JP2003256832A - Image processor and image processing method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prepare an image whose style is similar to that of a sliver salt photograph obtained by photographing a cross filter. <P>SOLUTION: High luminance pixels whose luminance is not less than a predetermined value are extracted from respective pixels configuring an image, and when the high luminance pixels are made adjacent to each other to form a group, the representative pixels are selected from the group, and the representative pixels are used as a light source to be processed. Then, a striation pattern is synthesized with image data with the light source to be processed as a center. <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 a technique for giving a special effect to an image represented by image data by attaching a cross filter to the image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Cameras are generally intended to faithfully capture an object. However, there are also photographs aimed at artistry and photographs aimed at special visual effects. As one of such special effects, there is known a technique of using a cross filter to radiate light in a high brightness portion of an image in a radial or cross shape. In the cross filter, the glass surface of the filter is physically scratched, and diffused reflection of light due to the scratch gives a cross-shaped or radial spread of light (hereinafter, referred to as a striation).

In recent years, software that allows ordinary users to relatively easily edit digital photographs has become widespread. In the field of such software, by detecting a high-luminance pixel with high luminance from each pixel constituting a photographic image, and by attaching a radial or cross-shaped striation pattern prepared in advance to the high-luminance pixel, A technique of imitating shooting with a cross filter is known.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, since the striation pattern is attached to each high-luminance pixel, the striation from the light source becomes wide, and the cross filter is used. There is a problem that the photograph image has a completely different texture from the silver halide photograph obtained by photographing.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained using conventional software. As can be seen from this example, the striations from the light source become wider than necessary. This is because the striations are expressed as if they spread out from an area larger than the actual light source, which is completely different from the texture of a silver halide photograph obtained by using a cross filter.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to create an image having a texture similar to that of a silver salt photograph obtained by photographing using a cross filter.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problem and Its Action / Effect] As a means for solving at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the following constitution is adopted.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus which gives a special effect to an image represented by image data by attaching a cross filter to the image,
A high-brightness pixel extraction unit that extracts a high-brightness pixel whose brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined value from each pixel forming the image; and one extracted high-brightness pixel exists independently of other high-brightness pixels. In this case, when the one high-luminance pixel is used as a light source to be processed and the extracted high-luminance pixels are adjacent to each other to form a group, one or more representative pixels are selected from the group. A processing target light source selecting unit that uses the representative pixel as a processing target light source, and an image converting unit that converts the image into an image in which a striation pattern representing the special effect is combined with the processing target light source. It is characterized by that.

According to the image processing apparatus having the above structure, even in an image in which a plurality of high-brightness pixels whose brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined value are adjacent to each other to form a group, the representative pixel selected from the group is processed. It is defined as the target light source. For this reason, since the striation pattern combined with the light source to be processed does not extend from the entire group of high-brightness pixels, striations may be emitted from a region larger than the actual light source. Don't Therefore, according to this image processing device,
Since it is possible to produce a texture in which the striations are spread from an actual light source, it is possible to create an image having a texture similar to that of a silver salt photograph obtained by shooting with a cross filter.

In the image processing apparatus having the above structure, the processing-source light source selection means sequentially deletes pixels located at the outer periphery of the group one by one, and at least one of vertical and horizontal is 1 or A group center calculation unit that obtains a group center composed of two pixels and a representative pixel selection unit that selects at least one pixel of the pixels included in the group center as the representative pixel can be provided.

According to this structure, the center of the group can be easily obtained by sequentially deleting the pixels located on the outer periphery from the group of high-luminance pixels one by one. In particular, in the case of an image obtained by photographing a plurality of light sources that are approaching, a plurality of groups of high-brightness pixels are consecutively formed to form one group. In such a case, on the outer periphery of the one group. By sequentially deleting the positioned pixels one by one, one group is gradually divided into a plurality of groups, and as a result, the representative pixel can be selected in each of the plurality of original groups. Therefore, since the light source forming the high-luminance pixel can be detected with high accuracy, it is possible to create an image having a texture more similar to that of the silver halide photograph obtained by using the cross filter.

The image processing apparatus having the above configuration may be provided with extraction condition setting means for setting the predetermined value, which is a condition for extraction by the high-brightness pixel extraction means, on the basis of an operation command from an operator. .

According to this structure, it is possible to adjust how high the brightness of the pixel is to be given the special effect according to the preference of the operator.

In the image processing apparatus having the above structure, the spread calculation means for calculating the extent of spread from the light source to be processed to the outer circumference of the group, and the spread calculation for the length of the striation represented by the striation pattern. The optical fiber length determining means may be configured to determine based on the degree of spread calculated by the means.

According to this structure, the length of the striations can be increased as the degree of expansion of the group formed by the high-luminance pixels is increased. For this reason, when the brightness of the light source is high or the size of the light source is large and the group of high-brightness pixels is greatly expanded, the length of the striation becomes large. Therefore, it is possible to create an image having a texture more similar to that of the silver halide photograph obtained by photographing using the cross filter.

In the image processing apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, a manual length input means for inputting an operation command of the operator for instructing the degree of the length of the striation represented by the striation pattern is provided, and the striation length is determined. The means may be configured to make the determination based on the extent of the spread calculated by the spread calculating means and the extent of the length of the striation input by the manual length input means.

According to this structure, the length of the striations increases as the length of the manual input based on the operator's operation command increases and the extent of the group formed by the high-luminance pixels expands. Can be increased. Therefore, the length of the striations can be adjusted according to the brightness of the light source and the size of the light source, and can be further adjusted according to the preference of the operator.

The image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method which gives a special effect to an image represented by image data by attaching a cross filter to the image,
(A) a step of extracting a high-luminance pixel whose luminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined value from each of the pixels forming the image; and (b) the extracted high-luminance pixel being independent of other high-luminance pixels. If one of the high-brightness pixels is used as the light source to be processed and a plurality of the extracted high-brightness pixels are adjacent to each other to form a group, one or more representative pixels are selected from the group. And (c) converting the image into an image in which a striation pattern representing the special effect is combined with the light source to be processed. Is characterized by.

The image processing method having the above-described structure has the same operation and effect as the image processing apparatus of the above-mentioned invention, and an image having a texture similar to that of a silver halide photograph obtained by using a cross filter is obtained. Can be created.

A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for executing image processing for an image represented by image data to give a special effect as if the image was taken with a cross filter attached. A function of extracting a high-luminance pixel having a luminance equal to or higher than a predetermined value from among the respective pixels forming the image; and (b) one extracted high-luminance pixel exists independently of other high-luminance pixels. In this case, when the one high-brightness pixel is used as a processing target light source and the extracted high-brightness pixels are adjacent to each other to form a group,
A function of selecting one or a plurality of representative pixels from the group and using the representative pixel as a light source to be processed; and (c) a striation pattern representing the special effect with respect to the light source to be processed. It is characterized in that the computer realizes the function of converting to a combined image.

The computer program having the above-described structure has the same operation and effect as the image processing apparatus and the image processing method of the present invention, and has a texture similar to that of a silver halide photograph obtained by using a cross filter. Images can be created.

The recording medium of the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable recording medium recording the computer program of the present invention. This recording medium has the same operations and effects as the computer programs of the present invention.

[0022]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention also includes the following other embodiments. A first aspect thereof is an aspect as a program supply device for supplying the computer program of the present invention via a communication path. In the first aspect, the computer program is placed in a server or the like on a computer network, the necessary program is downloaded to a computer via a communication path, and the computer is executed to realize the above-described device or method. You can

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. This embodiment will be described in the following order. A. Device Configuration: B. Computer processing: B-1. Overall processing: B-2. Correction processing (including cross filter effect processing): C.I. Other embodiments:

A. Device Configuration: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system 10 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The computer system 10 mainly includes a so-called personal computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a computer), and has a CRT display 12, a printer 13 and a digital camera 14 in the periphery thereof. The computer includes a computer main body 16, a keyboard 18, and a mouse 20.
The computer main body 16 includes a CD-ROM 2
A CD drive 24 for reading the contents of No. 2 is mounted.

The computer main body 16 has a CPU 31, which serves as a central processing unit, as a center, and a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a display image memory 33, a mouse interface 34, and a keyboard interface 3 which are interconnected by a bus.
5, a CDC 36, a HDC 37, a CRTC 38, a printer interface 39, an input / output device interface 40, and an I / O port 41. The ROM 31 is a read-only memory that stores therein various programs and the like. The RAM 32 is a readable / writable memory that stores various data and the like. Display image memory 3
Reference numeral 3 is a memory for storing image data of an image displayed on the CRT display 12.

The mouse interface 34 is used for the mouse 20.
It is an interface that controls the exchange of data and so on.
The keyboard interface 35 is an interface that controls key input from the keyboard 18. CDC36
Is a CD controller that controls the CD drive (CDD) 24. The HDC 37 is a hard disk controller that controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 42. A computer program, which will be described later, and the like are stored in the HDD 42 in advance.

The CRTC 38 is a CRT controller that controls the display of images on the CRT display 12 based on the display image data stored in the display image memory 33. The printer interface 39 is the printer 13
Is an interface that controls the input and output of data to and from.
The input / output device interface 40 is an interface for controlling input / output of data to / from an externally connected input / output device, in this embodiment, the digital camera 14. The I / O port 41 has a serial output port, is connected to a modem 44, and is connected to a public telephone line 46 via the modem 44. Computer body 1
6 is connected to an external network via a modem 44 and can be connected to a specific server 47.

In this computer system 10, the operating system is stored in the HDD 42,
When the computer main body 16 is powered on, the HDD 42
RAM according to the loader written in the boot block of
It is loaded into 32 predetermined areas. Photoretouching software (computer program) for processing a photographic image (color photographic image) taken by the digital camera 14 is stored in the CD-ROM 22 in advance, and a CD drive is started by activating a predetermined installation program. It is installed in the computer main body 16 from 24. The installed computer program is stored in the HDD 42 and is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32 when a predetermined start command is received.

Various constituents of the present invention are realized by the CPU 30 executing some modules (described later) of this computer program. As described above, this computer program is stored in the CD-ROM 22, but instead of this, another portable recording medium (portable recording medium) such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an IC card. It may be configured to be stored in. Further, the computer program described above can be obtained by downloading program data provided via a network from a specific server 47 connected to an external network and transferring the program data to the RAM 32 or the HDD 42. . The network may be the Internet or a computer program downloaded from a specific home page. Alternatively, it may be a computer program supplied in the form of an email attachment.

The state of control processing according to the photo retouching software by the computer system 10 having the above-described hardware configuration will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a state of control processing according to the photo retouching software 50 executed by the computer main body 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the computer main body 16
Software for photo retouching running inside
According to 0, first, the input module 51 performs a process of taking in image data Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14. Then, the correction module 52 processes the image data captured by the input module 51. With this correction module 52, a special effect (hereinafter, referred to as “a cross-filter attached to a photographic image represented by image data” is taken.
Such a special effect can be given as a cross filter effect). The function of providing this special effect is based on the functions of the high-luminance pixel extraction unit 52a, the processing target light source selection unit 52b, and the image conversion unit 52c provided in the correction module 52. The corrected image data (hereinafter referred to as processed image data) Dpo by the correction module 52 is sent to the CRT display 12 via the display driver 60 and displayed.

B. Computer processing: B-1. Overall processing: CPU3 of computer body 16
By executing the photo retouching software 50 with 0, the input module 51 and the correction module 52 described above are realized. The control process according to the photo retouching software 50 will be described in detail below.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of this control processing. This routine is started when an instruction to execute the photo retouching software 50 is given.

As shown, when the process is started, C
The PU 30 first performs a process of displaying the application window WD on the CRT display 12 (step S100). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the initial state of the application window WD. As shown in the figure, in the application window WD, "input",
4 types of button BT: "Modify", "Print", "Output"
1, BT2, BT3, BT4 are prepared, and the operator sequentially clicks these buttons BT1 to BT4 with the mouse 20 to photograph images taken by the digital camera 14 on the screen of the CRT display 12. Can be processed and output. That is, as shown in FIG.
After execution of, the operation command for the buttons BT1 to BT4 to be clicked by the mouse 20 is captured, and the input process, the correction process, the print process, and the output process corresponding to the operation command are sequentially executed (steps S200, S300, S400, S
500).

The input processing executed in step S200 is to take in image data Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14, and the input module 5 described above is used.
1 (FIG. 2). The operation of fetching the image data Dpi is performed in response to an operation command of clicking the "file" button BT11 provided on the toolbar BR of the application window WD shown in FIG. In detail, select "external device input" provided in a pull-down menu (not shown) opened from the "File" button BT11, then select the digital camera 14 as an input device, and then,
This is performed in response to a series of operation commands from the mouse 20 such as selecting a file name. The image data Dpi thus captured is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 32, and is displayed in the work field FDW of the application window WD together with it (see FIG. 6).

Note that the image data of the photographic image taken by the digital camera 14 is previously stored in the HDD 42 instead of the configuration in which the image data Dpi is directly fetched from the digital camera 14.
Alternatively, the image data in the HDD 42 may be read out. That is, the image data representing a photographic image may be read each time using a digital camera, or may be prepared in advance in a storage unit such as the HDD 42 and read from the storage unit. Further, the image data of the photographic image may be taken in from the outside via the network.

The correction process executed in step S300 is to process the image data Dpi, and various requirements of the present invention are realized here. The details will be described later. The corrected image data D that has been processed here
The po is stored in a predetermined holder prepared in the HDD 42. This correction process is performed by the correction module 52 described above.
(Fig. 2).

The printing process executed in step S400 is the modified image data D created in step S300.
It outputs po to the printer driver as a print command. This printing process has a well-known configuration,
Although not described in detail here, the processed photographic image is printed by the printer 13.

The output process executed in step S500 is the modified image data D created in step S300.
It outputs po to an external device. As a result, the corrected image data Dpo representing the processed photographic image is output to the desired external device.

B-2. Correction processing (including cross filter effect processing): The correction processing executed in step S300 will be described in detail below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a routine of the correction process. This photo retouching software has various functions such as a function of correcting image quality such as brightness and color balance, a filter function of unsharp mask and blur, a function of providing a cross filter effect according to the present invention. The work instruction is given by the operator operating the mouse 20 from the toolbar BR of the application window WD displayed on the CRT display 12.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the processing shifts to the routine for this correction processing, the CPU 30 first inputs a work instruction with the mouse 20 from the toolbar BR (step S310). Next, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the work instruction input in step S310 is an instruction to execute a work that gives a cross filter effect. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work instruction that gives a cross filter effect. As shown in the figure, the operation of the mouse 20 such as [shoot]-[cross] from the tool bar BR is a work instruction to give a cross filter effect. In step S320, it is determined whether such a mouse operation has been input. Here, when a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S330, and step S3
The work corresponding to the work instruction input in 10 is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S320 that a work instruction to give a cross filter effect is given, the following cross filter effect processing is executed. First,
CPU 30 performs a process of displaying a dialog box for cross filter effect setting on CRT display 12 (step S340). This dialog box is for setting various kinds of information necessary for executing the work of giving the cross filter effect to the computer main body 16. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dialog box DB1. As shown in the figure, in this dialog box DB1, a field FD1 for displaying an original image, a field FD2 for displaying a processed image, and a button group F for setting a filter type are set.
D3 and "light source extraction parameter" slide lever FD
4, a slide lever FD5 for "length of striations", a slide lever FD6 for "angle of striations", a check box FD7 for "color the striations", and the like.

The button group FD3 is used to set the shape of the striations to be included in the photographic image by selecting the type of filter to be applied as a special effect. “6 ×” shown, and “8 ×” showing 8 articles are prepared as options. The slide lever FD4 of the "light source extraction parameter" is used to set the brightness of the light source to be extracted when extracting the light source to be processed (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "light source") into which the striations are inserted. Thus, as the position moves to the right in the figure, the threshold brightness increases. Slide lever FD5 with "length of light"
Is for setting the length of the light streaks of the striation pattern, and the length becomes longer as it moves to the right. The slide lever FD6 of "angle of striation" is for setting how much the entire striation pattern is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The check box FD7 for "color the striations" is set when a rainbow color is desired to be applied to the striations.

Returning to FIG. 5, after the execution of step S340,
Upon receiving an operation command clicked by the mouse 20 from the dialog box DB1, the setting parameter indicating the setting contents is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 32 (step S350).

Then, the CPU 30 executes step S200.
A process of extracting a high-luminance pixel whose luminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined value is performed from each pixel forming the image represented by the image data Dpi captured in (step S360). Specifically, the vertical direction of the image represented by the image data Dpi is Y.
Assuming that the X-axis is the axis and the lateral direction, for each value from 1 to the maximum value on the Y-axis, one pixel is specified while sequentially shifting the value on the X-axis from 1 to the maximum value. In contrast, it is performed by determining whether the brightness exceeds a predetermined threshold value B0. That is, the pixel data included in the image data Dpi is converted into coordinate values (1,1), (2,1), ... (xm, 1),
(1,2), (2,2), ... (xm, 2), ..., (1,
ym), (2, ym), ... (xm, ym) are read one by one (xm, ym is the maximum value in the X-axis and Y-axis directions), and the brightness of each pixel data is set to a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not B0 is exceeded, and if an affirmative determination is made here, the coordinate information of the pixel data is written to a predetermined file prepared in the RAM 32 (hereinafter referred to as a high-luminance pixel list file). Here, the threshold value B0 is a size determined according to the value of the “light source extraction parameter” designated by the slide lever FD4. That is, as the slide lever FD4 of "light source extraction parameter" is operated to the right, the threshold value B0 becomes larger.

FIG. 8 shows the high brightness pixel list file FL1.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of. As shown in the figure, the high-brightness pixel list file FL1 includes coordinate information C1 (coordinate values in the X-axis direction, coordinates in the Y-axis direction) regarding pixel data (high-brightness pixel data) whose brightness is determined to be equal to or higher than the threshold value B0. (Value) and a value (expansion counter value) C2 of a spread counter CNT described later in the high brightness pixel data are arranged in order for each high brightness pixel data.
In this step S360, the coordinate information C1 is written. The process of step S360 corresponds to the high-luminance pixel extraction unit 52a (FIG. 2) described above.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the writing of the coordinate information of the high-intensity pixels to the high-intensity pixel list file FL1 is completed in step S360, the CPU 30 then advances the process to step S370 to determine the light source to be processed. Execute the process to perform. The details of this processing target light source determination processing will be described below.

9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the routine of the processing for determining the light source to be processed. As shown in FIG. 9, when the processing shifts to this routine, the CPU 3
For 0, first, a process of setting the value 1 to the variable i is performed (step S610). Next, the CPU 30 reads the coordinate information C1 (i) of the order corresponding to the variable i from the high-luminance pixel list file FL1 (step S62).
0). After that, the CPU 30 selects the coordinate information C1 from the image data Dpi captured in step S200.
Select the pixel data P (C1) specified in (i),
Pixel determination processing for determining whether the pixel represented by the pixel data P (C1) can be a light source (light source to be processed) is executed (step S630). Details of this pixel determination processing will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the pixel determination process. As shown in FIG. 11, when the processing shifts to the pixel determination processing routine, the CPU 30 first sets the pixel data P (C) in the image data Dpi.
By looking at one group (group) of high-luminance pixels including 1), it is determined whether or not both the vertical and horizontal lengths of the group are 3 pixels or more (step S631). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the coordinate information C1 read in step S620.
Coordinate V1 that is one pixel away from (i) in the upward direction
The coordinate V2 that is separated by 2 pixels in the upward direction, the coordinate V3 that is separated by 1 pixel in the downward direction, and the coordinate V4 that is separated by 2 pixels in the downward direction are the high-luminance pixel list file F.
It is determined whether or not there are three or more high-intensity pixels in the vertical direction including the pixel data P (C1) by checking whether the high-luminance pixels are stored in L1.
Coordinates H1 which is leftward by one pixel with respect to (i)
A coordinate H2 separated by 2 pixel pixels to the left, a coordinate H3 separated by 1 pixel to the right, and a coordinate H4 separated by 2 pixels to the right from the high brightness pixel list file F.
By checking whether or not it is stored in L1, it is determined whether or not there are three or more high-luminance pixels consecutive in the horizontal direction including the pixel data P (C1).

In step S631, a negative determination is made, that is,
If it is determined that the group of high-brightness pixels including the pixel data P (C1) is composed of 1 or 2 pixels in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions, this group is sufficiently small. The pixel data P (C1) is determined to be a light source as a region (step S632). Step S632
After executing, exit to "Return".

On the other hand, a positive determination is made in step S632, that is, the group of high-luminance pixels including the pixel data P (C1) is
When it is determined that there are three or more pixels in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the pixel data P (C1) in the image data Dpi
It is determined whether or not there are high-luminance pixels all around (step S633). Specifically, step S620
It is determined whether or not the pixels around the coordinate information C1 (i) read in step 1 are stored in the high-luminance pixel list file FL1. The surrounding pixels referred to here correspond to eight pixels of the pixel data P (C1), that is, the upper, lower, left, right, upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. It should be noted that instead of the configuration of the eight surrounding pixels, the above determination may be performed by using four pixels in the upper, lower, left and right directions as the surrounding pixels.

In step S633, a negative determination is made, that is,
When it is determined that the high-luminance pixels are not present in all of the surroundings, the CPU 30 causes the pixel data P (C
1) is determined to be a non-light source (step S634). After execution of step S634, exit to "return". On the other hand, if the affirmative determination is made in step S633, that is, if it is determined that there are high-luminance pixels all around, CP is determined.
The U30 increments the spread counter CNT, which indicates the spread of the group of high-luminance pixels including the pixel data P (C1), by 1 (step S63).
5). It should be noted that in the flow of positive determination in step S633, the process directly exits to "return" without determining whether or not the pixel data P (C1) is a light source.
When the processing ends in "return", the process proceeds to step S640 in FIG.

In step S640, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the pixel data P (C1) is set as a light source in step S630. Here, when it is determined that the light source is the light source, the data of the coordinate information C1 (i) of the pixel data P (C1) is changed to the light source list file FL.
No. 2 is added (step S650), and is added to the scheduled deletion file FL3 (step S660). Figure 1
3 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of the light source list file FL2. As shown, the light source list file FL
2 stores coordinate information (coordinate values in the X-axis direction and coordinate values in the Y-axis direction) D regarding the pixel data set as the light source in order. Similarly to the light source list file FL2, the scheduled deletion file FL3 is also composed of coordinate information of pixel data. After execution of step S660, step S6
The process proceeds to 70.

On the other hand, in step S640, the pixel data P
If it is determined that (C1) is not the light source, the process proceeds to step S670 to set the pixel data P (C1).
Determines whether the light source is a non-light source. Here, when it is determined that the light source is a non-light source, the CPU 30 determines in step S
The process proceeds to 660 to add the data of the coordinate information C1 (i) of the pixel data P (C1) to the scheduled deletion file FL3. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S670 that the light source is not the non-light source, that is, whether the light source or the non-light source is indefinite, the process proceeds to step S680.

In step S680, the value of the spread counter CNT counted in step 635 is written in the high-luminance pixel list file FL1. More specifically, the value of the spread counter CNT is written in the area C2 (i) paired with the coordinate information C1 (i) in the high-luminance pixel list file FL1. In this step S680,
After that, the spread counter CNT is cleared to the value 0.

Subsequently, the CPU 30 increments the variable i by the value 1 (step S690). CPU30
Next, the variable i is the high-intensity pixel list file FL.
It is determined whether or not the number imax of the coordinate information of the pixel stored in 1 is exceeded (step S700). If it is determined that the number is not yet exceeded, the process is returned to step S620, and steps S620 to S700 are performed. Is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S700 that i exceeds imax, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S710 in FIG. 10, and sets the coordinate information C1 matching the coordinate information stored in the deletion scheduled file FL3 to Delete from the high brightness pixel list file FL1. At this time, the spread counter value C2 paired with the coordinate information C1 is also deleted. After that, the CPU 30 clears the contents of the scheduled deletion file FL3 (step S720).

In the subsequent step S730, the CPU 30 determines whether or not data remains in the high-intensity pixel list file FL1, and when it is determined that the data remains, the process returns to step S610 in FIG. Then, the light source to be processed is determined again. On the other hand, if it is determined that no data remains in the high-intensity pixel list file FL1, the process returns to "return" and this process ends.

How to determine the light source to be processed from the image data by the routine for determining the light source to be processed configured as described above will be described below with various examples. As shown in FIG. 14, the high-intensity pixel P (C1) stored in the high-intensity pixel list file FL1.
However, if only one pixel exists independently of the other high-luminance pixel pixels, the pixel data P (i) is negatively determined in step S631 of FIG. 11, and is determined to be the light source in step S632. To be As a result, the pixel data P
(I) is added to the light source list file FL2 in step S650 of FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the high brightness pixel P (C1) stored in the high brightness pixel list file FL1.
Is included in a group of high-brightness pixels forming a 3 × 2 (3 pixels in the X-axis direction and 2 pixels in the Y-axis direction) rectangle (hatched portion in the figure), pixel data P ( i)
Is negatively determined in step S631 of FIG. 11, and is determined to be a light source in step S632. As a result, the pixel data P (i) is added to the light source list file FL2 in step S650 of FIG. That is, the above 3 ×
The group of 2 high-brightness pixels is determined to be a sufficiently small area, and each pixel data forming the group is determined as a light source (light source to be processed) as a representative pixel. As a result, all the pixels in this group including the pixel data P (i) are
Is added to the light source list file FL2 in step S650.

Not only the above 3 × 2 group but also 3 × 2
Similarly, in a group consisting of 1 or 2 pixels in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions, such as 1, 4 × 1, 5 × 1, 2 × 2, 4 × 2, 5 × 2, All the pixels in are added to the light source list file FL2.

As shown in FIG. 16, the high-luminance pixel P (C1) stored in the high-luminance pixel list file FL1 has 3 pixels.
In the case where the pixel data P (i) is included in a group of high-brightness pixels (hatched portion in the drawing) forming a square of × 3 (3 pixels in the X-axis direction and 3 pixels in the Y-axis direction), the pixel data P (i) is , Figure 1
In step S631 of No. 1, a positive determination is made, and in step S6
In 33, a negative determination is made as not having all high-luminance pixels in the surroundings, and in step S634 it is determined that the light source is a non-light source. As a result, the pixel data P (i) is added to the deletion scheduled file FL3 in step S660 of FIG.
In step S710, the high brightness pixel list file FL1 is deleted. Similarly, the pixels located on the outer periphery of this 3 × 3 group are sequentially deleted, and as a result, only the central one pixel is left as a high-luminance pixel. The central pixel data PX is negatively determined in step S631 of FIG. 11, and is determined to be a light source in step S632. As a result, the pixel data P (i) is added to the light source list file FL2 in step S650 of FIG. That is, in the group of 3 × 3 high-luminance pixels, one pixel is deleted from the outer periphery, and the remaining pixel PX is set as the representative pixel,
It will be defined as a light source.

Similarly, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the group of high-luminance pixels is a 5 × 5 group, first,
The outermost pixel is deleted once to form a 3 × 3 group, and the deleted pixel is further deleted from the outermost pixel, leaving one pixel and the remaining 1 One pixel is defined as a light source as a representative pixel. Although not shown, the group of high-luminance pixels is 4 × 4.
, The outermost pixels are deleted once to form a 2 × 2 group, and each pixel of this 2 × 2 group is negatively determined in step S631 in FIG.
In step S632, the light source is determined. As a result, pixel data representing each pixel included in the remaining 2 × 2 group is added to the light source list file FL2 as a representative pixel.

In the case where the photographic image represented by the image data is obtained by photographing a plurality of light sources approaching each other, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of high-luminance pixel groups M1 and M2 are connected to form one group M. In such a case, the pixels located on the outer periphery of the one group M make one round. By sequentially deleting each group, one group M is gradually divided into a plurality of groups, and as a result, the representative pixels PM1 and PM2 in each of the original plurality of groups M1 and M2.
Will be extracted. This representative pixel PM1, PM2
Is added to the light source list file FL2 as a light source to be processed.

The process target light source determination process described above corresponds to the process target light source selection unit 52b (FIG. 2) described above. In FIG. 5, when the process target light source determination process described above is completed in step S370, the CPU 30 subsequently executes a striation pattern combining process (step S380). Details of this striation pattern combining processing will be described below. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a routine of a synthesis process of striation patterns. As shown in the figure, when the process shifts to this routine, the CPU 30 first performs a process of incrementing the variable j by 1 (step S).
810). Next, the CPU 30 causes the coordinate information D of the turn corresponding to the variable j from the light source list file FL2.
(J) is read (step S820).

After that, the CPU 30 executes step S200.
The pixel data P (D) specified by the coordinate information D (j) is selected from the image data Dpi captured in
The color of the pixel data P (D) and the spread counter CNT
According to the value of and the size of the image data Dpi, the color, width, and length of the striations to be combined with the image data Dpi are calculated (step S830). That is, the color of the striations is made the same as the color of the pixel data P (D), the width of the striations is expanded to a size corresponding to the value of the counter CNT, and the length of the striations is expanded to the value of the counter CNT and the image data Dpi. The size should be according to the size of. The value of the spread counter CNT is
This is because the radius is approximately the same as the radius of the group of high-brightness pixels, and thus the length and width of the striations are set to increase as the radius of the group of high-brightness pixels increases. This is also because the length of the striations is determined to increase as the size of the image data Dpi increases.

After executing step S830, the CPU 30
Performs a process of correcting the color and length of the striations obtained in step S830 based on the setting parameters stored in the RAM 32 in step S350 (step S84).
0). Regarding the color of the striations, a correction for changing the color to iridescent is performed according to the parameter indicating the setting status of the check box FD7 of "color the striations" among the setting parameters stored in the RAM 32. The length of the striation is corrected by multiplying the parameter input from the slide lever FD5 among the setting parameters stored in the RAM 32 by the length of the striation obtained in step S830. In addition, in this step S840, the width of the striation is not corrected, but instead of this,
The width of the striations can be corrected at the same time. For example, the width of the striations may be corrected according to the parameter input from the slide lever FD5 so that the width of the striations increases with the length of the striations.

After that, the CPU 30 carries out step S350.
An image representing the pattern of striations based on the parameter indicating the type of filter input from the button group FD3 among the setting parameters stored in the RAM 32 in step 32 and the striation color, width, and length obtained up to step S840. Data (hereinafter referred to as striation pattern data) is created, and the striation pattern data is combined with the image data Dpi centering on the pixel data P (D) (step S85).
0). From the button group FD, the shapes of the optical stripes such as 4, 6, and 8 are known, and the color, width, and length of the optical stripes are determined in step S8.
Since it is required up to 40, the striation pattern data can be created, and the striation pattern represented by this striation pattern data is drawn in the image data Dpi centering on the pixel data P (D). Will be.

The striation pattern data may represent an image in which the transparency of the striations is changed according to the distance from the center of the striations so that more natural light is obtained. After executing step S850, the CPU 30 sets the variable j
Is incremented by 1 (step S860),
It is determined whether or not the variable j exceeds the number jmax of pixel coordinate information stored in the light source list file FL2 (step S870). Here, if it is determined that the variable j has not exceeded jmax, the process is returned to step S820, and steps S820 to S870 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S870 that j exceeds jmax, the CPU 30 exits to "return", temporarily ends the routine of this process, and
Then, this correction process is once completed. Note that the above-described striation pattern combining processing is performed by the above-described image conversion unit 52c.
(Fig. 2).

According to the computer system of this embodiment configured as described above, even in the case of an image in which a plurality of high-luminance pixels whose luminance is a predetermined value or more are adjacent to each other to form a group, The selected representative pixel is set as the light source to be processed. For this reason, the striation pattern data combined for the light source to be processed does not extend from the entire group of high-luminance pixels. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of the processed image data Dpo obtained by this embodiment. This image is an image obtained by subjecting the image data Dpi before processing illustrated in FIG. 6 to the cross filter effect processing. When the cross-filter effect processing is applied to the same unprocessed image data Dpi by using the conventional software, the obtained image data has a striation from the light source wider than necessary as shown in FIG. Then, it covered a large part of the original image.
On the other hand, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, it does not expand from the entire group of high-brightness pixels.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view for further schematically explaining the effect of this embodiment. As shown in (a) of FIG. 22, in the case of the conventional example, the striation pattern is combined with all the pixels included in the group of high-brightness pixels, so that it extends from the entire group. Becomes On the other hand, in this embodiment, the striation pattern is combined with the representative pixel selected from the group of high-brightness pixels. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the texture in which the striation pattern is expanded can be produced from the actual light source, it is possible to create an image having a texture similar to that of the silver halide photograph obtained by using the cross filter. It has the effect of being able to.

Further, in this embodiment, FIG. 16 and FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, by sequentially deleting the pixels located at the outer periphery from the group of high-brightness pixels one by one,
The center of the group can be easily determined. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18, when one group M is formed by connecting a plurality of groups M1 and M2 of high-brightness pixels, a representative pixel PM1 in each of the original plurality of groups M1 and M2. PM
2 can be selected. Therefore, since the light source forming the high-luminance pixel can be detected with high accuracy, it is possible to create an image having a texture more similar to that of the silver halide photograph obtained by using the cross filter.

In this embodiment, the threshold value B for judging the high brightness pixels to be written in the high brightness pixel list file FL1.
0 is the “light source extraction parameter” operated by the operator
Of the slide lever FD4. For this reason, it is possible to adjust to what degree the luminance is applied to the pixels to which the cross filter effect is applied, according to the preference of the operator.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the striation represented by the striation pattern is set to a size corresponding to the value of the spread counter CNT. Spread counter CN
Since the value of T almost coincides with the radius of the group of high-brightness pixels, the longer the radius of the group of high-brightness pixels, the longer the striations. For this reason, when the brightness of the light source is high or the size of the light source is large and the group of high-brightness pixels is greatly expanded, the length of the striation becomes large. Therefore, it is possible to create an image having a texture more similar to that of the silver halide photograph obtained by photographing using the cross filter.

The length of the striation represented by the striation pattern is determined so as to change according to the parameter input from the slide lever FD5 of "length of striation" operated by the operator. Therefore, for this reason, the length of the striations can be adjusted according to the brightness of the light source and the size of the light source, and can be further adjusted according to the operator's preference. it can.

C. Other Embodiments: Other embodiments of the present invention will be described next. (1) In the above-described embodiment, when the representative pixel is selected from the group of high-brightness pixels, the pixels at the center position of the group are selected by sequentially deleting the pixels from the outer periphery. However, instead of this, The pixel having the highest brightness in the group may be used as the representative pixel.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the image data to which the cross filter effect is applied is taken by a digital camera, but instead of this, a silver halide photograph or a color gravure obtained by using a color scanner or the like. Image data may be used. Further, the image data need not necessarily be color image data, and can be applied to monochrome image data.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above.
The present invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various modes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system 10 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a state of control processing according to the photo retouching software 50 executed by the computer main body 16.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of this control processing.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial state of this application window WD.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a routine of a correction process.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a work instruction that gives a cross filter effect.

FIG. 7: Dialog box D for cross filter effect
It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of B1.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a high-luminance pixel list file FL1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a routine of a first half part of a process of determining a light source to be processed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a routine of the latter half of the processing for determining the light source to be processed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a routine of pixel determination processing.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing how a pixel is determined in step S631.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a light source list file FL2.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example showing how a light source to be processed is determined from image data.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing another example.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing another example.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing another example.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a routine of a synthesis process of striation patterns.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of processed image data Dpo obtained according to this embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an image obtained using conventional software.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram further schematically explaining the effect of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Computer system 13 ... Printer 14 ... Digital camera 16 ... Computer body 18 ... Keyboard 20 ... Mouse 33 ... Display image memory 34 ... Mouse interface 35 ... Keyboard interface 39 ... Printer interface 40 ... I / O interface 44 ... Modem 46 ... Public telephone line 47 ... server 50 ... Photo retouching software 51 ... Input module 52 ... Correction module 52a ... High-brightness pixel extraction unit 52b ... Process target light source selection unit 52c ... Image conversion unit 60 ... Display driver FL1 ... High brightness pixel list file FL2 ... Light source list file FL3 ... File to be deleted

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5B050 BA06 CA07 EA05 EA14 EA19                       FA02 FA09 FA13                 5B057 AA20 BA25 BA26 CA08 CA12                       CA16 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC03                       CE06 CE08 DA07 DB02 DB09                       DC05 DC22 DC36                 5C077 LL20 MP08 PP01 PP23 PP34                       PP58 PP61 PP68 PQ08 PQ22                       RR11 SS05 SS07 TT09

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. For an image represented by image data,
An image processing apparatus which is provided with a cross filter and which gives a special effect as if it was photographed, and a high-brightness pixel extraction means for extracting a high-brightness pixel having a brightness of a predetermined value or more from each pixel forming the image. When one of the extracted high-intensity pixels exists independently of other high-intensity pixels, the one high-intensity pixel is set as a processing target light source, and the plurality of extracted high-intensity pixels are adjacent to each other. When forming one, one or a plurality of representative pixels is selected from the group, and a processing target light source selection unit that uses the representative pixel as a processing target light source, and the image with respect to the processing target light source. An image processing apparatus comprising: an image conversion unit for converting an image in which striation patterns representing a special effect are combined. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing-source light source selection unit sequentially deletes pixels located on the outer periphery of the group one by one to reduce vertical and horizontal pixels. Also includes group center calculation means for obtaining a group center composed of one or two pixels, and representative pixel selection means for selecting at least one pixel among the pixels included in the group center as the representative pixel. Image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising extraction condition setting means for setting the predetermined value, which is a condition for extraction by the high-brightness pixel extraction means, based on an operation command from an operator. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spread calculation means calculates a spread degree from the light source to be processed to the outer circumference of the group, and the striation pattern is used. An image processing device, comprising: a striation length determining means for determining the length of the striation represented, based on the degree of spread calculated by the spread calculating means. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a manual length input means for inputting an operation command of an operator that indicates a degree of a length of a striation represented by the striation pattern. The striation length determining means is configured to make the determination based on the degree of spread calculated by the spread calculation means and the length of the striation input by the manual length input means. Image processing device. 6. An image represented by image data,
An image processing method for providing a special effect as if a photograph was taken with a cross filter attached, the method comprising: (a) extracting high-luminance pixels having a luminance equal to or higher than a predetermined value from pixels constituting the image; (B) When one extracted high-intensity pixel exists independently of other high-intensity pixels, the one high-intensity pixel is set as a processing target light source, and the extracted high-intensity pixels are adjacent to each other. Forming one group by selecting one or a plurality of representative pixels from the group and using the representative pixel as a processing target light source, (c) the image with respect to the processing target light source. And a step of converting into an image in which the striation pattern representing the special effect is combined. 7. The image processing method according to claim 6, wherein in the step (b-1), the pixels located on the outer periphery of the group are sequentially deleted one by one in a vertical direction. And (b-2) selecting at least one pixel out of the pixels included in the group center as the representative pixel. An image processing method comprising: 8. An image represented by image data,
A computer program for executing image processing that gives a special effect as if the image was taken with a cross filter, (a) extracting high-brightness pixels whose brightness is a predetermined value or more from each pixel forming the image. And (b) when one of the extracted high-intensity pixels exists independently of other high-intensity pixels, the one high-intensity pixel is used as a processing target light source, and the extracted high-intensity pixel is When a plurality of adjacent pixels form a group, a function of selecting one or more representative pixels from the group and using the representative pixel as a light source to be processed,
(C) A computer program for causing a computer to realize the function of converting the image into an image in which a striation pattern representing the special effect is combined with the light source to be processed. 9. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein the function (b) includes (b-1) deleting pixels located on the outer periphery of the group one by one in order, A function of obtaining a group center composed of 1 or 2 pixels at least one of the horizontal sides; and (b-2) a function of selecting at least one pixel among the pixels included in the group center as the representative pixel. A computer program comprising. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: (d) causing a computer to further realize a function of setting the predetermined value, which is a condition for extraction by the function (a), based on an operation command from an operator. The described computer program. 11. The computer program according to claim 8, wherein (e) a function of calculating a degree of spread from the light source to be processed to the outer circumference of the group, and (f) the light A computer program for causing a computer to further realize the function of determining the length of a striation represented by a striation pattern based on the degree of spread calculated by the function (e). 12. The computer program according to claim 11, further comprising: (g) a function of inputting an operation command of an operator for instructing the degree of the length of the striation represented by the striation pattern in the computer. In addition to the realization, the function (f) is configured to make the determination based on the degree of spread calculated by the function (e) and the degree of the length of the striation input by the function (g). A computer program. 13. A computer-readable recording medium in which the computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 12 is recorded.