JP2002077594A - Method and device for processing image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for processing an image where, with high efficiency and productivity, both a high-quality image print and image file are outputted. SOLUTION: A single image data is performed with an electronic magnifying power-varying process of different power-varying rate for generating a plurality of image data with different sizes as well as an image process for an image structure under a process condition corresponding to various image data. Preferably, a plurality of generated image data is converted into the image data for the image file while other image data is converted into the image data for printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of digital image processing used in digital photographic printers and the like. The present invention relates to an image processing method and an image processing apparatus that can be performed with high work efficiency.

[0002]

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

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

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

According to such a digital photo printer, image processing (optimization) can be performed by processing image data. Therefore, gradation adjustment, color balance adjustment, color / density adjustment, and the like can be suitably performed. Thus, high-quality prints that cannot be obtained by conventional direct exposure can be obtained. In addition, since images are handled as digital image data, not only images photographed on film but also images photographed by a digital camera or the like, or images acquired by communication means such as the Internet, that is, supplied as image files Images (image data) can also be output as prints.

Further, since images are handled as digital image data, not only photographic prints but also image data (image files) of images reproduced in photographic prints can be stored on CD-ROMs.
It can also be output to various recording media such as R and MO (magneto-optical recording media), and photo prints and image files (recording media on which image files are recorded) according to customers' requests (print requesters). Can be provided.

[0007]

The present applicant has disclosed an image processing apparatus (image recording apparatus) capable of outputting both a photographic print and an image file as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-11726.
No. 2, No. 11-234514, and the like. According to the devices disclosed in both publications,
Both photo prints and image files can be output and provided to customers.

Here, the photographic print is usually of a so-called fixed size such as an L size or a 6-piece. On the other hand, an image file is usually output in an image size (number of pixels) corresponding to a known image format. Therefore, when a digital photo printer outputs both a print and an image file, the image size required for the output is often different between the two.

To cope with this, when both a print and an image file are output by a digital photo printer, it is conceivable that image reading is performed twice under reading conditions corresponding to each output. However, of course, this method has poor work efficiency and productivity. On the other hand, a method of generating image data of a size corresponding to a print and an image file by electronic scaling processing as one image reading is also conceivable. However, with this method, work efficiency is good, but either one is
The reading conditions do not correspond properly, and the conditions of the electronic scaling process are different between the two. As a result, image processing corresponding to at least one output, in particular, image processing related to an image structure such as sharpness processing (sharpness enhancement processing) becomes inappropriate, and image quality may deteriorate.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to achieve good working efficiency and productivity.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and an image processing apparatus capable of outputting both a photographic print of a high-quality image and an image file.

[0011]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing method according to the present invention provides an electronic processing device having different magnifications for generating a plurality of image data having different sizes for one image data. There is provided an image processing method characterized by performing scaling processing and image processing on an image structure under processing conditions corresponding to each image data.

In the image processing method of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of generated image data is converted into image data for an image file, and at least one of the other image data is converted into image data for printing. Is preferred.

Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention performs storage means for storing image data, a first mode for outputting one image data from one image data, and a scaling process with different magnifications. An image processing means including an electronic scaling unit and an image processing unit relating to an image structure, wherein a second mode for outputting a plurality of image data having different sizes from one image data is set by In the case of the second mode, the image processing unit for the image structure of the image processing means performs image processing under different conditions for each image data.

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the first mode includes a file conversion unit for converting image data into image data for an image file, and a print conversion unit for converting image data into image data for printing. It is preferable to output either image data for image files or image data for printing. In the second mode, it is preferable to output both image data for image files and image data for printing. The image data is image data obtained by photoelectrically reading the original image. In photoelectrically reading the original image, the image data is output at the resolution corresponding to the largest image size according to the output image size. It is preferable to perform reading, and when processing image data of an image file, The image processing unit related to the image structure of the processing means, conditions corresponding to the image processing at the time of output of the image file Te, preferably performed image processing.

[0015]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer utilizing the present invention. In the following description, for convenience, only (photo) print output is print output, only image file output is file output, and both outputs are simultaneously output. The digital photo printer (hereinafter, referred to as a photo printer 10) illustrated in FIG. 1 basically includes a scanner (image reading device) 12, an image processing device 14, a printer 16, and a file output unit 17. It is composed. Further, the image processing apparatus 14 inputs (sets) various instructions such as an output method (print output, file output, simultaneous output), print and image file size (output size), and selects and instructs image processing. Keyboard 18a for inputting instructions such as color / density correction
And an operation system 18 having a mouse 18b, and a display 20 for displaying a simulation image for verification, performing an operation instruction using a GUI, and the like.

The scanner 12 is a device for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on the film F or the like one frame at a time. The scanner 12 has a white light source 22, a variable diaphragm 24, a color filter plate 26, and a reading light incident on the film F. Box 28, an imaging lens unit 32,
Area CCD sensor 34 (hereinafter referred to as CCD sensor 34), amplifier (amplifier) 36, and A / D (analog /
(Digital) converter 38.

In the photo printer 10, a dedicated carrier that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared according to a new photo system (Advanced Photo System) or a film size such as 135 size. By exchanging, it corresponds to various films and processing. An image (frame) photographed on a film and provided for print production is conveyed and held at a predetermined reading position by this carrier.

When reading an image photographed on the film F in such a scanner 12, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and the light amount of which is adjusted by the variable aperture 24 enters the color filter plate 26 and is adjusted. After being illuminated and diffused by the diffusion box 28, the light is incident on the film F held at a predetermined reading position by the carrier and transmitted therethrough, thereby obtaining projection light carrying an image photographed on the film F. The projection light forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32, and the image captured on the film F is read photoelectrically. CCD sensor 3
The output signal of No. 4 is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, and sent to the image processing device 14.

The color filter plate 26 is composed of R (red), G (green)
And a turret having B (blue) color filters,
Rotated by known means, each color filter is inserted into the optical path of the reading light. In the illustrated example of the scanner 12, the color filters of the color filter plate 26 are sequentially inserted, and reading is performed three times, whereby the image captured on the film F is separated into three primary colors of R, G, and B. Read.

The scanner 12 reads the image captured on the film F in two steps: a pre-scan for reading at a low resolution, and a main scan for obtaining image data corresponding to printing or outputting of an image file. Performed by image reading. The pre-scan is performed under conditions set in advance according to the pre-scan so that the images of all the films targeted by the scanner 12 can be read without the CCD sensor 34 being saturated. On the other hand, this scan is
This is performed under the conditions (described later) set for each frame according to the prescan data and the output size of the image output by the image processing device 14. Therefore, the output signals of the pre-scan and the main scan are basically the same data except that the resolution and output level of image reading are different.

In the present invention, the scanner 12 for reading an image is not limited to the illustrated example, and various types of known scanners can be used. For example, a scanner that reads an image by decomposing the image into three primary colors using a light source that individually emits reading light of three primary colors by an LED or the like may be used. Or 3
A scanner by slit scanning exposure using a color line CCD sensor may be used.

Further, the photo printer 1 according to the present invention
0 (image processing device 14) is not limited to a scanner that reads a film photoelectrically, but also includes an image reading device for a reflection original, an imaging device such as a digital camera, a communication means such as a computer communication network, and a recording medium such as a floppy disk. Image data (image files) from various image data sources such as a drive).

As described above, the output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the image processing device 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 14 (hereinafter, processing apparatus 1)
4) is a data processing unit 46, a Log converter 48,
A pre-scan (frame) memory 50, a main scan (frame) memory 52, a condition setting unit 54, a pre-scan processing unit 56, and a main scan processing unit 58 are provided. Although FIG. 2 mainly shows parts related to image processing, the processing device 14 also controls and manages the entire photo printer 10 such as the operation of each part according to the input output method. In addition to the parts shown in FIG. 2, a CPU for controlling the whole, a memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the photo printer 10, and the like are arranged.

The data processing section 46 is a section for performing predetermined processing such as DC offset correction, dark time correction, shading correction, and the like on the R, G, and B output data output from the scanner 12. The Log converter 48 performs log conversion of the output data processed by the data processing unit 46 using, for example, an LUT (look-up table) or the like to obtain digital image (density) data. The prescan (image) data converted by the Log converter 48 is stored in the prescan memory 50, and the main scan (image) data is stored in the main scan memory 52.

The condition setting section 54 includes a setup section 62,
It has a key adjustment unit 64 and a parameter integration unit 66.

The setup section 62 is a section for setting image scanning conditions and image processing conditions for each frame in accordance with image analysis using pre-scan data and an output method input from the operation system 18 or the like. It is.

More specifically, the setup section 62 uses the pre-scan data to create a density histogram of an image and calculate image feature amounts such as a minimum density, a maximum density, and an average density.

Next, conditions for the main scan of the frame, such as optical conditions (aperture value of the variable aperture 24, accumulation time of the CCD sensor 34, etc.) and resolution, are set, and an instruction is issued to the scanner 12. Optical conditions do not depend on the output size,
Basically, using a density histogram or image feature amount, the CCD has a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame).
The sensor 34 is set to be saturated.

In the case of print output and file output, the resolution of the main scan is set to a resolution according to each output size (the number of pixels required for printing or outputting an image file). Further, the processing apparatus 1 according to the present invention
4 stores image data in the main scan memory 52,
Simultaneous output can be performed from one main scan (one image data). In this case, as a preferable mode, the resolution is set corresponding to the larger output size. Note that the resolution of the main scan according to the size of the print or image file is set in advance according to the device characteristics and the like. Note that the main scan conditions corresponding to the output size include one or more of optical magnification, data thinning, adjustment of the number of read pixels using pixel shift of the CCD sensor 34, and the like. Further, the F value of the lens may be adjusted according to the resolution. When reading is performed by slit scanning, the scanning speed and the reading cycle may be adjusted. It goes without saying that the resolution of the main scan and the output size do not need to completely match.

Further, the setup unit 62 uses the calculated density histogram, image feature amount, reading resolution, output size, and the like to set a sharpness gain, various look-up tables (LUTs), and the like. In 68 and 72, various processing conditions are set. The setting of various processing conditions by image analysis may be performed by a known method. Here, in the processing apparatus according to the present invention, the image processing conditions for the print and the image file during the simultaneous output are basically the same, but the processing conditions for the electronic scaling processing and the sharpness processing are the same as those of the book. In accordance with the scanning conditions, the output size of the image, and the like, they are individually set for each of the two outputs.
Note that the conditions of the sharpness processing are set taking into account all of the main scan conditions corresponding to the output size,
Not exclusively.

The key adjustment unit 64 calculates an adjustment amount of an image in accordance with various adjustment keys such as a density adjustment key set on the keyboard 18a, and various adjustment instructions input from the operation unit 18. , To the parameter integration unit 66. The parameter integration unit 66 receives the processing conditions set by the setup unit 62 and sets them at predetermined positions of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58. The parameter integration unit 66 further includes a key adjustment unit 64
In accordance with the adjustment amount of the image calculated in step (1), adjustment (correction) of image processing conditions set for each part, creation of processing conditions for performing the adjustment, and setting of both processing units are performed.

In the processing unit 14, the pre-scan data stored in the pre-scan memory 50 is processed in the pre-scan processing section 56, and the main scan data stored in the main scan memory 52 is processed in the main scan processing section 58. You. The pre-scan processing unit 56
It has an image processing unit 68 and a data conversion unit 70. On the other hand, the main scan processing unit 58 includes the image processing unit 7.
2. It has data conversion units 74 and 76 and an image format processing unit 78.

Image processing section 68 of prescan processing section 56
The image processing unit 72 of the main scan processing unit 58 basically has the same configuration and performs the same processing except that the pixel density of the image data to be processed is different.
Therefore, in the following description, the image processing unit 72 of the main scan processing unit 58 will be described as a representative example.

In the illustrated example, the image processing section 72 (68)
Is a part that performs various types of image processing by a known method using various types of filter processing such as a lookup table (LUT), a matrix operation, and a low-pass filter;
It has a scaling unit 72A and an image correction unit 72B. In the illustrated example, the image correction is performed after the electronic scaling process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be reversed. That is, in the present invention, the order of the electronic scaling processing and the sharpness processing (image processing related to the image structure) is not particularly limited, but it is more advantageous to perform the electronic scaling processing first in terms of image quality. .

The scaling unit 72A is provided with a main scan memory 5
2 (pre-scan memory 50), reads out the image data, and performs electronic scaling of the image data. Here, in the illustrated example, simultaneous output is performed in one main scan (one image data) in which the condition is adjusted to the larger output size. The electronic magnification varies. The electronic magnification is set in advance in accordance with the reading resolution, output size, and the like of the scanner 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic magnification is calculated and set by the setup unit 62 or the like as appropriate. Is also good. The method of electronic scaling is not limited, and may be a known method such as interpolation or thinning of image data.

The image correction unit 72B applies color balance correction, density correction, gradation correction, saturation correction, dodging processing (direct exposure printing by image data processing) to the image data whose size has been adjusted by electronic scaling processing. ), And various image processing such as sharpness processing which is a characteristic feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the sharpness processing section in the image correction section 72B. As shown in the figure, the sharpness processing unit includes a first LPF (low-pass filter) 80, a first subtractor 82, and a luminance component extraction unit 8.
4. Second LPF 86, second subtractor 88, first amplifier 9
0, second amplifier 92, first adder 94, second adder 9
6 and a matrix (MTX) setting unit 98.

In the illustrated example of the sharpness processing section,
First, image data (hereinafter referred to as original signals S _F (R, G, B)
Is processed by the first LPF 80 to obtain the original signal S
The low frequency components R _L , G _L , and B _L of _F (R, G, B) are extracted and sent to the first subtractor 82 and the second adder 96. The first LPF 80 is, for example, a 9 × 9 LPF. First
The subtractor 82 subtracts the low frequency components R _L , G _L , and B _L from the original signal S _F (R, G, B) to extract the intermediate / high frequency components R _MH , G _MH , and B _MH . That is, in the illustrated example, the image data is decomposed into two frequency components of a low frequency component and an intermediate / high frequency component.

Next, the luminance component extraction unit 84 extracts the luminance component Y _MH from the higher frequency component, ie, the intermediate / high frequency components R _MH , G _MH , and B _MH obtained by the first subtractor 82. Is extracted. The luminance component _YMH is _calculated between
High frequency components R _MH, a luminance component converted analogously G _MH, and B _MH to YIQ provisions, the luminance component extracting unit 84 extracts as an example, the MTX operation, the luminance component Y _MH (calculated)
I do.

Next, the luminance component Y _MH extracted by the luminance component extractor 84 is subjected to a filtering process by the second LPF 86 to obtain an intermediate frequency component Y of the luminance component Y _{MH.
Get M.} The second LPF 86 is, for example, a 5 × 5 LPF.
It is. In the second subtractor 88, the luminance component Y _MH
By subtracting the intermediate frequency components Y _M from obtaining a high-frequency component Y _H of the luminance components Y _MH.

Further, in the first amplifier 90, the second L
Gain M (ga the intermediate frequency components Y _M obtained in PF86
The INM), while in the second amplifier 92, the high frequency components Y _H obtained by subtracting the gain H (GainH),
The respective components are multiplied to obtain processed components Y ′ _M and Y ′ _H. The gain (sharpness gain), generally for the gain M is relatively low intermediate frequency components Y _M, the gain H for the high-frequency component Y _H is set to relatively high. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an image in which the granularity of the image is suppressed and the sharpness is appropriately enhanced.

Here, as described above, the gain, which is a processing parameter of the sharpness processing, is set by the condition setting unit 54. For print output and file output,
In both cases, since the main scan is performed under the condition according to the output size, the gain can basically be uniquely determined according to the output size.

On the other hand, in the case of simultaneous output, the main scan is performed at a resolution corresponding to the larger output size,
A print and an image file are output by one main scan. Therefore, the electronic magnification is different between the two, and if sharpness processing is performed with the same gain, a high-quality image cannot be obtained. In addition, since prints and image files have different purposes, the required image quality may be different, and if the same gain is set for both, image quality may be dissatisfied. That is, if the output is adjusted to one of the outputs, an appropriate gain (processing parameter) cannot be obtained.

In the processing device 14 of the present invention, in order to solve this problem, in the case of simultaneous output, each of the print and image files is individually set according to the conditions (resolution) of the main scan and the electronic magnification. Set the gain to. In addition, at the time of print output and file output,
The gain may be determined according to the conditions of the main scan and the electronic magnification. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently output both a high-quality print and an image file that have been appropriately and sharply processed in one main scan (from one image data).

The gain is set in advance in a table (LUT) according to the conditions of the main scan (the size of image data to be used for image processing) and the electronic magnification.
The setup unit 62 or the like may calculate the values according to the conditions of the main scan and the electronic scaling ratio, may use both of them, or may select one of them. further,
It is well known that the (sharpness) gain may be appropriately changed according to the film type, film size, film exposure conditions (such as underexposure), camera type, etc., in addition to the above conditions. is there.

[0047] Then, the processed components Y _'M and Y' _H obtained by the first amplifier 90 and second amplifier 92, first
The components are synthesized by the adder 96 to obtain the component _Y'MH . Further, in the second adder 96, the low frequency components R _L of such components resulting in the Y 'original signal described above the _MH S _F,
By combining with G _L and B _L , image data R ′, G ′ and B ′ with sharpness enhanced are obtained and supplied to the next processing.

According to the present invention, different sharpness processing (image processing relating to the image structure) is performed according to the conditions of the main scan (the size of the image data to be processed) and the electronic scaling ratio. In addition, when multiple prints of different sizes are output by one main scan (from one image data),
When outputting multiple image files of different sizes, 1
When outputting multiple image files with different sizes from one print, outputting multiple prints with one image file and different sizes, outputting multiple image files with different sizes and multiple prints with different sizes , Etc. can be suitably used. When these processes are performed, the conditions for the main scan may be set according to the image having the largest output size.

In the present invention, in both cases of file output and simultaneous output, image data to be output as an image file can be set so as not to perform sharpness processing (sharpness through). Is preferred. As a result, more various services can be provided according to the customer's preference and the use of the image file.

The image data subjected to the image processing in this manner is sent to the data conversion section 70 for pre-scan data, and is sent to at least one of the data conversion section 74 and the data conversion section 76 for main scan data. Each data conversion unit uses a 3D (three-dimensional) -LUT or the like, and the data conversion unit 70 displays the pre-scan data on the display 20.
The image data corresponding to the display by the
The main scan data is converted into image data corresponding to the image recording by the printer 16, and the data conversion unit 76
The main scan data is converted into image data corresponding to output as an image file, and sent to the next step.

Data conversion unit 6 of prescan processing unit 54
6, the image data processed by the data conversion unit 72 of the main scan processing unit 56 is sent to the printer 16, and the image data processed by the data conversion unit 76 is sent to the display 20.
Is processed by the image format processing unit 7
8 to the file output unit 17 respectively.

The display 20 is not particularly limited.
Various known display means such as an RT (Cathode Ray Tube) and a liquid crystal display can be used. The printer 16 exposes a photosensitive material (photographic paper) in accordance with the image data output from the main scan processing unit 56 to record a latent image, performs a development process according to the photosensitive material, and outputs a finished print. I do. For example, after the photosensitive material is cut into a predetermined length corresponding to the print, recording of the back print, a light beam corresponding to the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the photosensitive material (photographic paper) is modulated according to the image data (recorded image), The latent image is deflected in the main scanning direction, and the latent image is recorded by transporting the photosensitive material in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. After performing a predetermined wet development process, drying and printing, the prints are sorted and accumulated.

The image format processing unit 78 is a unit that processes the image data converted in accordance with the image file by the data conversion unit 76 to obtain image data subjected to image format processing. If necessary, an image format processing unit may be arranged between the data conversion unit 74 corresponding to print output and the printer 16. In the present invention, the image format is not particularly limited.
ash Pix, JPEG, JPEG (Exif), J
Various known image formats such as PEG2000 and bitmap data can be used. Also, the processing for image formatting may be performed by a known method according to the image format.

The image data that has been subjected to the image format processing by the image format processing section 78 is output to the file output section 17. The file output unit 17 is a unit that records (outputs) the image data as an image file on a recording medium. In addition, it is preferable to record information on the presence / absence of sharpness in the image file, and further, information on sharpness intensity (sharpness gain). The recording medium used in the present invention is not limited, and various known recording media such as CD-R, MO, smart media, MD (mini disk), Zip, and floppy (registered trademark) disk can be used. Alternatively, a file may be output by selecting from a plurality of recording media. Further, the image file to be recorded on one recording medium may be any one of a single frame, a plurality of frames, one case, and a plurality of cases, may be arbitrarily selectable, and may be different formats for each frame.

The operation of the photo printer 10 will now be described with reference to FIG.
The present invention will be described in more detail by referring to FIG.

First, a carrier corresponding to the film F is mounted on a predetermined position of the scanner 12, and the film F is set on the carrier. Next, an output method (print output, file output, simultaneous output) and output size are selected according to the customer's order, and necessary information such as the number of prints is input through the operation system 18. Here, as an example,
It is assumed that the printing of the L size (1074 pixels × 1523 pixels) and the simultaneous output of the image file of the 2L size (1523 pixels × 2125 pixels) are selected. These pieces of information are sent to predetermined portions of the photo printer 10.

After the necessary operations are completed, the operator
Instructs the start of print creation. Thereby, the scanner 1
The aperture value and the like of the variable aperture 24 are set according to the prescan reading conditions.
Transports the frame to be used for image reading to a predetermined reading position,
The projection light of the film F forms an image on the CCD sensor 34 and is read. By performing such image reading by rotating the color filter number 26 and sequentially inserting the color filters, the image photographed on the film F is decomposed into R, G, and B, and is read photoelectrically.

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

The output from the CCD sensor 34 is supplied to the amplifier 3
6, the digital signal is converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, sent to the processing device 14, and subjected to predetermined processing such as offset correction by the data processing unit 46.
The digital image data is converted into digital image data at 8 and stored in the prescan memory 50. Prescan memory 50
When the pre-scan data is stored in the storage unit, the setup unit 62 reads the pre-scan data and creates a density histogram and calculates an image feature amount as described above.

Next, the setup unit 62 compares the output size between the print and the image file, sets the resolution according to the larger output size, and further sets the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 as described above. This is set and sent to the scanner 12 as the conditions for the main scan. In this example, since the size of the image file is larger, the lens F value, the optical magnification,
The conditions of the main scan such as the number of read pixels are set according to the image file.

The setup unit 62 further calculates the processing conditions of each image processing according to the density histogram, the image feature amount, instructions from the operator, etc., and sends them to the parameter integration unit 66. The parameter integration unit 76 sets the set image processing conditions and the like at predetermined positions of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58. Here, the image processing conditions set by the setup unit 62 are basically the same for the image file and the print. However, as described above, the electronic magnification and the sharpness gain are determined by the main scan condition and the output size. Different conditions are set for both.

When performing a test, prescan data is read from the prescan memory 50, processed by the image processing unit 68, converted by the data conversion unit 70, and displayed on the display 20 as a finished simulation image. Is done. The operator confirms (verifies) the simulation image, and performs color, density, tone adjustment, and the like using the adjustment keys and the like set on the keyboard 18a as necessary. This signal is sent to the key correction unit 64, and the above-described key correction unit 64 and parameter integration unit 66
The image displayed on the display 20 also changes according to the adjustment input by the operator. When the operator determines that the image displayed on the display 20 is appropriate (OK), the operator uses the keyboard 18a or the like to give an instruction to that effect. Thus, the processing to be performed on the frame (image) is determined.

As described above, if the scanner 12 is set under the conditions set by the setup section 62, the verification is OK.
, The main scan is started. Here, as described above, the resolution of the main scan is set according to an image file having a large output size. Conversely, when the output size is larger for print, the resolution of the main scan is set according to the print size. If the verification is not performed, the processing is determined at the time when the setting of the image processing conditions in the main scan processing unit 56 by the parameter integration unit 76 is completed, and the main scan is started.

The main scan is performed in the same manner as the pre-scan except that the resolution and the reading conditions are different. The output signal of the CCD sensor 34 is processed by the amplifier 36 and the A / D converter 38, and the data processing unit of the processing device 14 Processed at 48
The log converter 50 converts the data into main scan data, and the main scan data is sent to the main scan memory 52. Note that the main scan is performed under the conditions corresponding to the file output as described above, and the main scan data is, for example, 2358 pixels × 2356 pixels.

The main scan data is stored in the main scan memory 52.
, First, an image file having a large output size is output (or vice versa). That is, the main scan data of 2358 pixels × 2356 pixels is read out by the main scan processing unit 58, and first, the electronic magnification processing of (0.646, 0.902) is performed by the magnification processing unit 72 A of the image processing unit 72. Is performed to obtain image data equivalent to 2L size of 1523 pixels × 2125 pixels. The main scan data subjected to the electronic scaling processing by the scaling processing section 72A is then processed by the correction processing section 72B under the set image processing conditions. Note that in this image processing, the sharpness gain is set according to the conditions of the main scan and the electronic magnification, as described above. Here, in this example, since the main scan is performed under the conditions corresponding to the file output, the gains of the electronic magnification and the sharpness are the same as in the case of outputting a file of the same size.

The main scan data processed by the image processing section 72 (correction processing section 72B) is sent to a data conversion section 76 corresponding to the output of the image file, and is converted into image data corresponding to the image file. The image data is sent to the image format processing unit 78 and a predetermined image format, for example, JP
The data is converted into EG image data and supplied to the file output unit 17. The image data is recorded in the file output unit 17 on, for example, a CD-R, that is, output as an image file.

When the output of the image file is completed (or during the process for outputting the image file, if possible in the device), the actual scan data is again output from the actual scan memory 52 by the actual scan processing unit 58. It is read, and then the print is output. That is,
According to the present invention, both a print and an image file can be output by one main scan, and good work efficiency can be secured.

First, as before, the main scan data is
Electronic scaling processing is performed by a scaling processing section 72A of the image processing section 72. In this example, since the resolution of the actual scan is set according to the size of the image file, the electronic scaling of the actual scan data in the print output is different from the normal magnification (in this example, the magnification is higher than normal). Is small). In this example, as described above, 23
The actual scan data of 58 pixels × 2356 pixels (0.4
555, 0.6464) is performed to obtain image data of a size corresponding to L-size printing.

The main scan data subjected to the electronic scaling process by the scaling unit 72A is then processed by the correction unit 72B under the set image processing conditions. In this image processing, the sharpness gain is set according to the conditions of the main scan and the electronic magnification, as described above. In this example, since the main scan is performed under the conditions corresponding to the file output, the electronic scaling and the gain of the sharpness are different not only from the file output but also from the print output of the same size.

Here, in a normal L-size print output, the number of read pixels in the main scan is 1767 pixels × 2107.
Pixel, so the electronic scaling factor is (0.608, 0.72
Suppose 3). Therefore, in this example, the reading is performed at a higher resolution than the output of a normal L size print, and a large electronic magnification is applied. Therefore, when the sharpness gain is set under the same conditions as the output of a normal L-size print, the sharpness of the image may be too strong (too sharp). Therefore, in this example, it is preferable to set the gain so that sharpness is weakened compared to the output of a normal L-size print.

The main scan data processed by the image processing section 72 (correction processing section 72B) is then sent to a data conversion section 74 corresponding to print output, and the image data corresponding to the image recording by the printer 16 is added to the data conversion section 74. Printer 16
And a print is created by reproducing the image data.

When performing print output and file output, the output may be performed according to the respective outputs in the above-described examples of both outputs. In this case, the conditions of the main scan are set according to the respective output sizes. Therefore, the electronic scaling process and the sharpness process are also performed.
Naturally, the processing is performed under normal processing conditions according to the output size.

As described above, in the photo printer 10 according to the present invention, print output from an image file is possible. However, when print output is performed using an image file, the image file It is preferable to determine whether or not the image (image data) has been subjected to the sharpness processing, and to perform the sharpness processing accordingly. As described above, in an image file, there is a case where sharpness is not performed in image processing (sharpness through) according to a customer's request. Correspondingly, by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the double application of the sharpness processing and the excessive enhancement of the sharpness, thereby enabling more stable and high-quality print output. Note that such processing may be similarly performed for file output using an image file and simultaneous output.

Hereinafter, this processing will be described with reference to FIG. Note that an image output as an image file is basically handled as a completed image, and therefore, in this example, image processing other than sharpness is not performed. Of course, the processing may be performed. First, when an instruction to print the image output to the image file is issued, the image data is read from the image file and the information is read from the header and the like, and whether or not this image is output with sharpness through is determined. Is detected.

At this time, if the previous output has sharpness processing (not sharpness through), print processing is performed without performing sharpness in the current processing.

On the other hand, if the sharpness through has been performed in the previous output, the sharpness through is instructed according to the on / off of the sharpness specified in the current print output (whether or not the sharpness is through). If it is set (off), the print output is performed as it is without performing the sharpness. In this process, when the sharpness through is not instructed (on), the sharpness gain is set according to the conditions (size, etc.) at the time of file output and the print size, and the print is output.

Although the image processing apparatus and the image processing method of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you can do it.

For example, in the above example, as a preferable mode, in the case of simultaneous output, the conditions are set for each of print output and image file output in the sharpness process. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be used for various types of image processing as long as it relates to an image structure, and examples thereof include a graininess suppression process and a soft focus process. In the illustrated example, as a preferable (especially in terms of image quality) mode, in the case of simultaneous output, the conditions of the main scan are set according to the larger output size, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the main scan may be performed at a resolution that matches the smaller output size with priority given to productivity, or the main scan may always be performed at a resolution that matches the print (or image file), or You may make it selectable from two or more of these.

[0079]

As described above in detail, according to the image processing method and the image processing apparatus of the present invention, a high-quality photographic print and image which have been properly subjected to image processing relating to an image structure such as sharpness processing. The output of both files can be performed with simple operation and good work efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a digital photo printer utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of an image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a sharpness processing unit in the image processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining another aspect of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 (Digital) photo printer 12 Scanner 14 (Image) processing device 16 Printer 17 File output unit 18 Operation system 18a Keyboard 18b Mouse 20 Display 22 Light source 24 Variable aperture 26 Color filter plate 28 Diffusion box 32 Imaging lens unit 34 (Area) CCD sensor 36 Amplifier 38 A / D converter 46 Data processing unit 48 Log converter 50 Prescan (frame) memory 52 Main scan (frame) memory 54 Condition setting unit 56 Prescan processing unit 58, 58A, 58B Main scan processing unit 62 setup unit 64 key adjustment unit 66 parameter integration unit 68, 72 image processing unit 70, 74, 76 data conversion unit 72A scaling unit 72B correction processing unit 78 image format processing unit 80 first LPF (low-pass) Filter) 82 first subtractor 84 luminance component extracting unit 86 first LPF 88 second subtractor 90 first amplifier 92 second amplifier 94 first adder 96 second adder

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04N 1/409 H04N 9/68 103Z 5C077 9/68 103 1/40 101D F-term (Reference) 2C061 AP01 AR01 HJ06 2H106 BA36 BA55 BH00 5B057 BA02 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB12 CB16 CD05 CE03 CE06 CE17 5C066 AA01 AA05 CA08 CA25 EC02 ED09 GA01 GA05 KC02 KE02 KE03 5C076 AA21 AA22 BA01 BA06 CB02 5C077 LL19 PP03 PP20 RR21 TT

Claims (6)

[Claims] An electronic scaling process of different scaling factors for generating a plurality of image data of different sizes for one image data, and an image structure under processing conditions corresponding to each of the image data. An image processing method comprising: 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the generated plurality of image data is converted into image data for an image file, and at least one of the other image data is converted into image data for printing. Processing method. 3. A storage means for storing image data, a first mode for outputting one image data from one image data, and a size change from one image data by performing a scaling process with different magnifications. An image processing unit including an electronic scaling unit and an image processing unit related to an image structure in which a second mode for outputting a plurality of different image data is set; and in the case of the second mode, And an image processing unit for the image structure of the image processing means, which performs image processing under different conditions for each image data. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a file conversion unit that converts the image data into image data for an image file; and a print conversion unit that converts the image data into image data for a print. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one of the image data for printing is output, and in the second mode, both the image data for image file and the image data for printing are output. 5. The image data to be processed is image data obtained by photoelectrically reading a document image. In the photoelectric reading of the document image, the largest image data is set according to the size of an image to be output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is read at a resolution corresponding to the image size. 6. When processing image data of an image file, an image processing section relating to an image structure of said image processing means performs image processing under conditions corresponding to image processing when outputting said image file. Item 6. The image processing device according to any one of Items 3 to 5.