JP2003309801A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus whereby particularly a skillful person can easily make settings and causes no fatigue to the eyes in the case of setting required items for photographing processing while viewing a monitor screen. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus has: an image display mode including first and second display modes, for displaying a plurality of images on a monitor 7 prior to photographing process on the basis of image data acquired from a negative film, wherein a plurality of kinds of items necessary for the photographing processing are displayed on the monitor screen; and a display mode selection means for selecting the first or second display mode. The image processing apparatus is configured to display all items of displayed images in the first display mode and displays all the items of the image selected at present in the second display mode and only the number of prints, the frame number and the print size of the images not selected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has an image display mode for displaying a plurality of images related to image data on a monitor screen before performing photographic processing based on image data obtained from an image forming medium. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that displays a plurality of types of items on a monitor screen so that items necessary for photo processing can be set in the image display mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such an image processing apparatus is installed in a photo shop or the like, for example, a negative film (corresponding to an image forming medium) is developed in response to an order for simultaneous printing from a customer, and the developed negative film is processed. The frame image is read into digital data, and a photographic print is created based on the digitalized image data. In performing this photographic processing, an image related to the acquired image data is first displayed on the monitor screen. On the monitor screen, for example,
Six images are displayed. The operator of the photo shop sets the items necessary for the photo processing while looking at the displayed image. There are a plurality of types of necessary items, such as color correction, density correction, and setting of the number of prints. By appropriately setting each of these items, it is possible to create a photographic print with appropriate colors and densities, and provide a satisfactory service to the customer.

Here, a configuration example of the display form of the monitor screen will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 on the monitor screen
Images for one sheet are displayed. Of the 6 images displayed, the upper middle image (indicated by A) is currently selected. As the items, a color correction area 20, a density correction area 21, and a print number setting area 22 are shown. There are other items, but for convenience of explanation, these three items will be described. The above three areas are displayed on the screen for all the images displayed on the monitor screen. That is, all items are displayed for all images displayed on the monitor screen.

[0004]

However, if all the items are displayed for all the displayed images, the screen becomes difficult for an expert to see.
There is a request for improvement. That is, if there are too many items displayed, there is a problem in that it is easy for the eyes to transfer and it becomes difficult to judge the color and density of the image. A skilled person sometimes takes a long time to see the monitor screen in one day, and if there are too many items displayed on the monitor screen, there is another problem that the eyes are easily tired. On the other hand, operators in the photo shop include beginners such as part-timers and part-timers, and it is preferable for these people to display all items for all images because the operation can be performed reliably. That is, it is easier for a beginner to perform a new setting while confirming the setting contents of the image which has already been set. On the other hand, the skilled person is familiar with the operation method, and it tends to be easier to judge the image by making the best use of one's own sensitivity by reducing the number of displayed items.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily set the items necessary for photographic processing while looking at the monitor screen, especially for a skilled person, and the eyestrain. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device that does not cause

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention processes a plurality of images related to image data before performing photographic processing based on image data acquired from an image forming medium. Image processing that has an image display mode that is displayed on the monitor screen and that allows you to set multiple types of items on the monitor screen so that you can set the items required for photo processing in this image display mode. In the device, the image display mode is
While having a first display mode and a second display mode,
A display mode selection means for selecting one of these display modes is provided. In the first display mode, all items of all displayed images are displayed, and in the second display mode, all items are displayed. The present invention is characterized in that some or all of the images that are not currently selected are displayed.

The operation and effect of the image exposure apparatus having this structure are as follows. First, the image related to the image data acquired from the image forming medium is displayed on the monitor screen. In this image display mode, a plurality of images are displayed on the monitor screen. This image display mode has a first display mode and a second display mode, and either one can be selected and used. In the first display mode, all items are displayed for all the displayed images as in the conventional case. In the second display mode,
For some or all of the images that are not currently selected,
Some of the items are displayed.

Therefore, the expert can select the second display mode to simplify the screen configuration and eliminate the shift caused by displaying many items. Further, even if the work is performed for a long time, eye strain can be reduced as compared with the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus in which it is easy for an expert to set the items necessary for photo processing while looking at the monitor screen and eyestrain is prevented.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second
In the display mode, all the items can be displayed for the currently selected image, and some of the items can be displayed for the currently unselected image.

According to this structure, all the items are displayed only for the currently selected image, so that the expert can concentrate on the judgment about the selected image.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the partial items include the number of processes of each image data and the process number.

When the image forming medium is a photographic film, the number of processed image data is the number of prints and the processed number is a frame number. Of these items, it is necessary to always be able to determine whether the number of prints is set by mistake. Regarding the frame number, it is preferable that all the images can be recognized at a glance. At least, by displaying these, it is possible to simplify the screen configuration and display the minimum necessary items.

As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the part of the items is a print size.
It is difficult to recognize the print size at a glance simply by looking at the image displayed on the monitor screen. Since print size misconfiguration causes complaints from customers, it is necessary to be able to check the print size for all displayed images and to be able to correct it immediately when a misconfiguration is found. preferable.

As still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
In the second display mode, in conjunction with switching the selected image to another image, the other image is switched so that all of the items are displayed and is selected immediately before. As for the image, one configured to switch to a mode in which some of the items are displayed can be mentioned.

When the image is switched in the second display mode, the displayed item is switched in association with this switching, so that the operation load on the operator can be reduced. In other words, if you select an image, for that image, some items will be displayed, but all the items will be displayed. The item is automatically displayed in the state where some items are displayed.

In order to solve the above problems, another image forming apparatus according to the present invention displays a plurality of images related to image data on a monitor screen before performing a photographic process based on image data obtained from an image forming medium. In the image processing apparatus, which has an image display mode that allows the user to set a plurality of types of items on the monitor screen in order to be able to set the items required for photo processing in this image display mode, The image display mode is configured to display all of the items for the currently selected image and some of the items for the image that is not currently selected. In conjunction with switching to the other image, the other image is switched so that all the items are displayed and selected immediately before. With respect to the existing image, it is characterized in that it is configured to switch to a mode in which the above-mentioned some items are displayed.

In this image display mode, all the items are displayed for the currently selected image, but only some items are displayed for the other images. Therefore, the screen configuration becomes simple, and especially the expert can eliminate the transition caused by displaying a large number of items. Further, even if the work is performed for a long time, eye strain can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.
As a result, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus in which it is easy for an expert to set the items necessary for photo processing while looking at the monitor screen and eyestrain is prevented. Further, when the image is switched, the displayed item can be switched in association with this switching, so that the work burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the image processing apparatus.

<Structure of Image Processing Apparatus> In FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus comprises a printer processor 1 and a scanner unit 2. The printer processor 1 and the scanner unit 2 are connected by a communication cable 3. The scanner unit 2 includes a negative carrier 4
Can be detachably attached. The negative carrier 4 is provided with a mechanism for conveying a negative film (corresponding to an image forming medium) which is an example of a photographic film. The scanner unit 2 includes a light source for reading an image and a CCD line sensor which is a reading sensor. That is, attach the developed negative film to the negative carrier,
While the negative film is conveyed at a predetermined speed, the image on the negative film is scanned line by line and captured.

The printer processor 1 can produce a photographic print by printing an image on the emulsion surface of a paper which is a photographic light-sensitive material, and developing the image. Therefore, it is equipped with an exposure engine for printing and exposing an image on paper, and a development processing tank for developing the paper, both of which have known structures can be used. The exposure engine scans the exposure light modulated based on the image data along the main scanning direction while conveying the paper precut to the print size along the conveyance path (sub scanning direction) at a predetermined speed. Images (latent images) can be sequentially formed. As the exposure engine, laser engine, PLZ
An appropriate system such as a T engine or a CRT engine can be adopted.

Further, the image input section 6 is provided, and image data can be obtained from various digital image forming media other than the negative film. For example, image data can be obtained from an MO disc, a flexible disc, a CD-R, or various recording media of a digital camera.

A monitor 7 is provided and the acquired image data (image) can be displayed on the screen.
Although various displays can be displayed on the monitor screen, only matters related to the image display mode will be described in the present specification. Details of this point will be described later. Also,
A keyboard 8 and a mouse 9 are provided so that an image can be selected and a numerical value such as a correction value can be input in the image display mode.

<Functional Block> Next, the function of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The image data storage unit 10 stores the image data acquired from the image input unit 6 and the scanner unit 2. The image data storage unit 10 can be configured by a large capacity storage device such as a hard disk. The image processing unit 11 performs color and density correction processing on image data. Further, other contrast and sharpness correction processing is performed. The image processing unit 11 can be configured based on a known image processing program, hardware such as an image processing board, or the like.

The image display mode program 12 is a program for performing pre-judgment, and this program is installed in advance in the main body of the image processing apparatus and stored in the hard disk. Here, the pre-judgment is to display an image on the screen of the monitor 7 before the printing exposure of the image is performed, and the operator judges the color and density in advance while observing the display screen. The image display modes include a first display mode for beginners and a second display mode for experienced users, and images and other items are displayed on a monitor screen in preset display modes. The details of the display form of each display mode will be described later.

The display image data generating section 13 includes a monitor 7
Generate data for displaying the image on. For example,
When displaying six images of the image data (images) stored in the image data storage unit 10 on one screen, the image data of the above six images is added to the format (template) created in advance. You can combine images. Also, when displaying images, it is possible to select how many images are displayed. For example, 4 instead of 6
Images of 8, 8, 12, ... Can be displayed on one monitor screen.

The mode setting storage unit 14 stores the mode data currently selected by the operator. That is, information on which of the first display mode and the second display mode is selected is stored. The data indicating which mode is selected is input via the keyboard 8 and the mouse 9. The display image data in the display image data generation unit 13 is generated based on the data set in the mode setting storage unit 14. The mode setting storage unit 14, the keyboard 8 and the mouse 9 function as a display mode selection unit.

The photographic processing data storage unit 15 stores data necessary for image printing exposure such as the number of prints and print size. The photograph processing data is input via the keyboard 8 and the mouse 9. Further, when the image data is acquired via the scanner unit 2 or the image input unit 6, it may be acquired additionally. For example, A
In the case of PS photographic film, the number of prints may be stored in the magnetic data storage unit.

The display item setting storage section 16 allows the operator to select the displayed item and the non-displayed item in the second display mode. However, such a function does not necessarily have to be provided. That is, in the second display mode, the items displayed for the unselected images may not be changed by the operator, and may be in a fixed mode.

The exposure engine 17, as described above,
It is an apparatus for printing and exposing an image on paper based on image data. When color / density correction processing is performed in the image processing unit 11, image data resulting from the correction is sent.

<Configuration Example of Display Screen> Next, a configuration example of the display screen displayed on the monitor screen in the first display mode and the second display mode will be described. FIG. 3 is a configuration example of the second display mode, and FIG. 4 is a configuration example of the first display mode.

FIG. 3 shows a mode in which six images are displayed. Also in the second display mode, the operator can select how many images are displayed. Since the features of the present invention can be explained regardless of the number of displayed images, the following 6
This will be described in the single image display mode.

In FIG. 3, the upper middle image (shown by A) is currently selected. Also, along with the image, items necessary for the photo processing are displayed. This item will be described below. The color correction area 20 is an area for inputting a color correction value. Specifically, the correction values of the color data of the three colors Y, M, C (yellow, magenta, cyan) can be input. When the operator sees the displayed image and determines that the color correction is necessary, the Y, M,
Enter the correction value for C. When the color correction value is input, the image processing unit 11 corrects the image data, and the result is reflected on the display screen. That is, when the correction value of the color data is input, the correction result can be immediately confirmed on the screen. If it is determined that the color correction is unnecessary, it is not necessary to input the correction value.

The density correction area 21 is an area for inputting a density correction value. If the operator looks at the displayed image and determines that density correction is necessary,
Enter the density correction value. The input result can be immediately confirmed as in the case of color.

The number of prints (corresponding to the number of processed sheets) is input to the number-of-prints setting area 22. The scanner correction value display area 23 is a correction value set by the scanner when the image data is captured from the photographic film by the scanner. In other words, the image data captured by the scanner is not used as it is, but the scanner itself corrects the image so that the color and density are appropriate.

In the frame number display area 24, the frame number (corresponding to the processing number) corresponding to each frame image of the photographic film is displayed. The image position setting area 25 sets (adjusts) the left and right positions of the print image. As shown in FIG. 3, the area exposed by printing as a photographic print is an area surrounded by a white frame line. The operator can adjust the printing exposure range by clicking a button provided in the image position setting area 25 so that the exposure range becomes appropriate.

The DSA setting area 26 is an area for adjusting contrast and sharpness. If you click the button displayed here, another window will start up, and you can adjust the contrast, sharpness, etc. on that screen.

The print size setting area 27 is an area for setting the print size. For example, the size of a photographic print such as classical size or panoramic size can be set.

Items necessary for the photographic processing as described above are displayed. Here, in the second display mode of FIG. 3, all the items of the selected image A are displayed. On the other hand, for images that have not been selected, only the print number setting area 22, the frame number setting area 24, and the print size setting area 27 are displayed. The second display mode is a display mode for experts. If many items are displayed on the screen, the skilled person has a problem that it is easy to move and it is difficult to perform the work. In addition, a skilled person often has a long working time, and when many setting items are displayed on the screen, the eyes are easily tired. Further, the skilled person is familiar with the operation method, and it tends to be easier to judge the image by making the best use of one's own sensitivity, if the number of displayed items is reduced. Therefore, the second display mode for the expert is configured so that the screen display is as simple as possible.

On the other hand, in the first display mode for beginners, it is preferable to display all the items for all the images, as shown in FIG. 4, because the operation can be performed reliably. That is, it is easier for a beginner to perform a new setting while confirming the setting contents of the image which has already been set. There are also beginners such as part-timers and part-timers at the photo shop, and there are few cases where such beginners spend a lot of time working, and the form shown in FIG. 4 is preferable. As can be seen from FIG. 4, not only the selected image A but also all other unselected images are displayed. An operator who handles the image processing apparatus can preset which display mode to use. Of course, even beginners can select and use the second display mode if they like it.

In the second display mode, the reason why the frame number display is left for the unselected images is that the progress of the photographic processing can be immediately grasped from the screen. Therefore, even for a skilled person, it is preferable to display the frame numbers for all images. The display of the number of prints is left so that it can be determined at any time whether or not the number of prints is set by mistake. For example, the number of prints may be set to a large number by mistake. Therefore, it is preferable to display the number of prints for all images so that the setting error can be immediately confirmed. Also, A
In the case of PS photographic film, the camera user side
The number of prints can be set in the magnetic recording unit. This is because, if there is an error in the settings of this user, it is preferable to be able to detect this at any time.

Regarding the display of the print size,
Since a mistake in setting causes a complaint from the customer, it is preferable that the print size can be confirmed for all the displayed images so that the mistake can be immediately corrected when the mistake in setting is found.

Next, the image selection will be described. In FIG. 3, when switching from the currently selected image A to the image B next to it, it suffices to click an appropriate position on the image B with the mouse. Further, by switching the image, all the items of the image B are automatically displayed in synchronization with this, and the image A that has been selected immediately before that is not selected. Similar to the image, the display mode is changed to only some of the items.
The image can be selected by using a cursor key or the like provided on the keyboard as well as the mouse. Since the display items are switched in association with the switching of the images, the operator can easily perform the work.

<Other Embodiments> In this embodiment, the case where a frame image of a developed photographic film is read by a scanner as an image forming medium has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the image forming medium is a recording medium of a digital camera, similarly, the frame number is displayed and the original image size (file size) is also displayed. In the case of a digital camera, two identical images may be recorded depending on the model. One of the two images is a normal size image, and the other is called a thumbnail image. The thumbnail image is smaller than the normal size. This is to increase the display speed when displaying a plurality of images taken by a digital camera on a personal computer. When image data is captured from the recording medium of such a digital camera, two identical images are displayed on the monitor screen. When performing print processing, the larger the size, the better the image quality, so if the size of the image is displayed,
It is possible to immediately know which of the two images should be used. When image data is acquired from a medium such as a recording medium of a digital camera, it is preferable to display the file name of the image as well.

In this embodiment, based on the image data,
Although a photographic print is created, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photographic print may be output to a medium. For example, image data acquired from a photographic film may be written in a medium such as an MO disc or a CD-R. In this case, the print number setting area functions as a write number setting area. Further, when writing to the medium, it is preferable to write the top-bottom data together. The top-and-bottom data is data indicating which of the images is on the top. In the example of FIG. 3, the image B has “heaven” on the upper side and “ground” on the lower side. In image A, the left side of the image is “heaven” and the right side is “ground”. By recording such top-and-bottom data in association with the image data, when the image data recorded on the medium is read by the personal computer, the image can be displayed on the personal computer screen in the correct direction. Note that it is preferable that the top-bottom data is displayed for all images even in the second display mode.

In this embodiment, some items are displayed for all of the images that are not currently selected in the second display mode, but some items are displayed for some of the images that are not selected. It may be allowed to. Specifically, of the 6-image display, some items are displayed for 5 unselected images, but some items may be displayed for 4 or 3 images. May be.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display screen in a second display mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display screen in a first display mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 printer processor 2 Scanner unit 7 monitors 10 Image data storage 11 Image processing unit 12 Image display mode program 14 Mode setting storage 20 color correction area 21 Density correction area 22 Print quantity setting area 24 frame number display area 27 Print size setting area

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image display mode for displaying a plurality of images related to image data on a monitor screen prior to performing a photographic process on the basis of image data acquired from an image forming medium. In this image display mode, a photographic process is performed. In order to be able to set the items required for the image processing apparatus, a plurality of types of items are displayed on the monitor screen. The image display mode includes a first display mode and a second display mode. And a display mode selection means for selecting one of these display modes. In the first display mode, all the items are displayed for all the displayed images, and the second display mode is provided. In the display mode, it is configured to display some of the items for some or all of the images that are not currently selected. A characteristic image processing device. 2. In the second display mode, all of the items are displayed for the currently selected image, and some of the items are displayed for the image not currently selected. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 3. The part of the items is a processing number and processing number of each image data.
The image processing device according to item 1. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partial item is a print size. 5. In the second display mode, in conjunction with switching the selected image to another image, the other image is switched so that all of the items are displayed, and The image selected as above is configured so as to switch to a mode in which the some items are displayed.
The image processing device according to item. 6. An image display mode for displaying a plurality of images related to the image data on a monitor screen prior to performing the photographic process based on the image data acquired from the image forming medium, and the photographic process in this image display mode. In order to be able to set the items required for the image processing device that is configured to display a plurality of types of items on the monitor screen, the image display mode is Are displayed and some of the items that are not currently selected are displayed, and the selected image is switched to another image. Changes so that all of the items are displayed, and for the image that was selected immediately before, some of the items are displayed. The image processing apparatus characterized by being configured as switched Ri.