Abstract: Images are divided into image groups based on time information indicating a time corresponding to each of the images. If the number of the image groups obtained in the dividing is smaller than a predetermined number, the number of the image groups is matched with the predetermined number by increasing the number of the image groups. If the number of the image groups obtained in the dividing is larger than the predetermined number, the number of the image groups is matched with the predetermined number by decreasing the number of the image groups. At least one image included in each of the image groups obtained in the matching is laid out in a template.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a setting unit setting the number of pieces of image data to be selected, an identifying unit identifying, based on a photographing date and time of each piece of image data of an image data group, a photographing period of the image data group, a dividing unit dividing the identified photographing period into a plurality of photographing sections, a selection unit selecting image data from an image data group corresponding to a target photographing section based on predetermined criteria, and a generation unit generating a layout image by arranging an image based on the selected image data, wherein selection of image data is repeated by setting an unselected photographing section as a next target photographing section to select a number of pieces of image data corresponding to the set number, and wherein the number of photographing sections is determined according to the set number.

Abstract: An image processing method for selecting an image to be output includes evaluating a plurality of first images having a first attribute and a plurality of second images having a second attribute; performing a plurality of selection processes for selecting a plurality of images to be output from among the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images based on evaluation of the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images obtained in the evaluating; and outputting the selected plurality of images. The plurality of selection processes include a selection process for selecting an image to be output from among the plurality of first images by excluding the plurality of second images from selection candidates.

Abstract: An image processing method in which a feature amount is analyzed for each of a plurality of images as layout target candidates. First and second image evaluations are performed for an image of the plurality of images, in accordance with first and second (different) evaluation criteria. A main image to be laid out on a main slot in a template is selected from the plurality of images based on the first image evaluation for each of the plurality of images. A sub image is selected to be laid out on a sub slot in the template, which is smaller than the main slot, based on the second image evaluation for each of the plurality of images. The main image is laid out on the main slot in the template, and the sub image is laid out on the sub slot in the template.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first acquiring unit, a second acquiring unit, an evaluating unit, a selecting unit, and an output unit. The first acquiring unit acquires a first template group and a second template group. The second acquiring unit acquires a first layout candidate information group based on the first template group and a second layout candidate information group based on the second template group. The evaluating unit evaluates a plurality of layout candidate information pieces at least including the first layout candidate information group and the second layout candidate information group to provide an evaluation. The selecting unit selects a template corresponding to one layout candidate information piece of the plurality of layout candidate information pieces evaluated by the evaluating unit based on the evaluation provided by the evaluating unit. The output unit outputs a layout result based on the template selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: An image processing method for selecting an image to be output includes evaluating a plurality of first images having a first attribute and a plurality of second images having a second attribute; performing a plurality of selection processes for selecting a plurality of images to be output from among the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images based on evaluation of the plurality of first images and the plurality of second images obtained in the evaluating; and outputting the selected plurality of images. The plurality of selection processes include a selection process for selecting an image to be output from among the plurality of first images by excluding the plurality of second images from selection candidates.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first acquiring unit, a second acquiring unit, an evaluating unit, a selecting unit, and an output unit. The first acquiring unit acquires a first template group and a second template group. The second acquiring unit acquires a first layout candidate information group based on the first template group and a second layout candidate information group based on the second template group. The evaluating unit evaluates a plurality of layout candidate information pieces at least including the first layout candidate information group and the second layout candidate information group to provide an evaluation. The selecting unit selects a template corresponding to one layout candidate information piece of the plurality of layout candidate information pieces evaluated by the evaluating unit based on the evaluation provided by the evaluating unit. The output unit outputs a layout result based on the template selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: Images are divided into image groups based on time information indicating a time corresponding to each of the images. If the number of the image groups obtained in the dividing is smaller than a predetermined number, the number of the image groups is matched with the predetermined number by increasing the number of the image groups. If the number of the image groups obtained in the dividing is larger than the predetermined number, the number of the image groups is matched with the predetermined number by decreasing the number of the image groups. At least one image included in each of the image groups obtained in the matching is laid out in a template.

Abstract: A feature amount is analyzed for each of a plurality of images as layout target candidates. A kind of scene into which the plurality of images are classified is determined based on the analyzed feature amounts of the plurality of images. The images as evaluation targets are evaluated in accordance with an evaluation criterion corresponding to the kind of scene determined for the images as evaluation targets. An image to be laid out is selected from the plurality of images based on the evaluation for each of the plurality of images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a setting unit setting the number of pieces of image data to be selected, an identifying unit identifying, based on a photographing date and time of each piece of image data of an image data group, a photographing period of the image data group, a dividing unit dividing the identified photographing period into a plurality of photographing sections, a selection unit selecting image data from an image data group corresponding to a target photographing section based on predetermined criteria, and a generation unit generating a layout image by arranging an image based on the selected image data, wherein selection of image data is repeated by setting an unselected photographing section as a next target photographing section to select a number of pieces of image data corresponding to the set number, and wherein the number of photographing sections is determined according to the set number.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus use environment with higher flexibility and convenience. To achieve this, in a program including the first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by a processor and the second program layer with an instruction set compiled in advance by a unit other than the processor, this invention controls to perform communication between an external device and the first program layer via the second program layer. Based on information about the external device received from the external device via communication, display contents of a display screen for using a function of the external device, which are displayed in the first program layer, are controlled.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus use environment with higher flexibility and convenience. To achieve this, based on information acquired by an apparatus on which a program including a first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by a processor and a second program layer with an instruction set compiled in advance by a unit other than the processor operates, display contents of a display screen for using a function of the apparatus, which are displayed in the first program layer, are controlled.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus use environment with higher flexibility and convenience. To achieve this, based on information acquired by an apparatus on which a program including a first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by a processor and a second program layer with an instruction set compiled in advance by a unit other than the processor operates, display contents of a display screen for using a function of the apparatus, which are displayed in the first program layer, are controlled.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus use environment with higher flexibility and convenience. To achieve this, in a program including the first program layer with an instruction set to be interpreted and executed by a processor and the second program layer with an instruction set compiled in advance by a unit other than the processor, this invention controls to perform communication between an external device and the first program layer via the second program layer. Based on information about the external device received from the external device via communication, display contents of a display screen for using a function of the external device, which are displayed in the first program layer, are controlled.