this step is a value obtained by multiplying the designated magnification by a predetermined value. Needless to say, the provisional magnification may be a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the designated magnification (including subtraction of a natural number and addition of a negative value). In this form, the value is obtained by multiplying the designated magnification by a predetermined value. This “predetermined value” is determined in advance by the designer of the comic image creating apparatus 100.

  In step S522, the painting image data creation unit 640 creates bitmap data indicating the painting image of the balloon region reduced at the provisional magnification, and temporarily stores it in the data storage unit 300.

  In step S524, reduced character image data creation unit 642 creates reduced character image data and temporarily stores it in data storage unit 300. Further, the reduced character image data creation unit 642 also creates bitmap data of an image obtained by painting the reduced character image into two colors according to whether or not the pixel constitutes a character, and temporarily stores it in the data storage unit 300.

  In step S526, the pixel specifying unit 644 determines whether or not the text region protrudes from the balloon region based on the bitmap data of the balloon region temporarily stored in the data storage unit 300. If it is determined that it has protruded (YES in step S526), the process proceeds to step S528. If not (NO in step 426), the process proceeds to step S530.

  In step S528, provisional value changing unit 648 changes the provisional magnification stored in data storage unit 300. The provisional magnification after the change is a value obtained by multiplying the provisional magnification stored in the data storage unit 300 at the time of step S526 by the value used for calculating the provisional magnification in step S520. This value is calculated by the provisional value changing unit 648.

  In step S530, provisional value selection unit 646 outputs provisional magnification temporarily stored in data storage unit 300 to image processing unit 352 as balloon region reduction rate RFn.

  The operation of the comic image creation device based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

[When dialogue is written near the center of the balloon]
The data storage unit 300 stores the comic image data, the specified magnification, and the text size threshold (step S400). In this case, it is assumed that the comic image data indicating the comic image shown in FIG. 3 is stored.

  When the comic image data or the like is stored, the balloon region extraction unit 310 extracts the position of the boundary of the balloon region (step S402). When the position is extracted, the data storage unit 300 stores the position of the boundary of the balloon region (step S404).

  When the position of the boundary is stored, the text area extraction unit 320 determines whether or not the position of the boundary of the balloon area is stored in the data storage unit 300 (step S406). In this case, since the position is stored (YES in step S406), text region extraction unit 320 detects the boundary position of the text region from the balloon region (step S408). When the position of the boundary of the text area is detected, the data storage unit 300 stores the position of the boundary of the text area in association with the position of the boundary of the balloon area (step S410).

  When the position of the boundary of the text area is stored, the horizontal histogram generation unit 331A receives the text area image as an input, converts the text image to monochrome (white component 0, black component 255), and moves the text area image in the horizontal direction. A horizontal histogram representing the color distribution is generated (S440). Based on the horizontal histogram, the width calculation unit 333A determines that a position from a position where the value changes from a low value to a high value to a position where the value changes from a high value to a low value is one character, and calculates the width of one character (S442). The size specifying unit 335 determines the size per character based on the calculated width of one character (step S444). For example, the average value of the widths of all characters is determined as the size per character. The text size calculation unit 330A determines whether or not the text sizes of all text areas have been calculated (step S448).

  In the present embodiment, as apparent from FIG. 3, since the extracted text area is one (YES in step S448), first designated magnification selection unit 610 multiplies the character size by the designated magnification. (Step S450). When the designated magnification is multiplied, the first designated magnification selecting unit 610 determines whether or not the value obtained as a result of the multiplication is less than the text size threshold iT (step S452).

  FIG. 16 is an image diagram illustrating a determination method performed by the reduction ratio specifying unit 340 in this step. This determination is shown by taking the character arranged at the upper right in the text area as an example. A fine dashed rectangle 341 attached to a character shown as an example indicates an area occupied by the character before the image is reduced. A rough broken-line rectangle 342 indicates an area occupied by a character having a text size threshold iT. A solid line rectangle 343 indicates an area occupied by the character when reduced at a specified magnification iR.

  As apparent from FIG. 16, since the value obtained as a result of multiplication in step S450 is less than the text size threshold (YES in step S452), the first calculated reduction ratio selection unit 612 sets the text size threshold to the text size. The value obtained by the division is output to the image processing unit 352 as a text area reduction ratio RTn (step S454).

  When the multiplication is performed, the second designated magnification selection unit 620 determines whether or not the text region reduced by the text region reduction rate RTn fits inside the balloon when the balloon region is reduced at the specified magnification (step S470). FIG. 17 is an image diagram illustrating a determination method performed by the second designated magnification selection unit 620 at this time. In FIG. 17, balloons indicated by three arrows indicate balloons reduced by a specified magnification iR. A hatched rectangle indicates a text area reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn. In this case, since it is determined that the reduced text area can be accommodated (YES in step S470), second designated magnification selection unit 620 performs image processing with designated magnification iR as balloon region reduction ratio RFn (RFn = iR). It outputs to the part 352 (step S472).

  When the balloon region reduction rate RFn is output, the data storage unit 300 temporarily stores the designated magnification as a candidate value for the comic image reduction rate RiM (step S474). When the candidate value is stored, the second designated magnification selecting unit 620 determines whether or not the magnification has been calculated for all the balloon regions (step S476). In this case, as apparent from FIG. 3, only one balloon region has been extracted (YES in step S476), and therefore the second designated magnification selection unit 620 displays the candidate values stored in the data storage unit 300. The comic image reduction rate RiM is selected from the image data and is output to the image processing unit 352 (step S478).

  When the comic image reduction ratio RiM is output, the image processing unit 352 creates processed image data based on the text area reduction ratio RTn, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn, and the comic image reduction ratio RiM. When the processed image data is created, the processed image data output unit 354 outputs the processed image indicated by the processed image data (step S416).

  When the processed image is output, the balloon region extraction unit 310 determines whether there is an instruction to change the displayed image (step S418). In this case, if there is no such instruction (NO in step S418), the process ends.

[When dialogue is written on one side of the balloon]
Through the processing up to step S456, when the balloon area is reduced at the specified magnification, the second designated magnification selection unit 620 determines whether or not the text area reduced at the text area reduction ratio RTn fits inside the balloon. (Step S470). In this case, if the reduced text area does not fit (NO in step S470), provisional value changing unit 648 calculates provisional magnification and temporarily stores it in data storage unit 300 (step S520).

  When the provisional magnification is stored, the painting image data creation unit 640 creates bitmap data indicating the painting image and temporarily stores it in the data storage unit 300 (step S522). FIG. 18 is an image diagram showing the bitmap data created at this time.

  When such bitmap data is created, the reduced character image data creation unit 642 creates bitmap data of the reduced character image and temporarily stores it in the data storage unit 300 (step 524). FIG. 26 is an image diagram showing the bitmap data of the reduced character image that is created at this time and is divided into two colors.

  When such bitmap data is created, the pixel specifying unit 644 determines whether or not the reduced text area extends beyond the balloon area (step S526). FIG. 19 is an image diagram illustrating a determination method performed by the pixel specifying unit 644 in this step. In FIG. 19, a rough dashed balloon indicated by three arrows indicates a balloon reduced by the provisional magnification Ra. A balloon with a fine broken line indicates a balloon reduced at a specified magnification iR. A hatched rectangle indicates a text area reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn. In the case shown in FIG. 19, since the text region does not protrude from the balloon region reduced at the provisional magnification Ra (NO in step S526), the provisional value selection unit 646 sets the provisional magnification Ra as the balloon region reduction ratio RFn (RFn = Ra) and output to the image processing unit 352 (step S530).

  When the balloon region reduction ratio RFn is output, the first proximity point calculation unit 660 calculates the position of the proximity point (step S490). When the point is calculated, the fourth designated magnification selection unit 666 determines whether or not the balloon region fits inside the reduced comic image (step S492). In this case, if the balloon region fits inside the reduced comic image (YES in step S492), fourth designated magnification selection unit 666 reduces the value stored as the designated magnification in data storage unit 300 to the comic image reduction. Temporarily stored as a candidate value of the rate RiM (step S494). FIG. 20 is an image diagram showing a processed image when the balloon region is reduced at the provisional magnification Ra. The outer edge of the balloon is in contact with the outer edge of the processed image.

  When the candidate value of the comic image reduction rate RiM is stored, the processes after step S476 are performed.

[If the balloon area does not fit in the reduced comic image]
Through the processing up to step S490, the fourth designated magnification selection unit 666 determines whether the balloon region fits within the reduced comic image (step S492). In this case, if the balloon region does not fit inside the reduced comic image (NO in step S492), fifth specified magnification selection unit 676 determines whether the text region fits inside the reduced comic image. Is determined (step S496). FIG. 21 is an image diagram showing the contents of this determination. As shown in FIG. 21, when the outer edge of the text area is in contact with the outer edge of the reduced comic image (YES in step S496), data storage unit 300 has reduced the position information of the boundary of the balloon area. Change according to the comic image (step S498). FIG. 22 is an image diagram showing this. The edge of the balloon region coincides with the edge of the reduced comic image, and the proximity point has moved. When the position information is changed, the processes after step S494 are performed.

[When a comic image with a reduced text area protrudes]
Through the processing up to step S492, the fifth designated magnification selection unit 676 determines whether or not the text region fits inside the reduced comic image (step S496). In this case, if the text area does not fit inside the reduced comic image (NO in step S496), third calculation reduction ratio selection unit 678 causes the boundary of the text area to match the outer edge of the comic image. Then, a candidate value for the comic image reduction rate RiM is calculated (step S500). FIG. 23 is an image diagram showing this processing. The comic image is reduced to the broken line range (magnification is Rd) in FIG. 23 instead of the range (magnification is designated magnification iR) shown in FIG.

  As described above, comic image creating apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment reduces and reconstructs a comic image, a balloon region, and a text region according to different reduction ratios. By such reconstruction, for example, the dialogue in the balloon can be displayed large, and the other images can be reduced in size. Accordingly, the dialogue is displayed relatively large, so that the user who has seen the reduced processed image can easily know what dialogue is written. There is no need for the comic image provider to convert the dialogue into text data in advance, and there is no need to communicate or distribute the comic image with the text data attached. In the first place, since the image is reduced and used, it is not necessary to create high-resolution image data as in the case of enlarging the image. As a result, it is possible to provide a comic image creating apparatus that can reduce the time and effort required to create image data, obtain a large amount of information from the image, and have few performance restrictions.

  Note that as a first modification of the present embodiment, the input image data may include a plurality of balloons. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of such a comic image.

  As a second modification of the present embodiment, when the balloon area is reduced at the specified magnification in step S470, the second designated magnification selection unit 620 reduces the balloon area inside the balloon at the text area reduction ratio RTn. It may be determined whether or not a character image (not a text area) fits. FIG. 25 is an image diagram showing a determination method when determining whether or not a character image reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn fits inside the balloon. A balloon with a fine broken line indicated by an arrow indicates a balloon reduced at a specified magnification. The text area reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn protrudes from the balloon, but the characters in the text area do not protrude from the balloon.

  In this case, instead of the third procedure and the fourth procedure described above, it is determined whether or not a character image reduced at the text area reduction rate RTn fits inside the balloon by passing through the following procedure. (The fifth procedure described above is not performed). The procedure executed in place of the third procedure is a procedure for creating bitmap data of an image obtained by reducing the text area at the text area reduction ratio RTn. This image may be painted in two colors depending on whether or not it is a pixel constituting a character. FIG. 26 is an image diagram showing an image in such a case.

  The procedure performed in place of the fourth procedure includes the image indicated by the bitmap data created in the first procedure, and the image indicated by the bitmap data created in the procedure implemented in place of the third procedure. 1 is a procedure for comparing pixels having the same relative position with respect to the center of the text region. If these pixels have the same color, the character image protrudes from the balloon. If the character image is stored in the balloon, the process proceeds to step S472. If not, the process moves to step S480.

  Further, in the third modification of the present embodiment, in step S526, the reduction rate specifying unit 340 may determine whether or not characters protrude from the balloon region reduced at the provisional magnification Rb. A specific method for determination is the same as that of the second modification described above. In this case, if the character protrudes, the process proceeds to step S528. If not, the process moves to step S530. FIG. 27 is an image diagram showing a determination method when it is determined whether or not a character protrudes from the balloon region reduced at the provisional magnification Rb.

  Further, in the fourth modification of the present embodiment, when a graphic designation is accepted in step S402, the displayed comic image is not the comic image itself indicated by the comic image data, but a reduced version of the comic image. There may be. In this case, in order to detect a figure, image data of the reduced image is created in advance, and the figure is detected based on the created data. The reason why such a process is performed is that even if the balloon is interrupted in the comic image before reduction, the interrupted portion is connected in the image after reduction, and the figure can be easily detected.

  In the fifth modification of the present embodiment, the text area reduction ratio RTn, the balloon area reduction ratio RFn, and the comic image reduction ratio are the ratios of the size of the image before reduction to the size of the image after reduction. May be shown. In this case, it is necessary to change the contents of the determination in the above-described processing according to the definition of the reduction ratio.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a comic image creating apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The hardware configuration of comic image creation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the program executed by comic image creating apparatus 100 executes the following control with respect to generation of a processed image. In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the processes shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are given the same step numbers. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S <b> 600, balloon region extraction unit 310 extracts a boundary position of a region that is a balloon region candidate, and temporarily stores it in data storage unit 300. In the present embodiment, balloon region extraction unit 310 automatically detects a graphic included in the comic image and extracts the position of the boundary of the region that circumscribes the graphic.

  In step S602, text region extraction unit 320 determines whether the position of the boundary of the region that is a candidate for the balloon region is stored. If it is determined that the position is stored (YES in step S602), the process proceeds to step S604. Otherwise (NO in step S602), data storage unit 300 stores values equal to designated magnification iR as text region reduction rate RTn, balloon region reduction rate RFn, and comic image reduction rate RiM. When they are stored, the process proceeds to step S418.

  In step S604, the text area extraction unit 320 extracts position information on the boundaries of the text area candidate areas from the balloon area candidate area.

  In step S606, the character recognition unit 334 recognizes characters in the area where the position information is extracted in step S604.

  In step S608, the data storage unit 300 determines the position of the boundary of the area where the character is recognized in step S606 and the position of the boundary of the candidate balloon region including the area, among the areas that are candidates for the text area. Store in association with each other. As a result, the text region candidate and the balloon region candidate become the text region and the balloon region, respectively.

  In step S610, balloon region extraction unit 310 determines whether to newly generate a processed image based on the instruction received by input unit 130. If it is determined that a processed image is to be generated (YES in step S610), the process proceeds to step S612. If not (NO in step S610), the process ends.

  In step S612, balloon region extracting section 310 determines whether or not there is a comic image that is the basis of the processed image to be generated next. If it is determined that such a comic image exists (YES in step S612), the process proceeds to step S600. If not (NO in step S612), the process ends.

  An operation of comic image creating apparatus 100 based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  Through the processing in step S400, the balloon region extraction unit 310 extracts the boundary positions of the balloon region candidates and temporarily stores them in the data storage unit 300 (step S600).

  When the position is temporarily stored, the text area extraction unit 320 determines whether the position information is stored in the data storage unit 300 (step S602). In this case, if position information is stored (YES in step S602), text region extraction unit 320 extracts the position of the boundary of the region that becomes the candidate of the text region from the region that becomes the candidate of the balloon region ( Step S604). When the position is extracted, the character recognition unit 334 recognizes the character displayed in the area (step S606). When the character is recognized, the data storage unit 300 stores the boundary position of the text area and the boundary position of the balloon area in association with each other (step S608). When they are stored, through the processing from step S412 to step S416, the balloon region extraction unit 310 determines whether or not to newly generate a processed image (step S610). If this is not the case (NO in step S610), the process ends.

  As described above, comic image creation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment automatically detects balloons based on whether or not a text area capable of recognizing characters is included. As a result, even if the user does not specify balloons one by one, balloons in the comic image can be detected with high accuracy, and the dialogue in the balloons can be reduced at an appropriate reduction ratio. Thereby, the trouble for displaying an image can be saved.

<Modification of text size calculation unit>
Hereinafter, a modified example of the text size calculation unit 330A common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the text size calculation unit 330B according to the present modification includes a partial area calculation unit 332, a character recognition unit 334, a character number counting unit 336, and a character area calculation unit 338. The partial area calculation unit 332 calculates the area of the text region based on the position information on the boundary of the text region output from the text region extraction unit 320. The character recognition unit 334 recognizes the character indicated by the image in the text region, and generates text data indicating the recognized character. The character count unit 336 counts the number of characters indicated by the image included in the text area based on the text data generated by the character recognition unit 334. The character area calculation unit 338 calculates the area per character by dividing the area of the text region calculated by the partial area calculation unit 332 by the number of characters counted by the character number counting unit 336. In the case of this embodiment, this area is treated as the text size. Since specific processing for recognizing characters and specific processing for counting the number of characters are well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 31, the program executed by comic image creating apparatus 100 according to the present modification executes the following control regarding the calculation of the text size.

  In step S430, the partial area calculation unit 332 calculates the area of the text region based on the position information on the boundary of the text region stored in the data storage unit 300. The unit of area is not particularly limited. This can be arbitrarily determined by the designer of the comic image creating apparatus 100.

  In step S432, character recognition unit 334 recognizes the character indicated by the text area. The text region in which the character is recognized is a portion where the partial area calculation unit 332 has calculated the area. When the character is recognized, the character recognition unit 334 generates text data indicating the recognized character. This text data is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 300.

  In step S434, the character number counting unit 336 counts the number of characters indicated by the text data temporarily stored in the data storage unit 300. Data indicating the number of characters is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 300.

In step S436, the character area calculation unit 338 divides the area of the text region stored in the data storage unit 300 by the number of characters stored in the data storage unit 300, and calculates the area per character. . This area is treated as the text size in the present embodiment. The data storage unit 300 stores the text size calculated by the character area calculation unit 338 in association with the position of the boundary of the text region used for the calculation of the text size.

  In step S438, partial area calculation unit 332 determines whether or not the text sizes of all the text regions in which boundary position information is stored in data storage unit 300 have been calculated. If it is determined that the text size has been calculated (YES in step S438), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S438), the process proceeds to step S430.

<Other embodiments>
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. Then, a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or apparatus, and a program code stored in the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention also by reading and executing.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card (IC memory card), ROM (mask) ROM, flash EEPROM, etc.) can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the comic image production apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the comic image creation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an image figure which shows an example of the comic image memorize | stored as input image data based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the histogram produced | generated based on the image of the text area. It is a functional block diagram of the reduction ratio specific | specification part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the trial specific part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the image processing part which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the process image creation process of the comic image creation apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the control procedure of the process image generation process of the comic image production apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the calculation process of the text size which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the input data which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the data memorize | stored in a data storage part. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the specific process of the reduction ratio which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the specific process of the reduction ratio which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the specific process of the reduction ratio which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the specific process of balloon region reduction ratio RFn which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of text area reduction rate RTn. It is an image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of balloon region reduction ratio RFn based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the bit map data of the balloon area | region produced in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of the comic image reduction rate which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of the comic image reduction rate which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of the comic image reduction rate which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the process which makes the edge of the balloon area | region correspond to the edge of the reduced comic image which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 4th image figure which shows the judgment method for specification of the comic image reduction rate which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the 1st modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the judgment method which concerns on the 2nd modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the bitmap data of the text area produced in the 2nd modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the judgment method which concerns on the 3rd modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the production | generation process of the process image which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the control procedure of the production | generation process of the edit data based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the modification of the text size calculation part which concerns on the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the procedure of the control of the calculation process of the text size which concerns on the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Cartoon image production apparatus, 110 Control part, 120 Storage part, 122 RAM, 124 ROM, 130 Input part, 140 Output part, 142 Display, 144 Speaker, 150 Auxiliary storage device, 152 HDD, 154 Medium drive device, 151 Recording medium , 160 communication unit, 200 network, 300 data storage unit, 305 acquisition unit, 310 balloon region extraction unit, 320 text region extraction unit, 330A, 330B text size calculation unit, 331A horizontal histogram generation unit, 331B vertical histogram generation unit, 332 Partial area calculation unit, 333A width calculation unit, 333B height calculation unit, 334 character recognition unit, 335 text size identification unit, 336 character number counting unit, 338 character area calculation unit, 340 reduction rate identification unit, 345 judgment unit, 350 data Data output unit, 352 image processing unit, 354 processed image data output unit, 360 first calculation unit, 362 second calculation unit, 364 third calculation unit, 366 fourth calculation unit, 368 first creation unit, 370 second Creation unit, 372 third creation unit, 374 first synthesis unit, 376 second synthesis unit, 600 character reduction rate selection unit, 602 balloon reduction rate specification unit, 604 image reduction rate specification unit, 610 first designated magnification selection unit, 612 First calculated reduction ratio selection unit, 620 Second designated magnification selection unit, 622 Contrast selection unit, 630 Third designated magnification selection unit, 632, 634 Trial identification unit, 640 Color image data creation unit, 642 Reduced character image data Creation unit, 644 pixel identification unit, 646 provisional value selection unit, 648 provisional value change unit, 660 first proximity point calculation unit, 662 first coordinate conversion unit, 664 second coordinate conversion , 666 fourth designated magnification selection unit, 668 second calculated reduction ratio selection unit, 670 second proximity point calculation unit, 672 third coordinate conversion unit, 674 fourth coordinate conversion unit, 676 fifth designated magnification selection unit, 678 A third calculated reduction ratio selection unit.

Claims (8)

Acquisition means for acquiring input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction ratio;
First extraction means for extracting a first region including characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data;
First determination means for determining whether or not a size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction ratio is equal to or larger than a first size;
First specifying means for specifying a second reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size;
Creating means for creating processed image data in which the two-dimensional image is reduced at the first reduction rate based on the input image data when the size of the character is equal to or larger than the first size; Prepared,
The creation means creates processed image data in which the first area is reduced at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size. And
An image creating apparatus further comprising output means for outputting the processed image data. A first calculating means for calculating the size of the character;
The first calculation means includes
Generating means for generating a histogram of color distribution for at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of the first region;
Second calculation means for calculating at least one of the width and height of the characters in the first region based on the histogram;
The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second specifying unit that specifies at least one of a width and a height of the character in the first region as the size of the character. A third calculating means for calculating the size of the character;
The third calculation means includes:
Area calculating means for calculating the area of the first region;
Character recognition means for recognizing characters in the first region;
Counting means for counting the number of characters recognized by the character recognition means;
The image creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a dividing unit that calculates the size of the character by dividing the area by the number of characters.   The creating means reduces the first area at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size, and The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processed image data is generated by reducing the two-dimensional image excluding a region at any one of the first reduction rate and the second reduction rate. Creation device. The first specifying means specifies a third reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size;
The creating means reduces the first area at the second reduction ratio based on the input image data when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size, and 4. The image creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processed image data is created by reducing the two-dimensional image excluding a region at the third reduction rate. 5. An image creation method in an image creation apparatus having an arithmetic processing unit,
The arithmetic processing unit obtaining input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction rate;
The arithmetic processing unit extracting a first region including characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data;
The arithmetic processing unit determining whether or not the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction rate is equal to or larger than a first size;
The arithmetic processing unit specifying a second reduction rate larger than the first reduction rate when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size;
When the size of the character is equal to or larger than the first size, the arithmetic processing unit obtains processed image data obtained by reducing the two-dimensional image at the first reduction rate based on the input image data. A step to create,
When the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size, the arithmetic processing unit obtains processed image data in which the first area is reduced at the second reduction rate based on the input image data. A step to create,
And a step of outputting the processed image data. An image creation program for causing an image creation apparatus having an arithmetic processing unit to create an image,
Obtaining input image data indicating a two-dimensional image and a first reduction ratio;
Extracting a first region including characters from the two-dimensional image based on the input image data;
Determining whether the size of the character when the character is reduced based on the first reduction ratio is equal to or larger than the first size;
Specifying a second reduction ratio larger than the first reduction ratio when the size of the character is not equal to or larger than the first size;
When the size of the character is equal to or larger than the first size, creating processed image data in which the two-dimensional image is reduced at the first reduction rate based on the input image data;
Creating processed image data in which the first area is reduced at the second reduction rate based on the input image data when the size of the character is not equal to or greater than the first size;
An image creation program for causing the arithmetic processing unit to execute the step of outputting the processed image data.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image creating program according to claim 7 is recorded.

Images