JP2001007965A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably reproduce an image of a reprint whose color and density are similar to those of a simultaneous print or a preceding print by allowing an image processing means to apply re-processing to an input image according to image relation information read by a retrieval means in response to an instruction of the re-processing of the input image. SOLUTION: In the case of re-print, a setup section 70 generates a density histogram and calculates an image feature amount similarly to the case with a simultaneous print to set a read condition of main scanning, and a parameter integral section 76 uses image relation information of a frame that is read from a storage means 78 and a re-print object so as to basically reproduce the processing in a main scanning processing section 56 and to supply the result to the parameter integral section 76. Then the parameter integral section 76 in the case of re-print retrieves the storage means 78 to read the image relating information of the frame of the re-print and displays the result on a display device 20 and supplies required information to a prescribed section such as the setup section 70.

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. In a printing system, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that enables suitable matching between an output image of previous processing and reprocessing of an input image, for example, an image of simultaneous printing and reprinting.

[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 as image data for recording, where a photosensitive material is scanned and exposed with recording light modulated according to the image data to record an image (latent image) and print (finished).

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) (A 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, if there is no correction instruction, the image reproduced in the print between the previously output print (usually, the print output during simultaneous printing) and the reprint matches. Is required. However, there are many cases where the color and density of the image differ between the previous print and the reprint due to the judgment of the operator and the difference in operation, and there are many complaints from customers.

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 order to provide an image processing device that can stably reproduce an image having the same color and density as an image of a simultaneous print or a previous print at the time of reprinting output in response to a request or the like. is there.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing means for processing an input image to obtain an output image, and at least one image processing means for processing the input image.
Storage means for storing image-related information relating to each image for one image, and searching for the storage means in response to an instruction for reprocessing of the input image, wherein the image-related information stored earlier in the storage means And a display unit for displaying a search result by the search unit. The image processing unit is configured to execute the input according to the image-related information read by the search unit in response to an instruction to reprocess the input image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus characterized by reprocessing an image.

In the present invention, "reprocessing of an input image" generally means an image obtained by photographing a subject on a photographic film when developing the photographic film or photographing the subject with a digital camera. When shooting directly obtained images,
After reproducing as a print image, after performing so-called simultaneous printing, reproducing the image photographed on the photographic film or the image photographed by the digital camera again as a print image, so-called reprinting (hereinafter simply referred to as reprinting) "), But" reprocessing of input image "
In the present invention, reprinting after reprinting (hereinafter also referred to as reprinting) is included. Further, in the present invention, a method for reproducing an image photographed on a photographic film or an image photographed by a digital camera as a print image is performed by digital image data read from a photographic film by a scanner or directly from a digital camera or the like. Even in the digital printing method in which a reproduced image is obtained by exposing and developing a photosensitive material (so-called photographic paper) based on the obtained digital image data, the image of the photographic film is directly exposed and developed on the photosensitive material (photographic paper). And an analog print method for obtaining a reproduced image.

Here, it is preferable that the reprocessing of the input image is a reprint of an input image from a photographic film or an input image photographed by a digital camera, which has been previously printed. Preferably, the image-related information includes search information for specifying the input image, and the content of the image processing by the image processing unit. Further, the image-related information includes an image representing the input image as search information for specifying the input image, and a search result displayed on the display means is an image representing the input image. Preferably, the image is displayed on the display means simultaneously with the output image obtained by reprocessing the image.

In the above-mentioned image processing apparatus, there is provided instruction means for instructing whether or not the retrieval result by the retrieval means is appropriate, and the image processing means is instructed by the instruction means that the retrieval result is appropriate. If the search means performs processing using the image-related information read out by the search means, and if the instruction means indicates that the search result is inappropriate, the input image obtained at the time of reprocessing Preferably, the treatment is performed using Preferably, the display means displays a plurality of candidate images as a search result by the search means, and the instructing means can select one of the plurality of candidate images.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided image processing means for processing an input image to be an output image, and storing image-related information relating to each image with respect to at least one image processed by the image processing means. A storage unit for storing, when the storage unit stores the image-related information, a notification unit that notifies that the amount of the image-related information exceeds the capacity of the storage unit when the amount of the image-related information exceeds the storage unit; When a notification indicating that the image-related information is exceeded is issued, at least one of deleting image-related information stored in the storage unit in chronological order, moving to another storage device, and selecting image-related information to be deleted. And an image processing apparatus characterized by having a changing means for performing the following.

The storage means may include a processing area for storing a predetermined unit of the image-related information, and an image processed before the image in which the image-related information is stored in the processing area. The storage area for storing the image-related information is divided, and the image-related information stored in the processing area is stored in the storage area after the processing of the image in the predetermined unit is completed. When the storage means stores the image-related information in the storage area, when the amount of the image-related information exceeds the capacity of the storage area, it is to notify that fact, the changing means, When the notification means notifies that the capacity is exceeded, the image-related information stored in the storage area is deleted in chronological order, moved to another storage device, and the image-related information to be deleted is deleted. Preferably it is performed at least one of selecting the broadcast. Preferably, the predetermined unit is a unit relating to time or data amount.

[0014]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment 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. Further, the image processing apparatus 1
4 includes input and setting of various conditions, selection and instruction of processing,
An operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting instructions for color / density correction and the like, and a display 20 for displaying images read by the scanner 12, various operation instructions, condition setting / registration screens, 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, the type and size of a film such as a new photographic system (Advanced Photo System) or a 135-size negative (or reversal) film, the form of the film such as strips and slides, and the like are determined. In addition, a dedicated carrier that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared, and by changing the carrier, it is possible to cope with various films and processes. An image (frame) photographed on a film and provided for printing is conveyed to a predetermined reading position by this carrier. When reading an image photographed on the film F in such a scanner 12, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and the light amount of which is adjusted by the variable aperture 24 is transferred to the film F positioned at a predetermined reading position by the carrier. , And is transmitted therethrough to obtain projection light carrying an image photographed on the film F.

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 roller 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 the film of the new photographic system, and a magnetic head for recording / reading information on / from this magnetic recording medium is provided on a carrier 30 corresponding to the film (cartridge) of the new photographic system. 42 are arranged. The information recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film is read by the magnetic head 42 and sent to the image processing device 14 or the like, and the information from the image processing device 14 or the like is transferred to the carrier 30 and the magnetic head 42 transfers the information. F is recorded on the magnetic recording medium F. The carrier 30 has a DX code optically recorded on the film, an extended D
A code reader 44 for reading bar codes such as an X code and an FNS code and various information optically recorded on a film is arranged, and the various information read by the code reader 44 is transmitted to the image processing device 14. 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. This 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 prescan 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 that are set so that the image sensor 34 can read, as an input image, images of all films targeted by the scanner 12 without saturation. On the other hand, the main scan is based on the pre-scan data,
The scanning is performed under the main scan reading conditions set for each frame so that the image sensor 34 is saturated at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame). 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, but 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 output to the image processing device 14 according to the present invention. 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, and an LA.
Communication means such as N (Local Area Network) and computer communication network; various image reading means and image pickup means such as a memory card, a medium (recording medium) such as an MO (magneto-optical recording medium) and 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
Having. FIG. 3 mainly shows parts related to image processing. The image processing apparatus 14 also includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire photo printer 10 including the processing apparatus 14, A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the printer 10 and the like;
Means for determining the storage time of the CD sensor 34 and the like are arranged. The operation system 18 and the display 20
It is connected to each part via U etc. (CPU bus).

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 unit 54 to become image data corresponding to the display on the display 20, and 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. Here, the pre-scan processing unit 54 has an image processing unit 62 and a signal conversion unit 64. On the other hand, the main scan processing unit 56
Has 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 section 64 of the prescan processing section 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. The parameter integration unit 76 is connected to a storage unit 78 for image-related information.
A notification means 80 is connected to 8. Note that the image related information is stored in the storage unit 78 when the print is created, usually at the time of so-called simultaneous printing. Therefore, here, this is referred to as simultaneous printing, and the other is referred to as reprinting. Of course, the image-related information may be stored in the storage means 78 at the time of the previous reprint and used at the time of the subsequent reprint. That is, in the present invention, the image-related information is stored in the storage means 78 at the time of previous printing such as simultaneous printing or previous reprinting, and is used for subsequent printing such as reprinting or later reprinting. Hereinafter, simultaneous printing and reprinting will be described as typical examples.

The setup section 70 determines the reading conditions of the main scan and the contents and conditions of image processing in the prescan processing section 54 and the main scan processing section 56. Specifically, at the time of simultaneous printing, the setup unit 70 creates a density histogram from the pre-scan data and determines a frequency of the density histogram such as an average density, a highlight (lowest density) and a shadow (highest density). %point,
Calculation of image feature amounts such as LATD (large area transmission density), the maximum value and minimum value density of the histogram, etc., setting of the main scan reading conditions as described above, and furthermore, the density histogram, image feature amount, operator , The image adjustment to be executed from various types of image processing and the execution order are determined, and further, each image processing condition, signal conversion unit 6
The conversion condition at 8 or the like is calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.

On the other hand, at the time of reprinting, the setup section 76 sets the reading conditions for the main scan by creating a density histogram and calculating the image feature amount as in the case of simultaneous printing, and the parameter integration section 76 Storage means 78
Basically, by using the image-related information of the frame to be reprinted read out from the printer, the processing in the main scan processing unit 56 in the simultaneous printing is reproduced, and the parameter integration unit 76
To supply. If the printing conditions and the like are different between simultaneous printing and reprinting, 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 both simultaneous printing and reprinting, the setup unit 76 is not limited to calculating processing conditions only from image data of a frame for which printing is to be performed. For example, the processing conditions may be set using image data of all frames of one film 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. Further, the parameter integrating unit 76 sends the image-related information of the frame to the storage unit 78 after the processing for the frame is determined at the time of simultaneous printing, and searches the storage unit 78 for reprinting. The image-related information of the frame to be reprinted is read out, the result is displayed on the display 20, and necessary information is supplied to a predetermined portion such as the setup section 70. This will be described in detail later.

In the setup section 76, as described above,
A storage unit 78 for storing image-related information of a frame on which a print has been previously created (a frame processed by the processing device 14) is connected. In addition, when new image-related information is stored, the storage unit 78 is connected to a notification unit 80 for notifying that the capacity of the storage unit 78 is insufficient when the storage unit 78 becomes insufficient. The notification means 80 will be described later in detail.

In the present invention, the image-related information (image-related information data) includes, for example, information for searching or specifying the frame (image) (hereinafter referred to as search information) and the frame (image) And at least one of the image data itself of the frame.

The search information is information for identifying or specifying the frame, for example, film information for identifying the film F and frame ID information such as a frame number. The frame ID information includes identification information of the film F such as a film type and a manufacturer, a bar code such as a DX code recorded on the film F, customer identification information, and a photo printer 1.
For example, identification information of 0, date and time when print creation and / or image processing is performed, frame number, and various information described in the back print are exemplified. Further, in the case of the film F of the new photographic system, since an ID number is assigned to each cartridge, it may be used. The ID number and the frame number are magnetically recorded on the film F, and are also described on the cartridge and the index print. These search information input by the keyboard 18a or the like at the time when simultaneous printing and re-printing, by reading such as a bar code or a magnetic information by the scanner 30, may be supplied to the parameter coordinating subsection 76.

In the present invention, the frame search information is not limited to such frame ID information, but various types can be used. For example, the image characteristic value of the image of the frame, specifically, information of the image feature amount and the density histogram calculated by the above-described setup unit 70, information of the image feature amount and the density histogram of each block obtained by dividing the image into blocks, A low-resolution image such as a thinned image, a thumbnail image, and the like can also be suitably used as search information. At the time of simultaneous printing or reprinting, these pieces of search information are calculated by, for example, the setup unit 70 from image data obtained by image reading at the time of prescan or main scan, and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76. I just need.

Also, as the search information, a compressed image (compressed image data) of the frame can be suitably used. There is no particular limitation on the method of image compression. Flash Pix, JPEG
Various known image compression methods can be used, such as the following method.

In this compression method, first, a prescanned image is thinned out to generate an index image of, for example, 72 × 48 pixels, and preferably, setup is performed so that the average values of the generated index images become equal. To Next, the index image is converted from the R, G, and B image data into Y, Cb, and Cr image data (YCC image) by a known method. The YCC image generated in this way is divided into a plurality of blocks. For example, if the size (the number of pixels) of one block is 8 × 8 pixels, the index image is divided into 9 × 6 blocks with the aforementioned 72 × 48 pixels.

Next, DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) is performed on the pixel f (x, y) of each block to obtain a spatial frequency F (u, v) of the YCC image, which is used as a compressed image. F (u, v) = 1/4 * C (u) C (v) [ΣΣf (x, y) cos ((2x + 1) uπ / 16)
cos ((2y + 1) vπ / 16)] The two summation symbols の in the above expression are associated with x and y, respectively, where x = 0 to 7 and y = 0 to 7. Also, z
In the case of = 0, C (z) = 1 (2 ^1/2 )

When the image characteristic values and the compressed images as described above are used as search information, the same information of one or a plurality of frames processed prior to the corresponding frame may be used as the search information. By doing so, the search accuracy of the image-related information can be improved.

Such search information is described in detail in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-152784 filed by the present applicant, and the image compression method is described in detail in the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-333602. I have.

The processing information as the image-related information is information for reproducing the same processing of the image (image data) at the time of reprinting as at the time of simultaneous printing. The type of processing, the order of image processing, image processing conditions (including parameters and related data) for each image processing, and the like are included. The image processing conditions may be any information that can reproduce the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing, and specifically, an LUT or an arithmetic expression created for the image processing, a predetermined coefficient for the image processing, and the like. Is exemplified. For example, in image processing in which processing is performed using an LUT such as gray balance adjustment, the LUT is replaced with an MT such as a saturation correction.
In the image processing in which the processing is performed by the X operation, the MTX operation expression may be stored, and in the case of the processing in which the coefficient (gain) is set as in the sharpness processing, the coefficient may be stored.

As the image-related information indicating the contents of the image processing, not the information on the processing of the image data, but also the image data processed by the main scan processing section 56 and the compressed image thereof can be used. These can also be used as search information.

The storage means 78 for storing image-related 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. If the capacity is possible, a magnetic recording medium formed on a film of the new photographic system may be used, or an IC memory may be mounted on a cartridge or a patrone and used as the recording means 78. When the recording medium is the storage means 78,
The medium may be managed by a lab operator or may be given to the customer at the time of simultaneous printing and provided at the time of reprinting.

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 case of simultaneous printing will be described. At the time of simultaneous printing, an operator who makes prints of the film F mounts a carrier corresponding to the film F at a predetermined position of the scanner 12, sets the film F on the carrier, and print size and image-related information to be formed. After inputting various information and the like, or inputting necessary instructions, selections and settings, a print creation start instruction is issued. 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. Further, when the film is transported by the carrier 30,
DX codes and magnetic information recorded on the film F are read and sent to various processing devices 14. Among the information obtained by the above operations, the information set as the image-related information is sent to the parameter integrating unit 76.

The pre-scan and the main scan are
It may be performed one frame at a time, or all frames or a predetermined plurality of frames may be continuously performed. Alternatively, the pre-scan may be performed continuously for all frames or a predetermined plurality of frames, and the main scan may be performed one frame at a time or fewer frames than the pre-scan. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, a case where the pre-scan and the main scan are performed frame by frame will be described as a representative example.

An output from the image sensor 34 is amplified by an amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter 38, sent to the processing device 14, and subjected to predetermined processing such as offset correction by a data processing unit 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 unit 70 reads out the pre-scan data, creates the density histogram and calculates the image feature amount as described above, and, based on the result, obtains the variable aperture 24. The scanning conditions such as the aperture value of the main scan are set and sent to the scanner 12. The setup unit 70 further selects the image processing to be performed on the frame (image) in accordance with the density histogram, the image feature amount, and the instruction from the operator, determines the order, and sets the image processing conditions (signal conversion) for each image processing. conditions)
Is calculated. The set image processing conditions are sent to the parameter integration unit 76, and are set at predetermined positions (hardware) of the pre-scan processing unit 54 and the main scan processing unit 56. Of these image characteristic values and the like, those set as image-related information are supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.

When performing the test, 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 in the processing unit 62 are satisfied. Image processing is performed accordingly, and then supplied to the signal conversion unit 64, converted into display image data corresponding to the display on the display 20, and the pre-scan image is displayed on the display 20 as a simulation image. The operator looks at the display image on the display 20 and checks (verifies) the image, and if necessary, adjusts the color, density, gradation, and the like using the adjustment keys and the like set on the keyboard 18a. Do. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 74. Key correction unit 7
4 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends it to the parameter integration unit 76. 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 correct (OK), the operator gives an instruction to that effect using the keyboard 18a or the like. As a result, the processing of the image data is determined, the main scan is started, the reading conditions of the main scan in which the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and the like are set in the scanner 12, and the carrier 30 is moved at the speed of the main scan. The film F is transported. If the verification is not performed, the processing is determined at the time 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.

The main scan is performed in the same manner as the pre-scan except that the read conditions for the main scan in which the read conditions are set are used. The output signal of the image sensor 34 is
The data is processed by the / D converter 38, processed by the data processing unit 48 of the processing device 14, converted into main scan data by the Log converter 50, and sent to the main scan memory 52. When the main scan data is sent to the main scan memory 54, the main scan data is read out by the main scan processing unit 58, subjected to image processing under the image processing conditions determined in the processing unit 66, and then converted by the signal conversion unit 68 and output. Image data,
The print data is output to the printer 16 and reproduced by reproducing the image data.

On the other hand, when all the set image-related information has been collected, the parameter integration section 76 uses this as the image-related information of the frame, and sends the size of the image-related information to the notifying means 80 at a predetermined timing. And the image-related information to the storage means 78. The supply of the image-related information to the storage unit 78 will be described later in detail. In addition,
When a compressed image or the like is used as the image-related information, the image compression may be performed by a corresponding part included in the illustrated processing device 14 such as the setup unit 70 or the parameter integration unit 76,
A portion for performing image compression may be separately provided. In addition, an upper limit of the size (data size) of the image-related information may be set, and when the upper limit is exceeded, for example, information having lower importance may be deleted. The upper limit of the size of the image-related information may be variable and appropriately set.

In the printing system to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied, the storage of the image-related information in the storage means 78 is not limited to the simultaneous printing. For example, when the customer is dissatisfied with the image of the simultaneous printing. If the user requests reprinting by instructing color / density processing or the like, or prints a frame that does not store image processing information, the image processing information at this time is stored as image-related information. You may.

On the other hand, in the photo printer 10, reprinting is basically performed as follows. The operator loads the carrier 30 corresponding to the film F for which reprint has been requested into the scanner 12, mounts the film F on the carrier 30, and uses the keyboard 18a or the like to input information indicating that reprinting is to be performed. The user inputs necessary information such as print conditions such as a frame to be printed, a print size, and set image-related information, and instructs to start printing. Thereby, the carrier 30 transports the film F,
The frame to be reprinted is conveyed to the reading position, pre-scan is started, and necessary information is stored in the parameter integration unit 7.
6 and so on.

The pre-scan is performed in the same manner as in the simultaneous printing. That is, under the prescan reading conditions, the projection light of the film F forms an image on the image sensor 34, the output signal is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted by the A / D converter 38, and The data is converted into prescan data by the Log converter 48 and stored in the prescan memory 50. Next, in the present embodiment, as a preferable mode, a prescan image of a frame to be reprinted is displayed on the display 20 in the same manner as in simultaneous printing. In addition,
In this case, the image processing of the pre-scan image is unnecessary. Similarly to the simultaneous printing, when the film F is transported, information recorded on the film F, such as a DX code, is read by the carrier 30 and necessary information such as image-related information is transmitted to the parameter integration unit 76 and the like. Can be

After the necessary information has been prepared, the parameter integration section 76 uses the image-related information (search information) to store the information in the storage section 7.
8 and, from the frames stored in the storage means 78,
A frame (candidate frame) estimated to be the same as the frame to be reprinted is selected, the image-related information is read out, and necessary information is supplied to the signal conversion unit 64 for display. Here, when information (image data) that can be displayed as an image-related information, such as a compressed image, a thinned image, and a low-resolution image, is stored, necessary processing such as decompression is performed.
It is sufficient to display the image of the candidate frame. If the image-related information is other than that, the date of simultaneous printing, customer name,
Information such as a frame number and a film type that the operator can determine the frame is displayed. In this example, since the pre-scanned image of the frame to be reprinted is displayed on the display 20, it is preferable that candidate frames are displayed side by side.

Here, the number of candidate frames may be one, but a plurality of frames may be selected and displayed in the order of candidates (in the order of high possibility of being the same frame). When the search accuracy is high, the selection is preferably one frame or a few frames. Further, the number of selections of candidate frames may be set as appropriate. When a plurality of candidate frames are selected, all frames may be displayed at the same time, or one frame or a plurality of frames may be sequentially displayed in the candidate order according to the operation of the operator.

The operator looks at the display on the display 20, selects or specifies the same frame as the frame to be reprinted from the searched frames, and gives an instruction. If the same frame as the frame to be reprinted is not displayed, the operator determines that the search is inappropriate and issues an instruction to that effect. The above instruction is input to the parameter integration unit 76.

When the reprint is performed on the film F of the new photographic system and the ID number and the frame number are used as the image-related information, the image-related information of this frame is stored in the storage means 78. If you search,
Since the image-related information of the frame to be reprinted can be read almost certainly, it is not necessary to rank or display such candidate frames. Further, image-related information (particularly, search information) may be changed between the film F of the new photographic system and a normal 135-size film or the like.

When the same frame as the frame to be reprinted from the searched frame is designated (the search is appropriate), the parameter integration unit 76 determines necessary information from the image-related information of the frame, for example, information on image processing. Is supplied to the setup unit 70. On the other hand, the setup unit 70 creates a density histogram from the pre-scan data and calculates the image feature amount, sets the reading conditions for the main scan, and sends the scan conditions to the scanner 12, as in the simultaneous printing. The setup unit 7
0 is to reproduce the image data processing in the main scan processing unit 56 at the time of simultaneous printing from the calculated image feature amount and the image-related information sent from the parameter integration unit 76, that is, the same image processing (signal Are performed under the same conditions and in the same order, and sent to the parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76 sets the supplied image processing conditions and the like at a predetermined position of the main scan processing unit 56.

If the search is properly performed in the reprint, the processing of the image data is basically determined by setting the image processing conditions in the main scan processing section 56, and the main scan is started. You. Alternatively, if necessary, the verification may be performed similarly to the simultaneous printing.

On the other hand, if the search is inappropriate, image processing and the like are performed in the same manner as in simultaneous printing. That is, the parameter integration unit 76 issues an instruction to that effect to the setup unit 70. The setup unit 70 sets the reading conditions for the main scan in the same manner as in the simultaneous printing,
The contents of the processing are set from the pre-scan data, and the result is sent to the parameter integration unit 76. When image processing conditions and the like are set in the prescan processing unit 54 by the parameter integration unit 76, a prescan image is displayed on the display 20, and
The test is performed, the processing is determined according to the test OK, and the main scan is started.

The main scan is performed basically in the same manner as the simultaneous printing. That is, under the supplied main scan reading conditions, the scanner 12 amplifies the output signal from the image sensor 34 by the amplifier 36 and outputs the amplified signal to the A / D converter 38.
Is converted into a digital signal by the data processing unit 4 of the processing device 14.
The data is processed in step 8, converted into main scan data by the Log converter 50, sent to the main scan memory 52, and stored.
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.

In the present invention, the image data processed by the main scan processing section 56 and the image data
When the compressed image (reversible) of the image data is stored and the search is appropriate, the main scan is not performed, and the image data stored as the image-related information or the decompressed image data is deleted. May be used to create a reprint.

In this reprint, the image reproduced when the search is proper is basically an image obtained by performing the same image data processing as the simultaneous printing under the same processing conditions. An image in which the color and density suitably match the image is obtained.

As described above, in the photo printer 10 utilizing the present invention, at the time of simultaneous printing or the like, the image related information of each frame is transmitted from the parameter integrating section 76 to the storage section 7.
8 and stored. The transfer of the image-related information to the storage unit 78 may be performed one frame at a time, for example, one by one such as a film. However, the storage capacity of the storage unit 78 is limited, and the storage of the image-related information is limited. If the amount increases,
Someday it will saturate.

In the illustrated example of the photo printer 10,
When the image-related information is transferred, the notifying unit 80 stores the information in the storage unit 7.
When the remaining storage capacity is detected and new image-related information is stored in the storage means 78, if the storage capacity is exceeded, a notification to that effect is issued. More specifically, the parameter integration unit 76 sends information on the size of the image-related information to be transferred to the notifying unit 80 before transferring the image-related information to the storage unit 78. The notifying means 80 responds to this by
If the storage capacity of the storage unit 78 is detected and the storage capacity of the storage unit 78 for storing the storage capacity is exceeded based on the size of the image-related information to be sent next, for example, an alarm sound or display on the display 20 is performed. Is notified that the storage capacity of the storage unit 78 is exceeded.

Next, in the photo printer 10 using the image processing apparatus of the present invention, for example, the storage means 78
However, it is preferable to automatically delete a predetermined amount of image-related information from oldest stored image-related information. The predetermined amount is not particularly limited, and includes a predetermined number of images, a predetermined number of frames, a predetermined period (simultaneous print date), and the like. Further, in the present invention, the storage unit 78 moves to another storage device instead of simply deleting a predetermined amount of image-related information from the oldest stored image-related information. Is also good.

Further, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
When the notification unit 80 notifies that the storage capacity of the storage unit 78 is exceeded, the operator does not automatically delete or automatically move the image-related information, but selects and deletes or moves the image-related information. Is also good. For example, in response to the notification by the notification unit 80, a list of image-related information stored in the storage unit 78 is displayed, for example, in the order of all, oldest, customer, etc. ,
The customer or the like selects and instructs image-related information to be deleted or moved. It is preferable that such automatic deletion, or automatic movement and selective deletion or selective movement of the image-related information be selectable.

Therefore, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
Since the amount of image-related information does not inadvertently exceed the storage capacity of the storage means 78 and important image-related information is not lost, it is possible to stably output reprints consistent with simultaneous printing. Will be possible. Also, the storage means 78
It is preferable that the capacity (recording area of the image-related information) can be set as appropriate.

In another aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the storage means 78 stores image-related information in two areas, a processing area and a storage area. The processing area is an area for storing a predetermined unit of image-related information set in advance, and the image-related information from the parameter integrating unit 76 is first transferred to this processing area. Note that the transfer of the image-related information from the parameter integration unit 76 may be performed one frame at a time or a plurality of frames. When a predetermined unit of image-related information is stored in the processing area, the image-related information is transferred from the processing area to the storage area.

Here, the predetermined unit of image-related information is predetermined quantitative or temporal image-related information. For example, a predetermined number of frames, a predetermined number such as one or a plurality of frames, frames processed in a predetermined time (frames), frames processed in the morning (frames), frames processed in the afternoon (frames),
A unit relating to time or data amount such as a frame (item) processed on a day is exemplified. Further, it is preferable that such a predetermined unit is configured to be freely switchable as appropriate, and it is preferable that a numerical predetermined unit such as the number of frames, the number of times, and time is configured so that a numerical value can be selected and set. .

In this embodiment, as described above, the image-related information sent from the parameter integrating section 76 is first stored in the processing area until the information becomes a predetermined unit. In this example, one day's processing is a predetermined unit. When the printing of one day is completed, that is, at the end of the work, when the operator instructs that, in the storage means 78,
The image-related information stored in the processing area is transferred to the storage area. At this time, the notifying unit 80 detects the size of the image-related information stored in the processing area and the remaining storage capacity of the storage area. If the size of the image-related information sent from the processing area next exceeds the storage capacity of the storage area when storing the same, the generation of a warning sound and the display on the display 20 similarly cause the storage unit 78 to store the information. Notify that the storage capacity is exceeded.

When the notification means 80 notifies that the storage capacity of the storage means 78 is exceeded, the storage means 78 stores the image-related information of the stored image-related information in the same manner as in the above-described example. From the oldest, a predetermined amount of image-related information is automatically deleted or moved to another storage device, or the operator selectively deletes or moves the image-related information instead of automatically deleting or automatically moving the image-related information. You may. These may be configured to be selectable.

According to this aspect, in addition to the advantages of the above aspect, the notification from the notification means 80 when the storage capacity of the storage area is exceeded is performed at a predetermined timing, so that the operator can abruptly interrupt the work. And workability can be improved. In addition, since the frame F processed on the day has the film F remaining at hand, the image-related information can be reacquired. However, since the frame processed the previous day has no film at hand, the image-related information is not obtained. is important. here,
The higher the frequency of accessing the storage means, the higher the possibility of destruction of data. However, according to this aspect, the higher the frequency of access is the processing area in which image-related information processed in the near future such as the day is stored. Therefore, even if the data here is damaged, the image-related information of the previously processed frame such as the previous day stored in the storage area will not be damaged. Therefore, safer and more stable work can be performed.

In this embodiment, the processing area and the storage area do not necessarily need to exist in the same storage unit 78. For example, the processing area is set in the parameter integration unit 76, and the image-related information of each frame is stored. The information may be stored, and the image-related information may be transferred to the storage area and stored for each predetermined unit. Further, it is preferable that the capacity and the like of the processing area, the storage area, and the total area of both can be appropriately set.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, image data for output is stored not only in the printer 16 but also in various storage media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an MO disk (magnetic recording disk), and a CD-R. The image may be output and 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 photographed on a film is photoelectrically read at a low resolution by an image sensor or the like, and the obtained image data is used for image processing conditions, that is, when printing on photographic paper. The amount of insertion of the color filter, the amount of aperture, and the like are calculated, and the dimming of the projection light of the film (that is, equivalent to image processing in digital exposure) is performed accordingly. When the present invention is applied to a direct-exposure photo printer, for example, if the insertion amount of this color filter is stored as information for processing image-related information, it is preferable to simultaneously print and re-print. Can be matched.

As described above, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course. For example, in the illustrated apparatus, both the display of the search result at the time of reprinting and the notification of the storage capacity shortage in the recording unit are performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may perform only one.

[0087]

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, the output can be performed by a simple operation. Also,
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the capacity | capacitance management of the memory | storage means which stores the image related information required for the coincidence of the image of simultaneous printing and reprinting can be performed stably and safely with favorable workability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital photo printer using an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of 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 embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG.

[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 notification unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image processing means for processing an input image to produce an output image, a storage means for storing image-related information relating to each image for at least one image processed by the image processing means, and the input image Search means for retrieving the storage means in response to an instruction for re-processing of the image data, reading the image-related information previously stored in the storage means, and display means for displaying a search result by the search means. An image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing means re-processes the input image in accordance with the image-related information read by the search means in response to an instruction to re-process the input image. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the re-processing of the input image is a re-print of an input image from a photographic film or an input image photographed by a digital camera, which has been previously printed. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image-related information includes search information for specifying the input image and details of the image processing performed by the image processing unit. 4. The image-related information includes an image representing the input image as search information for specifying the input image, and the search result displayed on the display means is an image representing the input image. And displaying the image on the display simultaneously with the output image obtained by reprocessing the input image.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an instruction unit for instructing whether or not a search result is appropriate by the search unit, wherein the image processing unit, when instructed by the instruction unit, that the search result is appropriate, A process is performed using the image-related information read by the search unit, and when the search result indicates that the search result is inappropriate, the process is performed using the input image obtained in the re-processing. The image processing device according to claim 1. 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said display means displays a plurality of candidate images as a search result by said search means, and said instruction means can select one from said plurality of candidate images. 6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 5. 7. An image processing means for processing an input image to produce an output image, a storage means for storing image-related information relating to each image for at least one image processed by the image processing means, and this storage means When storing the image-related information, when the amount of the image-related information exceeds the capacity of the storage unit, a notification unit for notifying the fact and a notification that the capacity is exceeded are issued by the notification unit. In this case, the image processing apparatus has a change unit that performs at least one of deleting the image-related information stored in the storage unit in the oldest order, moving the image-related information to another storage device, and selecting the image-related information to be deleted. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. A processing area for storing a predetermined unit of the image-related information, and a processing area for storing an image processed earlier than an image in which the image-related information is stored in the processing area. Having a storage area for storing image-related information separately, storing the image-related information stored in the processing area in the storage area after the processing of the image in the predetermined unit is completed, wherein the notifying unit includes: When the storage means stores the image-related information in the storage area, when the amount of the image-related information exceeds the capacity of the storage area,
When the notification means notifies that the capacity is exceeded, the change unit deletes the image-related information stored in the storage area in the oldest order. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of moving to the apparatus and selecting image-related information to be deleted is performed. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined unit is a unit relating to time or a data amount.