JP2000350128A - Image processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably reproduce a picture in the case of reprint by setting processing through the use of the picture data of a picture that are supplied and storing the processed picture information to a storage means in a 1st processing mode, retrieving the storage means, reading corresponding picture information and setting the picture processing in a 2nd processing mode. SOLUTION: In the 1st processing mode, a setup section 70 generates a density histogram from preliminary scanning data, calculates picture characteristics values such as the mean density, prescribed percentage points of the frequency of the density histogram like a highlight points and shadow points, and the maximum and a minimum value of the histogram, and sets the read condition of the main scanning. In the 2nd processing and 3rd processing modes, the read condition of the main scanning is set by conducting generation of the density histogram and calculation of the image feature values, and a retrieval means 80 uses picture information from a storage means 78 to reproduce processing in a main scanning processing section 56 and supplies the result to a parameter integration section 76.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of a print system for outputting a print (photograph) reproducing an image photographed on a film or an image photographed by a digital camera. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of suitably matching images of simultaneous printing and reprinting in a printing system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, an image photographed on a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a film) such as a negative film or a reversal film is printed on a photosensitive material (photographic paper) by projecting an image of the film onto the photosensitive material. Exposure, so-called direct exposure, is the mainstream.

On the other hand, in recent years, a printing apparatus using digital exposure, that is, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read, the read image is converted into a digital signal, and then various image processing is performed. 2. Description of the Related Art Digital photo printers have been put to practical use, in which image data (latent images) are recorded by scanning and exposing a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data, and the resulting images are printed.

A digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading apparatus) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film by reading light incident on the film and reading the projected light. A predetermined process is performed on the read image data or the image data supplied from the digital camera or the like, and the image data for image recording, that is, an image processing device that is used as an exposure condition, and an image data output from the image processing device. For example, a printer (image recording apparatus) that scans and exposes a photosensitive material by light beam scanning to record a latent image and develops the photosensitive material exposed by the printer to reproduce an image (finished) (Developing device).

According to such a digital photo printer, the image can be adjusted by processing the image data as the digital image data, so that the image skipping and blur caused by the backlight, the strobe photographing or the like can be corrected. ,
By suitably performing a sharpness (sharpening) process or the like, a high-quality print that cannot be obtained by conventional direct exposure can be obtained. Moreover, according to the digital photo printer, an image photographed by a digital camera or the like can be output as a print.

[0006]

By the way, not only such a digital photo printer but also an image photographed on a film or a print outputted from image data photographed by a digital camera is used in response to a request for additional printing or the like. In many cases, so-called reprinting, in which an image (frame) printed once is output as a print again, is often performed. In this case, unless there is a correction instruction, the reproduced image is identical between the previously output print (usually, the print output during simultaneous printing) and the reprint. Is required. However, there are many cases where the color or density of the image differs between the previous print and the reprint due to the judgment of the operator or the difference in the operation, etc.
There are many complaints from customers.

[0007] If the previously output print is inappropriate, reprinting is performed again to output the print. It is desired that the reprinting be performed with good workability and efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to provide a print system for outputting a print reproduced from an image photographed on a photographic film or an image photographed by a digital camera or the like. In the re-order printing in response to the request, etc., it is possible to stably reproduce an image having the same color and density as the image of the previous print (an image that matches), and to print the image when the previous print is inappropriate. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can perform reworking with good workability.

[0009]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for processing an image to generate an output image, the storage device storing image information relating to the processed image. And a selecting means for selecting a first processing mode and a second processing mode. In the first processing mode, processing is set using image data of the supplied image, and an image of the processed image is set. Image processing, wherein information is stored in the storage means, and in the second processing mode, the storage means is searched to read out corresponding image information, and image processing is set using the image information. Provide equipment.

In the second processing mode, when there is an instruction to correct the processing, the storage means overwrites the image information corresponding to the correction instruction or stores the image information according to the correction instruction. It is preferable to delete the previous image information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for processing an image to produce an output image, comprising: storage means for storing image information related to the processed image; Selecting means for selecting a second processing mode and a third processing mode. In the first processing mode, processing is set using image data of the supplied image, and image information of the processed image is Memorize in the storage means,
In the second processing mode, the storage unit is searched to read out the corresponding image information, the image processing is set from the image information, and the image information in the storage unit is not changed. In the mode, the storage means is searched to read out corresponding image information, and image processing is set using this image information, and new image information is overwritten and stored in the storage means, or the previous image information is stored. Provided is an image processing apparatus characterized in that information is deleted and new image information is stored.

[0012] It is preferable that at least one of a search range and a search parameter when searching the storage means is different between the second processing mode and the third processing mode.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus for processing an image to produce an output image, wherein the storage means stores image information related to the processed image, and an instruction to read the image information is provided. Read instruction means for performing the search, search means for searching the storage means in response to an instruction from the read instruction means, and storage instruction means for image information effective when the corresponding image information is searched by the search means. Have
When there is no instruction from the read instruction unit, the process is set using the supplied image data, and the image information of the processed image is stored in the storage unit, and when there is an instruction from the read instruction unit. Setting an image processing using the image information read by the search unit, and storing, in the storage unit, image information of an image processed based on an instruction from the storage instruction unit. provide.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer using the image processing apparatus of the present invention. The image processing apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used not only for such a digital photo printer, but also for a conventional direct exposure photo printer (analog photo printer) that prints photographic paper by projecting light from a film. It is. That is, the image processed by the image processing apparatus of the present invention may be various image data obtained by photoelectrically reading an image (including a shooting scene), and may be an original image shot on a film or the like. (The projected light or the reflected light).

A digital photo printer (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 basically includes a scanner (image reading device) 12 for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a film F, and a read image. The image data (image information) is processed into image data for output, and an image processing device 14 for operating and controlling the entire photo printer 10 and the like are modulated according to the image data output from the image processing device 14. And a printer 16 for exposing a photosensitive material (printing paper) to an image with the light beam, developing the finished material, and outputting it as a (finished) print. The image processing apparatus 14 also has a keyboard 18a for inputting mode selection, processing instructions, instructions for color / density correction, and the like.
And an operation system 18 having a mouse 18b and a scanner 1
Image read in step 2, various operation instructions, setting of conditions /
A display 20 for displaying a registration screen and the like is connected.

The scanner 12 is a device for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on the film F or the like. The light source 22, the variable aperture 24, and a diffusion device for making the reading light incident on the film F uniform in the surface direction of the film F. A box 28, an imaging lens unit 32, an image sensor 34 having a line CCD sensor corresponding to each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) image reading, an amplifier (amplifier) 36, and A / D (analog / digital) converter 38.

In the photo printer 10, 1
35 size and new photo system (Advanced Photo System)
For example, a dedicated carrier 30 is prepared for each of the films F to be read. These carriers 30 are configured to be freely attached to the main body of the scanner 12, and can exchange various films and processes by exchanging the carriers 30. Images (frames) shot on film and used for print creation are
The carrier 30 is transported to a predetermined reading position.

When the scanner 12 reads an image photographed on the film F, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and the light amount of which is adjusted by the variable aperture 24 is moved to a predetermined reading position by the carrier 30. By entering the transmitted film F and transmitting the same, projection light carrying an image photographed on the film F is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the carrier 30 has a pair of transport rollers 30a and 30b arranged with a predetermined reading position interposed therebetween, and a reading device for regulating the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape. And a mask 40 having a slit 40a positioned corresponding to the position. Slit 40
a extends in the same direction (main scanning direction) as the line CCD sensor, and includes a pair of transport rollers 30a and 30b.
Transports the film F in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction while keeping the longitudinal direction of the film F coincident with the reading position. The film F receives the reading light while being transported in the sub-scanning direction while being positioned at the reading position by the carrier 30. As a result, the film F is two-dimensionally slit-scanned by the slit 40a extending in the main scanning direction, and the image of each frame captured on the film F is read.

A magnetic recording medium is formed on a film of the new photographic system, and a magnetic head for reading / recording information on the magnetic recording medium is provided on a carrier 30 corresponding to the film (cartridge) of the new photographic system. 42 are arranged. The magnetic recording medium of the film of the new photographic system includes a film I, which is an identification code unique to the film.
Various information such as D, frame number, shooting date and time are recorded, and these information are read by the magnetic head 42 when the film F is transported and sent to a predetermined portion of the image processing apparatus 14 or the like. Is transferred to the carrier 30 and recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film F.

The carrier 30 has a DX code optically recorded on the film F, an extended DX code, an FNS
A code reader 44 for reading bar codes such as codes and various information optically recorded on a film is provided. By reading these codes, it is possible to detect various kinds of information such as a film type and a frame number. Various kinds of information read by the code reader 44 are stored in the image processing apparatus 1.
4 and so on.

As described above, the reading light is transmitted through the film F held by the carrier 30 and becomes projection light for carrying an image. The projection light is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32. Imaged. FIG. 2 (B)
The image sensor 34 is a so-called three-line color CCD sensor having a line CCD sensor 34R for reading an R image, a line CCD sensor 34G for reading a G image, and a line CCD sensor 34B for reading a B image. Extends in the scanning direction. Film F
Is separated into three primary colors of R, G and B by the image sensor 34 and read photoelectrically. The output signal of the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36,
The digital signal is sent to the image processing device 14 by the A / D converter 38.

The scanner 12 reads an image photographed on the film F by two image readings: a pre-scan for reading at a low resolution and a main scan for obtaining image data of an output image. The pre-scan is performed under the pre-scan reading conditions set so that the image sensor 34 can read the images of all the films targeted by the scanner 12 without saturation. On the other hand, the main scan is performed based on the pre-scan data at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame).
The scanning is performed under the main scanning reading conditions set for each frame so that the number 4 is saturated. Therefore, even for the same image, the output signals of the pre-scan and the main scan have different resolutions and output levels.

In the present invention, the scanner is not limited to the one using the slit scanning, and may use a surface exposure that reads the entire surface of an image of one frame at a time. In this case, for example, an area CCD
Using a sensor, a means for inserting R, G, and B color filters is provided between the light source and the film F, and each color filter is sequentially inserted, and an image is read by an area CCD sensor. May be decomposed into three primary colors and sequentially performed.

As described above, the output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is transmitted to the image processing device 14 according to the present invention.
Is output to Note that the image processing apparatus 14 of the present invention includes an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a reflection document in addition to the image of the film F read by the scanner 12, an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera,
Communication means such as an AN (Local Area Network) and a computer communication network; various image reading means and image pickup means such as a memory card, an MO (magneto-optical recording medium), and a medium (recording medium) such as a photo CD; Image data may be received from various image data sources, such as a storage unit, and may be subjected to the following processing.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the image processing apparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing device 14 (hereinafter, referred to as the processing device 14) includes a data processing unit 46, Lo
g converter 48, prescan (frame) memory 50,
Main scan (frame) memory 52, pre-scan processing unit 54, main scan processing unit 56, and condition setting unit 58
Is configured. The storage unit 78 and the search unit 80 are connected to the condition setting unit 58 (a parameter integration unit 76 described later). FIG. 3 mainly shows parts related to image processing. The image processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire photo printer 10 including the processing apparatus 14, a photo printer, and the like. A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the shutter 10, a means for determining the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and the accumulation time of the CCD sensor 34, and the like are arranged. The operation system 18 and the display 20 are provided with a CPU or the like. Bus).

Such a processing device 14 is, for example,
A first processing mode mainly corresponding to simultaneous printing, a mode corresponding to reprinting, a second processing mode mainly corresponding to reorder printing, and a third processing mode mainly corresponding to reprinting of prints. It has three processing modes,
Image data processing (image processing) is performed according to the selected mode. Note that there is no particular limitation on the method of selecting the processing mode, and input by the keyboard 18a, a GUI (graphical user interface) using the display 20 and the mouse 18b.
nterface) or the like.

First, the R, G, and B output signals output from the scanner 12 are first processed by the data processing unit 46.
Predetermined processes such as DC offset correction, dark time correction, shading correction, etc. are performed, converted by the Log converter 48 into digital image data, and pre-scanned (image)
The data is stored (stored) in the pre-scan memory 50 and the main scan (image) data is stored in the main scan memory 52.

The pre-scan data stored in the pre-scan memory 50 is processed by the pre-scan processing section 54 to be image data corresponding to the display on the display 20. The main scan data stored in the main scan memory 52 is The image data is processed by the main scan processing unit 56 and becomes image data corresponding to the output by the printer 16. The pre-scan processing unit 54 includes an image processing unit 62 and a signal conversion unit 64. On the other hand, the main scan processing unit 5
6 includes an image processing unit 66 and a signal conversion unit 68.

Image processing section 62 of prescan processing section 54
(Hereinafter, referred to as a processing unit 62) and a main scan processing unit 56
The image processing unit 66 (hereinafter, referred to as a processing unit 66) is a part that performs image processing on an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 according to the setting of the condition setting unit 58 described later in detail. is there. Both perform basically the same processing except that the pixel densities of the image data to be processed are different.

The image processing in the processing unit 62 and the processing unit 66 is various known image processing.
Gray balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, density adjustment, electronic scaling processing, sharpness (sharpening) processing, graininess suppression processing, dodging processing (by image data compression while maintaining intermediate gradations,
One or more of a special exposure such as a dodging effect in a direct exposure photo printer, a geometric distortion correction, a peripheral light amount correction, a red-eye correction, a soft focus and a black and white finish are exemplified.

Each of these processes may be performed by a known method, such as a processing operation (algorithm), a process by an adder or a subtractor, a process by an LUT (lookup table), a matrix (MTX) operation, a process by a filter, and the like. Are appropriately combined. For example, gray balance adjustment, density adjustment, and gradation adjustment are performed by a method using an LUT created according to an image feature amount.
In the method using the X operation, the sharpness processing is performed by dividing an image into frequency components, multiplying a luminance signal obtained from middle and high frequency components by a sharpness gain (sharpness correction coefficient), and obtaining luminance information. Is added to the low-frequency component.

The signal conversion unit 64 of the prescan processing unit 54
Converts the image data processed by the processing unit 62 into 3D
(Three-dimensional)-a part converted by a LUT or the like into image data corresponding to display on the display 20. On the other hand, the signal conversion unit 68 of the main scan processing unit 56 converts the image data processed by the processing unit 66 with a 3D-LUT or the like, converts the image data into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16, It is a part to supply.
The processing conditions in both conversion units are set by the condition setting unit 58.

The image processing and processing conditions performed by the pre-scan processing section 54 and the main scan processing section 56 are set by a condition setting section 58. The condition setting unit 58 includes a setup unit 70, a key correction unit 74, and a parameter integration unit 76.
6, the search means 80 and the storage means 7 as described above.
8 are connected.

The setup section 70 determines the reading conditions for the main scan, the image processing in the prescan processing section 54 and the main scan processing section 56, and the like. More specifically, when the designated mode is the first processing mode, the setup unit 70 creates a density histogram from the pre-scan data, averages density, highlights (minimum density) and shadows (maximum density). The calculation of image characteristic amounts such as a predetermined percentage point of the frequency of the density histogram, LATD (large area transmission density), the maximum value and the minimum value density of the histogram, and the like, and the reading conditions of the main scan are set as described above. ,
Further, image processing to be executed from various image processings and an execution order are determined according to a density histogram, an image feature amount, an operator's instruction, and the like. Further, image processing conditions of each image processing, a signal conversion unit 68 and the like are used. Calculate conversion conditions, etc.,
It is supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.

On the other hand, in the case of the second processing mode and the third processing mode, the setup unit 76 creates a density histogram and calculates an image feature amount in the same manner as in the first processing mode to set the reading conditions of the main scan. In addition to the setting, the search unit 80 reproduces the processing in the main scan processing unit 56 at the time of simultaneous printing using the image information of the frame to be reprinted read from the storage unit 78, and supplies the same to the parameter integration unit 76. When the printing conditions and the like are different between the first processing mode and the other modes, the image processing conditions and the like at the time of reprinting may be changed as necessary. For example, when the conditions related to the image structure are different, such as when the print size and resolution are different, processing conditions for image adjustment related to the image structure, such as parameters for sharpness processing and graininess suppression processing, etc. To change.

In any of the modes, the setup unit 76 is not limited to calculating the processing conditions only from the image data of the frame to be printed. The processing conditions of each frame may be set using image data of all frames or image data of a plurality of frames processed earlier.

The key correction section 74 calculates an adjustment amount of the image processing condition in accordance with an instruction such as color adjustment, density adjustment, and contrast (gradation) adjustment input from the keyboard 18a or the mouse 18b of the operation system 18. , To the parameter integration unit 76.

The parameter integration section 76 receives the image processing conditions and the like calculated by the setup section 70, sets them in predetermined portions of the prescan processing section 54 and the main scan processing section 56, and further calculates the key correction section 74. The image processing conditions set for each part are adjusted according to the adjustment amount or the like. In the first processing mode, the parameter integrating unit 76 sends the image information of the frame to the storage unit 78 in response to the output instruction, and in the second processing mode, the search unit 8
0 supplies necessary information among the read image information to the setup unit 70 and the like. In the third processing mode, the search unit 80 supplies necessary information to the setup unit 70 and the like among the read image information. The image information of the frame is sent to the storage unit 78 in response to the output instruction. This will be described in detail later.

As described above, the parameter integration section 76 has the search means 80 and the storage means 78 for storing image information of a frame for which a print was previously created (ie, a frame previously processed in the first processing mode). Is connected.

In the present invention, the image information (data of image information) means, for example, the frame (image) of the storage means 78.
And the image processing information which is information of the processing performed on the frame in the processing in the first processing mode. The search information is information for identifying the frame, for example, film information and a frame number for specifying the film F on which the frame was shot.

As the film information, for example, in the case of the film F of the new photographic system, since the above-mentioned film ID is set, the film F can be specified using this. As described above, the film ID is recorded as magnetic information, and is also described in a cartridge or an index print. Therefore, the film ID is obtained by reading the magnetic information by the carrier 30 or inputting a keyboard by an operator. be able to.

In the case of a film other than the new photographic system (hereinafter referred to as a normal film for convenience), the film information includes a film size, a film manufacturer,
Film type, information of customer who requested print creation, identification information of photo printer 10, print creation (image processing)
Are performed, various information described in the back print, image characteristic values, and the like. The image characteristic value is a characteristic value of the image of the frame, for example, information of the image feature amount and the density histogram calculated by the above-described setup unit 70, a low-resolution image such as a compressed image or a thinned image,
An image feature amount, a density histogram, a compressed image, a thumbnail image, and the like of each block obtained by dividing the image into blocks are exemplified.

As described above, the film size can be obtained by the carrier 30 mounted on the scanner 12, and the film type is D
It can be obtained by reading an X code or the like. Alternatively, various kinds of information may be obtained by keyboard input or the like by the operator. On the other hand, the information of the image feature amount and the density histogram may be those calculated by the setup unit 70 for setting the image processing conditions, and the compressed image and the like are obtained at the time of the pre-scan or the main scan. From the image data, for example, the setup unit 70 and the parameter integration unit 76 may calculate. When a compressed image is used as the search information, the method of image compression is not particularly limited, and various known compression methods such as Flash Pix and JPEG can be used. A compression method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-333602 by a person is exemplified. Such search information is described in detail in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-152783 filed by the present applicant.

On the other hand, the frame number may be obtained by reading the above-mentioned magnetic information in the case of the film F of the new photographic system. You only need to get it.
Alternatively, it may be obtained by keyboard input or the like by the operator.

The image processing information as the image information is the second
At the time of processing in the processing mode and the third processing mode, information for reproducing the processing performed on the frame in the first processing mode, such as the type of image processing performed, the order of image processing, Image processing conditions (including parameters and related data) in image processing. The image processing condition may be any information that can reproduce the image processing in the first processing mode, and examples thereof include an LUT created for image processing, an arithmetic expression, and a predetermined coefficient for image processing. Is done. For example, LUT like gray balance adjustment
The LUT is used in the image processing in which the processing is performed by MTX, and the MTX calculation expression is used in the image processing in which the processing is performed by the MTX calculation such as saturation correction.
In the case of processing set by a coefficient (gain) such as sharpness processing, the coefficient may be stored.

Further, as the image processing information, image data processed by the main scan processing section 56, a compressed image thereof, and the like can be used. These can also be used as search information.

The storage means 78 for storing image information is not particularly limited, and various means can be used. For example, various recording media such as a hard disk and a database built in or connected to the processing device 14, a floppy disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium are exemplified. Further, the photo printer 10 may be connected to an external database by communication means such as a computer communication network. When the recording medium is used as the storage unit 78, the medium may be managed by a laboratory company or may be provided to a customer and provided at the time of reprinting.

At the time of processing in the second processing mode and the third processing mode, the search means 80 obtains the above search information, searches the storage means 78, reads out the image processing information of the corresponding frame, The parameter is sent to the parameter integration unit 76. This will be described in detail later.

As described above, the image data processed by the pre-scan processing unit 54 of the processing device 14 is displayed on the display 2.
The image data processed by the main scan processing unit 56 is sent to the printer 16. The printer 16
A printer (printing device) that exposes a photosensitive material (photographic paper) in accordance with the supplied image data to record a latent image, and a processor (developing device) that performs a predetermined process on the exposed photosensitive material and outputs it as a print ). In the printer, for example, after cutting a photosensitive material into a print length, a back print is recorded, and then, three types of light beams of R exposure, G exposure, and B exposure are emitted in accordance with image data output from the processing device 14. By modulating and deflecting the light in the main scanning direction, and conveying the photosensitive material in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, the photosensitive material is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to record a latent image and supplied to a processor. . The processor that has received the photosensitive material performs a predetermined wet development process such as color development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, and forms a print by drying, and sorts and accumulates it into a predetermined unit such as one film.

Hereinafter, the operation of the photo printer 10 will be described, and the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail.

First, the processing in the first processing mode will be described with reference to FIG. The first processing mode is a mode selected when the frame (film F) is processed by the photo printer 10 (lab) for the first time, that is, a mode mainly corresponding to simultaneous printing as described above.

The operator mounts the carrier on the scanner 12 according to the film F, sets the film F on the carrier 30, selects the first processing mode, inputs the print size to be created, and inputs various necessary instructions and information. Is performed, and then print creation start is instructed. As a result, the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 of the scanner 12 is set according to the prescan reading conditions, and then the carrier 30 transports the film F in the subscanning direction at the prescan speed, and as described above. At a predetermined reading position, the film F is slit-scanned, the projection light forms an image on the image sensor 34, and the image captured on the film F is decomposed into R, G, and B, and is read photoelectrically. In addition, when the film is transported by the carrier 30, the D
The X code and magnetic information are read and sent to the processing device 14. By the above operation, the parameter integrating unit 76 obtains search information such as a film ID, a film type, and a frame number from the information of the mounted carrier, magnetic information, and the DX code read result.

The pre-scan and the main scan are
The prescan and the main scan may be performed one frame at a time, or continuously for all frames or for a predetermined plurality of frames. In the following example, a case will be described as an example where the main scan is performed after the prescan of all frames is completed.

The output from the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, sent to the processing device 14, and subjected to predetermined processing such as offset correction by the data processing section 46. After being applied, the image data is converted into digital image data by the Log converter 48 and stored in the pre-scan memory 50.

When the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 50, the setup section 70 reads out the pre-scan data, cuts out an image area for each frame, and further, as described above, sequentially obtains a density histogram for each frame. Is created and the image feature amount is calculated.
The main scanning conditions for each frame, such as the aperture value, are set and sent to the scanner 12. The setup unit 70
Further, when the image data of a predetermined number of frames are obtained, the image processing to be executed is selected for each frame according to the density histogram, the image feature amount, the instruction from the operator, and the like, and the order is determined. The image processing conditions (signal conversion conditions) of the processing are calculated (automatic correction), and further, if necessary, a compressed image or a thinned image is generated. The set image processing conditions and image characteristic values are sent to the parameter integration unit 76. In addition, the parameter integration unit 76 sets the set image processing conditions and the like at predetermined positions of the pre-scan processing unit 54 and the main scan processing unit 56.

When the image processing conditions are set in the pre-scan processing unit 54, the pre-scan data is read from the pre-scan memory 50, and the image processing conditions set by cutting out the image area of each frame in the processing unit 62 are set. , And then supplied to the signal conversion unit 64 to be converted into image data according to the display on the display 20, and the pre-scan image of each frame is displayed on the display 20 as a simulation image. The display may be performed one by one or a plurality of frames.

The operator looks at the display 20 and sequentially checks (verifies) the images one by one, and if necessary, uses the adjustment keys and the like set on the keyboard 18a to adjust the color, density, and the like. Adjustment of gradation and the like (manual correction) is performed. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 74. The key correction unit 74 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends it to the parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76 corrects the image processing conditions set in the processing unit 62 and the processing unit 66 according to the correction amount sent. Therefore, the image displayed on the display 20 changes according to the input by the operator.

When the operator determines that the image displayed on the display 20 is appropriate (OK), the operator issues an output instruction using the keyboard 18a or the like. Thus, the processing to be performed on the frame (image) is determined.

When the main scan becomes possible according to the end of the prescan and the progress of the verification, the main scan is started, and the main scan of the first frame in which the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 is set in the scanner 12 is performed. And the carrier 30 transports the film F at the speed of the main scan. When the verification is not performed, the verification is terminated when the setting of the image processing conditions in the main scan processing unit 56 by the parameter integration unit 76 is completed, and the main scan is started. It is preferable that the presence or absence of the test can be selected as a mode. After the pre-scan is completed, if the main scan can be started according to the determination of the reading conditions, the main scan is started without waiting for the output instruction, and the main scan data is output as the main scan data. It may be stored in the scan memory 52.

The main scan is performed in the same manner as the pre-scan except that the read conditions are the main scan read conditions set for each frame, and the output signal of the image sensor 34 is output from the amplifier 36 and the A / D converter. 38, the processing unit 14
The data is processed by the data processing unit 48, is converted into the main scan data by the Log converter 50, and is sent to the main scan memory 52. When the main scan data is sent to the main scan memory 52, the main scan processing unit 58 reads out the main scan data, cuts out the image area of each frame, and performs image processing under the image processing conditions fixed for each frame in the processing unit 66. Then
The data is converted by the signal conversion unit 68 into image data for output, output to the printer 16, and a print is generated by reproducing the image data.

Further, the parameter integrating section 76 sends predetermined image information (retrieval information and image processing information) of each frame to the storage section 78 in association with the output instruction, and stores it.

Next, the second processing mode will be described with reference to FIG. The second processing mode is a mode corresponding to a so-called print reorder, which mainly outputs exactly the same image among the reprints in which frames already processed in the first processing mode in the photo printer 10 are processed again. is there. As in the first processing mode, the operator mounts the carrier on the scanner 12 according to the film F, sets the film F on the carrier 30, selects the second processing mode, creates a print size to be created, and sets various necessary After inputting an instruction or information, an instruction to start print creation is issued.

In response to this start instruction, the carrier 30 starts to convey the film F, and the pre-scan is performed sequentially from the first frame. The prescan is performed in the same manner as in the first processing mode.
Is formed on the image sensor 34, the output signal is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted by the A / D converter 38,
The data is processed by the data processing unit 46 and the Log converter 48 to be prescan data, and is stored in the prescan memory 50. At this time, information recorded on the film F, such as a film ID and a DX code, is read by the carrier 30, and necessary image information and the like are sent to the parameter integrating unit 76, the search unit 80, and the like.

When the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 50, the pre-scan processing unit 54 reads the data, cuts out each frame, and sequentially displays the pre-scan images on the display 20. In this case, no image processing is required. The operator looks at the display and selects a reordered frame (frame to be printed) using, for example, a GUI. In response to this selection, the setup unit 70 performs necessary calculations such as creation of a density histogram and image feature values for each frame from the pre-scan data in the same manner as in the first processing mode, and sets the reading conditions for the main scan. Is sent to the scanner 12, and the information set as the image information (search information) is transmitted to the parameter integrating unit 76.
To the search means 80.

When the necessary image information (search information) is obtained, the search means 80 searches the storage means 78, and
8, a frame (candidate frame) presumed to be the same as the reordered frame is selected, the image information is read out, and the image processing information is sent from the parameter integration unit 76 to the setup unit 70. Send to

The setup unit 70 performs the processing performed during the processing in the first processing mode for each selected frame from the calculated image feature amount and the like and the image processing information sent from the parameter integration unit 76. To reproduce, that is,
Same image processing (including processing in the signal conversion unit 68)
Are performed under the same conditions and in the same order, and sent to the parameter integration unit 76.

In the present embodiment, the parameter integrating section 76
The pre-scan processing unit 5 stores the supplied image processing conditions and the like.
4 and a predetermined position of the main scan processing unit 56.
As a result, the pre-scan processing unit 54 reads the pre-scan data from the pre-scan memory 50, processes the selected frames under the set image processing conditions, and sequentially displays them as simulation images on the display 20. The operator looks at the display 20 and checks whether or not the image is appropriate, that is, whether or not the search for the image information is properly performed. If the search is appropriate, the operator issues an output instruction.

It should be noted that, for an image for which retrieval is inappropriate, an instruction to that effect is issued, and the frame is processed in the first processing mode. Further, prior to the processing of the pre-scan image (display of the simulation image), the frame (image or information of the frame) searched and selected by the search unit 80 may be displayed on a display to confirm whether the search result is correct or not. .
In this case, a plurality of frames may be displayed in the order of candidates, and the operator may select a reordered frame.

According to the output instruction, the processing of the image data is determined, and if the preparation is completed, the main scan is started.
If the main scan can be performed in accordance with the determination of the reading conditions, etc., the main scan may be performed before the output instruction.
This is the same as the processing mode. This scan is basically the first
Scanning is performed in the same manner as in the processing mode. The scanner 12 performs reading based on the supplied reading conditions of the main scan, and the output signal from the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36 and is digitally converted by the A / D converter 38. The signal is processed by the data processing unit 46 of the processing device 14, and
At 8, the data is converted to main scan data, sent to the main scan memory 52 and stored. Next, the main scan data is read from the main scan memory 52, processed under the processing conditions set in the processing unit 66, converted into image data for output by the signal conversion unit 68, and output as image data.
6 and a print that reproduces this is output.

In the processing in the second processing mode, the image information is not transferred to and stored in the storage means 78, but the image information previously processed in the first processing mode is left.

In the above example, in the second processing mode, the simulation image is displayed on the display 20 to confirm the image (confirmation of the retrieval result). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operator is not limited to this. Indicate the reordered frame, and the setup unit 70 reproduces the previous processing,
When the parameter integration unit 76 sets the image processing conditions and the like in the main scan processing unit 56, the process may be determined and the main scan may be performed.

Further, the processing in the third processing mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the third processing mode, among the reprints in which the frames already processed in the first processing mode in the photo printer 10 are processed again, mainly the previously output print is inappropriate and the print is created again.
This is a mode corresponding to so-called print reprinting.

In the processing in the third processing mode, processing from the prescan to the display of the prescanned image and the instruction of the frame to be reprinted to the display of the simulation image are performed in the same manner as in the second processing mode. If the search by the search means 80 is considered inappropriate,
The frame may be processed in the first processing mode, and the search result may be confirmed and selected in the same manner as in the second processing mode.

When the simulation image is displayed, the operator operates the display 20 similarly to the first processing mode.
Is displayed, the frame to be reprinted is verified, and if necessary, adjustment of color, density, gradation, and the like (manual correction) is performed using the adjustment keys and the like set on the keyboard 18a. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 74 to calculate the correction amount of the image processing condition, the correction amount is subjected to the parameter integration unit 76, and the image processing condition set in the processing unit 62 and the processing unit 66 is corrected. Depending on the input,
The image displayed on the display 20 also changes. When the operator determines that the verification is OK, the operator issues an output instruction using the keyboard 18a or the like, and the processing to be performed on the frame (image) is determined.

According to the output instruction, if the preparation is completed, the main scan is started, the scanner 12 performs the main scan based on the supplied reading conditions of the main scan, and the output signal from the image sensor 34 is Amplified by the amplifier 36,
The digital signal is converted by the A / D converter 38 into the
Is processed by the data processing unit 48, is converted into the main scan data by the Log converter 50, sent to the main scan memory 52, and stored. Note that if the main scan can be performed in accordance with the determination of the reading conditions and the like, the main scan may be performed before the output instruction as in the first processing mode. Next, the main scan data is read out from the main scan memory 52, processed under the processing conditions set in the processing unit 66, converted into image data for output by the signal conversion unit 68, and output to the printer 16. A print that reproduces this is output.

Further, in the third processing mode, the parameter integrating section 76 sends the image information (retrieval information and image processing information) of each frame to the storage means 78 in response to the output instruction, and outputs the image of the reprinted frame. Update information. For example,
First, the image information including the image processing information determined by the processing in the third processing mode is stored by overwriting the image information stored when the frame is processed in the first processing mode.
Alternatively, the image information including the image processing information determined by the processing in the third processing mode is stored at a predetermined position,
The image information stored when the frame is processed in the first processing mode may be deleted.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in the case of simultaneous printing, image information for reproducing the processing is stored in the first processing mode.
In the case of re-order printing in which the same image output as that of the simultaneous printing is required, the previous image processing can be reproduced by using the image processing information at the time of the simultaneous printing in the second processing mode. It is possible to output a suitable reorder print in which the print and the image match, and at this time, important image information at the time of simultaneous printing is not unnecessarily deleted. On the other hand, when the print output in the simultaneous printing is improper and reprinting is performed, the image information at the time of the simultaneous printing is rewritten as necessary by the third processing mode to suitably cope with subsequent reorder printing. be able to. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to suitably select and select a case where the image information stored in the database is to be updated and a case where the image information is not desired to be updated.

Further, if the reason for reprinting is dust or the like adhering to a film or photographic paper, basically, it is not necessary to change the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing. Since the process at the time of simultaneous printing is reproduced by using the image information in the third processing mode at the time of reprinting, it is possible to perform an efficient operation without performing unnecessary calculations. Further, since the color / density adjustment at the time of reprinting is performed after reproducing the simultaneous printing process, the speed of calculation and the like can be improved.

Here, in the present invention, the search range and the search parameters in the storage means 78 may be changed between the second processing mode and the third processing mode. In the second processing mode, that is, in the case of reordering, in some cases, some time has elapsed since the processing (simultaneous printing) in the first processing mode. In many cases, a frame (film) not processed in the first processing mode is reordered. In this case, the image information is not stored in the lab (developer). On the other hand, in the case of the third processing mode, that is, reprinting, the requester of print production may be dissatisfied with the image and request reprinting, but this is a relatively small number, and many This is a case in which an inconvenience is found when a print is checked before and reprinting is performed. That is, the processing in the third processing mode is often performed immediately after the processing in the first processing mode, and the lab almost certainly stores the image information.

Accordingly, the required search accuracy and the search range such as the processing date are different between the two, and by changing the search range and the search parameters between the second processing mode and the third processing mode, the efficiency is improved. In addition, it is possible to perform more appropriate processing while preventing erroneous retrieval of image information.

The embodiments described above mainly include the first processing mode corresponding to simultaneous printing, the second processing mode mainly corresponding to reorder printing, and the third processing mode mainly corresponding to reprinting of prints. Although the image processing apparatus has three modes, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this, and has only the first processing mode and the second processing mode without the third processing mode. You may.

Alternatively, in the mode having only these two modes, the processing in the second processing mode may be changed according to the work by the operator so as to cope with rework.

In this embodiment, in the second processing mode,
Processing is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment up to the display of the simulation image and the verification (confirmation of the search result), and the reprint is output in response to the output instruction after the verification. If the operator looks at the simulation image and does not adjust the image at all, the image information is not stored in the storage unit 78, and the image information obtained when the processing is performed in the first processing mode is left. . On the other hand, if the operator adjusts the image while looking at the simulation image,
That is, when a processing correction instruction is given, the image information including the image processing information determined after the adjustment is overwritten and recorded on the image information stored when the frame is processed in the first processing mode, or The new image information is stored at a predetermined position, and the image information stored when the frame is processed in the first processing mode is deleted to update the image information.

In the present invention, a readout instruction or a storage instruction is issued according to simultaneous printing or reprinting (reordering and reprinting) instead of selecting a mode such as the first processing mode or the second processing mode. Means may be provided. Note that these instruction means may be constituted by the keyboard 18a or GUI as in the mode selection.

In this embodiment, when there is no readout instruction by the readout instruction means at the time of print creation, the frame (film) is determined to be a frame which has not been simultaneously printed or processed in the past. The same processing as in the first processing mode is performed.

When a read instruction is given by the read instruction means, the search means 80 is executed in the same manner as described above.
A search of the storage unit 78 is performed by the search. Here, when the image information (image processing information) corresponding to the frame for which the print is to be created is not read out by the search means 78, the subsequent processing is performed in the same manner as in the first processing mode. On the other hand, when the image information corresponding to the frame to be printed is read out by the search means 78, the same processing as in the above-described second processing mode is performed. validate. At this time, if there is no storage instruction by the storage instruction means, the image information is not updated. Conversely, when an image adjustment or the like is performed, and a storage instruction is given by the storage instruction means in response to the adjustment, the corresponding image information is updated, that is, new image information is updated for the previously stored frame. The image information is overwritten, or new image information is stored at a predetermined position, and the previously stored image information of the frame is deleted.

In such an image processing apparatus of the present invention, not only the printer 16 but also the output image data
The image file may be output to various storage media such as a floppy disk, an MO disk (magnetic recording disk), and a CD-R to be used as an image file.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used not only for a digital photo printer as shown in the figure, but also for an ordinary direct exposure photo printer. As is well known, even in a direct exposure photo printer, an image captured on a film is photoelectrically read at a low resolution, and the obtained image data is subjected to image processing conditions, that is, a color filter for printing on photographic paper. The amount of insertion, the amount of aperture, and the like are calculated, and dimming of the projection light of the film (that is, image processing) is performed in accordance with the calculated amount. When the present invention is applied to a photo printer of direct exposure, for example, if the insertion amount of the color filter is stored as image processing information, the coincidence between simultaneous printing and reprinting can be performed similarly to a digital photo printer. In addition, the processing at the time of re-burning can be suitably performed.

Although the image processing apparatus of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

[0092]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the reprint in which the image reproduced in the simultaneous printing and the image in which the color and the density preferably match with each other is reproduced stably, Moreover, it can be created with good efficiency,
Rework with image correction can be performed with good efficiency.
It is possible to appropriately and selectively select whether to update the information stored in the database or not to update the information stored in the database in order to reproduce simultaneous printing, and prevent unnecessary information from being unnecessarily deleted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a digital photo printer using an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

2A is a conceptual diagram of a scanner mounted on the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a conceptual diagram of an image sensor arranged in the digital photo printer shown in FIG. Show.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of an image processing device of the digital photo printer shown in FIG.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are flowcharts for explaining processing in the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 (Digital) photo printer 12 Scanner 14 Image processing device 16 Printer 18 Operation system 20 Display 22 Light source 24 Variable aperture 28 Diffusion box 30 Carrier 32 Imaging lens unit 34 Image sensor 36 Amplifier 38 A / D converter 42 Magnetic head 44 Code Reader 46 Data processing unit 48 Log converter 50 Prescan (frame) memory 52 Main scan (frame) memory 54 Prescan processing unit 56 Main scan processing unit 58 Condition setting unit 62, 66 (Image) processing unit 64, 68 Signal conversion Unit 70 setup unit 74 key correction unit 76 parameter integration unit 78 storage unit 80 search unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 5/253 H04N 5/91 H 5C077 F term (Reference) 2H106 BA55 BH00 5C022 BA02 BA05 BA06 BA08 BA16 5C052 AA11 AB03 AB04 AC08 DD02 EE02 EE03 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA07 FB01 FC08 FD02 FD03 FD04 FD13 FE06 FE08 5C053 FA04 FA08 HA29 JA21 KA05 KA24 LA01 LA03 LA06 5C073 AB04 BB03 BB07 BD03 CC02 CE04 CE10 CE10 5C07 PP03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing an image to produce an output image, comprising: storage means for storing image information relating to the processed image; and selection means for selecting a first processing mode and a second processing mode. In the first processing mode, processing is set using image data of the supplied image, and image information of the processed image is stored in the storage unit. In the second processing mode, An image processing apparatus for retrieving the corresponding image information by searching the storage means, and setting image processing using the image information. 2. In the second processing mode, when there is a processing correction instruction, the storage means overwrites the image information corresponding to the correction instruction or stores the image information according to the correction instruction. 1 to delete the previous image information
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. An image processing apparatus for processing an image to produce an output image, comprising: storage means for storing image information related to the processed image; a first processing mode, a second processing mode, and a third processing mode In the first processing mode, setting processing using image data of the supplied image, storing image information of the processed image in the storage means, In the two processing mode, the storage means is searched to read out corresponding image information, image processing is set from this image information, and the image information in the storage means is not changed. Retrieves the corresponding image information by searching the storage means, sets image processing using the image information, and overwrites and stores new image information in the storage means. An image processing apparatus for deleting previous image information and storing new image information. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of a search range and a search parameter for searching the storage means differs between the second processing mode and the third processing mode. 5. An image processing apparatus for processing an image to produce an output image, comprising: storage means for storing image information related to the processed image; read instruction means for instructing reading of the image information; A search unit that searches the storage unit in response to an instruction from an instruction unit; and a storage instruction unit for image information that is enabled when the corresponding image information is searched for by the search unit. If there is no instruction, the processing is set using the supplied image data, and the image information of the processed image is stored in the storage means. Setting a process using the image information read by the device, and storing the image information of the image processed based on the instruction from the storage instruction device in the storage device. Image processing device.