CN1829278A - Image processing for correcting defects of read image - Google Patents

Abstract

An image reading apparatus having a visible light source for emitting visible light, an invisible light source for emitting invisible light, an imaging optical system for irradiating a document by these light sources to form optical images of the document, and a CCD for photoelectrically converting the optical images of the document turns on the visible light source to acquire a visible light image signal by the CCD. Then, the apparatus turns on the invisible light source to acquire an invisible light image signal by the CCD. After the invisible light image signal is acquired, the apparatus turns off the invisible light source, and turns on the visible light source regardless of whether to read the document.

Description

Be used for the image processing of proof reading pick-up defect

The application is that application number is the dividing an application for the patent application of " being used for the image processing of proof reading pick-up defect " that 02119811.x, the applying date be on March 14th, 2002, denomination of invention.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of image processing method, image-processing system and image reading apparatus, relate in particular to a kind of image processing method, image-processing system and image reading apparatus that is used to proofread and correct the defective that reads transparent file that any because dust, cut etc. cause.

Background technology

Figure 25 shows the illustrative arrangement in the conventional transparent document image reading device.With reference to Figure 25, be placed on the transparent file 142 on the plate glass 141, for example positive, negative film etc., the light that sends by transparent file illuminating lamp 144 above being arranged on file diffusing panel 143 and throw light on, the light that passes transparent file 142 is through minute surface 147, oppositely V minute surface 148 and immaging lens 149 guiding CCD150.Light is arranged a large amount of solid-state image sensing elements on it CCD150 is converted to the signal of telecommunication, thereby obtains picture intelligence at main scanning direction.

In this case, the image of sub scanning direction reads by in maintenance same speed and phase place, along mobile transparent file illuminating lamp 144 of sub scanning direction machinery and minute surface 147, and make reverse V minute surface 148 follow the tracks of the length (conjugate relation) of the constant optical path that keeps transparent file 142 to CCD150 with the sweep speed of half and finish with respect to transparent file 142 along sub scanning direction.Like this, be read in conjunction with the two-dimensional image of main scanning direction processing.

Above-mentioned transparent file image reading apparatus can read so-called reflection file, and this document is documented on the opaque material, and uses up and throw light on, thereby handles the light by the material reflection.In this case, the reflection file replaces transparent file 142 to place, and uses the direct beam that sent by reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and by the illumination of reflector 146 beam reflected, this illuminating lamp 145 replaces transparent file illuminating lamps 144 and is opened.Light by the reflection of reflection file is read by CCD150, thereby forms image as transparent file at main scanning direction.

Especially, for colored read method, 3 row chromatic image read methods are very general.Promptly reflect file illuminating lamp 145 and use lamp, and CCD150 uses 3 row type CCD with R, G and B chromatic filter with white light spectral property.Three kinds of colors (R, G and B) of pictorial information read simultaneously by single pass, superpose by image processing circuit with the R in the delegation, G and B colour signal, thereby form chromatic image.

In order to proofread and correct any image deflects that causes owing to the dust on the transparent file, cut etc. in above-mentioned transparent file image reading apparatus, unique effective method is to use image editing software to repair after image reads to retouch.For this reason, need long time to proofread and correct this defective.

In recent years, for this transparent file image reading apparatus, a kind of have dust and the lip-deep cut of film (this detection will be called as " dust/scratch detection ") that detects on the present transparent file, and alleviate the dust/cut that is called of influence of this dust and cut to alleviate the image reading apparatus of function developed by image processing.

Figure 26 shows has dust/traditional image reading apparatus 1 of scratch detection function.Same reference number among Figure 26 represent with Figure 25 in identical part, its detailed description will be omitted.

With reference to Figure 26, reference number 151 expression infrared lamps, it comprises the LED of emission brightness peak at about 880nm wavelength place.

Figure 27 illustrates the functional configuration block diagram that dust/cut alleviates device 2, and this alleviates device 2 and uses the pictorial data realization dust/cut of image reading apparatus 1 acquisition to alleviate.With reference to Figure 27, reference number 21 expression interfaces (I/F) are used to import the pictorial data that is read by image reading apparatus 1; 22 presentation image memories are used to store the image (being called " normal image " hereinafter) that uses transparent file illuminating lamp 144 or reflection file illuminating lamp 145 to read; 23 expression infrared imagery memories are used to store the image (being called " infrared imagery " hereinafter) that uses infrared lamp 151 to read; 24 expression threshold value holding units are used for fixing predetermined threshold value; 25 expression dust/scratch detection unit; And 26 expression dust/cut correcting units.

Figure 28 shows the frequency spectrum Luminance Distribution of transparent file illuminating lamp 144 and infrared lamp 151, and the characteristic of these lamps is respectively by solid line and dashdotted curve representation.Figure 29 shows the frequency spectrum light transmission features of green grass or young crops, Huang and the rosaniline dyes of common bearing/positive, and the peak wavelength of the frequency spectrum Luminance Distribution of infrared lamp 151 (about 880nm).From Figure 29 as seen, because all dyestuffs all have very high light transmittance at about 880nm place, so most light components that infrared lamp is launched have all passed the common color film, how regardless of the image on the film.

Comprise that the transparent file read operation that dust/cut alleviates will describe in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in Figure 30.

In step S10, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and infrared lamp 151 among Figure 26 are closed, and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 is opened.At this moment, the illuminating bundle of transparent file illuminating lamp 144 emissions is by diffusing panel 143 even diffusions, and this diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142.The light beam that passes projects on the CCD150 through minute surface 147, reverse V minute surface 148 and immaging lens 149.The image that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into the signal of telecommunication, and the I/F21 in Figure 27 is stored in the video memory 22 temporarily.Notice that if transparent file is a negative film, the negative image that reads is converted into positive image, is stored in then in the video memory 22.

In step S20, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 among Figure 26 are closed, and infrared lamp 151 is opened.The illuminating bundle of infrared lamp 151 emission with characteristic shown in Figure 28 is by diffusing panel 143 even diffusions.The diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142, and through minute surface 147, reverse V minute surface 148 and immaging lens 149.Light is projected onto on the CCD150 then.Therefore, the illuminating bundle of infrared lamp 151 emissions passes transparent file 142, and no matter the image (exposure) of transparent files 142 such as the negative film, positive shown in Figure 29 how, and the image of the dust of physical discontinuity optical path, cut etc. to throw on CCD150 be shade.The infrared imagery that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into the signal of telecommunication, and the I/F21 in Figure 27 is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 temporarily.

In step S30 and later step, carry out dust/scratch detection and correction.The principle of dust/scratch detection will describe in detail below.

Figure 31 A-31C shows dust etc. and uses relation between the ganmma controller that transparent file illuminating lamp 144 and infrared lamp 151 read, and it is drawn along main scanning direction.In Figure 31 A, reference number 181 expression positives; Dust on the 182 expression positives 181.Figure 31 B shows the gray scale that obtains when relevant position in Figure 31 A uses transparent file illuminating lamp 144 to read.Gray scale presents lower value when visual deepening.The gray scale of dust part 182 is very low, no matter the image on the positive how.Figure 31 C shows the gray scale that obtains when part in Figure 31 A uses infrared lamp 151 to read.Dust part 182 does not have low gray scale owing to there being infrared light to pass, and the part beyond the dust 182 wherein has owing to infrared light passes near constant level 183.Therefore, threshold value 184 is set at the gray scale place that is lower than level 183, and the defect area 185 that is formed by dust can detect by the part that extraction has a gray scale of threshold value of being equal to or less than 184.

Threshold value 184 is fixing in threshold value holding unit 24 in advance.Therefore, this threshold value 184 is read in dust/scratch detection unit 25 from threshold value holding unit 24, compares successively with the infrared imagery data in step 30, thereby detects defect area 185.

If the infrared imagery data are less than threshold value 184 (among the step S30 not), the influence of dust 182 in step S40 by for example according to around the normal region interpolation of carrying out defect area 185 handle and eliminate.Comparison process is carried out all infrared imagery data, and when detecting any defective, corresponding normogram image data carries out interpolation (step S50).

Yet, do not have prior art to check the ON/OFF order of the invisible light source of visible light source and for example infrared light supply.Ascending is not optimized the visible light source of long relatively rise time of needs and the combination between the invisible light source of short relatively rise time of needs.The lens location of proofreading and correct the difference of optical path length between visible and the invisible light moves to optical axis, makes complex structure.Order to following processing does not have extensive studies: use visible and invisible light to read film, detect dust and cut on the film, proofread and correct image (being called " visible light image " hereinafter) part that the use visible light reads corresponding to detected dust and cut according to the image (being called " invisible light image " hereinafter) that uses invisible light to read.Be difficult to provide stable, pinpoint accuracy dust/cut to alleviate function.

In order to detect dust and cut on the basis of invisible light image, a file must use invisible light and visible light to read twice.This document must be comprised the scanning element scanning of at least some optical-electrical converters, optical system and treatment circuit.This can be because the deficiency of scanning element manipulation accuracy, and the image that is used to detect dust and cut that reads acquisition in invisible light scanning and visible light scan and read being used to obtain between the image of actual image information and producing deviation of acquisition.The result causes dust and cut not to be alleviated satisfactorily.

Further, the invisible light image may be subjected to the influence of film fixture shade.Especially, not that the visible light image dash area of the defective that caused by dust or cut may be proofreaied and correct mistakenly.

In addition, the file that reads with the high-resolution of appointment has very big pictorial data, needs long time to detect the dust on visible light and the invisible light image and the position of cut.

Have again, only a kind ofly whether carry out unified setting that dust/cut alleviates and can not realize processing that film out of the ordinary is fit to.Usually, the infrared light transmission degree of cut part is higher than the dust part.Therefore, be difficult to correct simultaneously processing cut and dust parameter is set.If dust/cut part is by the proximity data interpolation in dust/cut part scope, so that thoroughly proofread and correct dust/cut part, the detail data in the zone beyond dust/cut will undesirably be lost, and makes image seem not nature.And dust/cut to be corrected alleviates the zone and will change with resolution, is difficult to the dust/cut that detects is partly added dust/cut part pixel setting range that specifies number on every side.

Summary of the invention

The present invention considers said circumstances and produces, and will optimize the purpose of the ascending of visible and invisible light source as it.

Another object of the present invention be by the simple structure of using optical element proofread and correct visible and invisible light visual between optical path length poor.

Another purpose of the present invention provides dust/cut stable, pinpoint accuracy and alleviates function.

A further object of the present invention is stably to carry out suitable dust/scratch detection and correction, even reading file to realize deviation occurring between the image of dust/cut timing by a plurality of scan operations acquisitions.

A further object of the present invention is the deviation effects that alleviates the desired wavelength characteristic, the shade influence of film fixture etc.

A further object of the present invention is not reduce dust/cut to alleviate effect and realize that high speed dust/cut alleviates processing.

A further object of the present invention is that the purpose according to file or user can change dust/scratch detection sensitivity.

According to the present invention, aforementioned purpose obtains by a kind of control method that is used for image reading apparatus is provided, this device has the visible light source of visible emitting, the invisible light source of emission invisible light, be suitable for forming the imaging optical system of file optical image by these light source irradiation files, with the optical-electrical converter that is suitable for opto-electronic conversion file optical image, this method comprises: open visible light source and come to obtain the visible light picture intelligence by optical-electrical converter; Opening invisible light source to obtain the invisible light picture intelligence by optical-electrical converter; With after the invisible light picture intelligence obtains, close invisible light source, and open visible light source, no matter whether read file.

According to the present invention, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of processing to be obtained by the image processing method of first and second picture intelligences of image reading apparatus acquisition, this device has first light source of the light in emission first wave-length coverage, launch the secondary light source of the light in second wave-length coverage, be suitable for forming the imaging optical system of file optical image by these light source irradiation files, be suitable for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion file optical image, and be suitable for proofreading and correct by opening first light source by first image of optical-electrical converter acquisition with by opening the optical path length correcting element of secondary light source by image spaces difference between second image of optical-electrical converter acquisition, this method is included in the magnification ratio that first picture intelligence obtains post-equalization first and second images.

Further, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image reading apparatus to obtain, this device has the visible light source of visible emitting, the invisible light source of emission invisible light is used for being formed the imaging optical system of file optical image and being used for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion file optical image by these light source irradiation files, comprise controller, be suitable for opening invisible light source and come to obtain the invisible light image, and open visible light source, no matter whether read file by optical-electrical converter.

In addition, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image-processing system to obtain, this device has first light source of the light in emission first wave-length coverage, launch the secondary light source of the light in second wave-length coverage, be suitable for forming the imaging optical system of file optical image by these light source irradiation files, be suitable for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion file optical image, and be suitable for proofreading and correct by opening first image that first light source obtains by optical-electrical converter and by opening the optical path length correcting element of image spaces difference between second image that secondary light source obtains by optical-electrical converter, this device comprises the magnification correction unit that the image multiplication rate that is suitable for making first and second images meets mutually.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image processing method to obtain, this method is by the invisible light source shot file of the visible light source and the emission invisible light of visible emitting, and handle the visible and invisible light picture intelligence that obtains by opto-electronic conversion file optical image, comprising: produce first dust/cut picture intelligence from the invisible light picture intelligence by using first threshold value; Calculate the correlation between visible light picture intelligence and the first dust/cut picture intelligence; Be that negative image or positive image change the method for calculating correlation according to file.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image processing method to obtain, this method is by the invisible light source shot file of the visible light source and the emission invisible light of visible emitting, and handle the visible and invisible light picture intelligence that obtains by opto-electronic conversion file optical image, comprising: produce first dust/cut picture intelligence from the invisible light picture intelligence by using first threshold value; By using second threshold value to produce second dust/cut picture intelligence from the invisible light picture intelligence; Use visible light picture intelligence and first and second dust/cut picture intelligence to proofread and correct the visible light picture intelligence with passing through.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image processing method to obtain, this method has the light source of visible emitting alternatively or invisible light, and processing is by the visible light picture intelligence of the optical image acquisition of opto-electronic conversion light source irradiation file, the invisible light picture intelligence different with the visible light picture intelligence with resolution comprises by using first threshold value to produce first dust/cut picture intelligence from the invisible light picture intelligence; After the resolution of the resolution that makes the visible light picture intelligence and first dust/cut picture intelligence meets mutually, detect the visible and invisible light position offset between visual; Use side-play amount and invisible light picture intelligence to proofread and correct the visible light picture intelligence with passing through.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image reading apparatus to obtain, this device comprises: the visible light source of visible emitting, and the invisible light source of emission invisible light is suitable for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion by the file optical image of visible light source and invisible light source irradiation; Pass through the visible light picture intelligence that the visible light source shot file obtains with being suitable for handling by optical-electrical converter, with the signal processor that passes through the invisible light picture intelligence of invisible light source shot file acquisition by optical-electrical converter, wherein signal processor produces first dust/cut picture intelligence by using first threshold value from the invisible light picture intelligence, calculates the correlation between visible light picture intelligence and the first dust/cut picture intelligence; And be that negative or positive image changes the method for calculating correlation according to file.

Have, also by providing a kind of image reading apparatus to obtain, this device comprises aforementioned purpose: the visible light source of visible emitting again; The invisible light source of emission invisible light; Be suitable for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion by the file optical image of visible light source and invisible light source irradiation; Be suitable for handling the visible light picture intelligence that obtains by the visible light source shot file by optical-electrical converter, with the signal processor that passes through the invisible light picture intelligence of invisible light source shot file acquisition by optical-electrical converter, signal processor produces first dust/cut picture intelligence by using first threshold value from the invisible light picture intelligence, and by using second threshold value to produce second dust/cut picture intelligence from the invisible light picture intelligence; With the correcting unit that is suitable for proofreading and correct the visible light picture intelligence by use visible light picture intelligence and first and second dust/cut picture intelligence.

Have, also by providing a kind of image reading apparatus to obtain, this device comprises aforementioned purpose: the visible light source of visible emitting again; The invisible light source of emission invisible light; Be suitable for the optical-electrical converter of opto-electronic conversion by the file optical image of visible light source and invisible light source irradiation; Be suitable for handling the visible light picture intelligence that obtains by the visible light source shot file by optical-electrical converter, with the signal processor that passes through the invisible light picture intelligence of invisible light source shot file acquisition by optical-electrical converter, signal processor produces first dust/cut picture intelligence by using first threshold value from the invisible light picture intelligence, the resolution of the visible light picture intelligence and first dust/cut picture intelligence is met mutually, detect the visible and invisible light position offset between visual then; With the correcting unit that is suitable for proofreading and correct the visible light picture intelligence by use side-play amount and invisible light picture intelligence.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image-processing system to obtain, this device is used for the invisible light source shot file by the visible light source of visible emitting and emission invisible light, with the visible and invisible light picture intelligence of handling by the optical image acquisition of opto-electronic conversion file, thereby proofread and correct the visible light picture intelligence, comprise the unit that is provided with that is used for being provided with changeably correcting sensitivity.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of image processing method to obtain, this method comprises that processing is by the visible light picture intelligence of opto-electronic conversion by the optical image acquisition of the file of visible light source irradiation, with by opto-electronic conversion by the invisible light picture intelligence that the optical image of the file of invisible light source irradiation obtains, comprise correcting sensitivity is set changeably.

Have again, aforementioned purpose is also by providing a kind of visual reading system to obtain, this system is used for the invisible light source shot file by the visible light source of visible emitting and emission invisible light, with the visible and invisible light picture intelligence of handling by the optical image acquisition of opto-electronic conversion file, thereby proofread and correct the visible light picture intelligence, comprise the unit that is provided with that is suitable for being provided with changeably correcting sensitivity.

Other characteristic of the present invention and advantage will become apparent by the explanation of carrying out below in conjunction with relevant accompanying drawing.Same in the accompanying drawings reference symbol is all being represented identical or similar part in the accompanying drawing.

Description of drawings

Accompanying drawing is formed the part of specification and is shown embodiments of the invention, and and illustrates that one is used from explanation principle of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the system architecture diagram that illustrates according to the image reading apparatus of first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the partial interior configuration perspective view that illustrates according to the image reading apparatus of first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates the configuration block diagram that alleviates device according to the dust/cut of first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is the operating sequence flow chart that illustrates according to first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates the figure of the position of image of infrared imagery with respect to the departure of the position of image of visible light image;

Fig. 6 is the structured flowchart that illustrates according to the visual reading system of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates the flow chart that alleviates the processing in the device according to the dust/cut of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the processing in the offset amount detection unit of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 A and 9B are the figure that is used to illustrate according to the position offset detection of second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 A-10C is the exemplary plot that illustrates according to the offset detection computations in the offset amount detection unit of second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 be illustrate according to the threshold value of second embodiment of the invention determine/holding unit in two figure that threshold value is provided with;

Figure 12 be when being illustrated in the fixture shade and being reflected according to the threshold value of second embodiment of the invention determine/holding unit in threshold value histogram and figure is set;

Figure 13 A-13E is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the processing in the image reading apparatus of third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 A-15D is the schematic diagram that is used to illustrate the present invention third and fourth embodiment;

Figure 16 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the processing in the image reading apparatus of fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 A-17B is the schematic diagram according to the low resolution of fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is the block diagram that illustrates according to the structure of the visual reading system of sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 19 is the flow chart that illustrates according to the processing of sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 20 illustrates the demonstration exemplary plot that is used to be provided with the operating unit of dust/cut treatment for correcting according to sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 21 illustrates another of operating unit that is used to be provided with dust/cut treatment for correcting according to sixth embodiment of the invention to show exemplary plot;

Figure 22 A-22D illustrates the ganmma controller figure that draws along main scanning direction that read by transparent file illuminating lamp and infrared lamp and the histogram of infrared imagery;

Figure 23 is used to illustrate the figure that handles according to the expansion of seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 24 A-24B is the figure that is used to illustrate according to the pattern interpolation of eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 25 is the configuration schematic diagram that traditional image reading apparatus is shown;

Figure 26 is the configuration schematic diagram that traditional image reading apparatus of the defect area that detection forms by dust on the transparent file or cut is shown;

Figure 27 is the configuration block diagram that traditional visual reading system is shown;

Figure 28 is the frequency spectrum intensity map that transparent file illuminating lamp and infrared lamp are shown;

Figure 29 is the figure that the peak wavelength of the frequency spectrum light transmission features of three kinds of different dyes in the common color film and infrared lamp frequency spectrum Luminance Distribution is shown;

Figure 30 is the flow chart that conventional process in dust/cut remover is shown; With

Figure 31 A-31C shows the dust on the film in the prior art and by using transparent file illuminating lamp and infrared lamp to read relation between the gray scale that film obtains.

Embodiment

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will describe in detail according to respective drawings.

＜the first embodiment 〉

Fig. 1-5 shows the first embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 1 illustrates the system architecture diagram that has image reading apparatus 301 according to first embodiment.Fig. 1 is the perspective view that illustrates according to the image reading apparatus 301 partial interiors configuration of first embodiment.In Fig. 1 and 2, reference number 101 expression transparent file, for example films.Reference symbol A represents to be used for the backlight unit of optical illumination transparent file 101. Reference number 102 and 103 expression cold-cathode fluorescence lamps are as visible light source; 104 and 105 expression infrared LED arrays are as infrared radiation source; And 106 expression light guides are used for guiding along the direction that is basically perpendicular to transparent file 101 light of each light source.

Reference symbol B represents to be positioned at the optical unit of scanner main body side; 107, the minute surface of the light of transparent file 101 along the predetermined direction reflection will be passed in 108,109,110 and 111 expressions; The light that transparent file 101 will be passed in 112 expressions forms the immaging lens of optical image; The optical axis at immaging lens center is passed in 113 expressions; And 114 expression glass plates, it is poor to be used to proofread and correct the optical path length that is caused by the wavelength difference between visible light and the infrared light.Thereby 114a shows glass plate 114 and is placed the state that optical axis is basically perpendicular to glass plate 114, rotates through almost 90 ° and be recovered to state outside the optical path of optical image and 114b shows glass plate 114; 115 expressions are used for the optical image that immaging lens 112 forms is output as electric R, G and B picture intelligence by arranging the linear image sensor that optical-electrical converter is formed.In this embodiment, linear image sensor 115 is 3 line linearity transducers, has the chromatic filter of three kinds of R, G and B color.For optical-electrical converter, can use known optical-electrical converter, such as CCD type and MOS type.Reference number 117 expressions are used to rotate the motor of glass plate 114; 118 represent the circuit of opening of cold-cathode fluorescence lamps 102 and 103; And 119 expression infrared LED arrays 104 and 105 open circuit.

R, the G of CCD linear image sensor 115 outputs and the analog processing circuit of B picture intelligence are handled in reference number 120 expressions; 121 expression A (simulation)/D (numeral) change-over circuits; And 122 be illustrated in the image reading apparatus image processing circuit of carrying out necessary image processing.Image processing and the present invention do not have direct relation, and its detailed description will be omitted.Reference number 123 is illustrated in the skew RAM (random access memory) that uses in the image processing circuit 122; 124 expression interfaces; 125 expression external device (ED), for example personal computers; 126 expression system controllers; 127 expression line buffers; And 128 expression CPU (center processing unit) buses.Interface 124 in line buffer 127, and is exported to personal computer 125 with signal with the output image signal storage of image processing circuit 122.As shown in Figure 1, system controller 126, line buffer 127, interface 124 and skew RAM123 are connected by the cpu bus of being made up of address bus and data/address bus 128.This makes it possible to carry out data communication between these circuit.

Fig. 3 illustrates the functional configuration block diagram that dust/cut in the personal computer 125 alleviates device 303, and this 303 is used for that the picture intelligence of image reading apparatus 301 outputs of first embodiment is carried out dust/cut and alleviates.Dust/cut among Fig. 3 alleviates device 303 and may be incorporated in the image reading apparatus 301.

In Fig. 3, reference number 321 expression interfaces (I/F) are used to import by image reading apparatus 301 and read the pictorial data that file obtains; 322 expression visible light video memories are used to store by using cold- cathode fluorescence lamp 102 and 103 to read the visible light image that file obtains; 323 expression infrared imagery memories are used to store by using infrared LED array 104 and 105 to read the infrared imagery that file obtains; 325 expression dust/scratch detection unit; 326 expression dust/cuts alleviate the unit; 331 expression magnification correction unit; 332 expression offset correcting units; 333 expression reflection correcting units.

The operating sequence that alleviates the influence of dust on the transparent file 101 and cut from the image of transparent file 101 will be with reference to the flowchart text of figure 4, and it is realized by the image reading apparatus 301 that use has first embodiment of above-mentioned configuration.

In step S301, cold- cathode fluorescence lamp 102 and 103 instructions according to system controller 126 are opened.In step S302, optical unit B moves on to the starting position of reading of transparent file 101 from predetermined spare space.In step S303, pass the cold-cathode fluorescence lamp 102 of transparent file 101 and 103 light and be read as the visible light image by CCD image sensor 115.This picture intelligence is delivered to personal computer 125 through analog signal processing circuit 120, A/D change-over circuit 121, image processing circuit 122, line buffer 127 and interface 124.Picture intelligence is stored in the visible light video memory 322.At this moment, glass plate 114 is arranged on the position 114a that optical axis 113 is basically perpendicular to glass plate 114.

In step S304, optical unit B gets back to predetermined spare space.In step S305, according to the instruction of system controller 126, cold- cathode fluorescence lamp 102 and 103 is closed, and infrared LED array 104 and 105 is opened.In step S306, optical unit B moves on to the starting position of reading of transparent file 101.In step S307, pass the infrared LED array 104 of transparent file 101 and 105 light and be read as infrared imagery by CCD image sensor 115.Identical with the visible light image, picture intelligence is delivered to personal computer 125 and is stored in the infrared imagery memory 323 through interface 124.At this moment, glass plate 114 is arranged on position 114b, is recovered to outside the optical path.

In step S308, infrared LED array 104 and 105 is closed, and cold- cathode fluorescence lamp 102 and 103 is opened.In step S309, optical unit B gets back to predetermined spare space, waits for the read operation of next visible light image.In this mode, cold- cathode fluorescence lamp 102 and 103 is opened immediately, because also need the light quantity of chien shih cold-cathode fluorescence lamp 102 when long and 103 to reach predetermined value after the opening operation.

It is poor that glass plate 114 is used to proofread and correct the optical path length that is caused by the wavelength difference between visible light and the infrared light.Suppose that t is that thickness of glass and n are refractive index (n=1.51 usually), optical path length difference Δ L is as shown in the formula providing:

ΔL＝t·(n-1)/n

Thickness of glass t determined like this, and for example the optical path length that causes of the wavelength difference between the infrared wavelength of the dominant wavelength of the about 550nm of G image and about 880nm is poor by visible wavelength so that optical path length difference Δ L equals.

In step S310, the infrared imagery that reads carries out the amplification difference of immaging lens 112 and proofreaies and correct.The position 114a that Fig. 5 shows optical path inserts the image spaces of the visible light image that glass plate 114 obtains and glass plate 114 is regained between the image spaces of the infrared light image that the position 114b outside the optical paths obtains, at the schematic diagram of the difference degree of main scanning direction from the optical axis center to the edge.As shown in Figure 5, big more near the edge more by the difference of amplifying the poor image spaces that causes.Magnification correction unit 331 execution arithmetic processing are poor with accurate correction image spaces.For example, magnification correction unit 331 merges a table that resembles Fig. 5, and carries out the arithmetic processing of corrected image position apart from the side-play amount of optical axis center by pictorial data.Realized the correction of accurate amplification like this.In another approach, also can use expression for example the higher-order function of curve shown in Figure 5 realize accurate amplification correction, and do not use any table.Amplification can be by being that broken line uses linear function near accurately proofreading and correct with curve approximation shown in Figure 5.

In step S311, the position offset between visible light image and the infrared imagery is corrected.Two images are to be read by the read operation that separates, and the position of image is at main scanning direction and sub scanning direction Strict Compliance not, and little offset has taken place.Offset correcting unit 332 is carried out arithmetic processing with this offset of accurate correction.The detailed content of this offset treatment for correcting is being to describe to some extent among the Japanese patent application NO.2000-22919 by the applicant's application.In the present invention, because underlying cause, the offset treatment for correcting between the visible and infrared imagery is carried out at sub scanning direction, carries out at main scanning direction then.

When image is read several times under same reading conditions, the direction that optical system moves, promptly sub scanning direction read position precision, than the easier variation of main scanning direction.This is because reading the starting position is by the amount of movement control of the motor (not shown) of for example mobile optical unit B, and does not have the absolute position measured.On the contrary, the position of main scanning direction is fixing by axle/(not shown) in most scanners, thereby reads the accuracy height of position.For this reason, the position offset between visible light image and the infrared imagery becomes bigger at sub scanning direction.

Therefore, when the offset correction was performed, the offset treatment for correcting was carried out along the big sub scanning direction of position offset, carries out along the little main scanning direction of position offset then.Produced accurate offset treatment for correcting like this.

In step S312, the visible light image is with predetermined ratio and infrared imagery added/subtracted.Every kind of dyestuff of color film presents frequency spectrum light transmission features as shown in figure 29 usually, even infrared light neither penetrate fully.Corresponding to every kind of amount of dye, the image in addition slightly be reflected on the infrared imagery.In order to solve this phenomenon, reflection correcting unit 333 is with R, G and the B pictorial data added/subtracted of estimated rate with infrared imagery data and visible light image.For example, the weld of given chromatic filter has 95% light transmittance to infrared wavelength; Rosaniline dyes is 93%; And blue or green dyestuff is 90%.In this case, yellow dye has 5% infrared light not see through; Rosaniline dyes has 7%; And blue or green dyestuff has 10%.The light that does not see through (shade) component is reflected on the infrared imagery.Corresponding to yellow, pinkish red and blue or green visible light image is respectively B, G and R image.The part that for example comprises a large amount of yellow dyes presents the low gray scale of B pictorial data.By B, G and R pictorial data are deducted 5%, 7% and 10% respectively, each dye image that is reflected on the infrared imagery can be removed.When R, G after bear/just changing and B image were used to negative film, R, G and B image were added on the infrared imagery with removal and are reflected in each dye image on the infrared imagery.

In step S313, dust/scratch detection unit 325 detects dust/cut part from infrared imagery.The details of dust/cut part detecting operation is documented among the applicant's the Japanese patent application No.2000-182905.

In step S314, dust/cut alleviates dust/cut part that unit 326 alleviates the visible light image.

All processing steps order explanation.In addition, flow process can be after the magnification correction among the execution in step S310 be handled processing among skips steps S311 and the S312, and the dust/scratch detection that advances among the step S313 is handled.Similarly, flow process can skips steps S310 and S312 in processing, the offset treatment for correcting among the execution in step S311, and the dust/scratch detection that advances among the step S313 is handled.Similarly, flow process can skips steps S310 and S311 in processing, the reflection among the execution in step S312 is proofreaied and correct, and the dust/scratch detection that advances among the step S313 is handled.

Because first embodiment adopts infrared light as invisible light, glass plate is inserted in the optical path that reads the visible light image.If ultraviolet light is used as invisible light, glass plate can be inserted in the optical path that reads the ultraviolet light image, and is recovered to outside the optical path when reading the visible light image.

As mentioned above, according to first embodiment, need the characteristic of the visible light source of longer time to be stabilized in proper order by the ON/OFF that designs visible and invisible light source.Device can be got ready for scan operation next time after the first time, scan operation was finished immediately.

In addition, the optical path length difference can be proofreaied and correct by simple configuration, wherein glass plate as proofread and correct visible and invisible light visual between the device of optical path length difference be inserted into/regain optical path.

And first embodiment has defined and has read visible and invisible light image, then according to dust and cut on the invisible light Image Detection film, and the order of the appropriate section of correction visible light image.The present invention can provide pinpoint accuracy dust/cut to alleviate function.

＜the second embodiment 〉

Second embodiment will be with reference to figure 6-8 explanation.The configuration of image reading apparatus identical with shown in Figure 26, its explanation will be omitted.Fig. 6 illustrates the picture intelligence of image reading apparatus 1 output of second embodiment is carried out the functional configuration block diagram that dust/cut that dust/cut alleviates alleviates device 3.It is the devices that separate with image reading apparatus 1 among Fig. 6 that dust/cut alleviates device 3, but may be incorporated in the image reading apparatus 1.

In Fig. 6, reference number 21 expression interfaces (I/F) are used for the pictorial data that input imagery reading device 1 reads; 22 presentation image memories are used to store the image that uses transparent file illuminating lamp 144 or reflection file illuminating lamp 145 to read; 23 expression infrared imagery memories are used to store and use the image that infrared lamp 151 reads or the image of expression dust/cut position; 25 expression dust/scratch detection unit; 26 expression dust/cut correcting units; 31 expression histogram generation units; 32 expression threshold values are determined/holding unit; And 33 expression offset amount detection units.

Second embodiment comprises that the transparent file read operation that dust/cut alleviates will describe in detail with reference to the flow chart of figure 7.

In step S201, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and infrared lamp 151 among Figure 26 are closed, and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 is opened.The illuminating bundle of transparent file illuminating lamp 144 is by diffusing panel 143 even diffusions.The diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142.The light beam that passes is passed immaging lens 149 by minute surface 147 and oppositely V minute surface 148 reflections, is incident upon on the CCD150.The image that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into the signal of telecommunication, and the I/F21 in Fig. 6 is stored in the video memory 22 temporarily.If transparent file is a negative film, just to carry out counter-rotating and handle to obtain positive image (being called " normal image " hereinafter), it is temporarily stored in the video memory 22.Transparent file is that negative film or positive are specified by the user in advance.

In step S202, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 among Figure 26 are closed, and infrared lamp 151 is opened.Illuminating bundle with infrared lamp 151 of Figure 28 characteristic is evenly reflected by diffusing panel 143.The diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142.Light beam is projected on the CCD150 through minute surface 147, reverse V minute surface 148 and immaging lens 149.The illuminating bundle of infrared lamp 151 that has passed transparent file 142 is no matter for example how the image (sensitization image) of the transparent file 142 of negative film or positive passes, as shown in figure 28.The image of the dust of physical discontinuity optical path, cut etc. throws on CCD150 and is shade.The infrared imagery that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into signal of telecommunication image (being called " infrared imagery " hereinafter), and it is temporarily stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 through I/F21 in Fig. 6.

In step S203, threshold value determines/holding unit 32 is by use the infrared imagery data computation that is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 and be fixed on the threshold value La that uses among the step S204 temporarily.These computational methods will illustrate subsequently.

In step S204, dust/scratch detection unit 25 from threshold value determine/holding unit 32 reads threshold value La, and reads the infrared imagery data from infrared imagery memory 23.Dust/scratch detection unit 25 is infrared imagery data and threshold value La relatively, detects dust/cut and produces first dust/cut position image.First dust/cut position image is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 temporarily.

In step S205, the position offset between the first dust/cut position image of storage in the normal image of storage and the infrared imagery memory 23 in the offset amount detection unit 33 detection video memories 22.The details that detects will illustrate subsequently.

In step S206, threshold value determines/holding unit 32 is by use the infrared imagery data computation that is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 and be fixed on the threshold value Lb that uses among the step S207 temporarily.The computational methods of Lb also will illustrate subsequently.

In step S207, dust/scratch detection unit 25 from threshold value determine/holding unit 32 reads threshold value Lb, and reads the infrared imagery data from infrared imagery memory 23.Dust/scratch detection unit 25 is infrared imagery data and threshold value Lb relatively, detects dust/cut and produces second dust/cut position image.Second dust/cut position image is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 temporarily.

In step S208, the second dust/cut position image of correcting unit 26 from be stored in infrared imagery memory 23 reads dust/cut position, and is offset this position by the position offset that detects in step S205.Be stored in the video memory 22 pictorial data corresponding to the normal image of deviation post and be confirmed as having the defect area data of the defective that dust or cut cause.The defect area data of normal image are from area free from defect interpolation on every side, thus the influence that has alleviated dust/cut.With the corresponding normal visual pictorial data in the position of the position offset skew that detects among the step S205 all dusts/cut position of second dust/cut position image is all proofreaied and correct.Therefore can access the normal image that dust/the cut influence is alleviated.

Below with detection and the threshold value La among step S203 and the S206 and the computational methods of Lb of the position offset among the description of step S205.

(detection of position offset)

The detection of position offset will be with reference to figure 8,9A, 9B and 10A-10C explanation between the normal image that offset amount detection unit 33 is carried out and the first dust/cut position image.

Fig. 8 illustrates the flow chart that position offset detects.Fig. 9 A and 9B are the schematic diagrames that is used to illustrate that the offset of second embodiment is proofreaied and correct.Shown in Fig. 9 A and 9B, downward direction is a sub scanning direction, and horizontal direction is a main scanning direction.In Fig. 9 A, reference number 401 and 402 is the pixels that are detected that influenced by dust and cut.Normal image pixel 403 among Fig. 9 B is corresponding with the coordinate of pixel 401 and 402 with 404 coordinate.Yet, reality as mentioned above, the offset meeting produces between infrared imagery and normal image.Dust/cut pixel 401 may depart from the pixel of pixel 403 several up/down.

On normal image, dust/cut location drawing image data shows as low density value to positive, or the negative film after the counter-rotating is shown as high intensity values.Corresponding to the coordinate of infrared imagery dust/cut pixel 401, sub scanning direction ± a N pixel coverage in, the density value of pixel obtains from the coordinate of normal scan image dust/cut pixel 403.In (2N+1) the individual pixel that obtains, have the positive pixel of least density value, or have the most highdensity negative film pixel, be confirmed as corresponding to dust on the normal image or cut pixel.Then, the side-play amount between normal image and the infrared imagery can be calculated.But if side-play amount is confirmed as only using a pixel, offset may be determined mistakenly that some dusts/cut pixel may not be detected.In order to prevent its generation,, improve offset and determine accuracy by each side-play amount being calculated the PEL (picture element) density value sum of normal visual dust/cut pixel location.

Figure 10 A-10C shows the example of this calculating.The example of positive when Figure 10 A shows the offset detection scope and is N=10.Pixel (1), (2), (3) ... be all pixels that are defined as the dust/cut pixel on the infrared imagery.On corresponding normal image, pixel (1), (2), (3) ... the position the scope of ± 10 pixels in, be offset pixel (1), (2), (3) along sub scanning direction by pixel ground one by one ... density value in each offset point acquisition (step S211).Corresponding to the density value of the pixel on the normal image of dust/cut pixel to each side-play amount summation (step S212).In the example of Figure 10 A ,+1 pixel side-play amount and be minimum value.In this case, the side-play amount between infrared imagery and the normal image is defined as at sub scanning direction+1 pixel (step S213).When dust and cut are detected, use the side-play amount of determining to proofread and correct.Note, replace density value and and use their mean value can obtain same result.In step S214, the offset correction amount is also determined equally at main scanning direction.

The example of Figure 10 A is calculated and the pixel (1), (2), (3) that are defined as the dust/cut pixel on the infrared imagery each side-play amount ... the PEL (picture element) density value on the corresponding normal image and.In order to reduce amount of calculation and to shorten computing time, the target image of density value to be obtained can reduce by half, for example pixel (1), (3), (5) ....

Alternatively, shown in Figure 10 C, density value and can be not to each pixel but the side-play amount of per two pixels is calculated.In this case, compare with the example shown in Figure 10 A, amount of calculation almost can reduce to 1/4, thereby has shortened computing time.

(calculating of threshold value La and Lb)

To illustrate that below threshold value determines/threshold value La that holding unit 32 uses and the calculating of Lb when infrared imagery detects dust/cut position.

Detect dust/cut position in order to read transparent file by infrared light, thresholding obtains from the histogram of infrared imagery.The pixel that is lower than threshold value is confirmed as dust/cut pixel, is corrected with pixel on the corresponding normal image of the pixel of determining.

As the method for determining threshold value, deduct the value that n standard deviation value doubly obtains by mean value and be set to threshold value from the histogram calculation of infrared imagery.Formula (1) is represented this method:

Thresholding=average-SDxn ... (1)

Thresholding: threshold value, average: the mean value of infrared imagery, SD: the standard deviation of infrared imagery, and n: coefficient.

Figure 28 illustrates visible light and infrared light (peak wavelength: the figure of frequency spectrum Luminance Distribution 880nm).Figure 29 be illustrate common negative/figure of the light transmission of Huang, magenta and the blue or green dyestuff of positive color film.

Can clearly be seen that from Figure 29 most light components of infrared lamp all see through the common color film, because all dyestuffs all have very high light transmission near infrared light.Though light transmission is very high, neither 100%.Some film components present low light transmission near infrared light.When for example such film is used infrared light scanning, also have and to be reflected on the infrared imagery because of above-mentioned reason by the pictorial information that visible light obtains.If such pictorial information is reflected in the side-play amount of calculating between infrared imagery and the normal image, the offset correction amount can be calculated mistakenly.In order to prevent its generation, in Fig. 7 step S204, be used for being used for second dust/scratch detection that dust/cut is proofreaied and correct among first dust/scratch detection that offset proofreaies and correct and the step S207, use different threshold values.

Figure 11 shows the histogram example of infrared imagery.Ta602 is corresponding to the first threshold value La; And Tb603 is corresponding to the second threshold value Lb, and the first threshold T a is used to measure the offset correction amount, and is set to relatively low level, is detected as dust and cut so that prevent the reflection of any image beyond dust and the cut.The second threshold T b is used for dust and the cut that definite its influence should be alleviated behind offset correction, and is set to such level, so that prevent the omission of any dust/scratch detection, even the reflection of the dyestuff on the infrared imagery is detected as dust/cut.

Dust/scratch detection sensitivity can be adjusted by the coefficient n that is provided with in the above-mentioned formula (1).For excessive n, detect and omit and to take place; For little n, detect to omit hardly and take place, but the reflection of the dyestuff on the infrared imagery will more likely be detected.

The second threshold T b to dust/scratch detection is set to by constant n b, constant n is set to the first threshold T a a, and the relation between two coefficients is set to a＞b, the threshold value that offset is proofreaied and correct is always than low spy's 4 definite values of threshold value of the dust/scratch detection that is used to proofread and correct, and the influence of reflection can alleviate.

Figure 12 shows the histogrammic example of image reflex time on infrared imagery of the framework of film fixture.The film fixture is used for fixing film when transparent file is placed on the image reading apparatus.The film fixture is made by plastics etc. usually.Read in the zone if the image of film fixture is reflected in when reading infrared imagery, film fixture part (being called " fixture shade " hereinafter) presents than common dust and the much lower density value of cut, because the film fixture is light tight.The density mean value 701 of the infrared imagery of Figure 12 density mean value that obtains when not having the fixture shade that becomes is low.Simultaneously, standard deviation becomes big.Formula (1) under the above-mentioned situation of formula (2) expression." thresholding " reduces, and the first and second threshold T a ' and Tb ' also reduce to value shown in Figure 12 702 and 703.

Thresholding (↓ ↓)=average (↓)-SD (↑) xn ... (2)

In this case, threshold value is reduced to value 702 or 703 among Figure 12 rapidly according to the size of fixture shade of reflection.Dust/cut determines that error can take place.Be reflected even without the fixture shade, same phenomenon also can be owing to reflection takes place.In order to prevent its generation, D has set threshold limit value to standard deviation S.If the standard deviation that calculates limits greater than this, the influence of fixture shade or reflection is determined existence, and standard deviation is preset fixed value and replaces.

Can alleviate the influence of reflection like this.

＜the three embodiment 〉

The 3rd embodiment will with reference to figure 13A-13E, 14 and 15A-15D illustrate.Figure 13 A shows the state of dust 502 on film 501.Gray scale when Figure 13 B shows and is read with given resolution by the part of opening transparent file illuminating lamp 144 Figure 13 A shown in Figure 26.Dust is light tight, so intensity profile has concavo-convex shape.Gray scale when gray scale, especially this part when Figure 13 C shows and is read by the part of opening infrared lamp shown in Figure 26 151 Figure 13 A is read to be lower than the many resolution of given resolution.In this case, the part of Figure 13 A is read with very low resolution, and gray scale gradually changes.Gray scale L2 is set up, and it differs the value that sets in advance to predetermined level Δ L12 (or value of being set by histogram and gray analysis) with the gray scale L1 that does not have the influence of dust/cut in the infrared imagery view of Figure 13 C.Binary conversion treatment is by using gray scale L2, determining that dust/scratch detection information carries out.P1 represents dust/cut width that dust among the actual Figure 13 of the being subjected to B and cut influence, and is defined as the dust/cut width of dust/scratch detection information among the P2 presentation graphs 13C.Because dust 502 is read with lower resolution in Figure 13 C, it is detected by the width P2 greater than P1.Thereby dust/cut position can not very accurately be specified.

Gray scale when Figure 13 D shows and is read by the part of opening infrared lamp shown in Figure 26 151 Figure 13 A, the gray scale when especially this part is read with given resolution.In this case, the part of Figure 13 A is read with high-resolution, and grey scale change is meticulous.Gray scale L4 is set up, the value that does not have the gray scale L3 of dust/cut influence to differ on it and the infrared imagery to set in advance to predetermined level Δ L34 (or value of being set by histogram and gray analysis).Binary conversion treatment is by using gray scale L4, determining that dust/scratch detection information carries out.Be defined as the dust/cut width of dust and scratch detection information among the P3 presentation graphs 13D.Because dust 502 is read with specified resolution among Figure 13 D, its is detected by the width P3 of P1 no better than.Thereby dust/cut position can accurately be specified.

Shown in Figure 13 C and 13D, the information that obtain from infrared imagery is not resolution or intensity profile, but dust/cut width.In other words, as long as dust/cut width is designated just enough, even be lower than the resolution of given resolution.Even image is read with the resolution of given resolution about 1/2, dust/cut width also can almost accurately be specified by predetermined threshold is set.

Gray scale when gray scale, especially this part when Figure 13 E shows and is read by the part of opening infrared lamp shown in Figure 26 151 Figure 13 A is read with the resolution of given resolution 1/2.In this case, grey scale change is meticulous, and is the same with the situation that given resolution reads with dust/cut information.Gray scale L6 is set up, the value that does not have the gray scale L5 of dust/cut influence to differ on it and the infrared imagery to set in advance to predetermined level Δ L56 (or value of being set by histogram and gray analysis).Binary conversion treatment is carried out by using gray scale L6, definition dust/scratch detection information.Be defined as the dust/cut width of dust and scratch detection information among the P4 presentation graphs 13E.Even dust 502 is read with the resolution of given resolution 1/2 among Figure 13 E, it is also by the width P4 detection of P1 no better than.Dust/cut position can accurately be specified.

That is to say, use the infrared imagery shown in Figure 13 E can accurately specify dust/cut position.This effect provides and has not lowered the high speed processing that dust/cut alleviates function, even be read in the resolution of infrared imagery with given resolution 1/2.

Figure 15 A-15D is the example that the image that the schematic diagram that reads image reads as image reading apparatus 1 is shown, and Figure 15 A and 15C show normal image, and Figure 15 B and the 15D infrared imagery when showing the negative film that comprises dust and cut and being read.Figure 15 A and 15B show with low resolution and read image normal and that infrared imagery obtains.Figure 15 C and 15D show the image that reads with the resolution that doubles image shown in Figure 15 A and the 15C.Figure 15 A-15D spatially show have the wide RL ' of main scanning direction pixel and RL, at the image of wide RV ' of sub scanning direction pixel and RV.Figure 15 D also is used for Figure 15 B is amplified the explanation of twice.On the normal image of Figure 15 A and 15C, dust/cut position provides low-density level pixel information.On the infrared imagery of Figure 15 B and 15D, these pixel informations are handled binaryzation with clarification dust/cut position by dust/scratch detection.

Comprise that the transparent file read operation that dust/cut alleviates will illustrate with reference to the flow chart of Figure 14.

In step S221, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and infrared lamp 151 among Figure 26 are closed, and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 is opened.The illuminating bundle of transparent file illuminating lamp 144 is by diffusing panel 143 even diffusions.The diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142.The light beam that passes is passed immaging lens 149 and projects on the CCD150 by minute surface 147 and oppositely V minute surface 148 reflections.The image that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into the signal of telecommunication, and the I/F21 in Figure 27 is stored in the video memory 22 temporarily.Obtained the normal image that reads with given resolution Rs this moment.

In step S222, reflection file illuminating lamp 145 and transparent file illuminating lamp 144 among Figure 26 are closed, and infrared lamp 151 is opened.The illuminating bundle of infrared lamp 151 of characteristic with Figure 28 is by diffusing panel 143 even diffusions.The diffusion light beam passes transparent file 142.Light beam through minute surface 147, reverse V minute surface 148 and immaging lens 149 projects on the CCD150.As shown in figure 29, passed the illuminating bundle of infrared lamp 151 of transparent file 142 no matter how the image (sensitization image) of the transparent file 142 of negative film or positive passes.The image of the dust of physical discontinuity optical path, cut etc. throws on CCD150 and is shade.The infrared imagery that is incident upon on the CCD150 is converted into the signal of telecommunication, and the I/F21 in Fig. 6 is stored in the infrared imagery memory 23 temporarily.Obtained the infrared imagery that reads with the predetermined resolution Rn that is lower than given resolution this moment.

In step S223, the infrared imagery that obtains among the step S222 is through processing and amplifying, and it doubly is given resolution Rs that predetermined resolution Rn is amplified M.Note M=Rs/Rn.This makes infrared imagery can use the space length with the identical pixel unit of given resolution.

In step S224, shown in Figure 17 A and 17B, when dust/cut offset relied on the scanning accuracy of the normal and infrared imagery among step S221 and the S223, position offset detected once every N pixel of normal image, so that detect the dust/cut position on the normal image.The details that position offset detects is in a second embodiment with reference to figure 8-10C explanation.If become the situation shown in Figure 15 D of the dust/cut position image multiplication twice to Figure 15 B such as resolution, per two pixels of side-play amount detect once.The side-play amount that is whole image is from detecting density once every M pixel corresponding to magnification ratio M (referring to Figure 10 C) and detecting.

In step S225, in the normal image dust/the cut image is repaiied retouches.In this case, with the corresponding normal image pixel in the position that obtains with the dust/cut position on the side-play amount that detects among the S224 skew infrared imagery in dust and cut repaiied and retouched.Then, dust/cut alleviates the processing end.This flow chart can improve the reading speed of infrared imagery.Thereby processing speed can be enhanced, and does not alleviate performance and do not reduce dust/cut.

＜the four embodiment 〉

The 4th embodiment will illustrate with reference to figure 15A-15D and 16.Figure 15 A-15D illustrates in the 3rd embodiment.Comprise that the transparent file read operation that dust/cut alleviates will illustrate with reference to the flow chart of Figure 16.

The step S221 and the S222 that illustrate among step S101 and S102 and the 3rd embodiment are identical, except image in step S102 and step S101 reads with resolution Rs.If resolution is very high, infrared imagery can the resolution for specifying dust/cut position institute set-point with reference to figure 13A-13E explanation read among second embodiment in order to be higher than.When normal and infrared imagery alignment, same effect also can obtain.This thresholding resolution is set to predetermined resolution Rd.

In step S103, whether the resolution that detects the infrared imagery that obtains among the step S102 is lower than predetermined resolution Rd.If be "Yes" in step S103, flow process advances to step S104 and S106, and pixel ground detects the side-play amount of dust/cut position one by one.If among the step S103 be "No", flow process advances to step S105 and S106.For very high given resolution, calculate with PEL (picture element) density on the corresponding normal image of the dust that detects on the infrared imagery/cut pixel with by Rs/Rd pixel of each skew, shown in Figure 10 C (step S105), it can improve processing speed.

In step S106, the detected position offset in dust/cut position is proofreaied and correct, and in the normal image dust/the cut position is repaiied retouches.Then, dust/cut alleviates the processing end.This flow chart can improve the speed to the dust/cut registration process between the normal and infrared imagery of very high given resolution.As a result, processing speed can improve and not reduce dust/cut and alleviates performance.

If Figure 16 step S105 among the 4th embodiment (Rs/Rd) is 2, offset detects to be carried out once every two pixels, shown in Figure 15 C and 15D.In this case, with infrared imagery in the corresponding normal image of dust/cut pixel of detecting PEL (picture element) density and calculate by all being offset two pixels at main scanning direction and sub scanning direction.For this purpose, the calculating shown in Figure 10 C is performed and detects side-play amount.In Figure 10 C, amount of calculation is 1/4 among Figure 10 A.

As mentioned above, the image reading apparatus that illustrates among second to the 4th embodiment can be realized dust/cut correction with carrying out offset correction without any problem ground by the detection side-play amount, even offset occurs between the visible light image and invisible light image of visible light.

In addition, the reflections affect on the invisible light image can be alleviated, thereby prevents extra image correcting.

Have, even image reading apparatus uses when being lower than image that resolution that visible light reads image reads by invisible light and carrying out dust/cut and alleviate, dust/cut position also can be designated and do not reduce dust/cut and alleviate performance again.The reading speed of use invisible light can be optimised, thereby improve the speed that dust/cut alleviates function.

If compare with the size of dust or cut, image is read with very high resolution, the image that is read by invisible light and visible light is that unit is processed with the pixel unit, can reduce this pixel unit so, not alleviate performance and be not reduced to the dust/cut of specifying visible light to read the dust/cut position on the image.This dust/cut position can be specified at a high speed, improved the speed that dust/cut alleviates function.

＜the five embodiment 〉

Figure 18 shows the configuration that alleviates device 2 according to dust/cut of the 5th embodiment, and this alleviates device 2 and is used to handle the pictorial data that image reading apparatus 1 obtains.Image reading apparatus identical with shown in Figure 26, its explanation will be omitted.Except the configuration shown in Figure 27, the configuration shown in Figure 18 also comprises input unit 27, and it comprises input keyboard, mouse and display.Dust/cut alleviates device 2 and input unit 27 can be made of computer.The 5th embodiment can realize by the drive software of the image reading apparatus that moves on the computer.

The operation of the image reading apparatus system among the 5th embodiment will illustrate with reference to the flow chart of Figure 19.

In step S401, the user is through the resolution of the image to be read of input unit 27 input hope.If the user does not import any numerical value, last time the resolution that is provided with in the scanning was shown and makes the user confirm it.

In step S402, the user alleviates sensitivity through input unit 27 input dust/cuts.Usually, best dust/cut is proofreaied and correct the result with film type, dust/cut size or watch the people's of image subjective factor to change.Only whether a unification carries out the processing that setting that dust/cut alleviates can not realize being suitable for film out of the ordinary.The 5th embodiment has prepared three kinds of dust/cuts and has alleviated rank " high, standard and low ".Because some film do not require any dust/cut and alleviate, expression is not carried out " nothing " that dust/cut alleviates and is provided to the shortening time yet, when image is required.These four kinds of ranks are provided with through input unit 27.Figure 20 and 21 shows the demonstration example on the input unit 27.

Figure 20 is the schematic diagram of part UI (user interface) that the Windows drive software is shown, and it has the form of selecting from four parameters of dialog box.Figure 21 is the schematic diagram that the part UI of Macintosh drive software is shown, and it has the form that is provided with from four parameters of drop-down menu, selects parameter height, standard or hang down to be displayed on the XX part that dust/cut alleviates (XX).

In step S403, the visible light image is read, and is identical with the step S10 of Figure 30.

In step S404, infrared imagery is read, and is identical with the step S20 of Figure 30.But if " nothing " is set up in step S402, flow process just advances to " end " and finishes this flow processing.

In step S405, the infrared imagery that reads from step S404 detects dust/cut position.

The detection of dust/cut position will illustrate with reference to figure 22A-22D.Figure 22 A shows the dust 502 on the film 501.Figure 22 B shows the gray scale of using the image that the transparent file illuminating lamp reads.Figure 22 C shows the gray scale of using the image that infrared lamp reads.Figure 22 D shows the histogram of infrared imagery data.

L1 among Figure 22 C and the 22D represents the corresponding gray scale of mean value with the frequency of whole infrared imagery.The gray scale of dust 502 parts is lower than and the corresponding gray scale L1 of frequency averaging value.The 5th embodiment pays attention to the corresponding gray scale L1 of average frequency with histogram data.The threshold value that is used to detect dust 502 is set to the gray scale L2 than the low predetermined level Δ L1 of gray scale L1, so that the maximum of the gray scale 201 that distributes near dust 502 data.Usually, to account for the ratio of whole image very little for dust 502.Like this, almost equal the mean value of the gray scale on the whole image except that dust 502 parts with the corresponding gray scale L1 of the mean value of frequency.Therefore, the defect area 505 that threshold value 504 (gray scale L2) detects among Figure 22 C can very accurately detect dust 502 parts.

The amplitude of Δ L1 is provided with according to the sensitivity of importing among the step S402.For " height ", Δ L1 is set to little, so that detect grey dirt pits and cut in a large number.For " low ", Δ L1 is set to greatly.

In step S406, corresponding to the dust that detects among the step S405/cut part, carry out interpolation by using their normal pixel data on every side, the pixel or the pixel clusters of visible light image are carried out treatment for correcting,

In step S407, the visible light image of process treatment for correcting is presented on the display of input unit 27.The user confirms the state proofreaied and correct, and if he need change sensitivity, can change it through input unit 27.

Alleviate in the processing at dust/cut, in " standard " pattern, alleviate dust and the such parameter of cut is set up.If dust/cut result is improper, the user changes into setting " height ", " low " or " nothing " on UI.This parameter needs to change in following situation.

Owing to compare with dust, the cut part has high light transmission usually, and cut may not alleviated in standard is provided with fully.In this case, " height " is set up on UI.On " height " parameter, the threshold value L2 that is used to detect dust or cut is set up height, promptly is worth Δ L1 and is set up little.The scope of the defect area that dust and cut are detected broadens.This makes it possible to detect the light transmittance cut higher than general dust.On the contrary, if by handling inconspicuous dust/cut part, it is unnatural that image becomes, and " low " just is set up on UI.On " low " parameter, the threshold value L2 that is used to detect dust or cut is set up low, promptly is worth Δ L1 and is set up greatly.The scope of the defect area that dust and cut are detected narrows down, and correcting range also narrows down.This has prevented the not generation of natural image.

If being arranged among the step S408 of sensitivity changes, the processing in step S405 and the later step is carried out once more according to the sensitivity that changes.

＜the six embodiment 〉

The 6th embodiment will be illustrated.

In the 5th embodiment, be used for alleviating sensitivity setting according to the dust/cut that is provided with from the threshold value of infrared imagery detection dust/scored area.And the 6th embodiment carries out the expansion processing that enlarges by the dust/scored area of threshold detection according to the sensitivity that is provided with.The step S406 in Figure 19, operation and the 5th embodiment's is identical, and its explanation will be omitted.Dust among the 6th embodiment step S406/scored area enlarges to be handled and will be illustrated.

Figure 23 schematically shows the expansion processing method.Pixel AExpression uses normal parameter to be detected as the pixel of dust/scored area.When dust/scored area X is not gone out by actual detected, but compare pixel AZone when big, pixel AThe influence of dust on every side or cut will not repaiied and be retouched and be left behind.In this case, carrying out zone that dust/cut alleviates is enlarged to and comprises pixel APixel B around the zone.The zone that enlarges alleviates through dust/cut, and actual dust/scored area X can be processed.

In the situation of Figure 23, the pixel of detection AThe zone along the extended adjacent pixel of all directions, and carry out dust/cut and alleviate processing.If the part around dust or the cut can not be handled fully, " height " is set up at UI, by along all directions to pixel AThe zone increase some adjacent pixels again and widen and carry out the zone that dust/cut alleviates.Thereby the zone that comprises adjacent pixel also can be carried out dust/cut and be alleviated.On the contrary, handle because the inconspicuous dust/cut of visible light image is partly carried out dust/cut, image may seem not nature.In this case, " low " is provided to dwindle dust/scratch detection at UI and handles the zone of detecting.Thereby, carrying out the area size that dust/cut alleviates and be reduced, this will make the image of gained more natural.

＜the seven embodiment 〉

The 7th embodiment will be illustrated.

In the 6th embodiment, the regional extensive magnitude of dust/scored area after infrared imagery is detected alleviates sensitivity setting according to the dust/cut that is provided with.In the 7th embodiment, when dust/cut alleviated the normal pixel image data interpolating that uses around the pixel to be corrected and carries out, the zone that is used to search for the interpolation pixel data alleviated sensitivity setting according to the dust/cut that is provided with.

Among Figure 19, the operation except step S406 all with the 5th embodiment in identical, its explanation will be omitted.The interpolation of the step S406 of the 7th embodiment is handled and will be illustrated.

Figure 24 A and 24B schematically show the pattern interpolating method.Zone C is to detect to be the defect area of dust/scored area.Regional Y as the pattern interpolative data zone that can comprise zone C is detected from the adjacent domain of zone C.Zone C is by the pattern interpolation of regional Y.Zone Z comes the zone of interpolation by using the pattern interpolation.This pattern interpolation uses maximum interpolation length as parameter, and it is alternative that search is used as the interpolation pattern for the pixel of set a distance away from defect area.This maximum interpolation length is to be used for by " low " being shortened length or " height " being changed the parameter that dust/cut alleviates degree with length is elongated.

At Figure 24 A and 24B, interpolation length is three pixels.In the searched direction of the pixel pattern of determining to come by the pattern interpolation interpolation defect area, the vertical and horizontal length of defect area is detected, and short direction is used.In the embodiment shown in Figure 24 A, vertical x in zone is shorter than horizontal y.So the interpolation pattern is at first along Horizon Search.If do not find pattern after horizontal maximum interpolation length range is detected, the interpolation pattern is vertically searched.In the pattern interpolation, the gray scale difference that is construed between each color of same pattern is separated to specify.Be set to greatly if be construed to the gray scale difference of same pattern, pattern interpolative data zone Y can find at an easy rate, the not nature but image may become.Be set to for a short time if be construed to the gray scale difference of same pattern, pattern interpolative data zone Y can be difficult to search.

＜the eight embodiment 〉

Number of pixels or the maximum interpolation length of pattern interpolation of above embodiment by will being used to enlarge processing is defined as above-mentioned parameter with three kinds of settings " high, standard and low " and carries out processing.But unified definite number of pixels can not realize optimization process, because change with resolution with dust or the corresponding number of pixels of cut, even the size of dust or cut remains unchanged.In order to prevent such situation, parameter is provided with according to resolution, no matter resolution how, it all provides dust/cut much at one to alleviate effect.

The information that dust/cut alleviates the picture resolution of importing among the step S401 of parameter according to relevant Figure 19 is provided with.Table 1 shows correction parameter and alleviates the number of pixels example that sensitivity is provided with according to resolution and dust/cut.

[table 1]

Resolution (dpi)	Enlarge number of pixels			Maximum pattern interpolation number
							Low	Standard	High	Low	Standard	High
	1200	0	1	2	6	8							10
2400							1	2	3	12	16	20
	4800	2	4	6	24	32							40

＜revise

The 8th embodiment shows the number of expansion pixel and the table of maximum pattern interpolation number according to resolution.Alternatively, dust/scratch detection threshold value can be changed.The gray scale difference of the interpolation pattern color that illustrates among the 7th embodiment can alleviate sensitivity " high, standard and low " according to dust/cut and be set to " greatly, neutralization is little ".

In the 5th to the 8th embodiment, " high, standard and low " is set to dust/cut and alleviates sensitivity.Alternatively, each parameter can be by the such numerical value of for example number of pixels, or use with respect to the percentage of standard value and represent directly to be provided with.

The present invention illustrates with transparent file, but also can be applied to reflect file.The present invention illustrates as invisible light with infrared light, but can use ultraviolet light according to the characteristic of file.

As mentioned above, the present invention can realize alleviating with the corresponding suitable dust/cut of file attributes in image signal processing apparatus, image signal processing method and the picture intelligence reading system of file.

＜other embodiment 〉

The present invention can be applied to the system that is made of multiple arrangement (for example main frame, interface, reader, printer) or comprise the device of individual equipment (for example photocopier, facsimile machine).

In addition, purpose of the present invention also can be by providing storage to carry out the program code of above-mentioned processing for computer system or device (such as personal computer) storage medium, by the CPU of computer system or device or MPU from the storage medium program code read, executive program is realized then.

In this case, the program code that reads from storage medium is finished the function according to embodiment, and program code stored storage medium constitutes invention.

Have again, storage medium, for example floppy disk, hard disk, CD, magneto optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, tape, non-volatile type storage card and ROM can be used in program code is provided.

Have again, except the above-mentioned program code that is read by computer by execution according to the function of above embodiment is realized, the present invention includes such situation, promptly work on computers OS (operating system) etc. according to the indication operating part of program code or all handle, and realize function according to above embodiment.

Have again, the present invention also comprises such situation, be in the memory that function expansion card is inserted in the computer or the functional expansion unit that is connected with computer provides, after the program code that reads from storage medium is written into function expansion card, be included in CPU in function expansion card or the unit etc. according to the indication operating part of program code or all handle, and realize the function of above embodiment.

Be applied in the situation of above-mentioned storage medium in the present invention, storage medium comes program code stored corresponding to the flow chart of embodiment explanation.

The invention is not restricted to above embodiment, can carry out various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.Therefore, scope of the present invention is limited by following claims.

Claims (17)

1, a kind of image-processing system, be used for invisible light source shot file by the visible light source and the emission invisible light of visible emitting, and handle the visible and invisible light picture intelligence that the optical image by the opto-electronic conversion file obtains, thus correction visible light picture intelligence comprises:

Be used for being provided with changeably the unit that is provided with of correcting sensitivity.

2, according to the device of claim 1, further comprise be suitable for according to the resolution changable of visible light picture intelligence the unit of correcting sensitivity is set.

3, according to the device of claim 1, further comprise a unit, be suitable for according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the threshold value that extracts visual scope to be corrected from the invisible light image.

4, according to the device of claim 1, further comprise a unit, be suitable for setting the extensive magnitude of visual scope to be corrected according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity.

5, according to the device of claim 1, further comprise a unit, be suitable for according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the scope of obtaining of the pictorial data that is used for treatment for correcting.

6, according to the device of claim 1, wherein invisible light comprises infrared light.

7, a kind of image processing method, comprise that processing is by the visible light picture intelligence of opto-electronic conversion by the file optical image acquisition of visible light source irradiation, invisible light picture intelligence with the file optical image that is shone by invisible light source by opto-electronic conversion obtains comprises:

Correcting sensitivity is set changeably.

8, according to the method for claim 7, further comprise according to the resolution changable of visible light picture intelligence correcting sensitivity is set.

9, according to the method for claim 7, further comprise according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the threshold value that extracts visual scope to be corrected from the invisible light image.

10, according to the method for claim 7, further comprise according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the extensive magnitude of visual scope to be corrected.

11, according to the method for claim 7, further comprise according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the scope of obtaining of the pictorial data that is used for treatment for correcting.

12, a kind of visual reading system, be used for invisible light source shot file by the visible light source and the emission invisible light of visible emitting, and handle the visible and invisible light picture intelligence that the optical image by the opto-electronic conversion file obtains, thus correction visible light picture intelligence comprises:

Be suitable for being provided with changeably the unit that is provided with of correcting sensitivity.

13, according to the system of claim 12, further comprise be suitable for according to the resolution changable of visible light picture intelligence the unit of correcting sensitivity is set.

14, according to the system of claim 12, further comprise a unit, be suitable for according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the threshold value that extracts visual scope to be corrected from the invisible light image.

15, according to the system of claim 12, further comprise a unit, be suitable for setting the extensive magnitude of visual scope to be corrected according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity.

16, according to the system of claim 12, further comprise a unit, be suitable for according to the resolution of visible light picture intelligence and at least one in the correcting sensitivity, set the scope of obtaining of the pictorial data that is used for treatment for correcting.

17, according to the system of claim 15, wherein invisible light comprises infrared light.

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