JP2002277985A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a reprint match a previous print in color and density. SOLUTION: Image data before conversion to the output format corresponding to a specific recording medium and after image processing, image processing conditions for respective images when an output image reproducing a photographic image of a film is generated, and data for image retrieval for specifying the image processing conditions or the image data after the image processing, or image reproduction information on compressed image data obtained by further compressing the image data are stored, image retrieval is carried out according to an indication of recording an image, and it is determined whether or not the image processing conditions when the output image reproducing the photographic image is generated are different from those when the image is reordered, when the image processing conditions are not changed, the image is outputted by using the image data after the image processing which are stored, but when any change is made, an image is read out of the photographic film, processed while the image processing conditions corresponding to the image are changed, and then outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of a print system for outputting a print (photograph) of an image photographed on a film or an image photographed by a digital camera, and more particularly to such a print system. And a photographic printer capable of suitably matching images of simultaneous printing and reprinting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, printing an image photographed on a photographic film (hereinafter, referred to as a film) such as a negative film or a reversal film onto a photosensitive material (photographic paper) involves projecting an image of the film onto the photosensitive material. The so-called direct exposure, in which exposure is performed mainly, has been the mainstream.

On the other hand, in recent years, a printing apparatus utilizing 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. Digital photo printers (photo printers) that print image data (latent images) by scanning and exposing a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data to record (finished) prints have been put into practical use. Was done.

This digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film by reading light incident on the film and reading the projection light. A predetermined process is performed on read image data or image data supplied from a digital camera or the like, and image data for image recording, i.e., an image processing device that is an exposure condition, and image data output from the image processing device. Accordingly, a printer (image recording apparatus) that scans and exposes the 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) Processor for printing (developing device)
And is configured.

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

[0006]

By the way, not only such a digital photo printer but also an image photographed on a film or a print outputted from image data photographed by a digital camera is used in response to a request for additional printing or the like. In many cases, so-called re-order printing (hereinafter simply referred to as re-printing) is often performed in which an image (frame) printed once is output as a print again. In this case, if there is no particular correction instruction, the previously output print (usually, a simultaneous print that reproduces and outputs a photographed image shot on photographic film) and reprinting, It is required that the reproduced images match.
However, depending on the judgment of the operator and differences in operation, etc.,
In many cases, the color and density of the image differ between the previous print and the reprint, and there has been a problem that there are many complaints from customers.

On the other hand, the present applicant has already disclosed in
In JP-A-179211 and JP-A-9-55834, an image recorded on a film is stored in a storage medium with information specifying the image, and the image is reproduced when reprinted. A photographic print system has been proposed in which an image is reproduced only by specifying information corresponding to the image so that a reorder can be performed without handling a film, and a photographic print reordering method is simplified.

The present applicant further discloses Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-2000.
No. 2222437 or Japanese Patent Application No. 11-15675.
No. 7 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-118063, the image data and the image processing information are easily searched from the database storing the image data and the image processing information at the time of reprinting, and the image is matched with the previous print. An image processing apparatus capable of efficiently outputting the reprinted image has been proposed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and
It is intended to improve the technology proposed in the above-mentioned publications, etc., in a print system that outputs a print of an image photographed on a photographic film or an image photographed by a digital camera, etc. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system capable of efficiently outputting a reprint in which the color and density match those of a previous print when outputting the corresponding reprint.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image input means for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a photographic film and inputting the image as image data;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the input image;
Image output means for outputting the image subjected to the image processing to a predetermined recording medium as an output image reproducing the image photographed on the photographic film, the image processing means comprising: Processed, and before being converted to an output format according to the predetermined recording medium, image data after image processing, and image processing conditions for each image when creating an output image reproducing the captured image, The image processing conditions or the image search data for specifying the image data after the image processing, or the compressed image data obtained by further compressing the image data, the image at the time of producing the output image reproducing the photographed image A storage unit for storing as reproduction information, and the image processing unit stores the image-processed image from the storage unit using the image search data in response to an instruction to reorder an image. A search unit for searching for data or the image processing conditions, and a unit for determining whether there is a change in image processing conditions between when an output image reproducing the photographed image is created and when reordering, If there is no change in the image processing conditions at the time of reordering, an image is output using the image data after the image processing stored in the storage means, and there is no change in the image processing conditions at the time of reordering. In this case, an image is read from the photographic film again, and the read image is called by changing the image processing condition corresponding to the image stored in the storage means, and the changed image processing condition is changed. And a print system for outputting an image by performing image processing according to the following.

Further, even if the image processing conditions are changed at the time of the reordering, if the changes are within a preset range, the image processing conditions stored in the storage means are stored. Preferably, an image is output using the subsequent image data.

Further, the storage means stores the image reproduction information only for a predetermined period, and after the predetermined period,
Preferably, of the image reproduction information, only the image search data, the image processing conditions, or the compressed image data alone is stored, and the image data after the image processing is deleted.

It is preferable that the predetermined period can be set in advance by an operator.

The print system may further include a display capable of displaying an image, and when reordering, the result of the search for the image reproduction information is displayed on the display. preferable.

[0015] Further, as a result of the search, when no search target is found or when an erroneous search is performed, it is preferable that a second candidate or later can be displayed or a re-search can be instructed.

It is preferable that the printing system further includes back printing means for printing, and that when the order is reordered, the result of the search for the image reproduction information is back printed.

Further, when the storage means stores the image reproduction information, the number of frames of the image reproduction information that can be stored is set according to the capability and the resources of a printing system.
Preferably, it can be further changed, or it can be selected whether or not to store the compressed image data.

The image processing condition and the image feature data associated therewith are separately used as the image reproduction information, or the image processing condition and the image feature data associated therewith are set as a set. Preferably, the information is stored as image reproduction information.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printing system 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 a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a print system according to the present invention. In addition,
The print system of the present invention is not limited to such a digital photo printer, but may be a conventional direct exposure analog photo printer that prints photographic paper using projection light from a film.

The printing system 10 shown in FIG.
Basically, a scanner (image reading device) 12 that photoelectrically reads an image photographed on the film F, processes the read image data to output image data, and operates and controls the entire printing system 10. An image processing device 14 for performing control and the like, and a photosensitive material (photographic paper) using a light beam modulated according to image data output from the image processing device 14
And a printer 16 for exposing the image to an image, developing the image, and outputting as a (finished) print. The image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting and setting various conditions, selecting and instructing processing, and instructions for color / density correction, and the like. The display 20 is connected to display the image read in step 5, various operation instructions, condition setting / registration screen, and the like, and the image search result at the time of reprinting.

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

In the print system 10,
Advanced Photo System (AP)
S. ) Or a 135-size negative (or reversal) film, etc., and a dedicated carrier 30 that can be attached to the main body of the scanner 12 according to the type and size of the film, such as strips and slides, and the like. By replacing the carrier 30, it is possible to cope with various films and processes. An image (frame) photographed on the film F and provided for printing is conveyed by the carrier 30 to a predetermined reading position. When the image captured on the film F is read by the scanner 12 as described above, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and adjusted in light amount by the variable aperture 24 is positioned at a predetermined reading position by the carrier 30. By entering and transmitting the film F, projection light carrying an image captured on the film F is obtained.

The carrier 30 has a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the film F to a predetermined reading position, and a slit for regulating the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape in the same direction (main scanning direction) as the line CCD sensor. It has a mask. The film F is positioned at the reading position by the carrier 30, and is conveyed with the longitudinal direction of the film F in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and is irradiated with the reading light. As a result, the film F is two-dimensionally slit-scanned by the slit extending in the main scanning direction, and the image of each frame captured on the film F is read.

A magnetic recording medium is formed on the APS film, and a magnetic head for recording / reading information on / from the magnetic recording medium is arranged on a carrier 30 corresponding to the APS film (cartridge). I have. The information recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film F is read by the magnetic head and sent to the image processing device 14 or the like, and the information from the image processing device 14 or the like is transferred to the carrier 30 and the magnetic head reads the information. F is recorded on the magnetic recording medium F. A code reader for reading bar codes such as DX codes, extended DX codes, and FNS codes optically recorded on the film F and various information optically recorded on the film F is arranged on the carrier 30. Various kinds of information read by the code reader are sent to the image processing device 14.

As described above, the reading light is transmitted through the film F held by the carrier 30 and becomes projection light for carrying an image. The projection light is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32. Imaged. The image sensor 34 is a so-called three-line color CCD sensor having three line CCD sensors for reading R, G, and B images, respectively, and extends in the main scanning direction. The projection light of the film F is output by the image sensor 34.
The light is separated into three primary colors of R, G and B and read photoelectrically. The output signal of the image sensor 34 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 scanner 12 reads an image photographed on the film F by two image reading operations: a prescan for reading at a low resolution and a fine scan for obtaining image data of an output image. Prescan is
The scanning is performed under the pre-scanning conditions set so that the image sensor 34 can read the images of all the films targeted by the scanner 12 as the input images without saturation. On the other hand, the fine scan is performed under the fine scan reading conditions set for each frame from the pre-scan data so that the image sensor 34 is saturated at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame). Therefore, the output signals of prescan and fine scan are
Only the resolution and the output level are different.

In the present invention, the scanner 12 is
The method is not limited to the one by the slit scanning,
The surface exposure may be used in which the entire surface of the frame image is read at one time. In this case, for example, area CC
Using the D sensor, the R, G, and B color filters are sequentially inserted between the light source and the film F, and the image is read by the area CCD sensor, thereby decomposing the image photographed on the film into three primary colors. What is necessary is just to read sequentially.

As described above, the output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14.
In the print system 10 according to the present invention, the image processing device 14 includes an image reading device that reads an image of a reflection original, an image reading device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, in addition to the image of the film F read by the scanner 12. Devices, communication means such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and a computer communication network, various image reading means and imaging means such as a memory card, a medium (recording medium) such as an MO (magneto-optical recording medium) and a photo CD, and image data. The image data may be received from various image data supply sources, such as the storage unit, and the following processing may be performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 14 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, image data after image processing (after setup) of each image processed during simultaneous printing, image processing conditions for the image, image search data for searching for the image and image processing conditions for the image, or Further, the compressed image data obtained by compressing the image data is stored as image reproduction information (simultaneous print information), and when the reprint is specified, the image processing conditions are changed between the simultaneous print and the reprint. Judgment was made as to whether or not there was no change, and if there was no change, a reprint was created using the image data after image processing, and if there was a change, the photographic film was scanned again and reprinted. While inputting the specified image, changing the image processing condition corresponding to the specified image, and changing the image processing condition according to the changed image processing condition. It is intended to create a re-print processes the image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 14
Has a data processing unit 46, a Log converter 48, a prescan (frame) memory 50, a fine scan (frame) memory 52, a prescan processing unit 54, a fine scan processing unit 56, and a condition setting unit 58. FIG. 2 mainly shows parts related to image processing. The image processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU that controls and manages the entire print system 10 including the image processing apparatus 14, and a print system. A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the shutter 10 and the like, a means for determining the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and the storage time of the image sensor 34, and the like are arranged. Bus).

R, G and B output from the scanner 12
Are subjected to predetermined processing such as DC offset correction, dark time correction, and shading correction in a data processing unit 46, are converted by a Log converter 48 into digital image data, and are subjected to pre-scan (image ) The data is stored (stored) in the pre-scan memory 50 and the fine scan (image) data is stored in the fine scan memory 52.

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

Image processing section 62 of prescan processing section 54
The image processing unit 66 of the fine scan processing unit 56 performs image processing on an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 according to the setting of the condition setting unit 58 described later. Both perform basically the same processing except that the pixel densities of the image data to be processed are different.

The image processing performed by the image processing section 62 and the image processing section 66 are various types of known image processing, and include, for example, gray balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, density adjustment, electronic scaling processing, sharpness (sharpening). ) Processing, grain suppression processing, dodging processing (imparting the dodging effect in a direct exposure print system by compressing image data while maintaining halftones), geometric distortion correction, peripheral light amount correction, red-eye correction, soft focus, One or more cases of special finishing such as black and white finishing are exemplified. Each of these processes may be performed by a known method, and a process operation (algorithm), a process by an adder or a subtractor, a process by an LUT (lookup table), a matrix (MTX) operation, a process by a filter, and the like are appropriately combined. Done.

The signal conversion section 64 of the prescan processing section 54
Represents the image data processed by the image processing unit 62,
3D (three-dimensional) -LUT conversion and display 2
This is a part to be image data corresponding to the display by 0.
On the other hand, the signal conversion unit 68 of the fine scan processing unit 56
Represents the image data processed by the image processing unit 66 as 3
It is a part that converts the image data by a D-LUT or the like, converts the image data into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16, and supplies the image data to the printer 16. The processing conditions in both converters are
It is set by the condition setting unit 58.

The image processing and processing conditions performed by the pre-scan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56 are set by the condition setting unit 58. This condition setting unit 58
Has a setup unit 70, a key correction unit 74, and a parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76
A storage unit 78 for storing image reproduction information (simultaneous print information) is connected. Here, the image reproduction information (simultaneous print information) is information for reproducing the same image (image data) processing as during simultaneous printing at the time of reprinting, and is processed by the image processing unit 66 during simultaneous printing. Image data after image processing (image data after setup), not yet converted by the signal conversion unit 68, image processing conditions for each image processed at the time of simultaneous printing, and an image search for searching the image processing conditions. Data or compressed image data obtained by compressing the image data.

The image processing conditions may be any information that can reproduce the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing. More specifically, the LUT and the arithmetic expression created for the image processing, and the information related to the predetermined image processing Coefficient or D by operator
CMY key correction information and the like are exemplified. The image search data is data used when performing an image search, and is not an image data itself but a simple numerical value. With this image search data, an image is specified from, for example, hundreds of thousands of frames. The compressed image data is used to display the image search result on the display 20 in order to confirm whether correct image data has been called out by the search, and does not need to be so high in image quality. Needless to say, compression is not necessary, but compression is preferable in consideration of the capacity of the hard disk and the like. In addition,
The compression method is not particularly limited.
EG2000, Flash Pix, TIFF and the like are preferably exemplified. If the search result seems to be incorrect, several images of the candidate image may be displayed on the display 20 so that the operator can select the image.

When the search result is not displayed, it is not necessary to store the compressed image data, and the memory capacity can be reduced and the processing speed can be increased accordingly. Also,
When storing the compressed image data, it is efficient to extract the image search data from the compressed image data as image feature data. For example, a DC (direct current) component of spatial frequency data subjected to discrete cosine transform (DCT) may be used as an image feature amount as image search data, or image data may be divided into blocks of a certain size. Alternatively, an average value, a sum, a maximum value, a minimum value, or the like for each block may be used.

When the print is created, the storage means 7
Since the image reproduction information is stored in the storage unit 78 at the time of so-called simultaneous printing, this is referred to as simultaneous printing and the rest is referred to as reprinting. Of course, the image reproduction information may be stored and used at the time of reprinting later. That is, in the present embodiment, the image reproduction information is stored in the storage unit 78 at the time of previous printing such as simultaneous printing and previous reprinting, and is used at the time of subsequent printing such as reprinting or later reprinting. However, below, simultaneous printing and reprinting will be described as typical examples.

The setup unit 70 determines the reading conditions of the fine scan and the contents and conditions of the image processing in the prescan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56. Specifically, at the time of simultaneous printing, the setup unit 70 creates a density histogram from the pre-scan data and determines a frequency of the density histogram such as an average density, a highlight (lowest density) and a shadow (highest density). Calculation of image feature values such as% point, LATD (large area transmission density), maximum value and minimum value density of the histogram, etc.
Set the scanning conditions for fine scan, and further according to the density histogram, image feature amount, operator's instruction, etc.
The image adjustment to be executed and the execution order are determined from various types of image processing, and further, each image processing condition and the conversion condition in the signal conversion unit 68 and the like are calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.

The key correction section 74 calculates an adjustment amount of the image processing condition in accordance with an instruction such as color adjustment, density adjustment, and contrast (gradation) adjustment input from the keyboard 18a or the mouse 18b of the operation system 18. , To the parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integrating unit 76 receives the image processing conditions and the like calculated by the setup unit 70, sets the image processing conditions and the like in predetermined portions of the prescan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56, and further adjusts the adjustment amounts and the like calculated by the key correction unit 74. The image processing conditions set for each part are adjusted accordingly. In addition, the parameter integration unit 76 sends the image reproduction information of the frame to the storage unit 78 after the processing for this frame is determined at the time of simultaneous printing, and searches the storage unit 78 for reprinting. The image reproduction information of the frame to be reprinted is read out, the search result is displayed on the display 20, and necessary information is supplied to a predetermined portion such as the setup unit 70.

The storage means 78 for storing image reproduction information is not particularly limited, and various means can be used. For example, various recording media such as a hard disk and a database, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium that are built in or connected to the image processing apparatus 14 are exemplified. Further, the print system 10 may be connected to an external database by a communication means such as a computer communication network.

The pre-scan processing unit 5 of the image processing device 14
The image data processed in 4 is sent to the display 20, and the image data processed in the fine scan processing unit 56 is sent to the printer 16. The printer 16 exposes the photosensitive material 17 in accordance with the supplied image data and records a latent image thereon by a laser exposure unit (printing device) 16a.
And a processor (development device) (not shown) for performing predetermined processing on the exposed photosensitive material and outputting it as a print. Further, the printer 16 has back printing means 16b for printing predetermined information on the back of the print. In the printer 16, for example, after the photosensitive material 17 is cut into print lengths, back printing is recorded by back printing means 16b,
Next, R exposure and G exposure are performed by the laser exposure unit 16a.
The three types of light beams, exposure and B exposure, are modulated in accordance with the image data output from the image processing device 14 to be deflected in the main scanning direction, and to convey the photosensitive material in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Thereby, the photosensitive material 17 is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to record a latent image and supplied to the processor.
The processor that has received the photosensitive material 17 performs predetermined wet development processing such as color development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, and forms a print by drying, and sorts and accumulates it into a predetermined unit such as one film.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The processing is slightly different between the case of 135 film and the case of APS. First, FIG. 3 shows a rough processing flow in the case of 135 film. As shown in FIG. 3, first, in step 100, when there is a reprint order from the customer, in step 110, the lab side sets the film on the scanner and performs a prescan, and then in step 120, Based on the customer's order, search for an image for which reprint is specified. When a customer places an order for reprinting by specifying an image that he or she wants to reprint, basically, the user often brings a photographic film (negative film) to the lab and places an order by specifying the frame. The method is not particularly limited, and there are various methods, and various search methods may be used accordingly.

As a method of image retrieval, for example, there are a method using a verification screen in normal image processing and a method using a screen dedicated to reordering (reorder screen). In the method using the normal verification screen, first, as described above, the operator inserts the photographic film brought by the customer into the carrier and performs prescan. A normal set-up process is performed on the read pre-scan data, and images of six frames at a time are displayed on the display 20 on a test monitor. The operator selects and designates a frame to be reprinted from the keyboard 18a or the like on the verification screen. For the designated frame, the parameter integration unit 76
Searches the database using the image feature amount calculated by the setup unit 70 as image search data, and, when image processing conditions for the simultaneous printing of the image and its compressed image data are stored in the database, The compressed image data is called and displayed on the display 20 via the signal conversion unit 64.

In the method using the reorder screen, the operator inserts the photographic film into the carrier, performs prescanning, and operates the keyboard 18a to display the reorder screen on the display 20. The reorder screen is a screen specialized for easy reordering, and the operator selects and designates a frame to be reprinted on the reorder screen. An image search is performed for the specified frame in the same manner as described above, and image reproduction information for the frame is obtained. After the image search, the display 20 transits from the reorder screen to the normal verification screen.

In any of the above cases, image processing is performed on the read pre-scan data according to the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing of the obtained image reproduction information, and this is displayed on the display 20 again. Then, the search results are reflected on the test monitor display. Thus, the image at the time of simultaneous printing can be confirmed. Thus, 1
In the case of 35 film, pre-scan (or scan equivalent to pre-scan) to search for images
Need to do. When displaying the image search result on the display 20, if no search target is found,
Alternatively, if an erroneous search is performed, it is preferable that the second and subsequent candidates can be displayed or a re-search can be instructed.

Next, at step 130, it is determined whether or not there is a change in image processing conditions for the frame at the time of simultaneous printing (previous time) and at the time of reprinting (current time).
The method of this determination is not particularly limited. For example, as described above, by performing an image search on the reorder screen,
The image processing conditions for simultaneous printing are called, and if the called image processing conditions are modified by the operator, the parameter integration unit 76 determines that the image processing conditions have changed. Alternatively, the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing obtained as a result of the image search are compared with the current reorder information,
For example, when the size is L at the time of simultaneous printing, in this reprint, if the conditions are different such that the 2L size is designated, it is necessary to change the image processing conditions accordingly. The unit 76 determines that the image processing condition has been changed. Here, for example, the reprint information is input from the operation system 18 by an operator who has received a customer's order at the lab, or is directly input to the system when the customer places an order through a communication network such as the Internet.

If it is determined that there is no change in the image processing conditions, a reprint is created in step 140 using the image data after image processing stored in the database. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a change in the image processing conditions, in step 150, the photographic film is scanned again (fine scan), and the next step 160 is performed on the obtained fine scan data.
, Image processing is performed using the changed image processing conditions. Finally, in step 170, a reprint is created. Here, the output of the reprint is not necessarily output only as a so-called (photo) print, but includes a case where the output is output as image data to a predetermined recording medium. In the case of outputting as a print, the result of the search for the image reproduction information at the time of reordering is printed by the back printing means 16b on the back of the print, so that confirmation after reprint output and subsequent reprinting can be performed. It can be used as a reference when reordering.

FIG. 4 shows a rough processing flow in the case of APS. In the case of APS, unlike the case of 135 film, FID (film I)
D), frame No. As long as it can be read, image search can be performed. Therefore, in the case of the APS, as shown in FIG. 4, when a reprint order is received from the customer in step 200, the FID,
Frame No. To read And step 220
, An image search is performed using these pieces of information.

Thereafter, in step 230, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the image processing conditions between simultaneous printing (previous time) and reprinting (current time). If there is no change, the image data after image processing is output as a print in step 240, and if there is a change, fine scan is performed in step 250 and step 260
Then, image processing is performed under the changed image processing conditions, and printout is performed in step 270.

In the present embodiment, whenever there is a change in the image processing conditions, a photographic film scan (fine scan) is performed again, and the image data obtained by scanning is changed. Although image processing is performed under image processing conditions and reprinting is output, even if there is a change in image processing conditions, if it is a small change within a preset range, it is possible to scan without film scanning ,
A reprint may be output using the stored image data after image processing.

Here, the image processing conditions mainly affect the image structure processing, and include, for example, enlargement / reduction of the print size. Although the preset range is not particularly limited, for example, it is assumed that all enlargement of the print size is a change of image processing conditions necessary for film scanning, and that all of the enlargement of the print size is a small change within this range. Various ranges are conceivable, including those to be included, conditions under which conditions up to 10% enlargement are good, and conditions under which only print size reduction of up to 10% is allowed. . In the case of a print system without prescan (only fine scan), image search data may be created from fine scan. Further, an image search may be performed based on the result read by the pre-sensor.

Hereinafter, the processing of this embodiment will be described in more detail, including the case of simultaneous printing. First, the case where the image processing conditions are changed at the time of reprinting and the photographic film needs to be scanned will be described separately for the case of 135 size film and the case of APS 240 size film. First, the case of 135 size will be described. 13
FIG. 5 shows an overall outline of the processing flow in the case of five sizes, FIG. 6A shows an outline at the time of simultaneous printing, and FIG. 6B shows an outline at the time of reprinting. Note that here, for simultaneous printing, creation and storage of image reproduction information such as image search data, and for reprinting, search for images for which reprinting has been specified using image search data. Will be mainly described, and description of normal image processing will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case of simultaneous printing, in step ST1, the film is scanned (pre-scan and fine scan) as usual, and
Image data is read, normal image processing is performed, and image reproduction information such as image search data is created and stored in a database. In step ST2, simultaneous printing is output from the printer 16. In the case of reprinting, in step ST3, the film is scanned (pre-scanned) to create image search data, an image search is performed using the data, and the reordered image is specified. Is called from the database at the time of simultaneous printing. Then, as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the image processing conditions between simultaneous printing and reprinting. If there is a change in the image processing conditions, image processing is performed on the image data obtained by re-scanning the film (fine scan) under the changed image processing conditions. Output. Hereinafter, these processes will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

In the case of simultaneous printing, as shown in FIG. 6A, first, in step ST10, the operator mounts a carrier corresponding to the film F at a predetermined position of the scanner 12, and performs a pre-scan of the film F. Do. When the pre-scan data is read, the setup unit 70
Generates a density histogram, calculates an image feature amount, and the like from pre-scan data, calculates fine scan reading conditions and image processing conditions, and sets image processing conditions for each predetermined portion from the parameter integration unit 76. . Based on the set conditions, predetermined image processing is performed in the prescan processing unit 54, and in step ST11, an image for verification is displayed on the display 20 (verification monitor).

Next, in step ST12, the operator looks at the verification screen of the display 20, confirms (verifies) the image, and uses the adjustment keys and the like set on the keyboard 18a as necessary to change the color, Adjustment (correction) of density, gradation, and the like are performed. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 74. The key correction unit 74 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends it to the parameter integration unit 76.
The parameter integration unit 76 corrects the image processing conditions set in the processing units 62 and 66 according to the correction amount sent. Therefore, according to the input by the operator, the display 2
The image displayed at 0 also changes.

Next, in step ST13, exposure condition storage data is created from the image processing conditions finally determined above. On the other hand, in step ST14, a frame number is read from the film F in parallel with the above processing. Image processing conditions and the like for the image of each frame are managed by each frame number. Then, in step ST15, the parameter integration section 76 creates image reproduction information corresponding to each frame number, sends it to the storage means 78, and stores the image reproduction information in a database in the storage means 78.
accumulate.

The image reproduction information includes image search data, image processing conditions, and further compressed image data.
It is effective to use image feature amount data extracted when generating compressed image data as image search data. The image reproduction information including the above data includes frame numbers, film types, camera models, customers, unique image IDs, order receiving dates, order receiving stores, and devices. , For each order, for each film format (ASP, 135, brownie, etc.),
It may be associated with at least one or more of each film carrier type, each film mask, each shooting date, each image format (BMP, JPEG, etc.), and each order terminal, and may be managed in a database. Note that the shooting date may be read from the image.

When the image processing conditions are set as described above, the film is fine-scanned this time, and the image processing unit 66 of the fine scan processing unit 56 performs the above-described setting as usual. Image processing is performed according to the set image processing conditions. Then, the image data after the image processing (the image data after the setup) is converted into a format corresponding to the recording medium by the signal conversion unit 68, and
It is output as a print (simultaneous print) that reproduces a photographed image photographed on a film. On the other hand, image data after image processing (image data after setup) before conversion by the signal conversion unit 68 is also recorded in the storage unit 78 as image reproduction information when simultaneous printing is created.

As described above, in this embodiment,
The image reproduction information is created at the time of simultaneous printing and stored in the storage unit 7.
However, in the printing system of the present invention, storing the image reproduction information in the storage means 78 is not limited to simultaneous printing. For example, when the customer is dissatisfied with the image of simultaneous printing. The image processing at this time may be performed when the user requests the reprinting by instructing the color / density processing or the like or when printing a frame that does not store the information of the image processing. The compressed image data is for displaying the search result on the display 20 at the time of the search, but if the display is not particularly required, the compressed image data does not need to be stored. Can be reduced. It is preferable to be able to select whether to store the compressed image data. The timing of the selection may be selected each time during the simultaneous printing, but not limited to, for example, be selected during device installation, it may be set in advance to either. Furthermore, when storing the image reproduction information, the number of frames of the image reproduction information that can be stored is set and the set number of frames is changed according to the capability and resources of the printing system, such as the CPU capability and the hard disk capacity. May be made. The number of frames may be set based on, for example, the remaining capacity of the hard disk at the time of resource check at the time of program installation.

When the image feature data is used as the image search data, the image processing condition and the image feature data may be stored separately as image reproduction information. The image feature amount data may be linked and packed and stored as image reproduction information as a set. The image processing condition may be information at a level that can reproduce the simultaneous printing. It is even more preferable that the information is added.

The image data after image processing (image data after setup), image search data, image processing conditions, and compressed image data that constitute the image reproduction information are associated with each other. If others are deleted, and if any one is updated, the others are updated, it is possible to always store and manage only necessary information, reduce storage capacity and improve efficient operation It becomes possible. The update of the image reproduction information may be performed, for example, in reprinting without using the image processing conditions of the called image reproduction information as it is, and further modifying the previous processing conditions as a desire to improve the image processing information. In such a case, the latest information is updated and stored. It is preferable that the image reproduction information be backed up at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is not particularly limited, but preferably includes, for example, system startup, start-up inspection, end-of-life inspection, system shutdown, system hang-up, or when an operator gives an instruction.

The above image reproduction information is stored only for a certain period of time, and after a certain period of time, only the image search data, image processing conditions or further compressed image data of the image reproduction information is stored. If the image data after the image processing is erased, this contributes to efficient use of the memory. It is preferable that an operator can set in advance a certain period for storing the image data after the image processing. The fixed period is not particularly limited, but is preferably a period during which simultaneous printing, six months, or one year, for example, during which the customer may place an order for reprinting. For example, if it is set to three months, if there is a reorder within three months from the simultaneous printing, it is possible to reorder without the film because there is image data. Since data is output using data, image processing conditions, and (compressed image data), a film is required for reordering.

Next, in the case of reprinting, FIG.
As shown in (1), first, in step ST20, the film F is pre-scanned by the scanner 12, and an image instructed to be reprinted is read. Step ST21
, The frame number is read from the film F. The read pre-scan data is sent to the image processing device 14 together with the frame number. In step ST22,
The setup unit 70 calculates image feature data from the pre-scan data and creates image search data. Next, in step ST23, the parameter integrating unit 76
Searches the database of the storage unit 78 using the image search data, and specifies an image designated to be reprinted. Then, in step ST24, image reproduction information including image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing of the image is called, and the exposure condition storage data is referred to.

Next, in step ST25, the search result is displayed on the display 20 using the called image reproduction information such as the compressed image data, and the search result is confirmed. If no search target is found or an erroneous search is performed, the display 20 displays the second and subsequent candidates or an instruction to perform a search again. The operator looks at the display of the search result, and if the search result is incorrect, performs the search again. If the parameter integration unit 76 determines that there is a change in the searched image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing and, for example, the image processing conditions at the time of reprinting input by the operator, that fact is displayed on the display 20.
You are instructed to perform fine scan.

Then, a fine scan is performed to obtain image data for reprinting, and the image processing conditions (exposure condition storage data) obtained by changing the image processing conditions searched above are used. Image processing,
Create reprint image data. Then, depending on the output form such as print or image data, mainly 3D
-Perform processing by the LUT and output. At this time, as described above, the printing is performed by the back printing means 16b.
The search result of the image reproduction information at the time of reprinting is printed back.

Next, the case of APS 240 size will be described. FIG. 7 shows an outline of the processing flow in the case of 240 size, FIG. 8A shows an outline at the time of simultaneous printing, and FIG. 8B shows an outline at the time of reprinting.
Shown in As shown in FIG. 7, the general flow of the process is the same as that of the case of the 135 size, except that the image search is performed using the film ID and the frame number.
Otherwise, a normal print creation process is performed in the same manner. As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of simultaneous printing, in step ST5, the film is scanned (pre-scan and fine scan) as usual,
The image data is read, normal image processing is performed, and image reproduction information such as image search data is created and stored in a database. In step ST6, simultaneous printing is output from the printer 16. In the case of reprinting, in step ST7, the film is scanned (pre-scanned) to read a film ID (FID) and a frame number, and an image is searched using the film ID to identify a reordered image. The image processing conditions for simultaneous printing of the images are called from the database. If there is a change in the image processing conditions between simultaneous printing and reprinting, image processing is performed on the image obtained by re-scanning the film (fine scan) under the changed image processing conditions. Then, in step ST8, it is output as a reprint. Hereinafter, these processes will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the case of simultaneous printing is the same as the case of 135. That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, first, in step ST30, the operator mounts a carrier corresponding to the film F at a predetermined position of the scanner 12, and performs a pre-scan of the film F. When the pre-scan data is read, the setup unit 70 generates a density histogram, calculates an image feature amount, and the like from the pre-scan data, calculates a fine scan reading condition and an image processing condition, and Image processing conditions are set for each predetermined site. Based on the set conditions, predetermined image processing is performed in the pre-scan processing unit 54, and step S
At T31, an image for verification is displayed on the display 20 (verification monitor).

Next, in step ST32, the operator checks the image (verification) by looking at the verification screen of the display 20, and if necessary, adjusts the color, Adjustment (correction) of density, gradation, and the like are performed. Next, in step ST33,
Exposure condition storage data is created from the image processing conditions determined as a result of the test. On the other hand, in step ST34,
In parallel with the above processing, the film ID and the frame number are read from the film F. Image processing conditions and the like for the image of each frame are managed by each frame number. Then, in step ST35, the parameter integrating unit 76
Then, image reproduction information is created corresponding to each film ID and frame number, sent to the storage means 78, and the image reproduction information is stored in the storage means 78 as a database. When the image processing conditions are set as described above, the film is fine-scanned to obtain output image data, and the image data is output to the image processing unit 66 of the fine scan processing unit 56. Image processing is performed according to the set image processing conditions. Then, the image data after the image processing is converted into a format corresponding to the recording medium by the signal conversion unit 68,
The printer 16 outputs the photographed image photographed on the film as a reproduced print (simultaneous print). On the other hand, the image data after the image processing before being converted by the signal conversion unit 68 is also recorded in the storage unit 78 as the image reproduction information when the simultaneous print is created.

In the case of reprinting, as shown in FIG. 8B, first, in step ST40, the film is prescanned, and the image for which reprinting has been instructed is read. At this time, in step ST41, an image search code (FID) including a film ID and a frame number attached to the image (frame) is simultaneously read. In step ST42, the setup section 70 creates image search data. Here, unlike the case of 135, the image search data is the film ID (FI
D) and the frame number. Next, in step ST43, the parameter integration unit 76 searches the database of the storage unit 78 using the FID and the frame number as image search data, and specifies an image designated to be reprinted. Then, in step ST44, the image reproduction information corresponding to the corresponding image is called, and the exposure condition storage data is referred to. Therefore, in the case of the APS, it is not necessary to calculate the image feature amount from the pre-scan data read as in the case of the 135 size and use it for the search.

Next, in step ST45, the called image reproduction information is displayed on the display 20, and
The operator confirms the search result. If the search is performed correctly and the image processing conditions are changed, the film is scanned again (fine scan), and the image data for reprint creation is read. Image processing is performed according to the conditions, and 3D-
A conversion process using an LUT or the like is performed and output.

Next, a description will be given of a case where there is no change in the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing and reprinting, or a case where the change is within a preset range as described above. In this case, a reprint is created using image data after image processing stored in the database without scanning the photographic film again. Without scanning the film again,
Reprinting using image data has higher reproducibility (coincidence) with the previous print.

The process at the time of simultaneous print creation is as described in the above-mentioned 1
This is the same as the processing for simultaneous printing in the case of 35 size or 240 size. That is, image data (image data after image processing, image data after setup) that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 66 of the fine scan processing unit 56 and has not been converted by the signal conversion unit 68 yet. Store it in the database. The image data after the image processing stored in this database is subjected to electronic scaling processing, color gradation processing, color density correction processing,
It is preferable that the image data is subjected to at least one of the sharpness processing and the dodging processing.
Therefore, since image processing has already been performed, when outputting to a predetermined recording medium, it is only necessary to perform conversion using, for example, a 3D-LUT according to the recording medium. Recording media include print (photographic paper), CD-R, Jazz,
Media such as Zip is exemplified.

The image data includes a frame number, a film type, a camera model, a customer, and a unique image ID.
Each, order receiving date, order receiving shop, equipment, order, film format (ASP,
135, brownie, etc.), film carrier type, film mask, shooting date, time, image format (BMP, JPEG, etc.), and at least one of order terminals, and are managed in a database. It is good to do so. The search for the image data after the image processing as the image reproduction information may be performed by the image search data, or a unique ID may be separately provided. That is, when storing image data after image processing, a unique I
D may be added and stored. This unique ID may be given to the customer as information such as the back print of the print or the header of the image file at the time of simultaneous printing, for example.

At the time of reprinting, if the customer brings the film to the lab and reorders, the film is prescanned, the operator specifies the image designated for reprinting, and the image feature amount is obtained from the image data. Is calculated, and image search data is created. A search is performed using the image search data, and image reproduction information corresponding to the image stored in the database is called. The search result is displayed on the display 20, and the operator looks at the search result and confirms the search result. If the search result is correct, the image data after image processing corresponding to the image in the image reproduction information is converted by the signal conversion unit 68 according to the recording medium, and is output as a reprint.

Further, for the image data after the image processing,
If a unique ID is set, when the customer specifies the unique ID and reorders at the time of reprinting, the operator inputs the unique ID into the printing system, and the operator enters the unique ID at the same time. The image data after setup at the time of printing may be searched, and the image data may be called and output. In any case, when reprinting is created using the image data after the image processing,
There is no need to scan the film again or perform image processing, and reprint can be output only by converting the film in the signal conversion unit 68 according to the recording medium, which is very efficient.

As described above, in this embodiment, the film is newly scanned and reprinted, depending on whether or not the image processing conditions are changed between simultaneous printing and reprinting. By creating a reprint using the stored image data after image processing without scanning the film, it is possible to efficiently create a reprint in which the image and the color / density match the simultaneous print. Although the above embodiments deal with image data shot on photographic film,
Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be suitably applied to reordering of image data of a digital camera or the like. As described above, the print system of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently output a reprint having the same color and density as the image of the simultaneous print.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a print system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a rough processing flow in the case of a 135 film in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a rough processing flow in the case of APS in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of 135-size processing when performing a film scan in the embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a process of simultaneous printing in a case of 135 size, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating a process of reprinting.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of processing in a case of 240 size in the embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating a process of simultaneous printing in the case of a 240 size, and FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating a process of reprinting.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 print system 12 scanner 14 image processing device 16 printer 16a printer (burning device) 16b back printing means 17 photosensitive material (print) 18 operation system 20 display 22 light source 24 variable aperture 28 diffusion box 30 carrier 32 imaging lens unit 34 image sensor 36 amplifier 38 A / D converter 46 data processing unit 48 Log converter 50 prescan (frame) memory 52 fine scan (frame) memory 54 prescan processing unit 56 fine scan processing unit 58 condition setting unit 62, 66 image processing unit 64, 68 signal conversion section 70 setup section 74 key correction section 76 parameter integration section 78 storage means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H106 AA71 BA23 BA35 BA55 BA58 BA75 BA95 2H110 BA06 CD05 5B021 AA30 LG07 LG08 5C062 AA05 AB03 AB22 AB42 AC22 AC24 AF00 BA04 BD00 5C073 CC01

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image input means for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a photographic film and inputting it as image data, an image processing means for performing image processing on the input image, and an image subjected to the image processing And an image output means for outputting an output image reproduced on the photographic film to a predetermined recording medium as an output image, wherein the image processing is performed by the image processing means, and the predetermined recording is performed. Image data after image processing before being converted into an output format according to a medium, image processing conditions for each image when an output image reproducing the photographed image is created, and the image processing conditions or the image processing Image search data for specifying subsequent image data, or compressed image data obtained by further compressing the image data, and outputting the captured image to an output image. Storage means for storing as image reproduction information when an image is created; and in response to an instruction for reordering an image, the image data after image processing or the image from the storage means using the image search data. Search means for searching for processing conditions, and means for determining whether there is a change in image processing conditions between when an output image reproducing the photographed image is created and when reordering, and If there is no change in the image processing conditions, an image is output using the image data after the image processing stored in the storage means. ,
The image is read from the photographic film again, the image processing condition corresponding to the image stored in the storage unit is called and changed for the read image, and the image processing is performed according to the changed image processing condition. A print system for outputting an image. 2. Even if the image processing conditions are changed at the time of the reordering, if the changes are within a preset range, the image processing conditions stored in the storage means are stored. The print system according to claim 1, wherein an image is output using the subsequent image data. 3. The storage means stores the image reproduction information only for a predetermined period of time, and after the predetermined period of time, the image search data, image processing conditions or further compression of the image reproduction information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the image data is stored, and the image data after the image processing is deleted.
Or the print system according to 2. 4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein said predetermined period can be set in advance by an operator. 5. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a display capable of displaying an image, wherein a search result of said image reproduction information is obtained when reordering. A print system for displaying on the display. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein as a result of the search, when no search target is found or when an erroneous search is performed, second and subsequent candidates can be displayed or a re-search can be instructed. Printing system. 7. The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising back printing means for printing, wherein the result of the search for the image reproduction information is back printed at the time of reordering. A print system designed to be used. 8. When the storage unit stores the image reproduction information, the storage unit stores the image reproduction information in accordance with the capabilities and resources of a printing system.
The number of frames of the image reproduction information that can be stored can be set and further changed, or it can be further selected whether or not to store the compressed image data.
8. The print system according to any one of 7. 9. The image processing condition and the image feature data associated therewith are separately used as the image reproduction information, or the image processing condition and the image feature data associated therewith are set as a set. The print system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the print system is stored as image reproduction information.