JP2000149037A - Image processing method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable efficient processing of plural images by performing a batch processing of the plural grouped images with set processing conditions. SOLUTION: A folder which is to be the object image of processing and processing conditions are set (S101, 102), all images in an input folder are processed, and the processed images are stored in an output folder (S103). The images are inspected whether or not they are adjusted as the images with desired characteristics, the processing is proceeded to S106 in the case of 'OK', image data before processing are copied in a reprocessing folder, and processed image data are copied in an additional processing folder in the case of 'NG' (S104, 105). The processings in S104, 105 are repeated for the processed image (S106). The processing is continued by proceeding to S109, when no image of 'NG' exists in S104 and proceeding to S108 when the image of 'NG' exists in S104 (S107). A folder to be processed at a second stage is set as the input folder (S108). Output folders for the processings at each stage are integrated, and only the processed images with the desired characteristics are gathered (S109).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing technique, and more particularly to a technique for efficiently processing a plurality of images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Landscape images and portraits expressed on printed matter are
The data is read by a scanner or the like and converted into image data (digital data). Such image data is often subjected to image processing such as adjustment of contrast according to the purpose of use.

[0003]

However, electronic publications (for example, CD-ROMs) recording the contents of encyclopedias and the like
As described above, when an extremely large number of images are handled, the number of images to be adjusted is enormous. Conventionally, there has been no known technique for efficiently adjusting such a huge number of images. Therefore, the user has to individually adjust each image, which is very troublesome.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and has as its object to provide a technique capable of efficiently processing a plurality of images.

[0005]

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, a first method of the present invention is an image processing method, which comprises the steps of: Setting a plurality of grouped images as a set of processing target images, and (b) setting a first processing condition that defines the content of image processing for processing the set of processing target images collectively And (c) performing image processing collectively under the first processing condition using each of the one set of processing target images as an original image, and performing one processing corresponding to the one set of processing target images. Generating a set of processed images; and (d) selecting a desired processed image from the set of processed images, and using the selected processed images as a set of processed images. Group according to the management information Characterized in that it comprises a degree, the.

In the present invention, as described above, a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information are used as a set of processing target images. Originally, image processing can be performed collectively. In addition, a desired image is grouped as a processing-completed image according to the management information from a set of processed images generated by the image processing. If the images are grouped according to the management information as described above, the images can be handled for each group, so that a plurality of images can be efficiently processed.

Further, in the above method, (e) selecting an original image before image processing corresponding to an unselected processed image from the set of processed images, and selecting the selected original image; Images are grouped as a set of images to be reprocessed in accordance with the management information, a non-selected processed image is selected from the set of processed images, and the selected processed image is Grouping as an additional processing target image according to the management information; and (f) replacing one of the one set of reprocessing target images and the one set of additional processing target images with a new set of processing target images. (G) setting a second processing condition that defines the content of the new image processing;
(H) a step of repeating the processes of steps (c) to (g) one or more times.

In this way, re-processing or additional processing can be executed under a new processing condition for an image grouped as one set of re-processing target images or one set of additional processing target images. Thus, it is possible to efficiently obtain a processed image finally adjusted to an image having desired characteristics.

In the above method, a plurality of types of processing conditions for performing a plurality of image processes are set as the first processing conditions in the step (b), and a plurality of sets of processed images are set in the step (c). Is generated, the step (d) may include a step of arranging corresponding images of the one set of processing target images and the plurality of sets of processed images on a screen. .

As described above, if one set of images to be processed and a plurality of sets of processed images corresponding to each other are displayed side by side on the screen, the images are adjusted to have desired characteristics. Images can be easily grouped as processed images.

In the above method, it is preferable that the grouping according to the management information is realized by using a folder in a file system of a computer.

By grouping using folders as described above, a plurality of images can be easily managed.

An apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus,
A processing target image setting unit that sets a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information as a set of processing target images, and a second processing unit that specifies the content of image processing that collectively processes the one set of processing target images. A processing condition setting unit for setting one processing condition; performing image processing collectively under the first processing condition using each of the one set of processing target images as an original image; A processed image generation unit that generates a set of processed images corresponding to the target image, and, from the set of processed images, selecting a desired processed image, and selecting the selected processed image And a processing completed image selection unit for grouping according to the management information as a set of processing completed images.

Even when such an apparatus is used, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described image processing method can be obtained, and a plurality of images can be efficiently processed.

[0015]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention includes the following embodiments. A first aspect is a computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program for performing image processing, and has a function of setting a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information as a set of processing target images. A function for setting a first processing condition that defines the content of image processing for processing the set of processing target images collectively, and a first processing condition for each of the set of processing target images as an original image. A function of collectively performing image processing under the processing conditions described above and generating a set of processed images corresponding to the set of processing target images; A function of selecting a processed image and grouping the selected processed images as a set of processed images according to the management information is recorded.

A second aspect is a program supply device for supplying, via a communication path, a computer program for causing a computer to execute each step or the function of each unit of the above invention.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment: Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image processing apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention. This device comprises a CPU 100 and a bus line 100
a. An image data memory 110, a ROM 120, a display unit 130,
A magnetic disk 140 and an input device 150 such as a keyboard and a mouse are connected. In addition, bus line 10
A RAM 190 including a program having a function of performing image processing on a plurality of images at once is connected to 0a. The RAM 190 has a processing target image setting unit 191.
, A processing condition setting unit 192, and a processed image generation unit 19
3 and a program for realizing the function of the image inspection unit 194 are stored. This image processing apparatus may be connected to a transmission path to form a general network system.

The magnetic disk 140 has a storage area
The data is divided into folders (or directories) by the file system of the computer, and the image data is managed for each folder. The image data stored in a specific folder on the magnetic disk 140
And is stored in the image data memory 110. The image data stored in the image data memory 110 is processed by a program in the RAM 190 to generate processed image data. The processed image data is stored in a folder on the magnetic disk 140.

A computer program for realizing the functions of the units 191 to 194 included in the RAM 190 is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. The computer reads the computer program from the recording medium and transfers it to an internal storage device or an external storage device. Alternatively, a computer program may be supplied to a computer via a communication path. When implementing the functions of the computer program, the computer program stored in the internal storage device is executed by the microprocessor of the computer. Further, a computer may read a computer program recorded on a recording medium and directly execute the computer program.

In this specification, a computer is
The concept includes a hardware device and an operation system, and means a hardware device that operates under the control of the operation system. In the case where an operation system is unnecessary and a hardware device is operated by an application program alone, the hardware device itself corresponds to a computer. The hardware device includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and means for reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. The computer program includes a program code that causes such a computer to realize the functions of the above-described units. Some of the functions described above may be realized by an operation system instead of the application program.

The "recording medium" in the present invention includes a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a bar code is printed, and an internal storage of a computer. Device (RAM, ROM, etc.)
And various computer-readable media such as an external storage device.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the image processing. In step S101 in FIG. 2, the user sets a folder including image data of a plurality of images to be processed in the first-stage processing (meaning the first processing of a repetitive processing described later) as an input folder. I do. In the first stage processing shown in FIG.
A folder IP1 including one image data file01 to file05 is set as an input folder. In this embodiment, for convenience, a case where five image data items are included in the input folder will be described. However, actually, several hundred to several thousand images are included in the input folder. The case is also applicable. In step S101, in addition to the input folder IP1, an output folder OP for storing the processed image data that has been subjected to the image processing.
1, a re-processing folder RP1 (to be described later), and an additional processing folder AD1 (to be described later) are prepared. However, at the time of step S101, no image data is stored in the output folder OP1, the re-processing folder RP1, and the additional processing folder AP1, and they remain empty. For each folder other than the input folder,
It may be automatically created in step S101 without setting by the user. Alternatively, it may be automatically created at the time of processing in steps S103 and S104 described later.

In step S102 (FIG. 2), processing conditions for processing a plurality of images in the input folder are set. In the present embodiment, an image processing program for executing various processing conditions is prepared in advance.
Therefore, desired processing conditions can be set by selecting one of these image processing programs or combining a plurality of image processing programs. If it is necessary to set a parameter for determining the details of the processing content, this is also set. By properly setting the processing conditions, the processing target image can be adjusted to an image having desired characteristics. As the image processing, for example, various kinds of processing such as color correction and density curve change, image smoothing, edge enhancement, moire removal, and image resolution conversion can be performed. FIG. 3A shows processing when a certain processing condition a is set.

When the processing conditions are set, step S10
At 3, all the images in the input folder are sequentially selected as original images and image processing is performed. The generated processed image is stored in the output folder. FIG. 3 (A)
In the first stage processing shown in FIG.
The processed image data file01a generated based on the processing condition a from one image data file01 to file05.
~ File05a are stored in the output folder OP1. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the name of the image data has a code (for example,
"A").

When the processed image is generated, step S
At 104, the user sequentially checks whether each processed image has been adjusted to an image having the desired characteristics. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the image inspection screen PC1 in the first embodiment. Note that this image inspection screen PC1 is
It is displayed on the screen of the display unit 130 (FIG. 1). The image inspection screen PC1 includes a forward button FW, a reverse button BK,
It has an OK button BT1, an NG button BT2, and two image display areas AI and AO.

The first image display area AI is determined in step S1.
03 is an area for displaying an original image before image processing. The second image display area AO is an area for displaying a processed image generated from the original image displayed in the first image display area AI. In FIG. 4, the image of the image data file01 in the input folder IP1 of FIG. 3A is displayed as an original image in the first image display area AI, and the corresponding image of the processed image data file01a is displayed in the second image display area. The case where it is displayed in the area AO is shown. In the image inspection screen PC1 of the present embodiment, two display areas AI and A
The scroll function of O can be synchronized. That is, when one of the two display areas AI and AO is scrolled, the other display areas are also scrolled. Therefore, even when the size of the images displayed in the two image display areas AI and AO is large, or when the images are enlarged, it is possible to display the corresponding portions in the two images. This makes it possible to easily compare two displayed images.

The forward button FW and the reverse button BK are
A button for sequentially switching images displayed in the two image display areas AI and AO. For example, in FIG. 4, the forward button BT2 is connected to the input device 150 such as a mouse (FIG. 1).
Is selected in the two image display areas AI and AO, the image of the next image data file02 in the input folder IP1 and the corresponding image data file
02a is displayed.

OK button BT1 and NG button BT2
Is a button for dividing the processed image displayed in the second image display area AO. That is, if it is determined that the processed image has been adjusted to an image having the desired characteristics as a result of the inspection, the user selects the OK button BT1 with a mouse or the like and determines that the image has not been adjusted to the image having the desired characteristics. If so, the NG button BT2 is selected. As a result, the processed image can be divided into an image adjusted to an image having desired characteristics and an image not adjusted to an image having desired characteristics. In FIG. 3A, as shown in the “inspection result” column, the processed image data
The inspection result when only the image of file04a is classified as “OK” and the image of the other processed image data is classified as “NG” is shown. In the following, "O
The image adjusted to the image having the desired characteristics classified into “K” is also referred to as “process completed image”.

In step S104, if the inspection result of the processed image is "OK", the process proceeds directly to step S106. On the other hand, in step S104,
If the inspection result of the processed image is “NG”, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the following operation is performed on the processed image classified as "NG". That is, the image data before processing in the input folder is copied into the reprocessing folder, and the processed image data in the output folder is copied into the additional processing folder. In FIG. 3A, “NG” in the input folder IP1
Image data file01, file02, file before processing classified into
03 and file05 are copied in the reprocessing folder RP1. The processed image data file01a, file02a, and file03a classified as "NG" in the output folder OP1.
, File05a have been copied into the additional processing folder AP1.

Here, the "re-processing folder" is defined in FIG.
As can be seen from (A), this is a folder for preparing image data (eg, image data file01) when the executed first-stage image processing is invalidated. Therefore, this re-processed folder is used for the first image processing in the second-stage image processing.
It is used when executing a new process different from the image processing of the stage. On the other hand, the “additional processing folder” is a folder for preparing image data (for example, image data file01a) when the first-stage image processing is enabled. Therefore, this additional processing folder is used when further image processing is performed in addition to the first-stage image processing in the second-stage image processing.

In step S106, for all the processed images as described above, step S1 is sequentially performed.
04 and S105 are repeated.

In step S104 of the present embodiment, the user performs the inspection by directly comparing the original image and the processed image on the image inspection screen PC1 shown in FIG. May be used. For example, reference values for image sharpness, brightness, graininess, frequency characteristics, and the like may be provided in advance, and inspection may be performed based on whether the processed image satisfies these reference values. That is, if the processing condition a set in step S102 is a processing condition for enhancing the edge of the original image, the frequency characteristic of the processed image is compared with a reference value to obtain an image having desired characteristics. It may be determined whether or not the adjustment has been made.

In step S107 (FIG. 2), if there is no processed image classified as "NG" by the inspection in step S104, the process proceeds to step S109.
Proceed to. If there is a processed image classified as “NG” in step S104, the process proceeds to step S108, and the same processing as described above is continued. In FIG. 3A,
Since there is a processed image classified as “NG” as shown in the “inspection result” column, the process proceeds to step S108. In the present embodiment, the selection of the continuation process in step S107 is determined based on the presence or absence of the processed image classified as “NG”, but may be determined by the user.

In step S108, the following processing is performed.
That is, a folder to be processed in the second stage is set as an input folder. At this time, similarly to step S101, another output folder, a reprocessing folder, and an additional processing folder are set. In FIG. 3A, the re-processing folder RP1 generated in the first-stage processing
And the additional processing folder AP1 can be set as the input folder IP2 of the second stage processing. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
An additional processing folder AP1 is set as the input folder IP2 of the second stage processing.

When the input folder to be processed in the second stage is set in step S108 (FIG. 2), the process returns to step S102. In step S102,
A second processing condition for processing an image in the newly set input folder IP2 (AP1) is set. FIG.
In (B), the processing condition b is set as the second processing condition.

By the processing of step S103 based on the processing condition b, the output folder OP2 (FIG. 3B)
Four image data fi in the input folder IP2 (AP1)
processed image data file01ab, file02ab, file03ab, fi generated from le01a, file02a, file03a, file05a
le05ab is stored. Steps S104 to S104
In FIG. 3B, the two image data file01ab and file02ab are divided into "NG" by the repetition processing of 106,
The two image data file03ab and file05ab are classified as “OK”. At this time, four image data file01, file02, file03, and file are stored in the first reprocessing folder PR1.
Only the image data file01 and file02 corresponding to the processed image classified into “NG” among 05 are left, and the other image data is deleted. Also, the second reprocessing folder RP2
Contains four image data files in the input folder IP2.
Of the image data 01a, file02a, file03a, and file05a, the unprocessed image data file01a and file02a corresponding to the processed image classified as "NG" are copied. Similarly, in the second additional processing folder AP2, four image data file01ab, file02ab, file03ab, fi in the output folder OP2.
The processed image data file01ab and file02ab classified into “NG” of le05ab are copied.

In FIG. 3B, one of the two re-processing folders RP1 and RP2 that have undergone the second-stage processing and the second additional-processing folder AP2 is assigned to the third-stage processing. Can be set as an input folder. Since the first additional processing folder AP1 has been used as the input folder IP2 for the second-stage processing, it is not used in the third-stage and subsequent processing. Therefore, in FIG. 3B, hatching is used.

After the processing of the second stage is completed, FIG.
Since “NG” is included in the “inspection result” column, the continuation of the process is selected in step S107. Third
In the processing in the second row, as shown in FIG. 3C, the second reprocessing folder RP2 is set as the input folder IP3 (step S108). Step S
In 102, a third processing condition c is set. At this time, as shown in FIG.
03, two image data file01a in the input folder IP3 (RP2) are stored in the output folder OP3.
, Image data generated from file02a, file01ac, file0
2ac is stored. Steps S104 to S1
06, the image data file02ac becomes "N
G ”, and the image data file01ac is classified as“ OK ”. At this time, "NG" of the two image data file01 and file02 is stored in the first reprocessing folder PR1.
Image data file corresponding to the processed image classified into
Only 02 is left. In the second additional processing folder AP2, among the two image data file01ab and file02ab, “N”
Image data corresponding to the processed image classified into "G"
Only file02ab is left. In the third reprocessing folder RP3, the image data file02a corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" among the two image data file01a and file02a in the input folder IP3 is copied. Similarly, in the third additional processing folder AP3, two image data file01ac and file01 in the output folder OP3 are stored.
Processed image data classified as "NG" in 02ac
Only file02ac is copied. In FIG. 3C,
The second reprocessing folder RP2 is shaded because it has been used as the input folder IP3 for the third stage processing.

After the processing of the third stage is completed, FIG.
Since “NG” is included in the “inspection result” column, the continuation of the process is selected in step S107. In the processing of the fourth row, as shown in FIG. 3D, a third additional processing folder AP3 is set as the input folder IP4 (step S108). Also,
In step S102, the fourth processing condition de is set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3D, by the processing of step S103, the image data file in the input folder IP4 (AP3) is stored in the output folder OP4.
Image data file02acde generated from 02ac is stored. Further, the image data file02acde is classified as “OK” by the processing of steps S104 to S106. At this time, since there is no processed image classified as “NG”, the first reprocessing folder PR1, the second additional processing folder AP2, and the third reprocessing folder R
No image data is left in P3. Also, the fourth
No image data is copied to the re-processing folder RP4 and the fourth additional processing folder AP4. In FIG. 3D, the third additional processing folder AP3 is the fourth additional processing folder AP3.
Since it has been used as the input folder IP4 of the processing in the lower row, it is hatched.

As described above, when there are no processed images classified as "NG" in the inspection result in step S104, that is, when all the images in the input folder IP1 set in the first-stage processing are deleted. When the processing completion image is generated for, the output folders in the processing of each stage are integrated in step S109.
By integrating the output folders, it is possible to combine only the processed images adjusted to images having desired characteristics. In the present embodiment, each output folder OP1, OP
2, the processed images generated later in time in OP3 and OP4 are integrated with priority. Therefore, the integrated output folder contains five processed image data file01a
c, file02acde, file03ab, file04a, and file05ab are stored.

In FIG. 3, as described above, the image data in each folder is stored in “file0” according to the processing performed.
1), "file01a", "file01ab", but the output folders OP1, OP2,... Are separate folders, and the corresponding images in each folder have the same name "file01". ". In this case, by giving priority to the processed image data generated later in time and overwriting each image data, it is possible to successfully integrate the processed images.

When a different name is given to the image data depending on the processing, for example, "file01.org", "file0
What is necessary is just to change the extension of the image data name such as “1.a” or “file01.ac”. In this case, the processed image can be integrated by giving priority to the processed image data generated later in time based on the data name excluding the extension. When the data name is changed in accordance with the processing as described above, there is an advantage that the history of the processing can be known by properly setting the extension name.

Also, in this embodiment, the inspection result of the processing at each stage (“OK” or “N
G ”) are not stored, but these inspection results are stored, and the output folders OP1 to OP
4 may be integrated.

Note that steps S101 and S108 in FIG.
Is realized by the processing target image setting unit 191 in FIG. Further, the processing of steps S102 and S203 is realized by the processing condition setting unit 192 and the processed image generation unit 193, respectively. Step S104-
The processing of S107 and step S109 is performed by the image inspection unit 1
94. Note that the image inspection unit 194 of the present embodiment corresponds to the processing completed image selection unit in the present invention.

As described above, in this embodiment, each image is grouped by management information called a folder. Therefore, a plurality of images managed by the folder can be collectively processed as processing target images. Further, based on the result of the inspection, the processed images can be grouped by folders. This makes it possible to process a plurality of images efficiently.

B. Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing in a second embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing. In step S201 in FIG. 5, as in the first embodiment, the user sets a folder including image data of a plurality of images to be processed in the first stage as an input folder. In the first-stage processing shown in FIG. 6A, a folder IP1 including five image data file01 to file05 is set as an input folder. In the present embodiment, in step S201, an output folder OP1 and a completed folder CP for storing the processed image are prepared.

In step S202, processing conditions for processing a plurality of images in the input folder are set. FIG. 6A shows processing when the processing condition a is set.

When the processing conditions are set, step S20
In 3, the image processing is performed collectively using each of the plurality of images in the input folder as an original image. Step S
The processed image generated in 203 is stored in the output folder. 6A, the image data file01 to file05 in the input folder IP1 is processed.
From the processed image data file01a to file05a generated based on the processing condition a.
1 is stored.

When the processed image is generated, step S
At 204, it is sequentially checked whether each processed image has been adjusted to an image having the desired characteristics. The inspection in step S204 is performed in the same manner as in step S104 of FIG. That is, the processed image is inspected using the image inspection screen PC1 as shown in FIG. FIG.
In (A), as shown in the “inspection result” column, the inspection in the case where only the image of the processed image data file04a is classified as “OK” and the image of the other processed image data is classified as “NG” The results are shown.

In step S204 of FIG. 5, if the inspection result of the processed image is "NG", the process proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the inspection result of the processed image is “OK” in step S204, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the following operation is performed on the image related to the processed image classified as "OK". That is, the processed image data in the output folder is copied into the completed folder, and the image data before processing and the processed image data are deleted from the input folder and the output folder, respectively. In FIG. 6A, the processed image data file04a classified as "OK" in the input folder IP1 is copied into the completed folder CP. The unprocessed image data file04 classified as “OK” in the input folder IP1 has been deleted, and the input folder IP1 has been corrected (the folder IP1 ′ shown in FIG. 6A). “OK” in the output folder OP1
Are deleted and the output folder OP1 is corrected (FIG. 6A).
Folder OP1 ′). That is, the image data file01, file02, file03, and file05 before the processing in which the inspection result is “NG” remains in the corrected input folder IP1 ′. Also. Modified output folder OP1 '
, The processed image data file01a, file02a, file03a, and file05a for which the inspection result is “NG” are left.

In the above description, the output folder OP
1 is copied to the completion folder CP, and then the image data fi is output from the output folder OP1.
Although le04a has been deleted, the same holds true when the image data file04a is moved from the output folder OP1 to the completed folder CP.

In step S206, as described above, the processing in steps S204 and S205 is repeated for all processed images, as in the first embodiment.

In step S207 (FIG. 5), "NG" is determined by the inspection in step S204 as in the first embodiment.
If there is no processed image classified into, the process ends. On the other hand, in step S204, "N
If there is a processed image classified as "G", the flow advances to step S208 to continue the same processing as described above. FIG.
In (A), there is a processed image that is classified as “NG” as shown in the “inspection result” column.
Proceed to 8.

In step S208, a folder to be processed in the second stage is set as an input folder. At this time, an output folder is also set. In FIG. 6A, one of the input folder IP1 ′ corrected through the first-stage processing and the output folder OP1 ′ is set as the input folder IP2 in the second-stage processing. Can be. That is, the input folder IP1 'and the output folder OP1' of the present embodiment correspond to the reprocessing folder and the additional processing folder of the first embodiment, respectively. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, a corrected output folder OP1 'is set as the input folder IP2 for the second stage processing.

When the input folder to be processed in the second stage is set in step S208 (FIG. 5), the process returns to step S202. In step S202,
A second processing condition for processing an image in the newly set input folder IP2 (OP1 ′) is set. FIG.
In (B), a new processing condition b is set as the second processing condition.

By the processing of step S203 based on the processing condition b, the output folder OP2 (FIG. 6B)
Four image data in input folder IP2 (OP1 ')
Image data file01ab, file02ab, file03ab, file05ab generated from file01a, file02a, file03a, file05a
Has been saved. Steps S204 to S206
6B, the two image data file01ab and file02ab are divided into "NG" and the two image data file03ab and file05ab are divided into "OK" in FIG. 6B. At this time, the two image data file03ab and file05ab in the output folder OP2 are copied into the completed folder CP. Further, the input folder IP1 ′ corrected through the processing of the first stage is corrected again, and the four image data fi
Image data file01, file corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" among le01, file02, file03, and file05
Only 02 is left. In the input folder IP2 ′ corrected through the processing of the second stage, the input folder IP2
Of the four image data file01a, file02a, file03a,
Of the file05a, only the image data file01a and file02a corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" are left. Similarly, in the output folder OP2 ′ corrected through the processing of the second stage, the processed image classified into “NG” among the four image data file01ab, file02ab, file03ab, and file05ab in the output folder OP2. Image data file01a
Only b and file02ab are left. In FIG. 6B,
Output folder OP1 'corrected through the first stage processing
Has been used as the input folder IP2, and is therefore hatched.

After the processing of the second stage is completed, FIG.
Since “NG” is included in the “inspection result” column, the continuation of the process is selected in step S207. Third
In the processing of the second row, as shown in FIG. 6C, the input folder IP2 ′ corrected through the processing of the second row is set as the input folder IP3 (step S2).
08). In step S202, a third processing condition c is set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6C, the image data file01ac, generated from the two image data file01a and file02a in the input folder IP3 (IP2 ′) are stored in the output folder OP3 by the processing in step S203. file02ac is stored. Also,
The image data file02ac is divided into "NG" by the repetition processing of steps S204 to S206, and the image data fi
le01ac is classified as “OK”. At this time, the image data file01ac in the output folder OP3 is
Copied in P. Further, the input folder IP1 ′ corrected through the processing of the first and second stages is further corrected, and the image corresponding to the processed image classified into “NG” in the two image data file01 and file02. Data file02
Only are left. The output folder OP2 'corrected through the processing of the second stage is further corrected, and the two image data
Of the file01ab and file02ab, only the image data file02ab corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" is left. Further, in the input folder IP3 ′ corrected through the processing of the third stage, the image corresponding to the processed image classified into “NG” among the two image data file01a and file02a in the input folder IP3. Only data file02a is left. Similarly, in the output folder OP3 'modified through the processing of the third stage, only the processed image data file02ac which is classified into "NG" among the two image data file01ac and file02ac in the output folder OP3. Is left.
In FIG. 6C, the input folder IP2 ′ corrected through the processing in the second row is the input folder I3 in the third row.
Since it has been used as P3, it is hatched.

As described above, when there are no processed images classified as "NG" in the inspection result in step S204, all images are adjusted to images having desired characteristics in the completed folder CP. A completed processing image has been generated.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the processing in each stage is completed, the processed images are sequentially copied into the completed folder. Therefore, after all the images are adjusted to the images having the desired characteristics, it is not necessary to integrate the output folders as in step S109 (FIG. 2) of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the processing in each stage is completed, the contents of the input folder and the output folder are corrected, so that the image data is copied to the reprocessing folder or the additional processing folder as in the first embodiment. There is an advantage that there is no need to do this.

C. Third Embodiment: FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing in the third embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing. In step S301 in FIG. 7, the user sets a folder including image data of a plurality of images to be processed in the first stage of processing as an input folder. The first shown in FIG.
In the processing in the second row, a folder IP1 including five image data file01 to file05 is set as an input folder. In step S301, N output folders and completion folders are prepared in addition to the input folder. In this embodiment, a case where N = 3 will be described. Therefore, in FIG. 8A, three folders OP1x, OP1y, and OP1z are prepared as output folders, and a folder CP is prepared as a completed folder.

In S302, N types of processing conditions for processing a plurality of images in the input folder are set. In this embodiment, since the image processing programs for executing the various processing conditions are prepared in advance as described above, N types of processing conditions can be selected from these image processing programs, and a plurality of image processing programs can be selected. N kinds of processing conditions can be set by combining programs. FIG. 8A shows a process in a case where a processing condition a, a processing condition ab, and a processing condition ac are set as three types of processing conditions.

When the processing conditions are set, step S30
In step 3, N types of image processing are collectively performed using each of the plurality of images in the input folder as an original image. The N types of processed images generated in step S303 are stored in N output folders, respectively. In the first stage of the process shown in FIG. 8A, the image data file01 to file
Image data file01a to file05 respectively generated from 05
a is stored in the first output folder OP1x.
Similarly, image data file01ab-file05ab, file01ac-file generated from image data file01-file05 in input folder IP1 based on processing condition ab and processing condition ac.
05ac is the second and third output folder OP1 respectively
y, OP1z.

When the processed image is generated, step S
At 304, it is sequentially checked whether each processed image has been adjusted to an image having the desired characteristics. FIG.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an image inspection screen PC2 in a third embodiment. This image inspection screen PC2 has four image display areas AI, AO1 to AO3. Also, the OK in FIG.
In place of the button BT1, four selection buttons BT10 to BT14 of "0" to "3" are provided. Note that the number of image display areas on the image inspection screen PC2 in FIG. 9 is changed depending on the number of set processing conditions. Therefore, when N types of processing conditions are set, the image display area is (N
+1) are set.

The first image display area AI is determined in step S3.
03 is an area for displaying an original image before image processing. Second to fourth image display areas AO1 to AO3
Is an area for displaying three types of processed images generated from the original images displayed in the first image display area AI. In FIG. 9, the input folder I shown in FIG.
The image of the image data file01 in P1 is displayed in the first image display area AI as an original image. At this time, the image of the image data file01a corresponding to the image data file01 in the first output folder OP1x is displayed in the second image display area AO1.
Is displayed in. Similarly, the images of the image data file01ab and file01ac corresponding to the image data file01 in the second and third output folders OP1y and OP1z are displayed in the third and fourth image display areas AO2 and AO3.

"0" to "3" buttons BT10 to BT
13 and an NG button BT14 are buttons for classifying whether or not the image displayed in each image display area has been adjusted to an image having desired characteristics. "0" to "3" buttons BT10 to BT13 correspond to the images displayed in the image display areas AI, AO1, AO2, and AO3, respectively. As a result of the inspection in step S304, if it can be determined that any image has been adjusted to an image having desired characteristics, the “0” to “3” buttons BT10 to BT13 are selected. On the other hand, if none of the images has been adjusted to have the desired characteristics, the NG button BT2 is selected. As described above, in the present embodiment, the original image before processing can be selected as the processing completed image by selecting the “0” button BT10. In this way, when there is an image that does not need to be adjusted in the input folder, there is an advantage that this can be determined as the processing completed image. In FIG. 8A, since “3” is selected for the image data file01 as shown in the “inspection result” column, the image of the image data file01ac stored in the third output folder OP1z is processed. It is classified as a completed image. Similarly, image data file03 to file05
Also, since “2”, “1”, and “2” are selected, respectively, the image data file03ab, file04a, and file05ab stored in the output folders OP1x and OP1y are classified as the processed images. On the other hand, image data fi
Since “NG” is selected for le02, all of them are classified as images that have not been adjusted to images having desired characteristics.

In step S304 in FIG. 7, when any one of the images is classified as a processed image,
If the inspection result is from “0” to “N”, step S
Proceed to 305. On the other hand, in step S304, if none of the images is classified as a processed image, that is, if the inspection result is “NG”, the process proceeds directly to step S306.

In step S305, "0" to
The following operation is performed on the images classified into “N”. That is, the image data divided into the processed images is copied into the completed folder, and all the image data corresponding to the processed images in the input folder and the N output folders are deleted. In FIG. 8A, image data file01ac, file03ab, and file04 classified as the processing completed image.
a and file05ab are copied in the completion folder CP. The image data corresponding to the processed image is deleted from each folder (the modified input folder IP1 'and each output folder OP1 shown in FIG. 8A).
x ', OP1y', OP1z '). At this time, only the unprocessed image data file02 in which the inspection result is classified as “NG” remains in the input folder IP1 ′. Also,
In each of the output folders OP1x ', OP1y', OP1z ', only processed image data file02a, file02ab, and file02ac in which the inspection result is classified as "NG" are left.

In step S306, as described above, for all processed images, step S304,
The processing of S305 is repeatedly performed.

In step S307 (FIG. 7), if there is no image classified as "NG" by the inspection in step S304, the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if there is an image classified as “NG” in step S304, the process proceeds to step S308, and the same processing as described above is continued. In FIG. 8A, since there is an image that is classified as “NG” as shown in the “inspection result” column, step S
Proceed to 308.

In step S308, a folder to be processed in the second stage is set as an input folder. At this time, similarly to step S301, N output folders are also set. In FIG. 8A, one of the input folder IP1 'and the three output folders OP1x', OP1y ', and OP1z' corrected through the first-stage processing is set as the input folder IP2 for the second-stage processing. Can be set. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, a third output folder OP1z 'is set as the input folder IP2 for the second stage processing.

When the input folder to be processed in the second stage is set in step S308 (FIG. 7), the process returns to step S302. In step S302,
N types of second processing conditions for processing images in the newly set input folder IP2 (OP1z ′) are set. In FIG. 8B, new processing conditions b, d, and de are set as the second processing conditions.

By the processing of step S303, the image data file02ac generated from the image data file02ac in the input folder IP2 (OP1z ') is included in each of the output folders OP2x, OP2y, OP2z (FIG. 8B).
b, file02acd and file02acde are stored. By the processing of steps S304 to S306, in FIG.
“2” is selected. That is, the image data file02acd in the second output folder OP2y is classified as a processed image. Based on the inspection result, the image data in the second output folder OP2y is stored in the completed folder CP.
file02acd is copied. At this time, the input folder IP2 and the output folders OP2x, OP2y,
Each image included in OP2z is deleted.

As described above, when there are no images classified as "NG" in the inspection result in step S304, the processed images for all the images are generated in the completed folder CP.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of processing conditions can be set in the processing in each stage, so that a plurality of types of image processing can be performed simultaneously. Further, since the original image before processing and the corresponding plural types of processed images can be simultaneously compared and determined, there is an advantage that the work efficiency of the user is improved.

D. Fourth Embodiment: In the first to third embodiments, each image data is managed by a folder, but in this embodiment, each image data is managed by a list in which the data name is registered. ing. The procedure of image processing and the result of inspection in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image processing in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of the image processing. Step S401 in FIG.
In, the user sets, as an input list, a list in which the data names of a plurality of images to be processed in the first stage are registered. The setting of the input list may be performed by sequentially designating arbitrary images one by one.
By designating a work folder in which a plurality of images are stored, a list may be generated and set from image data included in the work folder. Hereinafter, a description will be given of a process when an input list is set by designating a work folder.

FIGS. 11A-1 to 11-3 show the image data in the work folder when the processing of each stage is completed. In the drawing, image data surrounded by a broken line indicates image data existing before processing in each stage, and other image data indicates image data added after processing in each stage. Therefore, when a work folder is specified in step S401 in the first stage of processing, the work folder shown in FIG.
As shown in 1), the work folder contains only five image data file01 to file05. When a work folder is designated, an input list LIP1 is set as shown in FIG. 11 (A-2). The input list LIP1 has five image data names file01 to file included in the work folder.
05 is registered.

In step S401, an output list, a reprocessing list, and an additional processing list are set in addition to the input list. In FIG. 11A-2, an output list,
Lists LOP1, LRP1, and LAP1 are set as the reprocessing list and the additional processing list, respectively. For each list other than the input list, step S
401, or steps S403 and S40 to be described later
4 may be automatically created during the processing in FIG.

In step S402 (FIG. 10),
A processing condition for processing images of a plurality of image data registered in the input list is set. FIG. 11 (A-1),
(A-2) shows the processing when the processing condition a is set.

When the processing conditions are set, step S40
In 3, image processing is collectively performed using each of the plurality of images registered in the input list as an original image. Processed image data file01a generated by image processing
The file 05a is stored in the work folder as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11A-2, the data names file01a to file05a of the generated processed images are registered in the output list LOP1.

When the processed image is generated, step S
At 404, it is sequentially checked whether each processed image has been adjusted to an image having the desired characteristics. This inspection is performed on the image inspection screen PC1 as shown in FIG.

In step S404 in FIG. 10, if the inspection result of the processed image is "OK", the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, when the inspection result of the processed image is “NG” in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S405, the following operation is performed on the processed image classified as "NG". That is, the image data name before processing in the input list is registered in the reprocessing list, and the processed image data name in the output list is registered in the additional processing list. FIG.
In (A-2), image data names file01, file02, and file0 before processing classified into "NG" in the input list LIP1.
3, file05 is registered in the reprocessing list LRP1. In addition, processed image data names file01a, file02a, and file03 classified into "NG" in the output list LOP1.
a and file05a are registered in the additional processing list LAP1.

In step S406, steps S404 and S404 are executed for all the processed images as described above.
Step 405 is repeated.

In step S407 (FIG. 10),
If there is no processed image classified as “NG” by the inspection in step S404, the process proceeds to step S40.
Go to 9. If there is a processed image classified as “NG” in step S404, the process proceeds to step S408.
And the same processing as above is continued. In FIG. 11A, since there is a processed image classified as “NG” as shown in the “inspection result” column, the process proceeds to step S408.

In step S408, a list in which image data names to be processed in the second stage processing are registered is set as an input list. At this time, similarly to step S401, another output list, reprocessing list,
An additional processing list is also set. In FIG. 11A-2, one of the reprocessing list LRP1 by the first-stage processing and the additional processing list LAP1 can be set as the input list LIP2 for the second-stage processing. .
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B-2, the additional processing list L
AP1 is set.

In step S408 (FIG. 10), the second
When the input list to be processed in the stage is set, the process returns to step S402. In step S402,
A second processing condition for processing an image registered in the newly set input list LIP2 (LAP1) is set. In FIG. 11B-2, the processing condition b is set as the second processing condition.

As shown in FIG. 11 (B-1), in the work folder, the four image data file01a, file02a, file02a, file03a, fi
processed image data file01ab, fi generated from le05a
le02ab, file03ab, and file05ab are newly saved.
At this time, four image data names file01ab, file02ab, and file03a are included in the output list LOP2 (FIG. 11B-2).
b and file05ab are registered. Steps S404 to S
By the repetition processing of 406, in FIG.
The two image data file01ab and file02ab are classified as “NG”, and the two image data file03ab and file05ab are “OK”.
It is divided into. At this time, the first reprocessing list LP
In R1, the data names of the four images file01, file02, fi
Of the le03 and file05, only the image data names file01 and file02 corresponding to the processed images classified as “NG” are left. In the second reprocessing list LRP2, the four image data names file01a and file02 in the input list LIP2 are included.
a, file03a and file05a, the image data name before processing corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" file01a
, File02a are registered. Similarly, the four additional image data names file01ab, file02ab, file03ab, and file05 in the output list LOP2 are included in the second additional processing list LAP2.
Name of processed image data classified as "NG" in ab
Only file01ab and file02ab are registered. Since the first additional processing list LAP1 has already been used as the input list LIP2 for the second stage processing, it is hatched in FIG. 11B-2.

After the processing of the second stage is completed, FIG.
Since "NG" is included in the "inspection result" column of -2), the continuation of the process is selected in step S407. In the processing of the third stage, as shown in FIG. 11C-2, the second reprocessing list LRP2 is set as the input list LIP3 (step S408). In step S402, a third processing condition c is set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 (C-1), by the process of step S403, the 2nd registered in the input list LIP3 (LRP2) is stored in the work folder.
Processed image data file01ac and file02ac generated from the two image data file01a and file02a are newly stored. The output list LOP3 (FIG. 11 (C-2))
In the table, two image data names file01ac and file02ac are registered. Also, by repeating the processing of steps S404 to S406, in FIG.
02ac is classified as “NG”, and the image data file01ac is
K ”. At this time, in the first reprocessing list LPR1, only the image data name file02 corresponding to the processed image classified into "NG" is left among the two image data names file01 and file02. In the second additional process list LAP2, two image data names file01ab and file
Of the 02ab, only the image data name file02ab corresponding to the processed image classified into “NG” is left. Also, the third
Of the two image data names file01a and file02a in the input list LIP3, "N"
Image data name file02a corresponding to the image classified into "G"
Only registered. Similarly, the third additional processing list LA
In P3, two image data in the output list LOP3
Of the file01ac and file02ac, only the image data name file02ac corresponding to the image classified as “NG” is registered. In FIG. 11C, the second reprocessing list LRP2
Are already used as the input list LIP3 for the third-stage processing, and are therefore hatched.

In this manner, if there are no processed images classified as "NG" in the inspection result in step S404 and all the processed images have been generated, the process of each stage is performed in step S409. Are integrated. By integrating the output lists, only the image data name of the processed image can be obtained. In the present embodiment, each output list LOP1, LOP
Priority is given to the processed image data name registered later in OP2. The output list integrated in this way is a list of only the processing completed images adjusted to the images having the desired characteristics. Therefore, if this list is used, only the processed image can be successfully extracted from the work folder.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first
Each image is managed using a list instead of the folder in the embodiment. In this manner, similarly to the first embodiment, a processed image adjusted to an image having desired characteristics can be obtained. In addition, when a list is used, there is an advantage that quick processing can be performed because there is no need to copy images.

As described above, in the above embodiment,
Since a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information such as a folder or a list are set as processing target images, image processing can be performed collectively under set processing conditions. At this time, processing-completed images adjusted to images having desired characteristics are grouped by management information. In addition, since images that have not been adjusted to images having desired characteristics are also grouped by the management information, by resetting these as images to be processed, image processing can be performed collectively again. As described above, by grouping a plurality of images by the management information, it is possible to efficiently process the plurality of images.

The present invention is not limited to the above Examples and Embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention.
For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the first to fourth embodiments,
In the image inspection process (for example, step S104 in FIG. 2), the image before processing and the processed image are inspected by displaying them side by side as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. Instead of displaying the processed image, only the processed image may be displayed for inspection. However, in the case where the image before processing and the processed image are compared side by side as in the above embodiment, it can be easily determined whether or not the processed image is adjusted to an image having desired characteristics. There are advantages.

(2) In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, in the image inspection process (for example, step S104 in FIG. 2), only the processed image is targeted for the processed image. As in the example, the image before the processing may be added to the processing target image. Conversely, in the third embodiment, the image before the processing may be excluded from the inspection target, and only the processed image may be the target of the processed image.

(3) In the fourth embodiment, the input list LIP
Although 1 is generated based on a plurality of image data in one work folder, the image data to be registered in the input list LIP1 may be individually registered by the user. At this time, the user inputs only a part of the plurality of image data in the work folder to the input list LIP.
1 may be registered. Further, the image data included in the separate work folders may be registered in one input list LIP1. In this case, in addition to the image data name, a folder name including the image data may be registered in the input list.

(4) In the fourth embodiment, the case where a list is applied in place of the folder of the first embodiment has been described. However, the list can be similarly applied to the second and third embodiments.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image processing apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image inspection screen PC1 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of image processing.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an image inspection screen PC2 in a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of image processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 CPU 100a Bus line 110 Image data memory 120 ROM 130 Display unit 140 Magnetic disk 150 Input device 190 RAM 191 Processing target image setting unit 192 Processing condition setting unit 193 Processed image generation unit 194 ... Image inspection unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yuji Nagashima 4-chome Tenjin Kitamachi 1-chome, Horikawa-dori-Terauchi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto F-term (reference) in Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. 5B050 AA09 BA06 BA07 BA10 BA12 BA13 CA07 DA08 FA09 FA12 FA13 FA19 GA08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image processing method, comprising: (a) setting a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information as a set of processing target images; and (b) setting the one set of processing target images. Setting a first processing condition that defines the content of image processing for processing the images in a batch, and (c) setting each of the set of processing target images as an original image under the first processing condition. Performing a batch of image processing to generate a set of processed images corresponding to the set of processing target images; and (d) selecting a desired processed image from the set of processed images. And grouping the selected processed images as a set of processed images according to the management information. 2. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein:
Further, (e) selecting an original image before the image processing corresponding to an unselected processed image from the set of processed images, and selecting the selected original image as a set of reprocessed images. Images are grouped according to the management information, and unprocessed images selected from the set of processed images are selected, and the selected processed images are set as a set of additional processing target images in the management information. (F) setting one of the set of reprocessing images and the set of additional processing images as a new set of processing images;
(G) a step of setting a second processing condition defining the content of the new image processing; and (h) the steps (c) to (g).
And a step of repeating the processing of at least one time. 3. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of processing conditions for performing a plurality of image processes are set as the first processing conditions in the step (b). When a plurality of sets of processed images are generated in the step (c), the step (d) includes arranging corresponding images of the one set of processing target images and the plurality of sets of processed images. An image processing method including a step of displaying on a screen. 4. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the grouping according to the management information is realized by using a folder in a file system of a computer. Method. 5. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a processing target image setting unit configured to set a plurality of images grouped according to specific management information as a set of processing target images; A processing condition setting unit that sets a first processing condition that defines the content of the image processing to be processed, and collectively processes each of the set of processing target images as an original image under the first processing condition. A processed image generating unit that performs image processing to generate a set of processed images corresponding to the set of processing target images; and outputs a desired processed image from the set of processed images. Select and process the selected processed image as 1
An image processing apparatus, comprising: a processing-completed image selecting unit configured to group a set of processing-completed images according to the management information.