JP2001356448A - Image photographic recording medium and photographic processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recover a photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject with high recovery rate and to make performable image reproduction processing that high finish quality can be obtained. SOLUTION: An LF (film with lens) manufacture 12 manufactures special LF subjected to a special processing in such a manner that images indicating the photographed subjects are reproduced only when the LFs are subjected to the reproduction processing including the special processing (100) and discloses the processing condition of the special processing corresponding to the special processing applied thereto (112) and distributes the LFs free of charge to visitor (customer 22) of a special facility 10. The special LFs having photographed the subjects are sent through DPE stores 14 or 16 to a laboratory 18 and are subjected to the special processing under the processing conditions disclosed from the manufacturer 12 and are subjected to the other image reproduction processing under normal processing conditions (112). The results of the processing of the image reproduction processing are sent to agencies 20 near the homes of the customers 22 (114) and are handed over to the customers 22 visiting the agencies 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording medium and a photographic processing method, and more particularly to an image recording medium comprising a photographic film or a camera or a film with a lens, and an image recorded on the photographic film. The present invention relates to a photographic processing method for performing image reproduction processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A photographed film that has been taken by a customer to a DPE store and requested to be processed is processed by a film developing process of visualizing an image photographed and recorded on the photographic film, and the visualized film image is exposed on photographic paper. A printing process for recording, a photographic paper developing process for visualizing the image recorded on the photographic paper on which the image is exposed and recorded, a cutting process for cutting the photographic paper on which the image is visualized in image units, and individual photographs cut by the cutting. After a series of photographic processing including a number of steps such as sorting the prints for each order and collating with the photographic film and putting the photographic film and photographic prints corresponding to the same order into the same DPE bag, Returned to customer.

At present, there are a myriad of developing laboratories (labs) and DPE shops equipped with facilities for performing the above-mentioned photographic processing. And how to process the photographic film taken in the DPE store
It is entrusted to the store, for example, the photographed film is sent from the DPE store to a predetermined lab and the photographic processing is performed in the lab, or in the DPE store equipped with the equipment for performing the photographic processing, the DPE store In some cases, photo processing is performed.

[0004]

The finish quality of a photographic print produced by performing photographic processing is greatly affected by the processing conditions of photographic processing. 2. Description of the Related Art A photographic processing apparatus maker (hereinafter simply referred to as a maker) that manufactures an apparatus for performing the processing (hereinafter, simply referred to as a maker) designates regular processing conditions for finishing a photographic print to an appropriate quality.

[0005] However, the processing conditions for photo processing are also entrusted to photo processing laboratories and DPE shops, and are different from the normal processing conditions specified by the manufacturer (for example, in order to shorten the processing time). The photographic processing is often performed with the temperature of the processing liquid being higher than a specified temperature. When photographic processing is performed under processing conditions different from the regular processing conditions, the quality of the finished photographic print is often reduced, depending on the contents of the processing conditions, and there is a possibility that the customer's trust with the manufacturer may be reduced.

[0006] On the other hand, general-purpose cameras and films with lenses have been miniaturized year by year, and their portability has been improved. On the other hand, customers have lost their cameras or films with lenses on trains or on the road. The likelihood of doing so is increasing. In this case, a camera or a film with a lens was picked up by a malicious party, and for example, a photographic film on which an image (latent image) was already taken and an image (latent image) was recorded was sent to photographic processing, and the image was visualized Photographic films and finished photographic prints can be abused.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and provides an image recording medium and a photographic processing method capable of improving the probability of performing image reproduction processing so as to obtain high finish quality. This is the first purpose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographic processing method capable of recovering a photographic film on which an image has been recorded by photographing a subject at a high recovery rate and performing image reproduction processing so as to obtain a high finish quality. Is the second purpose.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image photographing recording medium comprising a photographic film, a camera, or a film with a lens. In order to reproduce the image representing the photographed subject only when the image recorded on the photographic film is subjected to the image reproduction process including the specific process by photographing the subject. It is characterized by having been subjected to special processing.

The image recording medium according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a photographic film, a camera, and a film with a lens. In the first aspect of the present invention, the subject is recorded on the photographic film by being photographed. Only when an image reproduction process including a specific process is performed on the captured image, a special process for reproducing the image representing the photographed subject is performed.

As an example, if the image capturing and recording medium is a photographic film or a film with a lens, the above-mentioned special processing is, for example, an image reproducing processing not including a specific processing. Occasionally, there is a mark recording process of recording a mark that becomes noise in an image on a photographic film. In this case, as a specific process, a mark removal process for removing the mark from the image to be reproduced is applied, and if an image reproduction process including the mark removal process is performed, an image representing the photographed subject is reproduced. Will be done.

Further, as an example, if the image recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, the special processing may be, for example, a special lens manufactured to produce a predetermined pattern of aberration as described in claim 8. Alternatively, a process of incorporating the film into a film with a lens may be used. In this case, as a specific process, an aberration pattern (predetermined pattern)
Applying an aberration correction process that corrects the aberration of the special lens based on and performing an image reproduction process including the aberration correction process,
An image representing the photographed subject is reproduced.

[0013] If the image capturing and recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, as a special processing, for example, a predetermined conversion is performed on the light irradiated on the photographic film by photographing the subject. Processing for incorporating an optical element for performing processing (for example, Fourier transform processing) into a camera or a film with a lens may be applied. In this case, as a specific process, an image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a photographic film is converted into an image in accordance with a conversion characteristic opposite to a predetermined conversion process performed by an optical element. If an image reproduction process including the Fourier transform process is applied and the inverse transform process is performed, an image representing the photographed subject is reproduced.

As described above, the special processing is performed on the image photographing recording medium, so that a subject is photographed using the image photographing recording medium, so that an image recorded on a photographic film can be reproduced as a normal image. Even if the processing is performed, the image representing the photographed subject is not reproduced, and the reproduction of the image representing the photographed subject is performed by a specific lab provided with equipment for performing an image reproducing process including a specific process. Only possible with.

Therefore, after the customer who has obtained the specially processed image capturing and recording medium records an image on a photographic film by photographing a subject using the obtained image capturing and recording medium, The probability of requesting the DPE shop or the like to execute the image reproduction processing so that the image reproduction processing is performed in the developing laboratory increases. Also, even if the customer does not specify a specific lab when requesting execution of the image reproduction process, it is difficult to reproduce an image representing the photographed subject at a lab other than the specific lab. In addition, the probability that the DPE store or the like that has received the request for the image reproduction process requests the execution of the image reproduction process to a specific developer is increased.

As described above, a photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using the image photographing and recording medium according to the first aspect of the present invention is subjected to image reproduction processing at a specific developing station. Probability is high, and in a specific lab,
The invention according to claim 1, wherein the image reproduction processing including the specific processing corresponding to the special processing performed on the image photographing recording medium is performed, and the processing conditions of the image reproduction processing are managed to be regular processing conditions. A photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using such an image photographing recording medium,
The probability that the image reproduction processing is performed under normal processing conditions can be easily improved. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the probability that image reproduction processing is performed so as to obtain high finish quality.

Further, an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject using the image photographing recording medium according to the first aspect of the present invention is subjected to image reproduction processing including specific processing. Only the image representing the photographed subject is played back, so the customer who photographed the subject using the image recording medium lost the photo film, camera, or lens-equipped film on a train or on the road. In addition, even if a photographic film on which an image (latent image) has already been recorded and an image (latent image) is recorded is found by a malicious party, the privacy of the customer is protected because the image is not easily reproduced. And the abuse of the image photographed and recorded on the photographic film can be suppressed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing method for reproducing an image including a specific process on an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject. Only when processing is performed, a special process for reproducing the image representing the photographed subject is performed on an image photographing recording medium including a photographic film, a camera, or a film with a lens. Selling or distributing the processed image photographing recording medium, collecting the photographic film on which the image was recorded by photographing the subject using the image processing recording medium subjected to the special processing,
An image reproduction process including the specific process is performed on the image recorded on the collected photographic film.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, similarly to the first aspect of the present invention, when an image reproducing process including a specific process is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject. Only the special processing is performed on the image recording medium so that the image representing the photographed subject is reproduced, and the specially processed image photographing recording medium is sold or distributed. As a result, the specially processed image recording medium is distributed, and a customer who purchases or distributes the specially processed image recording medium can use the image recording medium to select an arbitrary subject. Shoot.

It should be noted that the sale or distribution of the image recording medium subjected to the special processing may be performed only in a specific facility such as an amusement park, theme park, museum, or art museum. In this case, the image capturing recording medium that has been subjected to the special processing is
It will be mainly used in specific facilities.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a photographic film on which an image is recorded is collected by photographing a subject using an image photographing and recording medium on which special processing has been performed. As described above, the photographic film in which the image was recorded by photographing the subject using the image photographing recording medium subjected to the special processing was photographed even if the normal image reproducing processing was performed. Since the image representing the subject is not reproduced, and the image representing the photographed subject is reproduced only when an image reproducing process including a specific process is performed, the photographic film is used for image capturing without special processing. As compared with the case where a photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using a recording medium is collected, the photographic film can be collected at a higher collection rate.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image recorded on a collected photographic film (an image recorded on a specially processed photographic film or a camera or a lens-equipped film subjected to a special processing) Image recorded on the image), the image reproduction processing including the specific processing is performed, so that the image representing the photographed subject can be reproduced, and the processing conditions of the image reproduction processing are managed so as to be regular processing conditions. This makes it possible to perform the image reproduction process on the image representing the photographed subject so as to obtain high finish quality. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to recover a photographic film on which an image has been recorded by photographing a subject at a high recovery rate and perform image reproduction processing so as to obtain high finish quality.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic processing method according to the third aspect of the present invention, which includes an image including a specific process for an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject. Only when the reproduction process is performed, a special process for causing the image representing the photographed subject to be reproduced is performed on the photographic film, or the camera, or the image photographing recording medium including the lens-equipped film, Selling or distributing the specially processed image capturing and recording medium, providing information for performing the specific processing to an image reproduction processor who satisfies certain conditions, and performing the special processing. The specific processing is performed on the image recorded on the photographic film by photographing the subject by using the information based on the provided information.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, similarly to the second aspect of the present invention, a special processing is performed on an image capturing and recording medium including a photographic film, a camera, or a film with a lens, and the image processing performed by the special processing is performed. Since the recording medium is sold or distributed, the specially processed image capturing recording medium will be distributed, and customers who purchase or distribute the specially processed image capturing recording medium will use the image capturing recording medium. To shoot any subject.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, information for performing a specific process is provided to an image reproduction processor who satisfies certain conditions. The image reproduction processor who satisfies certain conditions includes, for example, an image reproduction processor who performs image reproduction processing under normal processing conditions. The image playback processor provided with the information for performing the specific processing,
Image reproduction processing including specific processing can be performed.

A photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using an image photographing and recording medium on which special processing has been performed is not affected by a normal image reproducing process. Since the photographic film is not reproduced, the photographic film is recovered at a high recovery rate to an image reproduction processor capable of performing image reproduction processing including a specific process, and an image representing a photographed subject is obtained by the image reproduction processor. Image reproduction processing can be performed so that reproduction is performed and high finish quality is obtained. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the probability that the image reproduction processing is performed so as to obtain high finish quality.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, information for performing a specific process is provided to an image reproduction processor who satisfies a certain condition. It is preferable to record information for recognizing the image reproduction processor who has provided the information for performing the processing in the image capturing recording medium. The above information may be recorded in a form that is easy for humans to read, such as characters, or may be recorded in a form that is easy to read by machines, such as a barcode.

As described above, by recording information for recognizing the image reproduction processor on the image capturing and recording medium, the customer who captured the subject using the image capturing and recording medium or the image from the customer. The DPE store or the like that has received the execution request of the reproduction processing can easily recognize the image reproduction processor who can execute the image reproduction processing including the specific processing. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the photographic film on which the image is recorded by photographing the subject using the image photographing recording medium on which the special processing has been performed provides information for performing the specific processing. The probability of being collected by the provided image reproduction processor (the image reproduction processor capable of executing the image reproduction processing including the specific processing) can be improved.

In the image reproducing process according to the second or third aspect of the present invention, for example, as described in claim 5, after performing a developing process for developing a photographic film on which an image is recorded, Exposure recording of the image visualized on the film on photographic paper (exposure recording may be performed by irradiating light on the photographic film and irradiating the transmitted light on the photographic paper, or reading the image and obtaining the image Exposure recording may be performed by scanning a light beam modulated on the basis of image data on photographic paper) to perform a first process of creating a photographic print or an image visualized on a photographic film. And outputs image data obtained by the reading as an image file (specifically, storing the image data on a CD-R or other information storage medium, or using a communication line Through delivery to customers) can be applied a series of processes for performing the second process.

In the second or third aspect of the present invention, if the image capturing and recording medium is a photographic film or a film with a lens, the special processing may be, for example, a specific processing as described in claim 6. Mark recording processing for recording a mark that becomes noise in an image on a photographic film when image reproduction processing that does not include an image is performed. In this case, as a specific process, a mark removal process for removing the mark from the image to be reproduced is applied, and if an image reproduction process including the mark removal process is performed, an image representing the photographed subject is reproduced. Will be done.

The recording of the mark by the mark recording process is performed, for example, by coloring the film base of the photographic film as described in claim 7, or the light transmittance in the visible region and the infrared region is not less than a predetermined value. It can be performed using different color materials. In the embodiment in which the film base is colored, in order to perform the mark removal processing, the spectral transmittance distribution of the colored film base needs to be known. Further, in a mode in which a mark is recorded using a color material whose light transmittance differs between the visible region and the infrared region by a predetermined value or more, in order to perform the mark removal processing, the light transmission of the color material in the visible region and the infrared region is required. It is necessary that the ratio of the ratio or the spectral transmittance distribution in the visible region and the infrared region be known. Therefore, the above information can be used as the information for performing the specific processing according to the third aspect.

In the second or third aspect of the present invention, if the image capturing and recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, the special processing may include, for example, a predetermined pattern of aberrations. Incorporating a special lens manufactured in such a way as to produce a camera into a camera or a film with a lens. In this case, as a specific process,
Applying an aberration correction process for correcting the aberration of the special lens based on the aberration pattern (predetermined pattern) and performing an image reproduction process including the aberration correction process reproduces an image representing the photographed subject. become.

In this aspect, in order to perform the mark removal processing, it is necessary that the aberration pattern of the special lens is known. Therefore, the aberration pattern of the special lens can be used as the information for performing the specific processing according to the third aspect.

According to the second or third aspect of the present invention, if the image capturing and recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, special processing is performed, for example, by photographing a subject as described in claim 9. A process of incorporating an optical element for performing a predetermined conversion process (for example, a Fourier transform process or the like) on the light applied to the film into a camera or a film with a lens may be applied. In this case, as a specific process, an image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a photographic film is converted into an image in accordance with a conversion characteristic opposite to a predetermined conversion process performed by an optical element. If an image reproduction process including the Fourier transform process is applied and the inverse transform process is performed, an image representing the photographed subject is reproduced.

In this aspect, in order to perform the mark removal processing, the conversion characteristics of the predetermined conversion processing by the optical element need to be known. For this reason, the conversion characteristic of the predetermined conversion processing by the optical element can be used as the information for performing the specific processing according to the third aspect.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, at least one of a manufacturer and a distributor of the image photographing recording medium is identified on the image photographing recording medium subjected to the special processing. Image recording media for which special processing has been performed, the image recording medium with special processing has been distributed free of charge, and image processing including specific processing has been performed on the image recording medium with special processing. A processor identifies at least one of the manufacturer and the distributor by reading the identification information, and identifies at least one of the identified manufacturer and distributor by performing a part of the income obtained by performing image reproduction processing. It is characterized by being distributed to.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the specially processed image capturing and recording medium is distributed free of charge, it is possible to distribute a large amount of the specially processed image capturing and recording medium. In addition, since identification information for identifying at least one of the manufacturer and the distributor of the image recording medium is recorded on the image recording medium, by reading this identification information, the manufacturer and the distributor of the image recording medium are read. At least one of the distributors can be identified.

A photographic film on which an image has been recorded by using a specially processed image recording medium is collected at a high collection rate by an image reproduction processor capable of executing an image reproduction process including a specific process. However, the image reproduction processor who has performed the image reproduction processing including the specific processing on the image photographing recording medium on which the special processing has been performed, may use a part of the income obtained by performing the image reproduction processing as identification information. Since it is distributed to at least one of the manufacturer and the distributor identified by reading, the manufacturer and the distributor of the image capturing / recording medium can obtain income.

[0039]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, the specific facility 1
0 (the specific facility 10 may be any of an amusement park, a theme park, a museum, an art museum, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic processing according to the present embodiment includes a film with a lens (hereinafter referred to as LF).
LF manufacturing maker 12, DPE shop 14 inside the facility installed inside the specific facility 10 (or DPE shop 16 outside the facility installed outside the specific facility 10), developing / reading / printing photographic film (Laboratory) 18 equipped with equipment for performing image reproduction processing consisting of exposure recording or writing of image data to an information recording medium, and is located near the customer's home and performs tasks such as delivery of the processing result of the image reproduction processing. Agent 20 is involved.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lab 18 is provided with various devices such as a film processor 28, a scanner 30, an image processing device 32, a printer 34, a paper processor 72, and a CD-R writing device 60. The film processor 28 sequentially performs the respective processes of color development, bleach-fixing, washing and drying on the undeveloped photographic film F on which an image (latent image) is recorded. Thereby, the image recorded on the photographic film F is visualized.

The scanner 30 reads an image visualized on the photographic film F, and outputs image data obtained by the reading. The scanner 30 emits light from the light source 36 to eliminate uneven light quantity by the light diffusion box 38. Light is applied to the photographic film F set in the film carrier 40, and the light transmitted through the photographic film F passes through the lens 44 to the CCD sensor 46 (either an area CCD sensor or a line CCD sensor). ) Is formed on the light receiving surface.

The film carrier 40 is a photographic film F
The photographic film F is conveyed so that the upper image recording area is located in order on the optical axis of the light emitted from the light source 36. Thereby, the film images recorded on the photographic film F are sequentially read by the CCD sensor 46, and the
From the sensor 46, a signal corresponding to the film image is output. The signal output from the CCD sensor 46 is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter 48 and input to the image processing device 32.

The image processing device 32 includes an image memory 50, an image processing engine 52, and a tester 54. The image data input from the scanner 30 is temporarily stored in the image memory 50 and then sequentially input to the image processing engine 52.

The image processing engine 52 performs pixel density conversion, color conversion, hypertone processing for compressing the gradation of an ultra-low frequency luminance component of the image, and enhances sharpness while suppressing graininess on the input image data. It is provided with various image processing circuits for performing various image processing such as hyper sharpness processing and special image processing (for example, red eye correction and specific processing (details will be described later)). The processing conditions of the image processing performed by each image processing circuit are calculated inside the image processing engine 52, and the calculated processing conditions are notified to the verification machine 54.

The testing machine 54 is a personal computer (P
C), and includes a display 56 and a keyboard 58. The verification machine 54 estimates the finish of an image when performing various types of image processing under the processing conditions notified to the image data based on the processing conditions notified from the image processing engine 52, and compares the estimation result with a simulation image. Is displayed on the display 56 so that the operator can check whether the processing conditions are appropriate. In the case where the operator instructs the correction of the processing conditions via the keyboard 58 or the like, the image processing engine 52 corrects the processing conditions in accordance with the instruction and then applies the processing conditions determined through the verification work to the image data. Performs various types of image processing in accordance with
Alternatively, the data is output to the CD-R writing device 60.

The printer 34 has image memories 60, R,
G and B laser light sources 62 and a laser driver 64 for controlling the operation of the laser light sources 62 are provided. The recording image data input from the image processing device 32 is stored in the image memory 60.
Is read out after being stored once, and is used for modulating the R, G, B laser light emitted from the laser light source 62.
The laser light emitted from the laser light source 62 is scanned on a printing paper 70 via a polygon mirror 66 and an fθ lens 68, and an image is exposed and recorded on the printing paper 70. The photographic paper 70 on which the image has been exposed and recorded is sent to a paper processor 72 and subjected to color development, bleach-fix, washing, and drying. Thus, the image recorded on the printing paper 70 by exposure is visualized.

The photographic paper 70 on which the exposed and recorded image has been visualized is cut in image frame units, and the cut photographic paper (photo print) is collated with the photographic film, and the photographic film and the photographic print corresponding to the same order are printed. In a DPE bag. On the other hand, the CD-R writing device 60
The image data output to the
Written to R74. CD with image file written
The R74 is also collated with the photographic film in the same manner as the photographic print, and is packed in a DPE bag in units of the photographic film and the CD-R74 corresponding to the same order.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the LF manufacturer 12 that manufactures the LF
A special LF 78 for free distribution to customers who enter the specific facility 10 (see FIG. 3) in parallel with the production of normal LF
Is manufactured (corresponding to step 100 in FIG. 1). Special L
The F78 has a built-in photographic film (not shown) inside, similar to a normal LF. A lens 82 is provided at substantially the center of the front surface of a substantially box-shaped housing 80, and a shutter button 84 is provided at the upper surface. Has been established. A dial 86 for winding the film is provided on the back of the special LF 78, and a finder 88 is provided slightly above the lens 82. The finder 88 penetrates to the back of the special LF 78. . Therefore, the special LF 78 is a normal LF
By operating the shutter button 84 and the dial 86 in the same manner as described above, the subject can be photographed.

The special LF 78 corresponds to an image photographing and recording medium on which the special processing according to the present invention has been performed. Only when the image reproduction processing including the processing is performed, the special processing for reproducing the image representing the photographed subject is performed. This special processing includes, for example, first to fourth steps described below.
Special processing.

[First Special Processing]: Coloring of Film Base of Photographic Film As a film base, a special photographic film using a film base colored differently than usual is manufactured, and the manufactured special photographic film is converted to a special LF78. Incorporate in. If an image (latent image) recorded on a special photographic film by performing photographing of a subject using the special LF 78 is subjected to normal image reproduction processing (image reproduction processing not including specific processing), reproduction is performed. The image to be printed (the image recorded on the photographic paper or the image represented by the image data recorded on the information recording medium) is entirely colored with a color corresponding to the color difference between the normal film base and the film base of the special photographic film. It becomes an image, and it is not possible to obtain a proper image in which the photographed subject is reproduced.

On the other hand, the special LF subjected to the first special processing
For the image recorded on the special photographic film by shooting the subject using 78, color difference information representing the color difference between the normal film base and the film base of the special photographic film is obtained as the processing condition of the specific processing. Then, for image data obtained by reading the image visualized on the special photographic film after development, based on the color difference information,
If an image reproduction process including a color correction process (corresponding to a specific process) for correcting the color of each pixel of the image data is performed, a captured image can be reproduced as an appropriate reproduced image.

[Second special processing]: Recording of marks on a photographic film The film has a light transmittance for visible light and infrared light, and the light transmittance in the visible region is equal to the light transmittance in the infrared region. A mark (for example, a mark representing a character such as “prohibited”) on an area where an image is recorded on a photographic film using a different color material may be used, or a mark that fills the entire area where an image is recorded, Is manufactured, and the special photographic film thus manufactured is incorporated into the special LF78. If an image (latent image) recorded on a special photographic film is subjected to normal image reproduction processing by photographing a subject using this special LF 78, the above-described mark appears on the reproduced image, It is not possible to obtain a proper image in which the photographed subject is reproduced.

On the other hand, the special LF subjected to the second special processing
For an image recorded on a special photographic film by taking an image of a subject using 78, an area where a color material is attached, that is, an area where a mark is recorded is specified as a processing condition of the specific processing. Information (for example, information indicating the recording position, shape, and size of the mark) and transmittance information indicating the spectral transmittance distribution of the color material (the spectral transmittance ratio between the visible region and the infrared region). A mark that corrects the color of the pixel corresponding to the color material attachment area specified by the mark information among the image data obtained by reading the image visualized on the special photographic film later based on the transmittance information If an image reproduction process including a removal process (corresponding to a specific process) is performed, a photographed subject can be reproduced as a reproduced appropriate image.

[Third special processing]: Incorporation of special lens A special lens is manufactured so that a predetermined pattern of distortion (or other aberration such as chromatic aberration of magnification) may be produced, and the manufactured special lens is used as a lens. 82 is incorporated in the special LF 78. The predetermined pattern is determined so that the distortion of the special lens becomes extremely large as compared with a normal lens. If the subject is photographed using the special LF 78, an image (latent image) extremely distorted due to the distortion of the special lens is recorded on the photographic film.
The image reproduced by performing the normal image reproduction process also becomes an extremely distorted image, and it is not possible to obtain a proper image in which the photographed subject is reproduced.

On the other hand, the special LF subjected to the third special processing
For an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject using the 78, aberration processing information representing a distortion pattern of a special lens is obtained as a processing condition of the specific processing, and a photograph after development is obtained. Distortion aberration correction processing (corresponding to a specific processing) for correcting image distortion caused by distortion of a special lens based on aberration pattern information for image data obtained by reading an image visualized on a film Is performed, the photographed subject can be reproduced as a reproduced appropriate image.

[Fourth special processing]: Incorporation of special optical element A special optical element that performs optical conversion (for example, Fourier transform or other conversion) on incident light is manufactured, and the manufactured special optical element is manufactured. Is incorporated in the special LF78. This special LF
If the subject is photographed using the 78, an image (latent image) after the photographed subject image is converted by the action of the special optical element is recorded on a photographic film, so that a normal image reproduction process is performed. As a result, the reproduced image is also a converted image, and it is not possible to obtain a proper image in which the photographed subject is reproduced.

On the other hand, the special LF subjected to the fourth special processing
For an image recorded on a photographic film by taking an image of a subject using 78, conversion characteristic information representing a conversion characteristic opposite to the conversion characteristic of the special optical element is obtained as a processing condition of the specific processing, For image data obtained by reading the image visualized on the photographic film after development,
If an image reproduction process including an inverse conversion process (corresponding to a specific process) for performing conversion with the conversion characteristic represented by the conversion characteristic information is performed based on the conversion characteristic information, the photographed subject is reproduced as an appropriate reproduced image. be able to.

The LF maker 12 performs any one or more of the first to fourth special processes described above on the special LF 78. LF manufacturer 12
Are processing conditions (color difference information, mark information and transmittance information, aberration, etc.) corresponding to the special processing performed on the special LF 78 only for the labs 18 satisfying a certain condition out of countless labs. At least one of pattern information and conversion characteristic information) (corresponding to step 102 in FIG. 1).

The certain conditions include conditions such as "the LF manufactured by the LF maker 12 is subjected to image reproduction processing under the regular processing conditions designated by the LF maker 12". I have. Therefore, appropriate image reproduction processing for the special LF 78 can be executed only in the laboratory 18 in which the processing conditions of the specific processing are disclosed. The processing conditions of the specific processing disclosed from the LF maker 12 to the laboratory 18 are determined by a storage device (not shown) in which the image processing device 32 is built-in (a rewritable nonvolatile storage device:
For example, an EEPROM).

Also, on the back of the special LF 78, "Please request the development at the in-house DPE store after photographing. Please specify. And a label 90 on which a message such as "" is printed. Note that the name of the laboratory 18 (the laboratory 18 in which the LF manufacturer 12 has disclosed the processing conditions of the specific processing) is described in “XX laboratory” in the above message. Further, on the back of the special LF 78, a bar code 92 representing information for specifying the lab 18 as a lab to execute the image reproduction processing for the special LF 78 is also printed.

[0062] The LF maker 12 uses the special LF described above.
When the special LF 78 is manufactured, the special facility 1 is manufactured.
It is carried into the station 0 and distributed free of charge to those who have entered the specific facility 10 (corresponding to step 104 in FIG. 1).
In the following, a person who has received the special LF 78 in the specific facility 10 is referred to as a customer 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, the customer 22 receiving the special LF 78 turns around the special facility 10 while turning around the special facility 10.
An arbitrary subject is photographed using F78. When many customers 22 leave the specific facility 10 after finishing using the specific facility 10 and photographing in the specific facility 10,
According to the message printed on the label 90 affixed to the back of the special LF 78, the photographed special LF 78 is brought into the in-facility DPE store 14, and after returning to home after requesting execution of the image reproduction process.

At the in-facility DPE store 14, when the customer 22 brings in the photographed special LF 78 and is requested to execute the image reproducing process, the customer's name, contact telephone number, and the requested image reproducing process are performed. Of the customer 22 who requested the image reproduction processing, the home address of the customer 22 who requested the image reproduction processing, and the location of the agency (for example, a convenience store) 20 near the home of the customer 22 are notified. , The result of the image reproduction processing is transmitted to the agency 20. Then, the photographed special LF 78 received from the customer 22 is sent to the lab 18 together with the name of the customer, the contact telephone number, the processing contents of the requested image reproduction processing, and information for specifying the agent 20 to which the processing result is to be delivered. (Corresponding to step 108 in FIG. 1).

After leaving the specific facility 10, a part of the customer 22 deletes the photographed special LF 78 from the off-site DPE store 1.
6 and request execution of image reproduction processing. As a result, the same reception processing as in the in-facility DPE store 14 is performed in the off-facility DPE store 16. Off-site DP
Regarding the photographed special LF 78 for which the execution of the image reproduction process has been received at the E store 16, the label 90 of the special LF 78
Message printed on the customer 22 or off-site DP
The lab 18 is designated as a lab that should be read by the clerk of the E store 16 or the barcode 92 should be read by the barcode reader of the off-site DPE store 16 and execute the image reproduction process on the special LF 78. Is recognized by the clerk of the off-site DPE store 16 and is almost always sent to the laboratory 18 (corresponding to step 110 in FIG. 1).

The photographed special LF 78 for which the execution of the image reproduction process has been accepted at the off-site DPE store 16 is sent from the off-site DPE store 16 to a lab other than the lab 18 (the LF does not satisfy certain conditions, and It is also conceivable that the processing is sent from the manufacturer 12 to a laboratory in which the processing conditions of the specific processing are not disclosed. However, the special LF78 has the first to fourth
Since at least one of the special processes described above is performed and a normal image reproducing process is not performed in a lab in which specific processing conditions are not disclosed, an appropriate image representing the captured subject cannot be obtained. Photographed special L sent to lab
F78 is also transferred to the lab 18.

As described above, in the specific facility 10, L
Almost all of the special LFs 78 distributed free of charge by the F manufacturer 12 and used for shooting are sent to the laboratory 18.

DPE store 14 inside the facility or DPE store 1 outside the facility
The lab 18 receiving the photographed special LF 78 from the LF 6 executes an image reproduction process including the specific process on the photographed special LF 78 based on the processing condition of the specific process disclosed by the LF manufacturer 12 (see FIG. 1). Step 112
Equivalent).

That is, first, the photographed photographic film is taken out from the photographed special LF 78, and first, the color development, bleach-fixing, washing and drying processes are sequentially performed by the film processor 28. To visualize the image recorded on the photographic film. The special LF 78 from which the photographic film is taken out is sent to the LF manufacturer 12 for recycling.

The photographic film on which the recorded image has been visualized is set on the film carrier 40 of the scanner 30, and the image is sequentially read by the CCD sensor 46. Then, the image reading result is input to the image processing device 32 as image data. The image processing engine 52 of the image processing device 32 calculates various image processing conditions for image data sequentially input from the scanner 30 and sequentially notifies the verification machine 54 of the processing conditions.
The processing conditions of the specific processing stored in the second storage device are also notified.

The tester 54 performs image processing based on the processing conditions (including the processing conditions of the specific processing) notified from the image processing engine 52 and performs various types of image processing including the specific processing on the image data. The finish is estimated, and the estimation result is displayed on the display 56 as a simulation image. The storage device built in the tester 54 has image processing equivalent to various image processing (pixel density conversion, hypertone processing, hyper sharpness processing, etc.) performed by various image processing circuits of the image processing engine 52. And the testing machine 5
A predetermined program for realizing on the PC constituting the PC 4 is stored. The estimation of the finish of the image by the tester 54 is performed in detail by the PC using the image data input from the scanner 30 as a processing target. This is achieved by sequentially executing the predetermined programs.

Here, in the present embodiment, a specific program for realizing the specific processing executed by the image processing circuit for performing the special image processing on the PC is also stored in the storage device incorporated in the testing machine 54. And the testing machine 54 (P
C) executes the specific program with the image data input from the scanner 30 as a processing target, based on the processing conditions of the specific processing notified from the image processing engine 52, before executing the predetermined program.

More specifically, the LF manufacturer 12
8 corresponds to the special processing performed on the special LF 78. Therefore, when the first special processing is performed on the special LF 78, the specific processing disclosed in the laboratory 18 is performed. The processing conditions of the processing include color difference information. For this reason, when the processing conditions of the specific processing include the color difference information, the verification device 54 corrects the color of each pixel of the image data input from the scanner 30 based on the color difference information. Perform correction processing.

When the special LF 78 is subjected to the second special processing, the processing conditions of the specific processing disclosed to the laboratory 18 include the mark information and the transmittance information. Performs mark removal processing for correcting the color of the pixel corresponding to the color material attachment area specified by the mark information in the image data input from the scanner 30 based on the transmittance information.

If the special LF 78 has been subjected to the third special processing, the processing conditions for the specific processing disclosed to the laboratory 18 include aberration pattern information. The image data input from 30 is subjected to distortion aberration correction processing for correcting image distortion caused by distortion of the special lens based on aberration pattern information.

Further, when the special LF 78 has been subjected to the fourth special processing, since the conversion characteristic information is included in the processing conditions of the specific processing disclosed to the laboratory 18, the tester 5
4 is for image data input from the scanner 30
An inverse conversion process of performing conversion using the conversion characteristics represented by the conversion characteristic information is performed.

After performing the above-described processing, the verification machine 54 executes a predetermined program, so that a simulation image in which the photographed subject is accurately reproduced is displayed on the display 5.
6 so that the operator can properly perform the verification work.

In the image processing engine 52,
In an image processing circuit that performs special image processing on image data input from the scanner 30, specific processing (color correction processing, mark removal processing, distortion aberration correction processing, inverse conversion) corresponding to the special processing performed on the special LF 78 is performed. After performing at least one of the processes, various image processing is performed in another image processing circuit in accordance with the processing conditions determined through the verification work, so that image data in which the photographed subject is accurately reproduced is obtained. Can be.

The image data that has undergone image processing by the image processing engine 52 is used to create a photographic print or a CD-R based on the contents of the image reproduction process requested by the customer 22.
CD-R7 used to write the image data into the CD-R7 and having the created photographic print or image data written therein
4 is DP with photographic film corresponding to the same order
Packed in E-bag. Thus, the image reproduction processing including the specific processing is completed. When the image playback process is completed, Lab 1
8, the processing result of the image reproduction processing (photographic film, photographic print, or DPE bag containing CD-R74)
Is sent to the agent 20 near the home of the customer 22 together with the bill for charging the cost of the image reproduction processing (corresponding to step 114 in FIG. 1).

When the agency 20 receives the processing result of the image reproduction processing sent from the laboratory 18, it stores the received processing result until the customer 22 comes to the store (step 11 in FIG. 1).
8). Then, when the customer 22 comes to the agency 20, the processing result of the image reproduction processing (the customer 22
The processing result of the image reproduction process requested by the store 14 or the off-site DPE store 16 is handed over to the customer 22, and the bill sent from the lab 18 is presented to settle the cost of the image reproduction process (step in FIG. 1). 120).

The computer installed in the agency 20 is connected to the computer installed in the lab 18 and the computer installed in the LF maker 12 via a communication line. The price of the image reproduction process is distributed to the lab 18, the LF manufacturer 12 and the agency 20 by each computer communicating via a communication line (steps 106 and 11 in FIG. 1).
6).

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the special LF 78 obtained by performing the special processing on the LF is distributed, the distributed special LF 78 is collected at a high collection rate to the laboratory 18 which satisfies certain conditions. In addition, the lab 18 performs specific processing based on the processing conditions disclosed by the LF manufacturer 12 and performs image reproduction processing under regular processing conditions, so that the processing result of the image reproduction processing always maintains high finish quality. Then, the customer 22 who has photographed the subject using the special LF 78 and has requested the execution of the image reproduction processing can obtain a high degree of satisfaction with the received processing result.

In addition, an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject using the special LF 78 cannot obtain an appropriate image accurately reproducing the photographed subject in a normal image reproducing process. Therefore, for example, even if the customer 22 loses the special LF 78 used for photographing the subject due to misplacement or the like, and is found by a malicious party,
It is possible to reduce the probability of misuse of an image recorded on a photographic film of the special LF78 and a photographic print created from the image.

In the above, the special processing according to the present invention has been described by taking as an example the coloring of the film base of a photographic film, the recording of marks on the photographic film, the incorporation of special lenses, and the incorporation of special optical elements. The special processing according to may be a processing for reproducing an image representing a photographed subject only when an image reproduction processing including a specific processing is performed, and other processing may be applied. is there.

In the above, the case where only the image reproducing process including the specific process is performed in the laboratory 18 which has received the photographed special LF 78 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Accordingly, processing such as combining an illustration or the like of a character related to the specific facility 10 with the reproduced image may be performed.

The type and content of the special processing to be performed on the special LF 78 (the processing conditions of the specific processing change in accordance with these) may be changed periodically. in this case,
Since a plurality of types of special LFs having different types of specific processing to be executed and processing conditions are distributed, it is desirable to record information for identifying the plurality of types of special LFs in the special LF. Thus, the lab 18 can easily recognize the type and the processing condition of the specific processing to be executed by reading the information recorded in the special LF.

Further, in the above, the special LF 78 is assigned to the specific facility 1
Although the case of distributing within 0 has been described, the distribution may be widely performed without limiting the distribution place. Also, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to free distribution and may be sold.

Although the LF (film with lens) has been described as an example of the image recording medium according to the present invention, a photographic film alone or a camera alone may be used as the image recording medium according to the present invention.

[0089]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 can be performed only when image reproduction processing including specific processing is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing a subject. Special processing has been applied to the image capturing and recording medium so that an image representing the captured subject is reproduced, so that the probability that the image reproducing processing is performed so as to obtain high finish quality can be improved. Has an excellent effect.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image representing a photographed subject is reproduced only when image reproduction processing including specific processing is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film. Applying special processing to the image capturing recording medium, selling or distributing the image capturing recording medium, collecting a photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using the image capturing recording medium, The image recorded on the photographic film is subjected to an image reproduction process including a specific process, so that the photographic film on which the image is recorded by photographing the subject is collected at a high collection rate, and a high finish quality is obtained. This makes it possible to perform an image reproduction process quickly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image representing a photographed subject is reproduced only when an image reproduction process including a specific process is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film. Special processing for the image capturing and recording medium, selling or distributing the image capturing and recording medium, providing information for performing a specific process to an image reproduction processor who satisfies certain conditions, When a subject is photographed using a medium, a specific process for the image recorded on the photographic film is performed based on the provided information. Is improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, information for recognizing an image reproduction processor who has provided information for performing a specific process is recorded on the image recording medium. In addition to the above effects, a photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using an image photographing and recording medium that has been subjected to special processing is provided to an image reproduction processor who has provided information for performing a specific process. This has the effect of increasing the probability of being collected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of photographic processing according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of various devices installed in a laboratory.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the appearance of a special LF manufactured by an LF manufacturer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Specified facility 12 LF manufacturer 14 DPE shop inside facility 16 DPE shop outside facility 18 Lab 20 Agency 52 Image processing engine 54 Verifier 78 Special LF 90 Label 92 Bar code

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03C 3/00 575 G03C 3/00 575D 590 590K 590E H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image capturing / recording medium comprising a photographic film, a camera, or a film with a lens, and an image reproducing process including a specific process for an image recorded on the photographic film by photographing a subject. Characterized in that a special process for reproducing the image representing the photographed subject is performed only when the image is recorded. 2. An image representing a photographed subject is reproduced only when image reproduction processing including specific processing is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing the subject. The special processing for making a photographic film, a camera, or an image capturing recording medium comprising a film with a lens, and selling or distributing the image capturing recording medium subjected to the special processing, the image subjected to the special processing A photographic film on which an image is recorded by photographing a subject using a photographing recording medium is collected, and an image reproduction process including the specific process is performed on the image recorded on the collected photographic film. Photo processing method. 3. An image representing a photographed subject is reproduced only when an image reproduction process including a specific process is performed on an image recorded on a photographic film by photographing the subject. To perform a special process on the photographic film or camera, or an image capturing and recording medium comprising a film with a lens, to sell or distribute the image capturing and recording medium subjected to the special process, and to perform the specific process. Is provided to an image reproduction processor who satisfies certain conditions, and the specific processing is performed on the image recorded on the photographic film by photographing the subject using the image processing recording medium that has been subjected to the special processing. A photographic processing method in which processing is performed based on the provided information. 4. The photographic processing method according to claim 3, wherein information for recognizing an image reproduction processor who has provided the information for performing the specific processing is recorded on the image photographing recording medium. 5. A photographic print is created by performing, as the image reproduction process, a development process of developing a photographic film on which an image is recorded, and then exposing and recording the image visualized on the photographic film on photographic paper. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a first process or a second process of reading an image visualized on the photographic film and outputting image data obtained by the reading as an image file is performed. 4. 3. The photographic processing method according to 3. 6. The image taking and recording medium is a photographic film or a film with a lens, and the special processing is to record on the photographic film a mark that becomes an image noise when performing an image reproducing process that does not include the specific process. 4. The photographic processing method according to claim 2, wherein the specific processing is mark removal processing for removing the mark from a reproduced image. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mark is recorded by coloring the film base of a photographic film, or is recorded by using a color material having a light transmittance different by a predetermined value or more between a visible region and an infrared region. The photographic processing method according to claim 6, wherein 8. The image capturing and recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, and the special process is a process of incorporating a special lens manufactured to generate a predetermined pattern of aberration into the camera or the film with a lens. 4. The photographic processing method according to claim 2, wherein the specific processing is an aberration correction processing for correcting aberration of the special lens based on the aberration of the predetermined pattern. 9. The image capturing and recording medium is a camera or a film with a lens, and the special processing includes an optical element that performs a predetermined conversion process on light irradiated on a photographic film by capturing an object. The above-mentioned specific processing is processing to be incorporated into the film with the lens, and the specific processing is performed on image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a photographic film. 4. The photographic processing method according to claim 2, wherein the photographic processing is an inverse conversion processing. 10. An image photographing and recording medium on which the special processing has been performed is recorded with identification information for identifying at least one of a manufacturer and a distributor of the image photographing and recording medium. Distribute the shooting recording medium free of charge, the image reproduction processor who has performed the image reproduction processing including the specific processing on the image photographing recording medium subjected to the special processing, the manufacturer and the manufacturer by reading the identification information 4. The system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the distributors is identified, and a part of the revenue obtained by performing the image reproduction process is distributed to at least one of the identified manufacturer and the distributor. The photographic processing method described.