JP2001189860A - Image processing condition setting device, and image processing condition setting program storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing condition setting device by which a general operator can easily set a desired image processing condition. SOLUTION: The image processing condition setting device is provided with a cross-reference storage section 120-1 that stores a cross-reference between a value of a 2nd parameter defined with combinations of values of a plurality of kinds of 1st parameters specifying an image processing condition and its combination, an image processing section 7 that applies a plurality of ways of image processing to an acquired original image on the basis of a plurality of image processing conditions in response to a plurality of parameters of the 2nd parameter, a display section 102a that displays a plurality of images processed by the image processing section, an image selection section 9 that selects one image among a plurality of images displayed on the display section according to an operation, and an image processing condition setting section 5 that sets the image processing condition corresponding to the image selected by the image selection section as an image processing condition for the image processor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing condition setting device for setting image processing conditions representing the contents of image processing, which is used in an image processing device for performing image processing on an acquired image, and to be executed by a computer system. The present invention relates to an image processing condition setting program storage medium that stores an image processing condition setting program that causes the computer system to operate as an image processing condition setting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, it has been widely practiced to produce a printed matter by a printing machine or the like based on an original image obtained by reading a predetermined image with a scanner or the like. In the process of producing the printed matter, image processing is usually performed on the original image in order to make the original image a better finished image. This image processing is performed in accordance with predetermined image processing conditions (conditions indicating the contents of the image processing), and the operator appropriately sets the image processing conditions to perform the image processing desired by the operator on the original image. Can be applied.

The image processing conditions include, for example, a highlight curve, a halftone curve, and a shadow curve representing a conversion relationship between the density of an image before image processing and the density of an image after image processing in image processing. , And each coefficient representing the curvature of the curve.

In the process of producing the printed matter, an image processing condition setting device is used as a device for setting such image processing conditions.

A known image processing condition setting apparatus analyzes an original image and automatically calculates and sets an image processing condition considered to be optimal for the original image based on the result of the analysis. ing. However, even when the image processing based on the image processing conditions calculated and set as described above does not provide an image intended by the operator, such as a slightly dark image or a green color of the image that is not the operator's favorite green. In such a case, it is necessary to manually adjust the image processing conditions.

The manual adjustment of image processing conditions is performed by a general operation which does not always fully understand the effects of changes in the respective coefficients representing the curvatures of the highlight curve, halftone curve and shadow curve on the image. This is a difficult task for the person. In order to support such manual adjustment, parameters that are intuitively understandable to the operator, such as “brightness”, are introduced, and further image processing is performed under image processing conditions represented by each parameter value of such parameters. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image processing condition setting apparatus which can display a plurality of images, and can set an image processing condition by an operator selecting a favorite image from the displayed plurality of images.

[0007]

However, in the conventional image processing condition setting device, the parameters introduced in such a manner are parameters that cause an image change with a deviation from an image change desired by a general operator. There are many. For example,
Despite being a parameter representing "brightness", a plurality of images processed by a plurality of image processing conditions that vary along the parameter differ not only in brightness but also in saturation. Or, the parameter representing the “three-dimensional effect” merely represents the adjustment of the contrast, so that these parameters are different from the brightness and the three-dimensional effect desired by the general operator, and are different from the “brightness” which is uncomfortable. And a parameter representing the “three-dimensional effect”. As described above, a plurality of images obtained by performing image processing under a plurality of image processing conditions that vary along with a parameter that causes an image change with a deviation from an image change desired by a general operator are used for setting image processing conditions. Since it is not appropriate as a guide, even when an image is displayed in this way, it is difficult for a general operator to appropriately set desired image processing conditions.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image processing condition setting device that allows an ordinary operator to easily set a desired image processing condition, and a computer system that is executed by the computer system. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing condition setting program storage medium storing a program to be operated as a simple image processing condition setting device.

[0009]

According to an image processing condition setting apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, a predetermined image processing condition that defines the content of image processing is set, and an acquired original image is
An image processing apparatus that performs image processing based on the set image processing conditions, an image processing condition setting apparatus that sets the image processing conditions, and a parameter defined by a plurality of types of first parameters that define the image processing conditions A parameter value of a second parameter having each value assigned to each point on a predetermined path in the space as a parameter value, and a parameter of each of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to each point The plurality of parameter values of the second parameter are respectively referred to by referring to the correspondence defined by the correspondence defining unit that defines the correspondence between each combination of values and the plurality of types of the second parameter. A plurality of combinations of the parameter values of the first parameters are converted into a plurality of combinations, respectively, and a plurality of combinations of the plurality of combinations are formed on the image corresponding to the original image based on the plurality of combinations. An image processing unit that generates a plurality of images by performing image processing, a display unit that displays the plurality of images generated by the image processing unit, and one of the plurality of images displayed on the display unit An image selection unit that selects an image according to an operation; and a parameter value of each of the plurality of types of first parameters used when the image selected by the image selection unit is generated by the image processing unit. An image processing condition setting unit that sets image processing conditions defined by the combination in the image processing apparatus.

In the second parameter, since each parameter value corresponds to each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, various values can be obtained by changing the corresponding combination. The second parameter can be freely defined. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the combination corresponding to each parameter value of the second parameter, parameters representing the concept of the human visual sensation, such as brightness, redness, and hardness, can be changed from the concept to the human. It is easy to define a parameter that is close to the impression received by the user and that indicates a sensory natural change in the image, that is, a high-quality parameter.

In the image processing condition setting device of the present invention,
By displaying on the display unit a plurality of images representing changes that are intuitively natural for the general operator according to the parameter values of such high-quality parameters, the general operator can use these images. It is easy to find a desired image from among a plurality of images, and thus it is possible to easily set a desired image processing condition.

In the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention, the correspondence relation defining unit may determine, for each of a plurality of types of second parameters corresponding to a plurality of paths in the parameter space, each parameter value of the second parameter. And a correspondence relationship with each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters. A desired second parameter is selected from the plurality of types of second parameters in accordance with the operation. And a parameter selection unit for selecting the second type of the second parameter corresponding to each of the plurality of parameter values of the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit. A plurality of images are generated by performing a plurality of image processes based on each combination of parameter values of one parameter. Door is preferable.

In this image processing condition setting device, the operator can select various second parameters, and various images corresponding to various parameter values of the selected various second parameters are displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the operator can easily set desired image processing conditions by selecting a favorite image from those images.

In the image processing condition setting device having the parameter selection section, the parameter selection section selects one second parameter at a time, and the image processing section is selected by the parameter selection section. Based on each of the M combinations of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to each of the M parameter values of the second parameter, M is added to the image corresponding to the original image.
Performing the same image processing to generate each of the M images, wherein the display unit converts the M images generated by the image processing unit into the second parameter corresponding to each of the images. Are preferably displayed in the order of the parameter values.

Further, in the image processing condition setting apparatus having the parameter selection section, the parameter selection section may be configured to simultaneously execute two or more operations.
Selecting two second parameters, wherein the image processing unit selects the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit.
A set of M × N parameter values obtained by combining M parameter values of one second parameter of one of the second parameters with N parameter values of another second parameter , M × N image processing is performed on the image corresponding to the original image based on each of the M × N combinations of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to the M × N images. Wherein the display unit two-dimensionally converts the M × N images generated by the image processing unit in one direction into the parameters of the second parameter corresponding to each of the images. It is preferable to display the images in the order of the values and in the direction intersecting the one direction in the order of the parameter values of the second parameters corresponding to the respective images.

As in these image processing condition setting devices,
When the images are arranged and displayed in the order of the parameter values of the selected parameter, it is easy for the operator to understand the state of the change of the image related to the parameter, and it is easy to set the image processing conditions.

Further, by displaying a plurality of images arranged two-dimensionally, a plurality of preview images changing according to a change in the parameter value of one parameter are arranged more than one-dimensionally arranged. Since the display approaches an ideal display and various images are displayed as preview images to be compared, setting of image processing conditions becomes easy.

The image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention has an initial image processing condition generating section for generating an initial image processing condition based on an image corresponding to an original image, and the display section displays the initial image processing condition. Based on the initial image condition generated by the generating unit, an image obtained by performing image processing on the image corresponding to the original image by the image processing unit is defined as one image among a plurality of images displayed by the display unit. Preferably, it is displayed.

In the image processing condition setting device having the initial image processing condition generating unit, the correspondence relationship defining unit may define, as the correspondence, an initial image processing condition obtained based on an image corresponding to an original image. It is preferable that the correspondence between the deviation from the combination of the parameter values of the first parameters and the parameter value of the second parameter is defined.

As described above, when an image processed based on the initial image processing conditions is displayed by default,
It becomes easy to adjust the image processing conditions from the initial image processing conditions.

In the image processing condition setting apparatus of the present invention, the correspondence relation defining unit may be a storage unit for storing a table in which the correspondence relation is described.

Further, in the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention, the correspondence relation defining unit may be configured such that each of the first parameters having the parameter value of the second parameter in which the correspondence relation is described as an argument. There is a storage unit that stores a function expression of a parameter value.

The image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention, which achieves the above object, is executed by a computer system, whereby the computer system is set with predetermined image processing conditions for defining the contents of image processing. An image storing an image processing condition setting program to be activated as an image processing condition setting device for setting an image processing condition in an image processing device that performs image processing on the acquired original image based on the set image processing condition A processing condition setting program storage medium, wherein each value assigned to each point on a predetermined path in a parameter space defined by a plurality of types of first parameters defining image processing conditions is used as each parameter value. The respective parameter values of the two parameters;
Referring to the correspondence data that defines the correspondence between each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters and the correspondence defined by the correspondence data, Each of the plurality of parameter values of the second parameter is converted into a plurality of combinations of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, and a plurality of combinations of the plurality of types of the first parameter are added to an image corresponding to the original image based on each of the plurality of combinations. An image processing unit that generates a plurality of images by performing the image processing described above, an image selection unit that selects one of the plurality of images generated by the image processing unit in accordance with an operation, and the image selection unit Parameters of the plurality of first parameters used when the image selected by the section is generated by the image processing section. The image processing conditions defined by a combination of values is characterized by being obtained by storing the image processing condition setting program and an image processing condition setting unit for setting to the image processing apparatus.

A computer system which operates as an image processing condition setting device by executing the image processing condition setting program in the computer system has the same function and effect as the image processing condition setting device of the present invention.

Although the same names are given to the components in the image processing condition setting device and the image processing condition setting program, those components mean hardware and software in the image processing condition setting device. In the condition setting program, it means only software.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image processing system to which an embodiment of an image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 1 shows a scanner 200 which reads a predetermined image and generates an original image composed of color images of respective CMY colors corresponding to the image, and acquires the original image and performs image processing on the original image. Is configured by a computer system 100 that performs the following.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the computer system.

FIG. 1 shows an image processing condition setting device 100_1 and an image processing device 100_2 implemented in the computer system 100.

As described above, the original image generated by the scanner 200 is supplied to the image processing condition setting device 100_1 and the image processing device 100 of the computer system 100.
_2. Image processing condition setting device 10
In 0_1, the input original image is first analyzed,
Based on the analyzed result, an image processing condition considered optimal for the original image is automatically calculated and set.
Then, the set image processing conditions are applied to the image processing apparatus 100.
_2, the image processing apparatus 100_2 performs image processing on the input original image based on the received image processing conditions in order to make the input original image a better-finished image. However, the image processing based on the image processing conditions calculated and set as described above cannot obtain an image intended by the operator, for example, the image is slightly dark, the green of the image is not the green desired by the operator. In many cases, these image processing conditions require adjustment. Hereinafter, this image processing condition is referred to as an initial image processing condition.

In this embodiment, the image processing conditions including the initial image processing conditions are the same as the image processing conditions set by the conventional image processing condition setting device, such as a highlight curve, a halftone curve, and a shadow curve. It is represented by a combination of parameter values of a plurality of basic parameters that define a curve, boost, color correction, sharpness, and the like. In other words, the image processing condition is represented by a point in the basic parameter space defined by the plurality of basic parameters. Examples of these basic parameters include coefficients representing the curvature of each highlight curve of each color of CMYK on a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the input of an image and the vertical axis represents the output of the image, and each of the highlights. There is the density of the input image corresponding to the highlight point of the curve. Each of these basic parameters corresponds to the first parameter according to the present invention.

It is difficult for a general operator to adjust the image processing conditions represented by these basic parameters in an efficient manner. On the other hand, in the image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment, function parameters such as brightness, redness, and hardness that the operator can intuitively understand are appropriately defined and introduced as described later. You. The function parameter corresponds to a path in the basic parameter space having a point corresponding to the initial image processing condition as an origin, and each value assigned to each point on these paths is used as a parameter value. Therefore, each of the plurality of types of function parameters corresponds to each of the plurality of paths in the basic parameter space. This function parameter corresponds to the second parameter according to the present invention. With the help of the function parameters, even a general operator can easily set a new image processing condition by adjusting the initial image processing condition through a mouse operation or the like. Then, an image desired by the operator is generated based on the new image processing condition.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the computer system 100 which realizes the image processing condition setting apparatus 100_1 which can easily set the image processing conditions will be described in detail.

The computer system 100 includes a CPU,
A main unit 101 including a main storage device, a hard disk, a communication board, and the like, and a CRT for displaying a screen or a character string on a display screen 102a in accordance with an instruction from the main unit 101
Display 102, the computer system 100
Keyboard 103 for inputting a user's instruction and character information to the user, and a mouse for specifying an arbitrary position on the display screen 102a and inputting an instruction corresponding to an icon or the like displayed at that position at the time of the specification. 104 is provided.

The main body 101 is loaded with a CD-ROM 105 so as to be able to be taken out.
A CD-ROM drive for reproducing information stored in the OM 105 is built in. In addition, the main body 101 has the configuration shown in FIG.
Is loaded with an MO 106 (not shown) so that it can be taken out.
An MO drive for recording and reproducing information with respect to the MO 106 loaded as described above is also built in.

The hardware configuration of the computer system 100 is as follows.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer system.

The hardware configuration diagram includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM 112, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 113, an MO drive 114, a C
D-ROM drive 115 and communication board 116
Are shown and they are interconnected by a bus 110. The HDD 113 has a built-in hard disk 120 as a recording medium, and records and reproduces information on and from the hard disk 120.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of I / Os (not shown).
A mouse 104, a keyboard 103, a CRT display 102, and a scanner 200 are shown connected to the bus 110 via each of the interfaces.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the CD-ROM 105
An image processing condition setting program according to the present invention is stored. C in which the image processing condition setting program is stored
The D-ROM 105 corresponds to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the CD-ROM 105 shown in FIG. 4 includes, as software, an original image acquisition unit 51, an initial image processing condition determination unit 52, an adjustment image processing condition generation unit 53, An image processing condition generation unit 54, an image processing condition setting unit 55, an image processing condition output unit 56, an image processing unit 57, a parameter selection unit 58, an image selection unit 59, and correspondence data 60 are included.

The CD-ROM 105 is loaded in the main body 101, and the CD-ROM drive 115
The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the ROM 105 is read and installed in the hard disk 120 via the bus 110.

When the image processing condition setting program 50 installed in the hard disk 120 is started, the image processing condition setting program 50 in the hard disk 120 is loaded into the RAM 112 and
1 is executed. That is, in the computer system 100, an image processing condition setting device 100_1 including both software and hardware as an environment for operating the software is realized with the configuration illustrated in FIG. Image processing condition setting device 10 shown in FIG.
Each part of the components constituting 0_1 corresponds to each part having the same name as the software. The correspondence data 60 is stored on the hard disk 120.

The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the CD-ROM 105 is installed in the hard disk of the computer system 100 as described above. The hard disk also corresponds to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

The computer system 1 shown in FIG.
00, the CD-ROM 105 is used as a program storage medium for storing the image processing condition setting program, but the medium for storing the program according to the present invention is a CD-ROM.
The storage medium is not limited to the ROM, but may be another storage medium such as an optical disk, an MO, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape. Those program storage media storing the image processing condition setting program correspond to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image processing condition setting apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG.

The image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment realized in the computer system 100 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, an original image acquiring unit 1 for acquiring an original image, an initial image processing condition determining unit 2 for determining a predetermined initial image processing condition according to the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1,
An adjusting image processing condition generating unit 3 for generating one or more adjusting image processing conditions indicating a deviation as an image processing condition from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2; One or more image processing conditions are generated by combining the initial image processing conditions determined by the condition determining unit 2 and each of the one or more adjustment image processing conditions generated by the adjustment image processing condition generating unit 3. Image processing condition generating unit 4, image processing condition generating unit 4
An image processing condition setting unit 5 for setting one image processing condition from one or more image processing conditions generated by
An image processing condition storage unit 120_1 that stores the image processing conditions set by the image processing condition setting unit 5, and an image processing condition output unit that outputs the image processing conditions set by the image processing condition setting unit 5 to the image processing apparatus 100_2. 6,
An image processing unit 7 for performing image processing on the original image obtained by the original image obtaining unit 1, a display unit 102a for displaying an image processed by the image processing unit 7, and function parameters represented by the correspondence data 60 , A correspondence storage unit 120_2 for storing the correspondence between the respective parameter values and the image processing conditions defined by the combinations of the respective parameter values of the plurality of basic parameters, the parameter selection unit 8 for selecting function parameters, and the display unit 102a. And an image selection unit 9 for selecting an image from the plurality of images displayed in accordance with the operation of the operator.

Next, the operation of each of these units will be described in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 6 and appropriately referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 and Table 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment.

The image processing condition setting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment
For _1, image processing conditions are set according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The description of the image processing condition adjustment screen shown in FIG. 7 will be made together with the description of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
Then, the original image generated by the scanner 200 is obtained by the original image obtaining means 1. Next, step S
Proceed to 2.

In step S2, the initial image processing condition determination unit 2 analyzes the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1, and based on the analysis result, considers that the original image is optimal. Image processing conditions are automatically calculated, and as a result of the analysis, initial image processing conditions considered appropriate are determined. Next, the process proceeds to steps S3 to S4.

In steps S3 and S4, the initial image processing conditions determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 and the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1 are input to the image processing unit 7. The input original image is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 7 based on the input initial image processing conditions. The image processed in this way is displayed on a window (image display window) (not shown) of the display unit 102a. Next, the process proceeds to step S5.

Before describing step S5, an image adjustment window displayed on the display unit 102a in response to an operation by an operator will be described separately from the image display window, and will be described later on the image display window. A description will be given of function parameters that can be selected as desired.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the image adjustment window.

Using the image adjustment window shown in the figure, the operator can adjust image processing conditions that define the content of image processing on the image displayed in the image display window. In the image adjustment window in the same figure,
25 types of preview images a are two-dimensionally 5 × 5
It is displayed in order. At the top of the window, there are two pop-up menus b for selecting function parameters. The arrangement of the preview image in the vertical axis direction and the arrangement in the horizontal axis direction are each related to a function parameter, and each of the function parameters related to each of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis is set according to the operation of the operator. Each is selected from two pop-up menus b. At the bottom of the window, a cancel button c and a decision button d
And exists.

The operator can select the adjustment direction for the image displayed in the image display window from the function parameter groups appearing in each of the two pop-up menus b on the image adjustment window. The function parameters included in this function parameter group include the following.

Brightness, highlight point, shadow point, reddish, blueish, yellowish, greenish, three-dimensional, volume, distance, transparency, vividness, warmth, sharpness,
Hardness, healthy color, skin pink, freshness, color depth, metallic sensation These function parameters are a combination of each of the multiple parameter values of the function parameters, Specified by each. An example of the correspondence between the parameter values of the function parameters and the combinations of the parameter values of the basic parameters is shown in Table 1.

[0061]

[Table 1]

Table 1 shows that the parameter values of the function parameter “brightness” are −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, and 1.
The correspondence between each parameter value and each combination of parameter values of a plurality of basic parameters in each of 2 and 3 is shown. In the leftmost column of this table, the parameter values -3 to 3 of the "brightness" are shown in order from the top.

In each of the same columns as the parameter values of “brightness” shown in the leftmost column of this table, the parameter values of the basic parameters of the plurality of basic parameters defining those parameter values are respectively shown. Is shown.
For example, if the parameter value of "brightness" is -3,
The set densities corresponding to the respective highlight points in the respective highlight curves of the C, M and Y colors are 0.2, 0.
2, 0.2, and coefficients representing the curvature of each highlight curve of each color of CMYK are -5, -5, -5,
0, and the coefficients representing the curvature of each halftone curve of each color of CMYK become 15, 15, 15, 0 in order, respectively.
It is shown that the coefficients representing the curvature of each shadow curve of each color of MYK are -1, -1, -1, and 0, respectively. That is, the parameter value -3 of "brightness" is obtained by combining each parameter value of the plurality of basic parameters ｛(0.
2, 0.2, 0.2), (-5, -5, -5, 0),
(15, 15, 15, 0), (-1, -1, -1,
0)｝. In the following, the parameter value of the function parameter is specified in this way,
A combination of each parameter value of a plurality of basic parameters is referred to as a basic parameter value set.

When the parameter value of the function parameter “brightness” is 0, all the parameter values of the basic parameter value set defining this parameter value are 0. If the function parameter value is not limited to “brightness” and the function parameter value is 0, it means that the adjustment to the initial image processing condition is not performed for the function parameter.

Incidentally, since it is not related to the function parameter “brightness”, each parameter value of a number of basic parameters not listed in this table is 0 for any parameter value of the function parameter “brightness”.
It is.

Here, the function parameter “brightness” has been described as an example, but each parameter value of various function parameters included in the above-described function parameter group is similarly defined by the basic parameter value set.

In the conventional image processing condition setting device,
Some use parameters such as “brightness” and “three-dimensional effect”. However, in the conventional image processing condition setting device, although the parameter introduced as such is a parameter representing “brightness”, image processing is performed under a plurality of image processing conditions that change along the parameter. In many cases, the obtained images differ from each other not only in brightness but also in saturation, or a parameter representing “three-dimensional effect” merely represents adjustment of contrast. In such a case, these parameters are parameters representing “brightness” and “three-dimensional effect” that are different from the brightness and three-dimensional effect desired by a general operator and have a strange feeling.

However, the function parameters used in the present embodiment are defined by combinations of parameter values of a large number of basic parameters as described above. By changing this combination, various function parameters can be changed. Because it is freely defined, a concept that expresses human visual sensation such as brightness, redness, and hardness by appropriately adjusting the combination of parameter values of basic parameters corresponding to each parameter value of function parameters It is easy to define a parameter that represents a parameter that represents a sensory and natural image change close to the impression received by a human from the concept, that is, a parameter with good quality.

For example, regarding the “brightness”, the above-mentioned highlight point setting density, the coefficient representing the curvature of the highlight curve, the halftone curve, and the shadow curve, which define the parameter value of the function parameter “brightness”, are used. By appropriately selecting the parameter values of the basic parameters, it is possible to suppress a change in saturation due to a change in “brightness”. Regarding the “three-dimensional effect”,
By including a parameter that defines the strength of sharpness in the basic parameters that define the parameter values of the function parameter “three-dimensional effect”, it is possible to realize a deep “stereoscopic effect” change that is not merely a contrast.

As described above, the correspondence between each of the plurality of parameter values of one function parameter and each of the basic parameter value sets is stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2. This correspondence may be stored in the form of a table for each function parameter as shown in Table 1. For example, the highlight point setting density = −0.15 × “brightness” parameter value Thus, the parameter value of the function parameter may be stored in the form of a function formula of the parameter value of the basic parameter as an argument.

Table 1 shows the correspondence between parameter values in the range of -3 to 3. However, in the table actually stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2, the correspondence is -3.
A correspondence in a wider range of parameter values beyond the range of ３3 is defined.

In step S5, the parameter selection unit 8 selects each of the above-described function parameters related to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis according to the operation of the pop-up menu b by the mouse of the operator. Here, the selected function parameters related to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are “brightness” and “skin”, respectively.
And these function parameters are output to the adjustment image processing condition generator 3.

Next, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S 6, the adjustment image processing condition generator 3 first sets the two types of function parameters “brightness” selected by the parameter selector 8,
Get "skin". This adjustment image processing condition generator 3
Next, for the obtained two types of function parameters “brightness” and “skin”, a plurality of parameter values centered on 0, respectively, in this case, −2, −1, 0,
Each of the basic parameter value sets defining each of the five parameter values such as 1 and 2 is extracted from the correspondence storage unit 120_2.

The adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3
Is a set of 5 × 5 parameter values obtained by combining the five parameter values of “brightness” and the five parameter values of “skin” among the two types of function parameters. The corresponding 5 × 5 adjustment image processing conditions are generated. Each of these adjustment image processing conditions is represented by a combination of a parameter value of “brightness” and a parameter value of “skin” such as (−2, 1), and a parameter value of “brightness” -2 "and a new basic parameter value set obtained by adding the basic parameter value set defining the parameter value" 1 "of" skin ".

Here, the addition of the basic parameter value sets means that the basic parameter values of all the basic parameters included in the two basic parameter value sets are collected, and are included in both of the two basic parameter value sets. If the basic parameter exists, the basic parameter 2
A parameter value obtained by adding two basic parameter values to each other is set as a new parameter value of the basic parameter.
Generating a new basic parameter value set.
Note that the definition of the new parameter value of the common basic parameter is arbitrary, and may be an averaged one instead of an added one.

Next, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S 7, the image processing condition generator 4 controls the 5 × 5 adjustment image processing conditions generated by the adjustment image processing condition generator 3 and the initial image processing condition determiner 2. The determined initial image processing conditions are acquired, a basic parameter value set that defines the acquired initial image processing conditions, and the acquired 5 × 5
By adding 5 × 5 basic parameter value sets defining the respective image processing conditions for adjustment, 5
Each of the five image processing conditions is generated. Next, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the image processing unit 7 generates the 5 ×
Five types of image processing conditions and an image obtained by reducing the amount of information of the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1 are obtained, and the 5 × 5 image processing conditions acquired for the acquired image are obtained. Image processing is performed based on each
× 5 types of preview images a are generated. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the 5 × 5 preview images a generated by the image processing unit 7 are displayed as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the image adjustment window of the display unit 102a, the five parameter values of “brightness” corresponding to each of the images are two-dimensionally arranged in the horizontal axis direction, and are displayed in the vertical axis direction. Are displayed side by side in the order of the above five parameter values of “skin” corresponding to each of the preview images a. That is, the 5 × 5 preview images a shown in FIG. 7 are brighter toward the right side of the screen, and the skin tone is changed between the upper and lower images on the screen.

Such a change in brightness and a change in skin tone are the general parameters of the function parameters “brightness” and “skin” appropriately defined by the basic parameter value set as described above. This is a good change that is intuitively natural for the operator. Next, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the image processing condition setting section 5 sets the image processing conditions for the image processing apparatus in accordance with the operation of the operator. Specifically, first, the operator operates the mouse and clicks one of the 5 × 5 preview images a to select one of the preview images a.
The clicked image is selected by the image selection unit 9. The outer frame of the selected image is displayed in a bold frame to indicate that the image has been selected. The image processing conditions when the image selected in this way is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 7 are stored in the image processing condition storage unit 120_1. If the selected image is a desired image, the operator presses the enter button d. In accordance with the image selection and determination operations performed by the operator, the image processing conditions used to generate the image selected in this way are determined by the image processing condition setting unit 5 for the image processing apparatus. This is set as an image processing condition.

A scroll bar e exists on the right and lower sides of the entire 5 × 5 preview image a in the image adjustment window. If the operator cannot find a desired image in these 5 × 5 preview images a, he operates these scroll bars e to
It is possible to display the preview image a that has been subjected to the image processing under the image processing conditions specified by the parameter values of “brightness” and “skin” outside the above-mentioned range of −2 to 2. In this case, the processes from step S6 to step S9 are performed again for the parameter values in the range corresponding to the operation of the scroll bar e.

If the operator cannot find a desired image in these preview images a despite operating the scroll bar e in this manner, he operates the pop-up menu b again, The function parameters can be changed from "brightness" and "skin" to another. The processes from step S5 to step S9 are performed again according to the new function parameter selected by the operation of the pop-up menu b.

When re-selecting the function parameters, the operator can press the cancel button c to initialize the image selection, or adjust the image based on the selected image as it is. Can also.

When the image is adjusted based on the image selected as it is, the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 responds to the image selected by the image selecting unit 9 by operating the pop-up menu. The read image processing condition is read from the image processing condition storage unit 120_1, and the read image processing condition is determined as a new initial image processing condition. Hereinafter, the adjustment for the new initial image processing condition is performed in steps S5 to S5 described above.
9 is performed in the same manner.

In the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment,
By operating the pop-up menu b, the function parameters can be selected from the above-described function parameter group. Therefore, when adjusting the image processing conditions, the function parameters are selected according to the parameter value changes of the various types of selected function parameters. Since a plurality of changing preview images a are displayed in the screen adjustment window, it is possible to compare and examine the image processing conditions at various cuts.

Further, in the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of preview images a representing high-quality changes that are intuitively natural for ordinary operators are displayed in the image adjustment window. Therefore, a general operator can easily find a favorite image from the preview images a, and can easily set a desired image processing condition.

Further, in the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment, a plurality of preview images a changing in accordance with changes in the parameter values of the two types of function parameters are displayed in a two-dimensional manner in the image adjustment window. You. Ideally, a plurality of preview images a that change according to changes in the parameter values of more function parameters
Should be displayed, but such a display is practically impossible. However, by arranging the preview images a two-dimensionally in this manner, a plurality of preview images a that change in accordance with a change in the parameter value of one parameter are one.
The display approaches a more ideal display than the case where the images are arranged in a dimensional manner, and various images are displayed as the preview images a to be compared, so that setting of the image processing conditions becomes easy.

Next, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the image processing conditions set for the image processing apparatus 100_2 by the image processing condition setting unit 5 are input to the image processing condition output unit 6, and the image processing condition output unit 6 outputs The image is output to the image processing apparatus 100_2 that performs formal image processing. Thus, the setting of the image processing conditions for the image processing apparatus 100_2 is completed.

In step S5, when "none" without selecting a function parameter is selected, for example, when "brightness" is selected on the horizontal axis and "none" is selected on the vertical axis, FIG. 8 displayed on the image adjustment window as shown in FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the image adjustment window.

FIG. 11 shows the state of the image adjustment window when "none" is selected in the pop-up menu b for selecting the function parameter on the horizontal axis in the image adjustment window shown in FIG. In this case, five preview images a are displayed in the image adjustment window.
Are one-dimensionally arranged and displayed horizontally.

As described above, when the function parameter is selected only in one of the pop-up menus b in the two pop-up menus b, the basic parameter value sets respectively corresponding to the two types of function parameters are added to each other. Since there is no need, step S6 is skipped and the process proceeds to steps S7 to S11. In steps S7 to S11, the parameter selection unit 8 is set in the same manner as when "brightness" and "skin" are selected as the function parameters.
One type of function parameter "brightness"
Is selected by the image processing condition generation unit 4, and five image processing conditions corresponding to each of the five parameter values of the function parameter “brightness” are generated. In the acquired original image, five preview images a are respectively generated according to the five image processing conditions corresponding to the five parameter values generated by the image processing condition generating unit 4, and the display unit is displayed. 102a displays the five preview images a generated by the image processing unit 7 in the order of the five parameter values corresponding to each of the preview images a.

As described above, when the preview images a are arranged one-dimensionally and displayed two-dimensionally, various functions are used when adjusting the image processing conditions. Since the parameters can be selected, it is possible to compare and examine the image processing conditions in various aspects, and to obtain a high-quality preview image a that is intuitively and natural for a general operator.
A general operator can easily set desired image processing conditions.

In the image processing condition setting device of this embodiment, each parameter value of the function parameter is
This is a value representing an adjustment image processing condition as a deviation with respect to an image on which image processing is performed according to the automatically calculated and set initial image processing condition. However, the image processing condition setting device of the present invention is not limited to the device that automatically calculates the initial image processing condition as described above. The value may represent an image processing condition for the original image itself.

[0097]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image processing condition setting device that allows a general operator to easily set desired image processing conditions, and a program that is executed by a computer system to operate the computer system as such an image processing condition setting device. An image processing condition setting program storage medium stored therein is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image processing system to which an embodiment of an image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an image adjustment window.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an image adjustment window.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,51 Original image acquisition unit 2,52 Initial image processing condition determination unit 3,53 Image processing condition generation unit for adjustment 4,54 Image processing condition generation unit 5,55 Image processing condition setting unit 6,56 Image processing condition output unit 7, 57 image processing section 8, 58 parameter selection section 9, 59 image selection section 50 image processing condition setting program 60 correspondence data 100 computer system 100_1 image processing condition setting apparatus 100_2 image processing apparatus 101 main body section 102 CRT display 102a display screen 103 Keyboard 104 Mouse 105 CD-ROM 106 MO 110 Bus 111 CPU 112 RAM 113 HDD 114 MO drive 115 CD-ROM drive 116 Communication board 120 Hard disk 120_1 Image processing condition storage unit 120_2 Engagement storage unit 200 Scanner

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B057 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE01 CE11 5C077 LL16 LL17 LL19 MP08 PP09 PP10 PP15 PQ22 PQ23 SS05 SS06

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus that sets predetermined image processing conditions that define the content of image processing and performs image processing on an acquired original image based on the set image processing conditions is provided. In the image processing condition setting device to be set, a value assigned to each point on a predetermined path in a parameter space defined by a plurality of types of first parameters defining image processing conditions is set as a second parameter value. A correspondence defining unit that defines a correspondence between each parameter value of the parameter and each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to each point; Referring to the defined correspondence, each of the plurality of parameter values of the second parameter is converted into a plurality of combinations of parameter values of each of the plurality of types of first parameters. An image processing unit that generates a plurality of images by performing a plurality of image processings on the image corresponding to the original image based on each of the plurality of combinations, and a plurality of images generated by the image processing unit A display unit for displaying an image of the image, an image selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of images displayed on the display unit in accordance with an operation, and an image selected by the image selection unit for the image processing. An image processing condition setting unit that sets an image processing condition defined by a combination of parameter values of each of the plurality of types of first parameters used in the generation by the unit in the image processing apparatus. An image processing condition setting device, characterized in that: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence relation defining unit includes a plurality of types of second types corresponding to a plurality of paths in the parameter space.
, Which defines a correspondence relationship between each parameter value of the second parameter and each combination of the parameter values of each of the plurality of types of first parameters. A parameter selection unit that selects a desired second parameter according to an operation, wherein the image processing unit converts a plurality of second parameters selected by the parameter selection unit into an image corresponding to an original image. 2. A plurality of images are generated by performing a plurality of image processes based on respective combinations of parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to the respective parameter values. An image processing condition setting device as described in the above. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter selection unit selects one second parameter at a time, and the image processing unit selects M parameter values of the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit. , M types of image processing are performed on an image corresponding to the original image based on each of M types of combinations of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, and M images are respectively generated. The display unit displays the M images generated by the image processing unit in the order of the parameter values of the second parameter corresponding to each of the images. 2. The image processing condition setting device according to 2. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter selection unit selects two second parameters simultaneously, and the image processing unit selects one of the two second parameters selected by the parameter selection unit. M × N combining M parameter values of two parameters and N parameter values of another one second parameter
The image corresponding to the original image is M × N based on each of the M × N combinations of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to the respective parameter value sets.
And M × N images are generated by performing the same image processing, and the display unit is configured to generate M × N images generated by the image processing unit.
Images in two dimensions in the order of the parameter values of the second parameters corresponding to the respective images in one direction, and the second values corresponding to the respective images in a direction intersecting the one direction. 3. The display according to claim 2, wherein the parameters are arranged and displayed in the order of the parameter values.
An image processing condition setting device as described in the above. 5. An initial image processing condition generating unit for generating an initial image processing condition based on an image corresponding to an original image, wherein the display unit displays an initial image condition generated by the initial image processing condition generating unit. On the basis of, an image obtained by performing image processing on the image corresponding to the original image by the image processing unit,
2. The image processing condition setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is displayed as one of a plurality of images displayed by the display unit. 6. The correspondence relationship defining unit according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence relationship is defined by a combination of parameter values of a plurality of types of first parameters that define an initial image processing condition obtained based on an image corresponding to an original image. 6. The image processing condition setting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a correspondence between the deviation and a parameter value of the second parameter is defined. 7. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence relation defining unit is a storage unit that stores a table in which the correspondence relation is described. 8. A storage unit that stores a function formula of each parameter value of the first parameter, in which the correspondence relationship is described, using the parameter value of the second parameter as an argument. 2. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 1, wherein: 9. When the computer system is executed by the computer system, predetermined image processing conditions defining the content of image processing are set, and the acquired original image is set on the basis of the set image processing conditions. In an image processing condition setting program storage medium storing an image processing condition setting program to be started as an image processing condition setting device for setting the image processing conditions in an image processing device for performing image processing, a plurality of image processing conditions are defined. Each parameter value of a second parameter having each parameter assigned to each point on a predetermined path in the parameter space defined by the first parameter of the type, and corresponding to each point; Correspondence data defining the correspondence between each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, and the correspondence data And converting the plurality of parameter values of the second parameter into a plurality of combinations of parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, respectively, with reference to the correspondence defined by An image processing unit that generates a plurality of images by performing a plurality of image processes on an image corresponding to the original image based on each of the plurality of images, and operates one of the plurality of images generated by the image processing unit to operate the image. An image selection unit to be selected in accordance with the image processing unit, the image selection unit being defined by a combination of respective parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters used when the image selected by the image selection unit is generated by the image processing unit. And an image processing condition setting unit for setting an image processing condition to the image processing apparatus. An image processing condition setting program storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned.