CA2364154A1 - A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage - Google Patents
A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2364154A1 CA2364154A1 CA002364154A CA2364154A CA2364154A1 CA 2364154 A1 CA2364154 A1 CA 2364154A1 CA 002364154 A CA002364154 A CA 002364154A CA 2364154 A CA2364154 A CA 2364154A CA 2364154 A1 CA2364154 A1 CA 2364154A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- image file
- image
- orientation
- user selected
- recording
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
- H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
- H04N1/00442—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/0035—User-machine interface; Control console
- H04N1/00405—Output means
- H04N1/00408—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
- H04N1/0044—Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
- H04N1/00442—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails
- H04N1/00453—Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails arranged in a two dimensional array
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/21—Intermediate information storage
- H04N1/2166—Intermediate information storage for mass storage, e.g. in document filing systems
- H04N1/217—Interfaces allowing access to a single user
- H04N1/2175—Interfaces allowing access to a single user with local image input
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/387—Composing, repositioning or otherwise geometrically modifying originals
- H04N1/3877—Image rotation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/0098—User intervention not otherwise provided for, e.g. placing documents, responding to an alarm
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/04—Scanning arrangements
- H04N2201/0402—Arrangements not specific to a particular one of the scanning methods covered by groups H04N1/04 - H04N1/207
- H04N2201/0404—Scanning transparent media, e.g. photographic film
- H04N2201/0408—Scanning film strips or rolls
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/04—Scanning arrangements
- H04N2201/0402—Arrangements not specific to a particular one of the scanning methods covered by groups H04N1/04 - H04N1/207
- H04N2201/0416—Performing a pre-scan
Abstract
In a data processing system that executes a program of instructions, a method of digital image orientation correction and storage is provided comprising the steps of performing a first scan of a film strip frame to create a digitized preview image file;
displaying the preview image contained in the preview image file on a display screen;
selecting an orientation for the preview image contained in the preview image file to create a user selected orientation; performing a second scan of the film strip frame to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in the raw image file is orientated in accordance with the user selected orientation; converting the raw image file to a recording image file, wherein the recording image contained in the recording image file is oriented in accordance with the user selected orientation; and, storing the recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the recording image file and the recording image contained in the recording image file directly from the storage media. A data processing system, computer program product, and integrated circuit product are provided wherein each has stored therein sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
displaying the preview image contained in the preview image file on a display screen;
selecting an orientation for the preview image contained in the preview image file to create a user selected orientation; performing a second scan of the film strip frame to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in the raw image file is orientated in accordance with the user selected orientation; converting the raw image file to a recording image file, wherein the recording image contained in the recording image file is oriented in accordance with the user selected orientation; and, storing the recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the recording image file and the recording image contained in the recording image file directly from the storage media. A data processing system, computer program product, and integrated circuit product are provided wherein each has stored therein sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
Description
A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIGITAL IMAGE ORIENTATION
CORRECTION AND STORAGE
The invention relates to the field of digital imaging. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for controlling digital image orientation to provide optimal storage and playback.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A photographer may take a picture with a conventional roll film camera by positioning the camera horizontally or vertically. This choice is made possible because film frames, for example a 35 mm roll film frame, are typically rectangular in shape rather than purely square. The images corresponding to horizontal and vertical positionings of the camera are referred to as "landscape" and "portrait" views, respectively. Now, when a roll of film is developed, the result is a negative strip which typically contains landscape and portrait view frames intermixed sequentially. In order to obtain a "heads-up" view of adj acent landscape and portrait frames, the negative strip has to be physically rotated by ~90 degrees.
Negative strips may also be scanned to produce a digital image or digital image file for each frame. These digital images may be compressed and stored by the scanning system on storage media such as a CD-ROM. The images may be subsequently retrieved from the CD-ROM by a viewing system and displayed to a user on a computer monitor or television screen. Again, if digital images for landscape and portrait views are to be viewed "heads-up" on the viewing system screen without physically rotating the screen then a means for rotating selected digital images must be provided.
One solution is to provide orientation information in a "tag" file which may be attached to the digital image file. The tag file indicates to the viewing system whether or not an image should be rotated, and by how much, prior to display. The tag information is typically set by the operator of the scanning system. And, the orientation of digital images that are recorded on storage media by the scanning system usually correspond to those of the original film strip.
For example, United States Patent Number 5,862,297 (Timmermans) discusses such tag file systems and describes a similar system wherein digitized picture information representing different pictures is stored in respective picture files containing both digital picture data and presentation control information that includes orientation information for that picture. Respective additional presentation control information for the different pictures is contained in a separate control file. An apparatus for reading the information, for display on a television set, allows selective use of the presentation control information recorded in the picture file or the corresponding control information in the separate control file. In this system, rather than causing a relative physical rotation between film strip and the digitizing scanner, each picture on the film strip is scanned and digitized as though it were horizontally oriented, irrespective of its actual orientation on the film. The digitized picture is entered into a frame store and displayed on a display monitor of a system workstation for viewing by an operator. Using a workstation input device (e.g., a keyboard or mouse), the operator may then enter a set of 'presentation' control codes that are incorporated within a presentation control file associated with a respective picture file. These presentation control codes may include the orientation in which the picture is currently displayed (i.e., corresponding to its orientation as digitized from the film strip) and its aspect ratio. Once all control information relative to the picture has been defined, both the digitized picture and its presentation control file are written to a portable storage S medium such as an optical disc.
Thus, existing scanning systems tend to store two files for each scanned film frame: a tag file with orientation information and an image file with an image corresponding to the original film strip orientation. These files may be stored in a compressed file format.
Consequently, to view such a scanned film frame in a "heads-up" orientation, the user's viewing system must be able to recognise and interpret the tag file. If the user's viewing system cannot do this, then manual orientation correction may be required.
Furthermore, the tag files are normally copied onto the user's hard-disk drive when images are being viewed. If the user changes the orientation of the viewed image, the tag files are usually updated with the correction history. It has been found that these tag files, over time, tend to increase in size, thus consuming large amounts of hard-disk space.
A need therefore exists for a method and system that will allow for effective digital image orientation correction and storage. Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method, system, computer program product, and integrated circuit product for digital image orientation correction and storage wherein tag files are eliminated and wherein orientation correction is performed before compression.
CORRECTION AND STORAGE
The invention relates to the field of digital imaging. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for controlling digital image orientation to provide optimal storage and playback.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A photographer may take a picture with a conventional roll film camera by positioning the camera horizontally or vertically. This choice is made possible because film frames, for example a 35 mm roll film frame, are typically rectangular in shape rather than purely square. The images corresponding to horizontal and vertical positionings of the camera are referred to as "landscape" and "portrait" views, respectively. Now, when a roll of film is developed, the result is a negative strip which typically contains landscape and portrait view frames intermixed sequentially. In order to obtain a "heads-up" view of adj acent landscape and portrait frames, the negative strip has to be physically rotated by ~90 degrees.
Negative strips may also be scanned to produce a digital image or digital image file for each frame. These digital images may be compressed and stored by the scanning system on storage media such as a CD-ROM. The images may be subsequently retrieved from the CD-ROM by a viewing system and displayed to a user on a computer monitor or television screen. Again, if digital images for landscape and portrait views are to be viewed "heads-up" on the viewing system screen without physically rotating the screen then a means for rotating selected digital images must be provided.
One solution is to provide orientation information in a "tag" file which may be attached to the digital image file. The tag file indicates to the viewing system whether or not an image should be rotated, and by how much, prior to display. The tag information is typically set by the operator of the scanning system. And, the orientation of digital images that are recorded on storage media by the scanning system usually correspond to those of the original film strip.
For example, United States Patent Number 5,862,297 (Timmermans) discusses such tag file systems and describes a similar system wherein digitized picture information representing different pictures is stored in respective picture files containing both digital picture data and presentation control information that includes orientation information for that picture. Respective additional presentation control information for the different pictures is contained in a separate control file. An apparatus for reading the information, for display on a television set, allows selective use of the presentation control information recorded in the picture file or the corresponding control information in the separate control file. In this system, rather than causing a relative physical rotation between film strip and the digitizing scanner, each picture on the film strip is scanned and digitized as though it were horizontally oriented, irrespective of its actual orientation on the film. The digitized picture is entered into a frame store and displayed on a display monitor of a system workstation for viewing by an operator. Using a workstation input device (e.g., a keyboard or mouse), the operator may then enter a set of 'presentation' control codes that are incorporated within a presentation control file associated with a respective picture file. These presentation control codes may include the orientation in which the picture is currently displayed (i.e., corresponding to its orientation as digitized from the film strip) and its aspect ratio. Once all control information relative to the picture has been defined, both the digitized picture and its presentation control file are written to a portable storage S medium such as an optical disc.
Thus, existing scanning systems tend to store two files for each scanned film frame: a tag file with orientation information and an image file with an image corresponding to the original film strip orientation. These files may be stored in a compressed file format.
Consequently, to view such a scanned film frame in a "heads-up" orientation, the user's viewing system must be able to recognise and interpret the tag file. If the user's viewing system cannot do this, then manual orientation correction may be required.
Furthermore, the tag files are normally copied onto the user's hard-disk drive when images are being viewed. If the user changes the orientation of the viewed image, the tag files are usually updated with the correction history. It has been found that these tag files, over time, tend to increase in size, thus consuming large amounts of hard-disk space.
A need therefore exists for a method and system that will allow for effective digital image orientation correction and storage. Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a method, system, computer program product, and integrated circuit product for digital image orientation correction and storage wherein tag files are eliminated and wherein orientation correction is performed before compression.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling and storing digital images in a predetermined orientation comprising the steps of performing a first scan of a strip of exposed film to create a digitized preview image file; displaying the preview images contained in the preview image file on a display screen;
selecting an orientation for the preview images contained in the preview image file at a user selected orientation; performing a second scan of the film at the user selected orientation for each image to create a raw image file; converting the raw image file to a recording image file, such that recorded images contained in the recording image file are oriented in accordance with the user selected orientation; and, storing the recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the recorded images from the recording image file in the predetermined orientation directly from the storage media.
According to another aspect of the invention, the first scan is performed at a user selected resolution.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the user selected resolution is a low 1 S resolution, between 100 and 300 dots per inch.
According to another aspect of the invention, the user selected resolution is a high resolution, between 600 and 1200 dots per inch.
According to another aspect of the invention, the format of the recording image file is user selected. According to another aspect of the invention, the format is a compressed format and includes JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
selecting an orientation for the preview images contained in the preview image file at a user selected orientation; performing a second scan of the film at the user selected orientation for each image to create a raw image file; converting the raw image file to a recording image file, such that recorded images contained in the recording image file are oriented in accordance with the user selected orientation; and, storing the recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the recorded images from the recording image file in the predetermined orientation directly from the storage media.
According to another aspect of the invention, the first scan is performed at a user selected resolution.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the user selected resolution is a low 1 S resolution, between 100 and 300 dots per inch.
According to another aspect of the invention, the user selected resolution is a high resolution, between 600 and 1200 dots per inch.
According to another aspect of the invention, the format of the recording image file is user selected. According to another aspect of the invention, the format is a compressed format and includes JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
It is an advantage and feature of the present invention that orientation correction is not performed using tag files. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that orientation correction is not performed on compressed format image files.
A further advantage and feature of the present invention is that less storage space (e.g. less CD
S ROM capacity) is required for digital images as tag files are not required.
This allows more digital images to be stored in a given storage space. Moreover, as orientation correction is not performed on compressed format image files in combination with separate tag files, but rather is performed before compression, it is a further feature and advantage of the present invention that greater compression is possible. This too allows more digital images to be stored in a given storage space. It is a further feature and advantage of the present invention that users are able to view orientation corrected digital images on their viewing systems by merely opening the desired file with their viewing system's standard application software. With the present invention, users need not have specialized software for tag file interpretation installed in their viewing systems nor need they manually perform orientation correction if they do not have such specialized software. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that users may conveniently view digital image files using their viewing system where the digital image files are stored on media including CD-ROM, CD-RW, ZIP Disk, Floppy Disk, DVD, DVD-RW, or network servers. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that, as tag files are not employed, users need not be concerned about unexpected tag files nor need they be notified of their existence. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that as digital image correction is performed by the scanning system and corrected or "heads-up" images are stored by this scanning system for subsequent retrieval by users employing their viewing systems, there are time savings on the part of users when they open the stored images as these images will be displayed "heads-up" and hence need not be manipulated further. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that orientation correction is performed by the scanning system subsequent to scanning but prior to compression and storage on secondary media such as CD-ROM.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the step of selecting an orientation for the preview image contained in the preview image file to create a user selection orientation further comprises the steps of positioning a top-of image indicator at the side of the preview image that the user selects as the top of the preview image; and, associating the position of said top-of image indicator with the user selected orientation. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the top-of image indicator is positioned by means of an input device.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the input device includes 1 S a keyboard, mouse, and trackball.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the step of performing a second scan of the film strip to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in the raw image file is orientated in accordance with the user selected orientation, further comprises the step of rotating the raw image contained in the raw image file such that the top of the raw image is in accordance with the user selected orientation.
A further advantage and feature of the present invention is that less storage space (e.g. less CD
S ROM capacity) is required for digital images as tag files are not required.
This allows more digital images to be stored in a given storage space. Moreover, as orientation correction is not performed on compressed format image files in combination with separate tag files, but rather is performed before compression, it is a further feature and advantage of the present invention that greater compression is possible. This too allows more digital images to be stored in a given storage space. It is a further feature and advantage of the present invention that users are able to view orientation corrected digital images on their viewing systems by merely opening the desired file with their viewing system's standard application software. With the present invention, users need not have specialized software for tag file interpretation installed in their viewing systems nor need they manually perform orientation correction if they do not have such specialized software. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that users may conveniently view digital image files using their viewing system where the digital image files are stored on media including CD-ROM, CD-RW, ZIP Disk, Floppy Disk, DVD, DVD-RW, or network servers. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that, as tag files are not employed, users need not be concerned about unexpected tag files nor need they be notified of their existence. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that as digital image correction is performed by the scanning system and corrected or "heads-up" images are stored by this scanning system for subsequent retrieval by users employing their viewing systems, there are time savings on the part of users when they open the stored images as these images will be displayed "heads-up" and hence need not be manipulated further. It is a further advantage and feature of the present invention that orientation correction is performed by the scanning system subsequent to scanning but prior to compression and storage on secondary media such as CD-ROM.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the step of selecting an orientation for the preview image contained in the preview image file to create a user selection orientation further comprises the steps of positioning a top-of image indicator at the side of the preview image that the user selects as the top of the preview image; and, associating the position of said top-of image indicator with the user selected orientation. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the top-of image indicator is positioned by means of an input device.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the input device includes 1 S a keyboard, mouse, and trackball.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the step of performing a second scan of the film strip to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in the raw image file is orientated in accordance with the user selected orientation, further comprises the step of rotating the raw image contained in the raw image file such that the top of the raw image is in accordance with the user selected orientation.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the user selected orientation results in a rotation of the raw image by an integer multiple of 90 degrees. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the second scan is performed at the user selected orientation.
S According to another aspect of the invention, a data processing system is provided. This data processing system has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed. The data processing system generally has an input device, a central processing unit, memory, a display, a scanner, and an output device.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computer software product is provided.
This computer software product contains sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
According to another aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit product is provided.
This integrated circuit product contains sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may best be understood by refernng to the following description and accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a scanning system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
S According to another aspect of the invention, a data processing system is provided. This data processing system has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed. The data processing system generally has an input device, a central processing unit, memory, a display, a scanner, and an output device.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computer software product is provided.
This computer software product contains sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
According to another aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit product is provided.
This integrated circuit product contains sequences of instructions which when executed cause the above-described method to be performed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may best be understood by refernng to the following description and accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a scanning system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for digital image orientation correction and storage in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a screen capture illustrating six digital images displayed simultaneously on an operator's screen in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a screen capture illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 wherein all six images are rotated in accordance with one embodiment; and, FIG. 5 is a screen capture illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 wherein top of image indicators have been positioned by the operator in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known software structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. The term data processing system is used herein to refer to any machine for processing data, including the computer systems and network arrangements described herein. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like structures or processes.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a scanning system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The scanning system 100 includes an input device 110, such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, or similar device, a central processing unit or CPU 120, memory 130, a display 140, a scanner 150, and an output device 160.
The memory 130 may include RAM, ROM, databases, or disk devices. The display 140 may include a computer screen, terminal device, or television. The scanner 150 may include a film roll negative scanner, a flat bed scanner, or another source of digital images, an example of such a scanner is the Fuji SP-2000TM, of course other scanners well known in the art, may be used as well. And, the output device 160 may include a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a printer, or a network connection. The scanning system 100 has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed. The scanning system 100 may contain additional software and hardware a description of which is not necessary for understanding the invention.
Refernng to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow chart 200 illustrating a general method for digital image orientation correction and storage according to an embodiment of the invention.
At step 202, an operator of the data processing system 100 loads a developed film strip into the Garner of the scanner 150. The film strip may be a black and white, colour negative, a slide positive or any printed image. The description below is however restricted to film strips.
At step 203, the scanner 150 scans the film and produces a digital preview image of one or more frames of the film. A preview image of the entire film strip may be produced.
This preview image is presented to the user on the display 140. Thus, a first scan of one or more exposed film frames is performed to create a digitized preview image of each value on the display screen 140. This digital preview image is generally a low resolution thumbnail image. Most scanners are capable of providing such a thumbnail preview image. , Refernng to FIG. 3, there is shown a screen capture 300 illustrating six preview digital images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 displayed simultaneously on an operator's display screen 140 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Again referring to FIG. 2, at step 204, one or more of the preview images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 may be rotated to a user selected orientation. The original orientation of each image may be varied by the application of a 90 degree image rotation which is executed by the data processing system 100 after an appropriate entry by the operator via the input device 110. The rotation may be an integer multiple of 90 degrees (e.g. -90, 90, 180, -180, 270, etc.). The rotation may be by an angle other than 90 degrees.
The image rotation will result in a "heads-up" version of each digital image. The rotation may be applied to each frame displayed individually or to all frames displayed as a group. Once again, image rotation software is widely available and will not be described further.
If rotations are to be applied to each frame individually, then the operator selects an edge of each image which will represent the top edge of that image using the input device 110.
In other words, the operator selects the "heads-up" side for each digital image by positioning a "top of image indicator" at that side using an input device 110.
This selection information is stored in the data processing system 100 for a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a screen capture 400 illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 wherein all six images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 are rotated as a group in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
For example, the operator may select the key sequence [Shift] + [Fl ] on a keyboard input device 110 to rotate the six digital images simultaneously. Similarly, digital images for each frame of the entire film strip may also be rotated simultaneously with this operation.
S This group rotation may be performed on the preview digital images and displayed to the user to assist with further rotation selections. For example, such a rotation would be helpful if all or nearly all images were "upside-down". If all images are "upside-down", then this group rotation would be the only rotation required and this information would be stored in the data processing system 100 for a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a screen capture 500 illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 wherein top of image indicators 501 have been positioned by the operator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
For example, the operator may select the [F1] key on a keyboard input device 110 to position the top of image indicator at the side of each frame that is to be the top.
That is, the edge that will result in a "heads-up" version of the frame upon rotation. The position of each top edge of the image indicator is stored in the data processing system 100 and will be used in a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Again referring to FIG. 2, at step 205, a second fine scan of each frame of the film is performed to create a "raw" image file. This "raw" image can be rotated in accordance with the selected orientation for that image. Alternatively the film or the scanner could be physically rotated in accordance with the selected orientation. The fine scan is generally performed at a higher resolution than the preliminary scan of step 203. The raw image file that results is an uncompressed, high resolution file, and is normally a true "digital negative" untouched by the scanners or other image enhancing algorithms.
At step 206, the raw image file for each frame is converted to a "recording"
image file.
The recording image file is in a format suitable for output to the output device 160 such as a CD-ROM. The recording image file format may be JPEG ("Joint Photographic Experts Group") or another common format (e.g. Graphic Interchange Format ("GIF") or Portable Network Graphics ("PNG")) or TIFF. Thus, the recording image file is generally a compressed file. The recording image file may also be the file to which image rotation is applied.
At step 207, the converted recording file for each frame is stored on a suitable storage media or output device 160 at the orientation specified at step 204. The output device may include CD-ROM, CD-RW, ZIP disk, floppy disk, DVD, DVD-RW, or network server. Because the images stored on the storage medium is in the "proper"
orientation, subsequent display of the images need not be manipulated manually by the viewer.
To reiterate, the present invention provides a method of storing orientation-corrected high resolution images generally comprising the steps of performing a low resolution scan, creating an index image from this low resolution scan, selecting frames to be rotated from this index, performing a high resolution scan to obtain orientation-corrected high resolution images, and, storing these orientation-corrected high resolution images without tag or control files on a variety of media.
A further embodiment of the invention provides a computer software product containing the sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method to be performed by the exemplary scanning system as described herein. This computer software product can be loaded into and run by the exemplary scanning system of FIG. 1.
Furthermore, the sequence of instructions may be contained in an integrated circuit product including a coprocessor or memory according to one embodiment of the invention. This integrated circuit product can be installed in the exemplary system of FIG. 1.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
FIG. 3 is a screen capture illustrating six digital images displayed simultaneously on an operator's screen in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a screen capture illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 wherein all six images are rotated in accordance with one embodiment; and, FIG. 5 is a screen capture illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 wherein top of image indicators have been positioned by the operator in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known software structures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. The term data processing system is used herein to refer to any machine for processing data, including the computer systems and network arrangements described herein. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like structures or processes.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a scanning system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The scanning system 100 includes an input device 110, such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, or similar device, a central processing unit or CPU 120, memory 130, a display 140, a scanner 150, and an output device 160.
The memory 130 may include RAM, ROM, databases, or disk devices. The display 140 may include a computer screen, terminal device, or television. The scanner 150 may include a film roll negative scanner, a flat bed scanner, or another source of digital images, an example of such a scanner is the Fuji SP-2000TM, of course other scanners well known in the art, may be used as well. And, the output device 160 may include a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a printer, or a network connection. The scanning system 100 has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method described herein to be performed. The scanning system 100 may contain additional software and hardware a description of which is not necessary for understanding the invention.
Refernng to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow chart 200 illustrating a general method for digital image orientation correction and storage according to an embodiment of the invention.
At step 202, an operator of the data processing system 100 loads a developed film strip into the Garner of the scanner 150. The film strip may be a black and white, colour negative, a slide positive or any printed image. The description below is however restricted to film strips.
At step 203, the scanner 150 scans the film and produces a digital preview image of one or more frames of the film. A preview image of the entire film strip may be produced.
This preview image is presented to the user on the display 140. Thus, a first scan of one or more exposed film frames is performed to create a digitized preview image of each value on the display screen 140. This digital preview image is generally a low resolution thumbnail image. Most scanners are capable of providing such a thumbnail preview image. , Refernng to FIG. 3, there is shown a screen capture 300 illustrating six preview digital images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 displayed simultaneously on an operator's display screen 140 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Again referring to FIG. 2, at step 204, one or more of the preview images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 may be rotated to a user selected orientation. The original orientation of each image may be varied by the application of a 90 degree image rotation which is executed by the data processing system 100 after an appropriate entry by the operator via the input device 110. The rotation may be an integer multiple of 90 degrees (e.g. -90, 90, 180, -180, 270, etc.). The rotation may be by an angle other than 90 degrees.
The image rotation will result in a "heads-up" version of each digital image. The rotation may be applied to each frame displayed individually or to all frames displayed as a group. Once again, image rotation software is widely available and will not be described further.
If rotations are to be applied to each frame individually, then the operator selects an edge of each image which will represent the top edge of that image using the input device 110.
In other words, the operator selects the "heads-up" side for each digital image by positioning a "top of image indicator" at that side using an input device 110.
This selection information is stored in the data processing system 100 for a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a screen capture 400 illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 wherein all six images 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 are rotated as a group in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
For example, the operator may select the key sequence [Shift] + [Fl ] on a keyboard input device 110 to rotate the six digital images simultaneously. Similarly, digital images for each frame of the entire film strip may also be rotated simultaneously with this operation.
S This group rotation may be performed on the preview digital images and displayed to the user to assist with further rotation selections. For example, such a rotation would be helpful if all or nearly all images were "upside-down". If all images are "upside-down", then this group rotation would be the only rotation required and this information would be stored in the data processing system 100 for a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a screen capture 500 illustrating the six digital images of FIG. 3 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 wherein top of image indicators 501 have been positioned by the operator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
For example, the operator may select the [F1] key on a keyboard input device 110 to position the top of image indicator at the side of each frame that is to be the top.
That is, the edge that will result in a "heads-up" version of the frame upon rotation. The position of each top edge of the image indicator is stored in the data processing system 100 and will be used in a subsequent rotation operation as described below (at step 205).
Again referring to FIG. 2, at step 205, a second fine scan of each frame of the film is performed to create a "raw" image file. This "raw" image can be rotated in accordance with the selected orientation for that image. Alternatively the film or the scanner could be physically rotated in accordance with the selected orientation. The fine scan is generally performed at a higher resolution than the preliminary scan of step 203. The raw image file that results is an uncompressed, high resolution file, and is normally a true "digital negative" untouched by the scanners or other image enhancing algorithms.
At step 206, the raw image file for each frame is converted to a "recording"
image file.
The recording image file is in a format suitable for output to the output device 160 such as a CD-ROM. The recording image file format may be JPEG ("Joint Photographic Experts Group") or another common format (e.g. Graphic Interchange Format ("GIF") or Portable Network Graphics ("PNG")) or TIFF. Thus, the recording image file is generally a compressed file. The recording image file may also be the file to which image rotation is applied.
At step 207, the converted recording file for each frame is stored on a suitable storage media or output device 160 at the orientation specified at step 204. The output device may include CD-ROM, CD-RW, ZIP disk, floppy disk, DVD, DVD-RW, or network server. Because the images stored on the storage medium is in the "proper"
orientation, subsequent display of the images need not be manipulated manually by the viewer.
To reiterate, the present invention provides a method of storing orientation-corrected high resolution images generally comprising the steps of performing a low resolution scan, creating an index image from this low resolution scan, selecting frames to be rotated from this index, performing a high resolution scan to obtain orientation-corrected high resolution images, and, storing these orientation-corrected high resolution images without tag or control files on a variety of media.
A further embodiment of the invention provides a computer software product containing the sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method to be performed by the exemplary scanning system as described herein. This computer software product can be loaded into and run by the exemplary scanning system of FIG. 1.
Furthermore, the sequence of instructions may be contained in an integrated circuit product including a coprocessor or memory according to one embodiment of the invention. This integrated circuit product can be installed in the exemplary system of FIG. 1.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto.
Claims (28)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for digital image orientation correction and storage comprising the steps of:
a) performing a first scan of a film strip frame to generate a digitised preview image file;
b) displaying the preview image contained in said preview image file on a display screen;
c) selecting an orientation for said preview image contained in said preview image file to create a user selected orientation;
d) performing a second scan of said film strip frame to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in said raw image file is orientated in accordance with said user selected orientation;
e) converting said raw image file to a recording image file, wherein the recording image contained in said recording image file is oriented in accordance with said user selected orientation; and, f) storing said recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve said recording image file and said recording image contained in said recording image file directly from said storage media.
a) performing a first scan of a film strip frame to generate a digitised preview image file;
b) displaying the preview image contained in said preview image file on a display screen;
c) selecting an orientation for said preview image contained in said preview image file to create a user selected orientation;
d) performing a second scan of said film strip frame to create a raw image file, wherein the raw image contained in said raw image file is orientated in accordance with said user selected orientation;
e) converting said raw image file to a recording image file, wherein the recording image contained in said recording image file is oriented in accordance with said user selected orientation; and, f) storing said recording image file on a storage media, thereby enabling a user to retrieve said recording image file and said recording image contained in said recording image file directly from said storage media.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said first scan is performed at a user selected resolution.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said user selected resolution is a low resolution.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said low resolution is between 100 and 300 dots per inch.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said second scan is performed at a user selected resolution.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said user selected resolution is a high resolution.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said high resolution is between 600 and 1200 dots per inch.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the format of said recording image file is user selected.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said format is a compressed format.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said compressed format includes JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein said storage media includes CD-ROM, CD-RW, ZIP
disk, floppy disk, DVD, DVD-RW, and network server.
disk, floppy disk, DVD, DVD-RW, and network server.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein said data processing system is a scanning system.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein said enabling of a user to retrieve said recording image file and said recording image contained in said recording image file directly from said storage media is accomplished by a viewing system.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said viewing system includes a PC, display screen, and a CD-ROM player.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein said viewing system includes a DVD player and television.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein said display screen includes a PC screen and a television screen.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein said film strip frame, said preview image, said preview image file, said user selected orientation, said raw image, said raw image file, said recording image, and said recording image file include plural film strip frames, preview images, preview image files, user selected orientations, raw images, raw image files, recording images, and recording image files, respectively.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein said preview image file is an index file.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein said film strip frame includes a black and white negative, a colour negative, a slide positive, and a printed image.
20. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of selecting an orientation for said preview image contained in said preview image file to create a user selection orientation further comprises the steps of:
g) positioning a top-of-image indicator at the side of said preview image that said user selects as the top of said preview image; and, h) associating the position of said top-of image indicator with said user selected orientation.
g) positioning a top-of-image indicator at the side of said preview image that said user selects as the top of said preview image; and, h) associating the position of said top-of image indicator with said user selected orientation.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said top-of image indicator is positioned by means of an input device.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said input device includes a keyboard, mouse, and trackball.
23. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of performing a second scan of said film strip to create a raw image file, wherein said raw image contained in said raw image file is orientated in accordance with said user selected orientation, further comprises the step of:
i) rotating said raw image contained in said raw image file such that the top of said raw image is in accordance with said user selected orientation.
i) rotating said raw image contained in said raw image file such that the top of said raw image is in accordance with said user selected orientation.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said user selected orientation results in a rotation of said raw image by an integer multiple of 90 degrees.
25. The method of claim 1 wherein said second scan is performed at said user selected orientation.
26. A data processing system for digital image orientation correction and storage including an input device, a central processing unit, memory, a display, a scanner, and an output device wherein said data processing system has stored therein data representing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method of claims 1 through 25 to be performed.
27. A computer software product containing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method of claims 1 through 25 to be performed.
28. An integrated circuit product containing sequences of instructions which when executed cause the method of claims 1 through 25 to be performed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002364154A CA2364154A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 | 2001-11-29 | A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002364154A CA2364154A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 | 2001-11-29 | A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2364154A1 true CA2364154A1 (en) | 2003-05-29 |
Family
ID=4170718
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002364154A Abandoned CA2364154A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 | 2001-11-29 | A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2364154A1 (en) |
-
2001
- 2001-11-29 CA CA002364154A patent/CA2364154A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP3495826B2 (en) | Filing system and playback device | |
| JP3144802B2 (en) | Display image display control mechanism | |
| US5218455A (en) | Multiresolution digital imagery photofinishing system | |
| EP0987880B1 (en) | Digital colored corrected prints produced from colored film | |
| US6741746B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for processing image files | |
| JPH05308617A (en) | Method and device for storing/reproducing digitized photographic image | |
| EP1037165B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for processing image files | |
| JPH05501932A (en) | Image database with low-resolution index image data | |
| US6064427A (en) | Method and system for storing picture image data for reprint | |
| US7515754B2 (en) | Image control apparatus, image control method and program | |
| EP0768000B1 (en) | Automatic determination of blank pages and bounding boxes for binary images | |
| US6714682B2 (en) | Image processing device and method and memory medium | |
| US6744934B2 (en) | Method, apparatus and recording medium for generating an image file having hierarchical image data representing a plurality of still images having different display dimensions | |
| Weinberg | Digital imaging as a teaching tool for pathologists | |
| US6947061B2 (en) | Method of displaying an image | |
| CA2364154A1 (en) | A method and system for digital image orientation correction and storage | |
| US6917441B2 (en) | Image recording/reproducing apparatus having an improved recording signal generating unit | |
| JP2000187670A (en) | Image processor and its method and computer readable memory | |
| JP3153602B2 (en) | Image filing method and apparatus | |
| JPH0863573A (en) | System for filing digital image | |
| JPH0512396A (en) | Image information processor | |
| JP2000196867A (en) | Method and device for image processing | |
| Schwartz et al. | A low-cost CD-ROM--based image archival system. | |
| JP2000004416A (en) | System for processing photographed image | |
| Blevins et al. | Current digital imaging for the otolaryngologist |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20061129 |