JPH1091761A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture processor in which red-eye effect can be corrected to a natural state by a simple operation. SOLUTION: A red eye part 228 of a photographic picture 214 is designated by a manual operation, and the position of a catch light is also designated. A main processor 18 expresses the photographic picture, and corrects the red eyes of original picture data stored in a picture memory 16. At first, the photographic picture is displayed on a display device 22, and the area 228 in which the red eye should be corrected, an objective color, and the position of the catch light are designated by an operating device 24. The main processor 18 radially forms a gradation pattern from the center of the area 228 toward the peripheral edge part, corrects it in the designated color, and forms a high luminance area at the position of the catch light for the original picture data in the picture memory 16. Thus, eyes which look natural and lively can be reproduced in a reproduced picture.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for correcting red eyes of a photographic image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, when a person or the like is photographed in color by a flash light source, there is a red-eye phenomenon in which the eyes are photographed in red. In order to avoid this, there are positive measures such as shifting the optical axis of the photographing light from the optical axis of the imaging system. In some cases, for a captured image, a correction process for correcting a red portion of the captured eye to reproduce a natural pupil color may be performed. Conventionally, in the case of digital image data, one frame of image is displayed on a display device, and a red-eye portion is displayed one pixel at a time.
The original color was corrected by manual operation (retouch) such as mouse operation. There is also a method of filling a specified range with a specified color. In addition, specify the color of the red eye part,
A device for automatically correcting by chroma key has also been proposed.

[0003]

The retouch correction described above requires skill in selecting the target eye color and density, and is a cumbersome operation. Further, the method of filling a specified range with a specified color has a disadvantage that the corrected image lacks naturalness. In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to blur the boundary between the corrected portion and the portion remaining in the original image to reduce the sense of discomfort. However, in any case, it is basically a process of merely replacing the color with another color, and the correction result has unnaturalness. Further, the correction by the chroma key sometimes corrects other portions of the same color as the red eye in the screen at the same time, resulting in a lack of accuracy and a possibility of malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and which can correct red-eye in a state where it looks natural by a simple operation.

[0005]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a red-eye portion of a photographic image is manually designated, and at that time, a catch light is designated. This allows
In the reproduced image, eyes with a natural and lively expression can be reproduced.

More specifically, according to the present invention, storage means for storing original image data representing a photographic image, processing means for correcting the original image data, and a photographic image represented by the original image data are displayed in a visible manner. In an image processing apparatus that includes a display unit and a manual operation unit that inputs an instruction to the processing unit, and corrects a red-eye of the photographic image, the manual operation unit specifies a desired portion of the photographic image displayed on the display unit. A first designation unit; and a second designation unit for designating a color to be applied to the designated portion, wherein the processing unit comprises a first and a second designation unit.
Red-eye processing means for performing red-eye processing on the specified portion of the original image data stored in the storage means in response to the specifying means, wherein the red-eye processing means extends from the center of the specified portion to its periphery. The gradation is given to the original image data of this part toward the part, and the specified part is corrected with the specified color.

According to the present invention, advantageously, the image processing apparatus includes third specifying means for specifying the position of the catchlight in the specified portion, and the red-eye processing means is responsive to the third specifying means. Then, a high brightness area is formed at the position of the designated catch light.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention performs desired image processing on an image read from a color negative or a photographic print 13 by an image scanner 12, for example.
This is a device that outputs an image that has undergone image processing to a printer 14 as a photographic print 15, for example. As image processing,
In addition to commonly performed image corrections such as, for example, color correction and density correction, there is red eye correction to which the present invention pertains. For these image processing, the present apparatus 10 has an image memory 16 as a temporary storage device for storing and operating image data, and a main processing device 18 for performing various processes including image processing. Both are interconnected by a system bus 20 as shown.

The image memory 16 is a temporary storage device capable of storing image data corresponding to an image area of four frames in this embodiment, and red-eye processing to be described later is also performed using this storage area. Two of the four frames are used to store the original image data and prepare for undoing.
Not necessarily essential. The main processing device 18 is a control device that controls and controls the entire device 10 and is realized by a computer. Various image processing including red-eye processing is also performed by the main processing device 18.

As shown, a display device 22, an operation device 24, an external magnetic storage 26, a RAM (random access memory) 28, and a scaling unit 30 are also connected to the system bus 20. The display device 22 displays the state of the device 10 and the processed image on a display screen (not shown) in color.
Visible display devices such as CRT and LCD. Of course, an audio output device (not shown) may be provided. Operating device 24
Is an operation device for inputting an instruction from the operator to the device 10, includes a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, and may have a keyboard (neither is shown). Note that such an operating device 24
Alternatively or additionally, a touch panel may be provided on the display screen of the display device 22.

The external magnetic storage 26 is a high-capacity magnetic storage device such as a floppy disk and / or a fixed disk or a driving device thereof. The external magnetic storage 26 is used for storing image data, for example. The RAM 28 is used as a temporary storage area for calculation data and processing data. The scaling unit 30 is a processing unit that performs a scaling operation of enlarging or reducing one frame of image data stored in the image memory 16.

A SCSI (small computer system interface) interface 32 is also connected to the system bus 20, through which the printer 14, the MO drive 34, and the memory card reader 36 are connected as shown in this embodiment.
Connected by SI bus 38. The printer 14 converts the image processed as described above into a photo print, for example.
This is an output device that outputs as 15 or prints the state and various data in the device 10 as a hard copy. Also MO
The drive 34 is an input / output device for writing and reading various data including, for example, image data to and from a magneto-optical disk. The memory card reader 36 reads image data into the device 10 from a memory card on which a digital electronic still camera image is recorded, for example,
Also, it is an input / output device for writing image data into the input / output device. Of course, in addition to this, for example, a port for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line may be included.

In the operating state, the operating device 24 is operated to instruct reading of image data (step 1 in FIG. 2).
02). In response, the main processing unit 18 may, for example, use the image scanner 12 for a negative or printed photograph 13, the external magnetic storage 26 for a magnetic disk, and the MO drive 34 for an optical disk or memory card.
And the desired image data is read by the memory card reader 36. The read image data of one frame is stored in the image memory 16 under the control of the main processing unit 18. Thus, the desired image data is sequentially read and stored in the image memory 16.

The read image is reduced by the main processing unit 18 to a thumbnail image 202 by controlling the scaling unit 30, and the thumbnail image 202 is reduced to a processing selection screen 204 on the display screen of the display device 22.
(See FIG. 4). The process selection screen 204 also displays a guidance display 205 for the operator.
Then, the operator operates the operating device according to the guidance display 205.
By operating 24, the image 202 to be corrected is selected (step 103). This selection is performed by operating the pointing device of the operation device 24 to select a desired image on the processing selection screen 204.
This is performed by pointing and clicking 202 with the cursor. The selected image is referred to, for example, by reference numeral 202a.
As shown by, a frame is displayed around it. Alternatively, a configuration in which the whole is displayed in reverse video may be adopted. With this,
The "red-eye correction" button 206 is similarly designated (step 105). When the red-eye correction is designated, the main processing unit 18 executes a red-eye processing 300 described later.

In step 105, when red-eye processing is not specified, for example, when a "color / density correction" button 208 is designated (step 107), other processing 108 such as color correction and density correction is performed. When the other processing 108 is completed, the apparatus 10 prints out the processed image by the printer 14 (step 109), and ends the processing. When the correction process is not performed, the “OK” button 2
In the present embodiment, when step 10 is designated, then step 103
The printout of the original image 202 designated by (1) is performed by the printer 14 (step 109), and the process is terminated.

In step 105, red-eye correction is performed.
Instructing 206 causes the main processor 18 to execute the red-eye processing routine 200 in response. The main processing unit 18 converts the original image corresponding to the reduced image 202 specified in step 103 to the original size (the number of pixels) of the image display area of the red-eye processing area selection screen 212 (FIG. 5) on the screen of the display unit 22. 214
Display to At the same time, the main processing unit 18 displays a rectangular processing frame 216 for specifying the range of the red-eye processing in the image display area 214. In the following description, the display device
The processing routine of the main processing unit 18 corresponding to the processing screen on the screen 22, for example, the red-eye processing area selection screen 212, is indicated by the reference numeral of the screen, in this example, 212.

The operator operates the operating device 24 to select one of the "positioning" buttons 218, and moves the processing frame 216 to a desired position of the picture displayed in the image display area 214. By designating the “selection range” button 220, the size of the processing frame 216 can be changed. This allows the operator to specify the red-eye portion of the picture displayed in the image area 214 by including the red-eye portion inside the processing frame 216. The area of the image in the processing frame 216 is later enlarged and displayed in the image display area 214. Therefore, the shape of the processing frame 216 is
Is substantially similar to Therefore, the operator similarly performs
For example, if you specify the “Gradient” button 222,
The main processing unit 18 shifts the control to the red-eye mask area designation processing 224 (FIG. 6).

In the red-eye mask area designation processing 224, the main processing unit 18 displays a red-eye mask area designation screen 224 on the screen of the display device 22. At the same time, the main processing unit 18
By controlling the scaling unit 30, the portion of the image included inside the processing frame 216 is enlarged and displayed on the image display area 214 of the red-eye mask area designation screen 224. The operator is there
Operate 24 pointing devices and use “Pen” button 2
26, the user can draw it on the red-eye area 228 of the display image in the image display area 214, and fill the area 228 with the pen 226. If unsuccessful, "Eraser" button
230 can be drawn in a similar manner to remove the fill of area 228. Although only one type of the “pen” button 226 and the “eraser” button 230 are shown in this embodiment, a plurality of thickness types, for example, three types of “thin”, “medium”, and “thick” are respectively shown. May be prepared.

In response to the operation of the "pen" button 226 and the "eraser" button 230, the main processing unit 18
As conceptually shown in FIG. 10, a mask layer 302 is prepared in a storage area of the image memory 16. This is because, in a storage area of the image memory 16, a mask layer 302 corresponding to an image portion corresponding to the image display area 214 is prepared. In the mask layer 302, the main processing device 18 includes a “pen” button 226 and an “eraser”. The painted area 304 is formed in response to the operation of the "" button 230. The formed filled area 304 is
The image is superimposed on the original picture in the image display area 214 of the display device 22 and is visually displayed. As a display color of the filled area 304, a conspicuous color different from a normal iris or skin color, such as green, is advantageously used.

Further, when the operator operates the pointing device of the operating device 24 and selects the "catch light" button 232, the main processing unit 18 responds to this and causes the cross indicating the "catch light" portion to be described later. Generate a mark 234 and display it in this area 234. As is well known, the catch light (star of the eye) 306 (FIG. 9) is a portion where the illumination light is reflected and is photographed as a bright spot. By putting this catchlight in the eyes, a lively portrait of a person can be obtained. The position is also operated by operating the pointing device of the operating device 24 and the arrow shown in FIG.
This can be designated by drawing the cross mark 234 to a desired position as shown by 236. The catchlight 306 generally should be placed in the same position for the left and right eyes in the direction of the flash. If the operator is satisfied with looking at the picture in the display area 214, the operator presses the “OK” button 238, and the main processing device 18 shifts the control to the red-eye parameter designation process 240 in response to this.

In the red-eye parameter designation process 240, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the screen of the display device 22. The main processing unit 18 displays a “dropper” button 242 on this screen 240. A “dropper” button 242 is a button for collecting a color of an arbitrary part of the picture displayed in the display area 214. More specifically, the operator can operate the pointing device of the operating device 24 to select the “eyedropper” button 242 and draw on a desired area in the display area 214. When the pointing device is clicked at the drawn position, the main processing unit 18 responds to this and collects the color at that position, and displays this color on the “used color” button 244. That is, a pointer is set to indicate the color data of that part, and this is stored in the area of the "used color" button 244 of the RAM 28.

This use color selection operation is advantageously used, for example, when the iris portion of the pupil remains in the displayed picture. The color data held in the RAM 28 is held even when the picture in the image display area 214 is shifted to another part of the image. For example, even if another part of the same image is designated by the processing frame 216 on the red-eye mask area designation screen 224, the used color data is retained. So, for example, if the left eye of the person in the image was taken with the red eye and the right eye was taken normally, the color of the iris of the right eye was sampled with the “eyedropper” button 242, and the same color Can be applied.

If the portion of the color to be collected does not exist in the original picture, a desired color can be selected from the standard colors by designating a "palette color" button 246.
Various standard iris colors such as brown, blue, and black are prepared as the standard colors. This selection is made by operating the pointing device of the operating device 24,
The desired “palette color” button on the process selection screen 240 246
Is indicated by a cursor and clicked. The selected “palette color” button 246 has a frame displayed around it, for example, as indicated by reference numeral 246a. Alternatively, this may also be configured such that the whole is displayed in reverse video. At the same time, also in this case, the “Use Color” button 244
Displays the selected color.

The system may be configured so that colors can be selected separately for the pupil and the iris. For example, a portion corresponding to the pupil may be designated as black, and a portion corresponding to the iris may be designated as brown or blue.

If the user is satisfied with the color of the "use color" button 244, the operator designates the "enter" button 248. In response, main processor 18 reflects the red-eye correction processing so far (step 250). More specifically, red-eye correction is performed on the correction area 228 specified in the processing 224 so far using the correction parameters specified in the processing 248. The resulting image is displayed in display area 214. This display image is an enlarged image portion specified by the processing frame 216 (FIG. 5). Then, the control returns to the red-eye processing area selection processing 212.

This red-eye processing will be described in detail. One of the features of this embodiment is that the color selected as the mask region 304 is radially applied from the center of the region to the periphery. Another feature is the catchlight
306 is a high brightness, that is, a highlight, and the bright spot is formed. As a result, the red-eye region 228 is reproduced as a beautiful pupil that looks lively and natural in the reproduced image.

The gradation processing is an automatic operation by a program following the designation of the mask area 304 by the manual operation of the operator. When the user operates the pointing device on the red-eye mask area designation screen 224 to designate the mask area 304, the main processing unit 18 calculates a gradation that blurs the periphery of the mask area 304 as shown in FIG. The size is calculated so that the original image (photograph) data can be accommodated in the filled area 304 to which the gradation is given in the red-eye parameter designation processing 240, and the mask data 302 and the original image 214 are synthesized together with the catch light 306. I do. In the following description, the image in the image display area 214 is indicated by the reference numeral 214 of the area.

More specifically, the data of the mask layer 302 is
In the present embodiment, one byte per pixel is treated as a weight at the time of painting. For example, in the present embodiment, the area 304 to be painted is set to the gradation level “0”, and the area 308 where the photograph of the original image remains is set to the gradation level “255”. This may be reversed. The area 304 specified by the pointing device is at level “0”. Main processing unit
18 calculates a moving average filter on the periphery of the region 304 and blurs the region to form a mask layer.
When 302 is combined with the original image 214, the boundary with other parts 308 is smoothed. This moving average filter is used for mask layer 3
For the mask value m (x, y) at the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) of 02, first, for example, the following operation is performed in the x-axis direction to obtain a new mask value m ′ (x, y).

[0029]

M ′ (x, y) = [am (x−1, y) + bm (x, y) + am (x + 1, y)] / n Next, the same applies to the y-axis direction. Perform the operation. In this case, a, b and n are constants, for example, a = 1, b =
2, n = 4. FIG. 12 shows an example of the moving average filter coefficient. For example, when the filled area 304 is 16 to 32 dots, the blur calculation may be performed only once. Range 3
If 04 becomes wider, the same blur operation is performed several times.
FIG. 11 shows a state where the measurement was performed twice. FIG. 12A shows the state of the original mask region 304 where no gradation operation is performed, FIG. 12B shows the state of the mask region 304 where the gradation operation is performed once, and FIG. FIG. The mask 302 on which the gradation operation has been performed in this manner is referred to as a “gradation pattern” here.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the calculation of the gradation pattern is performed on a rectangular area close to the mask area 304, for example, a square 310 (FIG. 13). Figure
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the length of one side of the square 310 is normalized to “2”, and the filled area 304 has a radius of “1”.
Is assumed to be a circle. The coordinates (x, y) of the center 312 of the circle 304 are
If (0, 0), the mask data of the mask layer 302 and the original image
The composite value L with the image data of 214 is -1.0 ≦ (x, y) ≦ 1.0
, L = x * x + y * y. However, when L exceeds 1.0, the value L is set to 1.0. In this calculation, the radius "1"
Inside the circle 304, the value L is less than 1.0,
be equivalent to. Note that the present invention is not limited to only such squares and circles. Also, the center of region 304
However, the method is not limited to the above-described determination method. For example, the area
When 304 is substantially elliptical, for example, its center of gravity may be set as the center where the value L is set to 1.0.

Further, in order to separately paint the high density portion 304a at the center of the pupil and the peripheral light portion 304b, the value L is set to a polygonal line L * as shown in FIG. In this example, the value L is 0.
If it is less than 25, L = 2.0L * (polyline 314); otherwise, L = 0.6667L * + 0.3333 (polyline 316), and both polygonal lines 314 and 316 are continuous. Where the value L *
Is a tentative value calculated by the above calculation L = x * x + y * y.
Thus, the two regions 304a and 30 having different gradations
4b corresponds to the pupil and the iris, respectively.

According to the value L thus obtained, a weighted average of the color of the central portion 304a and the color of the outer peripheral portion 304b of the painted area 304 is obtained. If the value L is "0", the color at the center of the pupil, that is, the color specified in the red-eye parameter specification processing 240 is set. That is, the original photographic data is completely replaced with the gradation pattern. If the value L is “1.0”, that is, the gradation level is “255”, outside the area 304,
That is, the color of the portion of the original image corresponding to the area 308 in FIG. 10 appears in the reproduced image as it is. In a portion where the value L is between “0” and “1”, a weighted average of the original image (photograph) data and the gradation pattern is calculated. The weighted average will be described later in detail.

The gradation pattern subjected to such gradation processing is as shown in the upper half of FIG. In this figure, for the sake of simplicity, the gradation values are shown upside down. The gradation is a plot as shown in FIG. Note that no highlight is included in this gradation pattern.

The gradation pattern thus obtained is overwritten on the photographic data according to the weight of the mask layer 302. This completes the fill without highlight 306 (FIG. 9).

The highlight portion 306 (FIG. 9) is calculated in this embodiment in a range of 1/3 of the pupil size. The shape may be a circle or an ellipse. Note that these numerical values and shapes are merely examples, and it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. This calculation may be basically the same as the above-described calculation of the pupil gradation. If the value L is “0”, it is the brightest highlight, and “1.0”
If so, there is no highlight. The value L and the mask data are weighted to form a highlight portion in the synthesized image data. The weight W is calculated by (1.0−L) × (255−mask data). As a result, the weight W becomes “0” regardless of the value L in an area where the mask data is at the level “255”, that is, in a position where the mask data must not be filled. Further, even in an area where the value L is "1.0", that is, in a position where no highlight is to be written, the weight W is "0" regardless of the value of the mask data.

If the weight W is "0", no synthesis is performed. If the weight W is "255", the image data is pure white.
That is, the RGB values are each set to “255”. In other cases, [Wx255 + (256-W) x (photo data)] / 256. In this calculation, however, the constant "255" is a value as the maximum value of the RGB values, and the "photo data" is the data after the gradation is performed.

The weighted average calculation is performed as follows. If the value L is "0", the original photographic data is completely replaced with the gradation pattern. If the value L is “1.0”, that is, the gradation level is “255”, the color of the original image outside the area 304 appears in the reproduced image as it is. In a portion where the value L is between “0” and “1”, a weighted average of the original image (photograph) data and the gradation pattern is calculated. For example, if the weight is in the range of "0" to "255", the value after the weighted average is [(mask data) x (gradation pattern or highlight white) + (255-mask data) x (photo data) ] / 255. When the mask data is “0”, instead of this, the value after the weighted average is
[Gradation pattern or highlight white].

Thus, the gradation and highlight data could be embedded in the photographic data according to the mask data. As can be seen from this, the present embodiment corrects the red-eye by hand in an attempt to put the artificial eye in the red-eye part of the photograph. At that time, instruct the catch light,
The size, shape and color can be specified manually. In this way, by adopting the manual operation, eyes with a natural and lively expression can be reproduced.

By the way, returning to the red-eye processing area selection processing 212, next, if necessary, other parts of the same image, for example, if the left eye is corrected last time, then the right eye is processed next, etc. Repeat steps 248 and 248. Also,
The device 10 can also perform additional red-eye correction manually as needed, for example, with respect to the part left behind by viewing the result of red-eye correction displayed in the display area 214.
This is performed on the red-eye manual correction screen 254 (FIG. 8) by designating the "manual" button 252 (FIG. 5) in the red-eye processing area selection processing 212. This manual correction is performed using the “Pen” button 226, “Eraser”
By specifying the button 230 and the “eyedropper” button 242, the display can be performed for each display pixel of the image display area 214. Finally, when the operator presses the “Enter” button 256,
Main processor 18 reflects the red-eye correction processing (step 250). The reflection of the red-eye process in step 250 is a process of calculating and executing the mask data and the gradation pattern on the photographic data of the original image as described above. The control is returned to the red-eye processing area selection processing 212.

Therefore, the operator can visually confirm that the red-eye processing has been completed in a desired state in the image display area 214 of the red-eye processing area selection processing screen 212. If you are satisfied with the processing result, the operator clicks the “Exit” button on the screen.
Specify 58. In response to this, the main processing unit 18 shifts the control to the red-eye image confirmation processing 260, and the red-eye image confirmation screen 260
(FIG. 9) is displayed on the display screen of the display device 24.
The operator visually confirms the image of the processing result on this screen, and designates a “Yes” button 262 if satisfied. In response, the main processing unit 18 reflects the red-eye correction processing so far (step 264), and returns the control to step 105 of the main operation flow (FIG. 2). If you want to check other areas, for example, the eyes on the opposite side, use the red-eye image confirmation screen
At 260, a "previous screen" button 266 is designated. As a result, the control returns to the red-eye processing area selection processing 212.

Therefore, when the red-eye processing 200 is completed, when the "OK" button 210 is designated in step 105, for example, the apparatus 10 prints out the image subjected to the red-eye processing by the printer 14 through step 107 (step 107). step 1
09) and end the process.

On the red-eye image confirmation screen 260, when the user is not satisfied with the result of the red-eye processing, or when canceling the red-eye processing, a "No" button 268 is designated. Main processing unit 18
In response to this, the previous red-eye removal
Returning to step 105 (FIG. 2) of the main flow, without reflecting it in 02 (step 270). That is, the processing data so far is canceled without being calculated on the original image data, and the image of the original image data is displayed on the display area 214. In each of the processes 224, 240 and 254, a “cancel” button 272 is also provided. If the user is not satisfied with the result of the red-eye processing or restarts the red-eye processing from the beginning, this button 2 is used.
Specify 72. As a result, the main processing device 18 returns to the red-eye processing area selection processing 212 without reflecting the previous red-eye processing on the original image 202 (step 274).

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, the red-eye portion of a photograph is manually designated, and at that time, a catch light is designated, and the size, shape, and color are designated manually.
In the reproduced image, eyes with a natural and lively expression can be reproduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a main operation flow of image processing in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of red-eye processing in the image processing flow illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of correction processing displayed on the display device in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of a red-eye processing area selection screen displayed on the display device in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of a red-eye mask area selection screen displayed on the display device.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of a red-eye parameter designation screen displayed on the display device.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of a red-eye manual correction screen displayed on the display device.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an example of a red-eye image confirmation screen displayed on the display device.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual perspective view of a storage area of an image memory for explaining a relationship between a mask layer for red-eye processing and an original image in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a mask area for explaining how to perform a gradation calculation of red-eye processing in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gradation moving average filter coefficient in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of a gradation pattern in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a plot of a gradation pattern in the example.

FIG. 15 is a graph in which the gradation pattern shown in FIG. 13 is plotted.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Image scanner 14 Printer 16 Image memory 18 Main processing unit 22 Display device 302 Mask layer 304 Filled area

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing original image data representing a photographic image, a processing unit for correcting the original image data, a display unit for visually displaying a photographic image represented by the original image data, and And a manual operation means for inputting an instruction, wherein the manual operation means comprises: a first designating means for designating a desired portion of the photographic image displayed on the display means. And second designating means for designating a color to be applied to the designated portion, wherein the processing means responds to the first and second designating means and stores the originals stored in the storage means. Red-eye processing means for performing red-eye processing on the designated portion of the image data, wherein the red-eye processing means applies gradation to the original image data of the designated portion from the center of the designated portion toward the periphery thereof ,
An image processing apparatus, wherein the specified portion is corrected with the specified color. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes a third designating means for designating a position of a catchlight in said designated portion, wherein said red-eye processing means is a third designating means. An image processing apparatus that forms a high-luminance area at the position of the designated catch light in response to 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the red-eye processing means creates mask data corresponding to the designated portion, creates a gradation pattern representing the gradation, and generates the mask data and gradation data. An image processing apparatus comprising: calculating a pattern and the high-luminance area to form image data obtained by modifying original image data. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said red-eye processing means creates different gray levels in a plurality of concentric areas from said center in said designated portion. apparatus. 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the mask data is formed by a moving average calculation. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the mask data, the gradation pattern, and the high-luminance area are combined by a weighted average operation. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second designating means designates a desired position in the photographic image, and the red-eye processing means responds to the second designating means,
Extracting color data representing a color at the desired position,
An image processing apparatus for correcting the designated portion with a color corresponding to the extracted color data. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus includes input means for inputting the original image data and storing the original image data in the storage means. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an output unit configured to output the corrected original image data as a visible image.