JP2002232760A - Image input apparatus, image processing system, record medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input apparatus and a system capable of saving time and effort reflecting an intention of an operator in a step of image input to a step of image processing. SOLUTION: A digital camera 1 records a list 41 of keyword information and displays the list 41 on a display monitor 30 by a display control part 23 for keyword list. Moreover, when selecting the keyword information from the list 41 by a selection instructing part 25 for keyword in response to operations of the operator, selected keyword information is added to the image information specified by an adding means 42. The image information to which is added the keyword information is outputted to a memory card, an image processing is automatically performed in response to the keyword information in image processing software loaded to a PC.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input device capable of adding additional information to image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital image of a subject can be obtained by photographing the subject using a digital camera. Alternatively, a digital image of a subject can be obtained by scanning and inputting the subject using an image scanner.

For example, a photographer who performs a photographing operation using a digital camera photographs a subject for various purposes and intentions. If the subject is fresh food, it will be intended to be colorfully finished. If the subject is a machine, it will be intended to be sharpened. In addition, shooting is performed with the intention of slightly brightening the finish or the intention of softening the finish.

[0004] Digital images have the advantage that the image quality can be flexibly controlled in the image processing step, which is a step after photographing, according to the purpose and intention of these photographers.

The image processing step is usually performed on a computer such as a personal computer using image processing software.

[0006]

In a series of production processes for performing image processing using photographed digital images and finally outputting printed matter such as pamphlets, photographing a subject using a digital camera. And the step of performing image processing on the acquired image are separate steps, and are often performed by different persons.

In such a case, the person in charge of the image processing needs to receive an instruction from the cameraman about the information on the subject and the intention of photographing when performing the image processing. Alternatively, it is necessary to determine the intention of photographing from actual reference to an image or use of a final output (for example, a printed matter).

Therefore, it takes time and effort to communicate the information of the subject and the photographing intention between the photographer and the person in charge of image processing, and these are reflected in the final printed matter as costs. Will be done. When the image processing person determines the photographing intention, extra time and labor are required, and the photographing intention of the photographer may not be accurately reflected.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a system which can save time and labor for reflecting an operator's intention in an image input process in an image processing process. .

[0010]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital image input device, comprising: a storage unit for storing a list of additional information to be added to image information; , An additional information specifying unit that specifies additional information selected from the displayed list, and an additional unit that adds the additional information specified by the additional information specifying unit to the specified image information. Means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the first aspect, the additional information includes a predetermined type of keyword information indicating characteristics of image quality when performing image processing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the second aspect, the keyword information includes information on a subject input by the image input device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the second or third aspect, the keyword information is information relating to an intention of an operator when the digital image is input using the image input device. It is characterized by including.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the additional unit is configured to replace the additional information specified by the additional information specifying unit with the specified image. And means for writing the header information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image input apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising:
An interface for externally inputting the list is provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to the sixth aspect, the interface includes means for receiving the list by wireless communication from a computer having the list.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image input device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the image input device includes a digital camera.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising an image input device for inputting a digital image and a computer for performing image processing, wherein the image input device exhibits characteristics of image quality when performing image processing. Storage means for storing a list of keyword information of a predetermined type; means for displaying the list; keyword information specifying means for specifying keyword information selected from the displayed list; An adding unit for adding keyword information designated by the keyword information designating unit, wherein the computer outputs an image corresponding to the keyword information to the image information added with the keyword information in the image input device. It is characterized by including an image processing unit for performing processing.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the image input device is installed in a microcomputer built in the image input device for digital images. 9 in which a program for functioning as any one of the image input devices is recorded.

[0020] The invention of claim 11 is a program invention, and when installed in a microcomputer built in a digital image image input device, the image input device can be any one of claims 1 to 9. Characterized in that it functions as an image input device.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <1. Overall Configuration> Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
1 is a diagram showing an image input device (digital camera) 1 and a computer (PC) 5 according to the present embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the back side of the digital camera 1.

The digital camera 1 is provided with a card slot (not shown) on the side of the main body or the like. When the memory card 7 is inserted into the card slot, data can be exchanged with the outside using the memory card 7 as a medium. It is possible to do.

The PC 5 is also provided with an interface for reading the memory card 7, and the digital camera 1 and the PC 5 can exchange data with the memory card 7 as a medium.

Further, the digital camera 1 and the PC 5
It is possible to exchange data with each other via the network 8.

In the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 has a wireless communication interface 29 (shown in FIG. 7) so that it can be connected to the Internet, and can exchange data with the PC 5 via the Internet. It is possible. A configuration in which a mobile phone is connected to the digital camera 1 to connect to the Internet may be employed.

A liquid crystal display monitor 30 and operation buttons 31 are provided on the back 1B of the digital camera 1. On the liquid crystal display monitor 30, images taken by the digital camera 1 and various menu screens are displayed. Operation button 31
Enables operation of various functions in the image input apparatus according to the present embodiment.

<2. Process Flow> Next, a process flow until an image captured by the digital camera 1 is output as a final printed matter will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing includes (1) work of a photographer, (2) work of a person in charge of image processing, (3) work of a person in charge of layout, and (4) work of a person in charge of printing. It is roughly divided into four tasks.

(1) In the work of the photographer, the photographer shoots the subject using the digital camera 1;
The storage and selection of the captured images are performed. The operation of selecting a captured image is performed with reference to the captured image displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 30. The selected image is stored in the memory card 7.

In the photographing operation by the cameraman, as will be described later, an instruction of subject information and an instruction of intention information are performed.

(2) The work of the person in charge of image processing is to perform image processing on the PC 1 for the image photographed in the work of (1). The image processing is performed by image processing software installed in the PC 1.

(3) The work of the layout staff is (1)
This is an operation of adjusting the layout while applying the image created by the operations (2) and (2) to an actual printed matter.

(4) The job of the person in charge of printing is to actually print out the data of the printed matter completed by the operations of (1) to (3).

A printed matter is created by the above four operations. Then, the image input device and the image input system according to the present embodiment provide (1)
And (2).

<3. Configuration of Image Input Apparatus> The configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The subject image is passed through the optical lens 11 to the CCD element 12
Is imaged. Shooting operation instruction section (shutter button) 2
When a photographing instruction is issued from 1, a control signal is sent from the control unit 20 to the CCD element 12, and the electric charge that is photoelectrically converted and accumulated on each pixel of the CCD element 12 is transferred as an electric signal. The transferred electric signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 13, and the fixed pattern noise of the CCD element 12 is removed by shading correction in the image correction processing unit 14, and then stored in the image memory unit 15. You.

The image display control unit 22 displays a preview of the photographed image on the liquid crystal display monitor 30. By displaying the preview image, the operator (photographer)
Is performed to determine whether to save the image. In response to this operation, an image output instruction is issued from the image selection instruction unit 24 to the image output unit 16, and the card IF
The image specified via the memory 28 is stored in the memory card 7.

The list storage section 40 stores a keyword list 41. An example of the keyword list 41 is shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a list showing the subject keyword information 411 of the keyword information included in the keyword list 41. The subject keyword information 411 is classified into items such as “general”, “person”,..., For example, among the items of “general”, “standard”, “food”,.
A plurality of subject keyword information 411 are listed.

FIG. 6 shows the finished keyword information 412. For example, a plurality of finish keyword information 412 such as “finish standard”, “slightly dark”, “slightly bright”... Are listed.

The subject keyword information 411 is information on the subject, and indicates the type, nature, state, etc. of the subject. The finished keyword information 412 indicates a finished state of an image assuming a final output (a printed matter or the like), and is information intended by a photographer at the time of shooting.

The keyword list display control section 23 causes the liquid crystal display monitor 30 to display the keyword list 41 recorded in the list storage section 40. The operator selects appropriate subject keyword information 411 from the displayed keyword list 41. In addition, desired finish keyword information 412 is selected from the list. The selection of the keyword information is performed by a predetermined operation using the operation button 31, and the keyword selection instruction unit 25 specifies the keyword information to be added by this operation.

The adding means 42 applies the keyword selection instructing section 25 to the image specified by the image selection instructing section 24.
The keyword information specified by is added. Specifically, the adding unit 42 writes the designated keyword information in the header information of the selected image.

The adding means 42 is executed in response to a keyword information instruction command from the keyword selection instruction section 25.

Here, the display timing of the keyword list 41 may be, for example, after an operator performs a decision operation to save a captured image in the memory card 7.

After the photographing operation is performed, the operator is caused to preview the image on the liquid crystal display monitor 30.
Then, the operation button 31 is operated by the operator,
When an image output instruction is issued from the image selection instruction unit 24, the keyword list display control unit 23 causes the liquid crystal display monitor 30 to display the keyword list 41.

Then, when a keyword information selecting operation is performed again by an operator operation, the adding means 42 is executed to add the keyword information to the image information to be output.

The instruction timing of the keyword information may be performed by calling an image in the memory card 7 at an arbitrary timing, in addition to the case where the instruction is performed during a series of operations at the time of photographing as described above.

The image stored in the memory card 7 is
It can be appropriately called up by performing a predetermined operation using the operation button 31. That is, when a predetermined operation is performed by the operator using the operation button 31, the image selection instructing unit 24 instructs an image to be called from the memory card 7. In response to this instruction, the image display control unit 22 displays the specified image on the liquid crystal display monitor 30. As described above, the image selection instructing unit 24 includes means for instructing selection (output instruction) of an image displayed as a preview at the time of shooting and means for selecting an arbitrary image from images stored in the memory card 7. Have.

When the selected image is displayed on the liquid crystal display monitor 30, a predetermined operation using the operation buttons 31 is performed to display the keyword list 41 on the display monitor 30. Then, similarly, when the desired keyword information is selected by the operator, the adding means 42 is executed, and the selected keyword information is added to the selected image information.

By the above processing, the memory card 7
The image information to which the keyword information is added is recorded.

<4. Configuration of Image Processing Terminal> FIG.
This is a block configuration of the digital camera 1 showing only a block configuration of the (image processing terminal) 5 and a configuration necessary for exchanging the keyword list 41 with the PC 5.

The PC 5 has a card IF 54 and can read an image stored in the memory card 7 in the digital camera 1. The read image is subjected to image processing in the image processing unit 52. Image processing unit 5
2 is generally realized by software, and includes a CPU,
It can be executed under the control of the control unit 51 including a memory and the like.

The image processing section 52 has a keyword list creating section 521 and a keyword reading section 522 in addition to a function of performing color adjustment and lightness adjustment as in the case of ordinary image processing software.

The keyword list creating section 521 creates the keyword information shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
Create parameters for performing image processing on the created individual keyword information. The created correspondence data between the keyword information and the parameter is stored in the storage device 56.
Is stored in the keyword file 53 stored in.

The keyword reading section 522 has a function of reading keyword information from image information. Upon acquiring the keyword information read by the keyword reading unit 522, the image processing unit 52 acquires a corresponding image processing parameter by referring to the keyword file 53, and executes image processing on the image in accordance with the parameter. .

For example, if the keyword information “jewel” is read as the subject keyword information 411, the image processing unit 52 sets the keyword file 53
The corresponding parameter is obtained from the above, and processing is performed so that the three-dimensional appearance of the jewel and the gloss of the highlight portion are obtained. If the keyword information “slightly bright” is read out as the finished keyword information 412, a process for slightly increasing the halftone tone is performed.

As described above, in the image processing step performed in the PC 5, the keyword information is read from the image information in the image processing section 52, and the image processing according to the read keyword information is automatically performed. For this reason, the person in charge of image processing only needs to read the image recorded in the memory card 7 and specify the image to be processed. As in the related art, the image processing staff does not need to obtain information about the subject or the photographing intention from the photographer, either verbally or in writing, so that the work efficiency can be significantly improved.
In addition, the keyword information is added to the image information on the spot when the photographer shoots the subject, so that the photographer's photographing intention and purpose are accurately reflected,
The image quality can also be improved.

<5. Delivery of Keyword List> The keyword list creation unit 521 has a function of outputting created keyword information. As shown in FIG. 7, the method of outputting the keyword information includes a method using the memory card 7 and a method using the network 8.

In the method using the memory card 7 as an intermediary, the keyword list creation unit 521
The created keyword list 41 is recorded.

The keyword list 41 recorded on the memory card 7 is read by the keyword list receiving unit 26 via the card IF 28 of the digital camera 1. The read keyword list 41 is recorded in the list storage unit 40 by the keyword list receiving unit 26.

In such a method, the cameraman records the keyword list 41 created by the PC 5 in the list storage unit 40 of the digital camera 1 via the memory card 7 in advance. by this,
At the shooting location, the keyword list 41 recorded in the list storage unit 40 can be used.

Further, by connecting the digital camera 1 and the PC 5 with a cable (for example, a USB cable) without using the memory card 7, the keyword list 4 can be obtained.
1 may be transferred.

On the other hand, in the method via the network 8, the cameraman can obtain the keyword list 41 directly from the shooting location.

As described above, the digital camera 1
An F (wireless communication interface) 29 is provided to enable connection to the Internet. Also, the PC 5 has a communication IF
55 and can be connected to the Internet. Thus, the keyword list receiving unit 26 of the digital camera 1 can directly acquire the keyword list 41 included in the PC 5 via the Internet.

As described above, by acquiring the keyword list 41 from the digital camera 1 via the network (such as the Internet), the cameraman can acquire the latest keyword list 41 from the shooting location. This eliminates the need to copy the keyword list 41 to the digital camera 1 using the memory card 7 or the like before moving to the shooting location.

Even if the keyword information differs depending on the purpose of shooting, a keyword list 4 corresponding to each task
Acquisition of 1 makes it possible to respond.

Although the case where the Internet is used as the network 8 has been described as an example, a method in which the digital camera 1 is directly connected to the PC 5 using a telephone line without using the Internet may be used.

<6. Modification> In the present embodiment,
Although the configuration in which the digital camera 1 includes the communication IF 29 and the keyword list 41 can be acquired from a remote place has been described, it is not essential that the digital camera 1 includes the communication IF 29, and the card IF 28 and the The provision of the USB terminal makes it possible to transfer the keyword list 41. In addition, a configuration using short-range wireless communication that has begun to spread in recent home appliances and the like may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image input device has been described as a digital camera, but an image scanner can be applied as the image input device of the present invention. Further, it is of course possible to apply the present invention to a two-dimensional scanner using a CCD element.

The digital camera 1 (image input device) described above reads a software program (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “program”) recorded on a recording medium and executes the program under the control of a CPU or the like. Thereby, it functions as an image input device that realizes various operations according to the present embodiment. The program having each function is not limited to being supplied (or distributed) via a recording medium, but is supplied (or distributed) to the computer via a network (communication line) such as a LAN or the Internet. ).

[0071]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image input device, the additional information selected from the list by the operator is added to the image information. The input intention and purpose of the operator can be embedded in the image information.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image input device, predetermined keyword information indicating a characteristic of image quality at the time of performing image processing is added to the image information. Can output image information that can be subjected to image processing according to.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the keyword information includes information on the subject, the subject information can be obtained by reading the keyword information from the output image information, and the image processing corresponding to the subject information can be performed. Is possible.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the keyword information includes information relating to the intention of the operator at the time of inputting the image, by reading the keyword information from the output image, it is possible to perform image processing according to the photographing intention. is there.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the additional information is written in the header information of the image information, the writing and reading processing of the additional information is easy.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since an interface for externally inputting a list of additional information is provided, it is possible to reflect a list created by another computer or the like.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the list of additional information can be obtained by wireless communication, so that a list created by a computer or the like can be reflected in real time even when the user is at a remote place. It is.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, by applying a digital camera as an image input device, the digital camera can be used for various purposes by utilizing the portability of the digital camera.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a processing system comprising the above-described image input device and a computer for performing image processing. Appropriate image processing is possible while reducing the labor and time required for checking the photographing intention and subject information between the image input operator and the image processing person,
It is possible to improve the quality of the final output.

The invention according to claim 10 or 11 is installed in an image input device,
A program for realizing the function as the above-described image input device, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. The program can easily add the above-described functions to the image input device and is suitable for distribution.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image processing system including a digital camera and a PC.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating processing steps of image processing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of subject keyword information registered in a keyword list.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of finished keyword information registered in a keyword list.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a PC block configuration related to image processing;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an interface between C and a digital camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 digital camera (image input device) 5 PC 7 memory card 23 keyword list display control unit 25 keyword selection instructing unit 26 keyword list receiving unit 28 card IF 29 communication IF 30 liquid crystal display monitor 40 list storage unit 41 keyword list 42 adding means 52 Image processing unit 521 Keyword list creation unit 522 Keyword reading unit 53 Keyword file 54 Card IF 55 Communication IF

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshi Furukawa 4-chome Tenjin Kitamachi 1-chome, Horikawa-dori-Teranouchi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto Inside Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Kishida Kamigyo, Kyoto-shi 4-chome Tenjin, Horikawa-dori Terunouchi-ku 1-1-1 Kita-machi, Dai-Nippon Screen Manufacturing Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AB65 AB68 AC01 AC12 AC32 AC69 AC75 5C052 GA02 GA03 GA05 GA08 GA09 GB01 GB09 GE08 5C053 FA04 FA08 JA16 KA04 LA03 LA11 LA14 5C076 AA16 BA06

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An input device for a digital image, comprising: storage means for storing a list of additional information to be added to image information; means for displaying the list; and additional information selected from the displayed list An image input apparatus comprising: additional information specifying means for specifying information; and additional means for adding the additional information specified by the additional information specifying means to specified image information. 2. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the additional information includes a predetermined type of keyword information indicating characteristics of image quality when performing image processing. 3. The image input device according to claim 2, wherein the keyword information is information on a subject input by the image input device;
An image input device comprising: 4. The image input device according to claim 2, wherein the keyword information includes information on an intention of an operator when the digital image is input using the image input device. Characteristic image input device. 5. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit writes the additional information specified by the additional information specifying unit into header information of the specified image. Means for inputting an image. 6. The image input device according to claim 1, further comprising an interface for externally inputting the list. 7. The image input device according to claim 6, wherein the interface includes: a unit that receives the list by wireless communication from a computer that holds the list. 8. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image input device includes a digital camera. 9. A system comprising an image input device for inputting a digital image and a computer for performing image processing, wherein the image input device includes a predetermined type of keyword information indicating a characteristic of image quality when performing image processing. Storage means for storing a list of the above; a means for displaying the list; a keyword information specifying means for specifying keyword information selected from the displayed list; and the keyword information specification for specified image information. Adding means for adding the keyword information specified by the means,
An image processing system, comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing according to the keyword information on the image information to which the keyword information has been added in the image input device. 10. A program for causing an image input device to function as the image input device according to claim 1 by being installed in a microcomputer built in the image input device for digital images. A computer-readable recording medium recorded on the computer. 11. The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the image input device is installed in a microcomputer built in the image input device for a digital image so as to function as the image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Program to do.