JP2003204510A - Image processing apparatus and method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and method by which an operator can easily confirm edit contents and the number of edit times on list display of reduced images. <P>SOLUTION: Image processing data 12 contain a type of image processing applies to an original image to obtain reduced image data 10 and the number of times of the image processing. Image processing display attribute data 14 comprises information for display conditions when the image processing data 12 are displayed together with the reduced image data 10 at the same time. A reduced image display device 16 displays the reduced image data 10. An image processing display device 18 displays the image processing data 12 on the basis of the image processing display attribute data 14. A reduced image display controller 20 controls display of the image processing display device 18 according to the layout of each area displayed on the reduced image display device 16 and the image processing display device 18 on reduced image display areas and to the image processing display attribute data 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a method and a memory capable of capturing an image input from a digital camera, an image scanner or the like into edit data and performing arbitrary image processing on each image. Regarding the medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of film scanners and digital cameras, an environment where a personal computer (PC) at home can easily handle digital images has been established. For example, it has become possible to import a digital image into a PC, perform image editing, and easily perform color printing output from a color printer such as simultaneous printing of a silver halide film.

Under such circumstances, users are managing more and more digital images. Software that displays and browses many images in a reduced size of the original image or the original image is essential so that many images can be browsed on the display, which is a limited display area.
As computer software capable of viewing many images as reduced images, there are software implemented as image editing software in addition to dedicated application software. The function of browsing the reduced image with these application software includes a function of simply reducing the size of the original image to be displayed and a function of generating and managing the reduced image as separate data in advance. When dust removal or red-eye removal processing is applied to the original image, the former function uses the original image as it is to create and display a reduced image, but there is no problem with the latter function, but the latter function reduces the reduced image from the edited original image. Need to be updated.

However, in any of the functions, since the reduced image is too small, the edited result of the original image cannot be confirmed on the reduced image. After all, it was necessary to reproduce and display the original image and confirm the edited result.

[0005]

As described above, in the conventional reduced image display method, it is difficult to confirm what kind of image processing has been performed on the original image data by just looking at the reduced image. there were. In particular, when data processing is performed only on a partial area of an image, such as red-eye removal processing and dust removal processing, since the target area is often small from the beginning, the processing content cannot be recognized only by the reduced image.

Further, as a business flow, in a print shop or the like that performs digital simultaneous printing in which a large amount of images must be processed promptly, the waste of time is instantly reflected in the labor cost.

Therefore, it is desired that the number of processing procedures is small even for simple confirmation work.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and method and a storage medium that can easily confirm what kind of image processing has been performed by just looking at a reduced image. To do.

[0009]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image storage means for storing an original image and a reduced image thereof, and an image processing content storage for storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for the original image. Means and a reduced image display means for displaying the reduced image together with the information indicating the predetermined information.

The image processing method according to the present invention displays an image processing content storing step of storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for an original image, and a reduced image corresponding to the original image together with information indicating the predetermined information. And a reduced image display step of

The storage medium according to the present invention displays a reduced image corresponding to the original image together with an image processing content storing step of storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for the original image and information indicating the predetermined information. And storing program software of an image processing method including a reduced image display step.

With the above arrangement, the operator can easily confirm the type of image processing performed on the original image by only looking at the reduced image. Further, by providing a sorting function of the processing contents, it is possible to easily confirm the division of the processed image and the unprocessed image.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 10 is reduced image data generated by reducing the original image for reduced display, and reference numeral 12 is image processing data that holds the type of image processing performed on the original image. The image processing held by the image processing data 12 includes, for example, red eye removal, dust and scratch removal, white balance, sharpness and soft focus. 14 denotes the image processing data 12 and the reduced image data 10
It is image processing display attribute data having display condition information for simultaneous display.

Reference numeral 16 is a reduced image display device for displaying the reduced image data 10 as an image, and 18 is an image processing display device for displaying the image processing data 12 based on the image processing display attribute data 14. A reduced image display control device 20 controls the display of the image processing display device 18 according to the layout of each region displayed by the reduced image display device 16 and the image processing display device 18 and the image processing display attribute data 14 in the reduced image display region. Is. When the reduced image display device 16 reduces the original image to display the image, the reduced image data 10 is unnecessary.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware structure for realizing the structure shown in FIG. Reference numeral 30 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) for calculation and control. A ROM 32 stores programs for image input, image editing, reduced image display and printing. Reference numeral 34 denotes a RAM in which an execution area into which the program is loaded and a work area of the program are secured when the program for image input, image editing, reduced image display and printing is executed. Reference numeral 36 is a keyboard having keys for the operator to perform operations and data input. Reference numeral 38 is a mouse (pointing device) that clicks an instruction icon displayed on the display 40 and moves a cursor to instruct an operation.

A storage device (hard disk) 42 stores image data, reduced image data, a program, and spool data for printing. Reference numeral 44 denotes a removable medium including a flexible disk and a magneto-optical disk (MO) used for exchanging data with an external image processing apparatus and storing image data and programs.
A printing device (printer) 46 prints image data. Reference numeral 48 is a digital image input device such as a film scanner and a digital camera used for inputting a digital image. 50 is a bus to which the above-described devices 30 to 48 are connected.

FIG. 3 shows a display example of this embodiment. 60
Is a main window displayed by the image processing program on the screen of the display 40. Reference numeral 62 is an image processing item 6 such as red eye removal, dust and scratch removal, sharpness, soft focus, color correction, and white balance.
4 is an edit window used for image processing instructed in 4. Reference numeral 66 is a reduced image display window for displaying a list of image data to be edited in the editing window 62 as reduced images. Reference numeral 68 is a reduced image display area for displaying the image processing performed on the reduced image or the original image. 7
Reference numeral 0 denotes a scroll bar that scrolls the reduced image display area 68 up and down in the reduced image display window 66.
The reduced image display area 68 is display-controlled by the reduced image display control apparatus 20 and corresponds to an area displayed by the reduced image display apparatus 16 and the image processing display apparatus 18.

4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of the reduced image data 10 and the image processed data 12 which are simultaneously displayed in the reduced image display area 68. Reference numeral 72 is an image showing the reduced image data 10 displayed by the reduced image display device 16, and 74 is an image showing the image processed data 12 displayed by the image processing display device 18. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the image 74 is displayed as an icon bitmap showing the image processing data 12. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the image 74 is displayed by being superimposed on the image 72, and FIG.
An example is shown in which the image 74 is displayed so that it does not overlap.

FIG. 6 shows an example of items of the image processing display attribute data 14 and a display example of the setting state thereof. In the display method 76, (individual) or (collective) can be set. In the case of (individual), the setting is such that the red-eye removal and dust / scratch removal processing are individually displayed for each processing. In the case of (collective), if there is even one process, it is displayed that there is a process. In the example of FIG. 6, [individual] is set. FIG. 7 shows a display example in the case of the collective display setting. In FIG. 7, if there is any processing, a processing-completed icon 90 is displayed.

In the display type 78, all process types can be displayed, or, as indicated by reference numeral 80, the type of process to be displayed can be designated. For example, it is possible to set only red eye removal or only red eye removal and dust and scratch removal. Figure 6
Then, [All] is selected. In contrast to the case where the selection is set as the display type 78, in FIG. 6, [Remove dust and scratches] is selected.

With respect to the display timing 82, (always),
(Hidden) or (when the mouse is focused) can be set. In (normal), an icon indicating the image processing type is always displayed at the same time as the reduced image. In (non-display), the icon indicating the image processing type is not displayed. In (when the mouse is in focus), the icon indicating the image processing type is displayed only when the mouse cursor enters the reduced image display area.

In the icon size 84, the size of the icon is designated. For example, (32 x 32) pixels and (64 x
64) Pixels can be set. In FIG. 6, (32 × 32) is selected.

The icon file 86 specifies a bitmap file indicating an icon bitmap. In FIG. 6, for example, the red eye removal icon file is "rede".
ye. bmp ", the icon file for removing dust and scratches is"
dust. bmp ".

In the display position setting 88, the position in the reduced image display area where the icon is displayed is designated. In FIG. 6, [left / bottom] is selected. Figure 8 (right / top)
A display example when is selected is shown. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the processing count is displayed on the icon. In the red-eye process and dust-scratch process, a plurality of red-eye regions or dust-scratch regions may exist in the entire image, and thus there may be a plurality of restoration points. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of times of processing is overlapped and displayed. FIG. 9 shows that red eye removal was performed 5 times and dust and scratch removal was performed once.

FIG. 10 shows a processing flow performed by the reduced image display control device 20 based on the display attributes shown in FIG. When the display function of the reduced image display area is started, it is first determined whether or not a display command is issued from the image processing device (S1). If the display command has not been received, the display command is kept waiting. When a display command is input (S1), the reduced image display device 16 displays the reduced image (S).
2). It is determined whether image processing is being performed (S
3) If the image processing is not performed, step S
Return to 1.

When image processing is being performed (S3), the setting of the display timing 82 (FIG. 6) is confirmed (S).
4). If it is set to be hidden (S4), the process returns to step S1. When the display is always set or the display is set when the mouse is focused (S4), it is further determined whether or not the mouse is focused (S5). If the mouse focus is set (S5), it is determined whether the mouse is in focus (S6). If the mouse is not in focus (S6), the process returns to step S1.

When the display is always set (S5),
When the mouse focus is set and the mouse is in focus (S6), the display method 76 (FIG. 6)
Based on the setting of, the individual display or the collective display is determined.
In the case of individual display (S7), the set display type is judged (S8), and in the case where the selected display is set and the current processing type is not included, there is no need for display, so step S1 is performed. Return.

When the collective display is set (S7) and when it is necessary to display the individual display (S8), the icon size is determined according to the setting of the icon size 84 (FIG. 6) (S9), The icon bitmap file specified by the icon file 86 (FIG. 6) is displayed at a position according to the setting of the display position 88 (FIG. 6) (S1).
1). Thereby, the type and the number of times of image processing are displayed.

11 and 12 show display examples when the image processing type icon is used as a sort function of image types. Reference numeral 92 in FIG. 11 indicates a state in which it is initially displayed, and 94 indicates information which is scrolled and displayed. FIG. 12 shows a display example when the state indicated by the reference numeral 92 in FIG. 11 is sorted by the red-eye removal processing. The information of the reduced image area 8 that was in the area indicated by reference numeral 94 is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 by the red-eye processing sort.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. For example, in an image editing application executed on a PC, the image editing unit of a digital lab system that performs digital printing, the image editing unit of a self-printing machine that performs digital self-printing, or the use via a network It may be a possible image editing service on the Internet.

It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or the device, the system or the device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the program module shown in the flow chart of FIG. 10 is the ROM 32 of FIG.
It is stored in. The storage medium for supplying the program is not limited to the ROM, but may be a flexible disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
ROM, CD-R, DVD, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, etc. can be used.

[0034]

As can be easily understood from the above description, according to the present invention, the operator can easily confirm the type and / or number of times of image processing performed on an image. Furthermore, by sorting a large number of reduced images according to the image processing type, the processed image can be easily searched, and at the same time, the same type of image processing performed on the image can be easily confirmed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of a window displayed by the image processing program of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a display example of a reduced image display area of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another display example of the reduced image display area of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an example of image processing display attributes in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a display example of batch image processing attributes according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is another display example of the reduced image display area.

FIG. 9 is another display example of the reduced image display area.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a reduced image display control of this embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a display example of a reduced image display window.

FIG. 12 is a display example when the display example shown in FIG. 11 is sorted by red-eye removal processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Reduced image data 12: Image processing data 14: Image processing display attribute data 16: Reduced image display device 18: Image processing display device 20: Reduced image display control device 30: Central processing unit (CPU) 32: ROM 34: RAM 36: Keyboard 38: Mouse (pointing device) 40: Display 42: Storage device (hard disk) 44: Removable media 46: Printing device (printer) 48: Image input device 50: Bus 60: Main window 62: Edit window 64: Image processing item 66: Reduced image display window 68: Reduced image display area 70: Scroll bar

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Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image storage means for storing an original image and a reduced image thereof, an image processing content storage means for storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for the original image, and the reduced image together with information indicating the predetermined information. And a reduced image display means for displaying 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image display means displays the reduced image according to a result of sorting according to the image processing type. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes the number of times of the image processing type. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image display means displays the predetermined information as an icon on the reduced image when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information. 5. The reduced image display means, when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information, displays the predetermined information as an icon in an area adjacent to the reduced image.
The image processing device according to item 1. 6. The reduced image display means according to claim 4 or claim 5 has a function of displaying an icon at a set display position when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information. The image processing device according to item 1. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image display means has a function of displaying the number of times of image processing when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image display means has a function of displaying the image processing type set for display when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image display means has a function of displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information at a display-set timing. 10. The reduced image display means according to claim 4 or claim 5, when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information, has a function of displaying the icon size set for display. The image processing device described. 11. The reduced image display means according to claim 4 or 5, when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information, has a function of displaying by a set icon file. The image processing device described. 12. An image processing content storing step of storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for an original image, and a reduced image displaying step of displaying a reduced image corresponding to the original image together with information indicating the predetermined information. An image processing method comprising: 13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the reduced image displaying step displays the reduced image according to a result of sorting according to the image processing type. 14. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined information includes the number of times of the image processing type. 15. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein in the reduced image displaying step, when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information, the predetermined information is displayed as an icon on the reduced image. 16. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein in the reduced image displaying step, when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information, the predetermined information is displayed as an icon in an area adjacent to the reduced image. 17. The reduced image display step according to claim 15 or 16 has a function of displaying an icon at a set display position when displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information. The image processing method described in. 18. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the reduced image displaying step has a function of displaying the number of times of image processing when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information. 19. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the reduced image display step has a function of displaying the image processing type set for display when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information. 20. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the reduced image displaying step has a function of displaying the predetermined information based on the predetermined information at a display set timing. 21. The reduced image display step according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information, the reduced image display step has a function of displaying an icon size set for display. The described image processing method. 22. The reduced image display step according to claim 15 or 16, wherein when the predetermined information is displayed based on the predetermined information, the reduced image display step has a function of displaying by a set icon file. The described image processing method. 23. An image processing content storage step of storing predetermined information indicating an image processing type for an original image, and a reduced image display step of displaying a reduced image corresponding to the original image together with information indicating the predetermined information. A storage medium for storing program software of an image processing method provided therein.