Selection of decorative picture suitable for input picture

Abstract

A system and method for adding decorative images to a plurality of input images allows the decorative images to be easily selected. An image processing device includes a decorative image storage unit configured to store a plurality of decorative images, and a representative color acquisition unit configured to acquire a representative color for each of the input images by analyzing the input images. A decorative image selecting unit selects a decorative image to be added to each of the input images based on the representative color of the input image. An output image generating unit generates an output image by individually synthesizing the decorative images with a same pattern and the input images.

1 . An image processing method for adding a decorative image to an individual input image, comprising:
 (a) acquiring a representative color of the input image by analyzing image data representing the input image; and   (b) selecting a decorative image to be added to the input image from a plurality of decorative images based on the representative color.   
     
     
         2 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (b) includes selecting the decorative image based on the representative color of the input image and a representative color of each decorative image among the plurality of decorative images.   
     
     
         3 . An image processing method according to  claim 2 , wherein
 the step (b) includes selecting the decorative image having a representative color close to the representative color of the input image.   
     
     
         4 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (b) includes allowing a user to set a keyword related to a color scheme, wherein the decorative image is selected based on the color scheme related keyword, a representative color of the decorative image, and the representative color of the input image.   
     
     
         5 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (b) includes selecting a plurality of decorative image candidates based on the representative color of the input image, and displays on a display a selection screen allowing a user to select the decorative image from the plurality of decorative image candidates.   
     
     
         6 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (b) includes selecting a plurality of decorative image candidates based on the representative color of the input image, displaying on a display a selection screen allowing a user to select the decorative image from the plurality of decorative image candidates, and recording a command history related to selection of the decorative image by the user, wherein   the plurality of decorative image candidates are selected based on the command history, a representative color of each decorative image, and the representative color of the input image.   
     
     
         7 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (a) includes calculating the representative color of the input image from color of input image pixels which have a luminance more than an average luminance value.   
     
     
         8 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (a) includes:   dividing the input image into a plurality of blocks and calculating block colors characterizing color of pixels in the blocks;   joining adjacent blocks in which the block colors are similar colors, and calculating a block color of the joined block from the block colors of the adjacent blocks; and   calculating a number of blocks before joining, which belong to each joined block, and setting as a representative color the block color of predetermined one or more number of selected joined blocks in which the number of blocks before joining is greater.   
     
     
         9 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (a) includes:   dividing the input image into a plurality of blocks, and calculating block colors characterizing color of pixels in the blocks;   categorizing the blocks based on a predetermined classification rule for the block colors;   selecting predetermined one or more number of categories to which a greater number of blocks belong; and   calculating the representative color from the block colors of the blocks belonging to the selected category.   
     
     
         10 . An image processing method according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the step (a) includes:   dividing the input image into a plurality of blocks, and calculating block colors characterizing color of pixels in the blocks;   arranging the plurality of blocks in a predetermined color space related to the block colors, and classifying the plurality of blocks into categories to which virtually same number of blocks belong based on a predetermined classification rule;   selecting predetermined one or more number of categories which have a smaller index representing a degree of dispersion of the blocks belonging to the same category in the color space;   calculating the representative color from the block colors of the blocks belonging to the selected category.   
     
     
         11 . An image processing apparatus for adding a decorative image to an individual input image, comprising:
 a decorative image storage unit configured to store a plurality of decorative images;   a representative color acquisition unit configured to acquire a representative color of the input image by analyzing the input image; and   a decorative image selecting unit configured to select the decorative image to be added to the input image from the plurality of decorative images based on the representative color.   
     
     
         12 . A computer program product for adding a decorative image to an individual input image, comprising:
 a computer-readable medium; and   a computer program stored on the computer readable-medium, the computer program including:   a first program for causing a computer to acquire a representative color of the input image by analyzing image data representing the input image; and   a second program for causing the computer to select the decorative image to be added to the input image from a plurality of decorative images based on the representative color.