JP2004029146A - Method and device for image processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently output prints of which the prints printed simultaneously with development and prints obtained by reprocessing have the same finishing quality. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing method, an image processing condition in which an input image is to be processed into an output image is stored in relation to retrieval data for the image processing condition, and the image processing condition is retrieved by the retrieval data and reprocessing is performed in the retrieved image processing condition when the input image is processed again, and the image processing condition for use in reprocessing can be retrieved manually or automatically by switching. A device for executing this method is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of a print system that outputs a print (photograph) that reproduces an image taken on a film or an image taken by a digital camera. In particular, in such a print system, simultaneous printing and reprinting are performed. The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus capable of suitably matching the images.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, printing of an image taken on a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a film) such as a negative film or a reversal film onto a photosensitive material (photographic paper) is performed by projecting an image of the film onto the photosensitive material and exposing the film. Direct exposure was the mainstream.
On the other hand, in recent years, a printing apparatus using digital exposure, that is, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read, and the read image is converted into a digital signal. 2. Description of the Related Art Digital photo printers that are used as image data, record an image (latent image) by scanning and exposing a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data, and (finished) printing have been put into practical use.
[0003]
A digital photo printer is basically a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film by making the reading light incident on the film and reading the projection light. Depending on the image processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing on image data or image data supplied from a digital camera, etc., and sets the image data for image recording, that is, exposure conditions, and image data output from the image processing apparatus, for example, A printer (image recording apparatus) that scans and exposes a photosensitive material by light beam scanning to record a latent image, and a processor that performs development processing on the photosensitive material exposed by the printer to obtain a (finished) printed image. (Developing device).
[0004]
According to such a digital photo printer, an image can be adjusted by processing the image data as digital image data. Therefore, correction of image skipping and blurring caused by backlighting, flash photography, etc., sharpness ( (Sharpening) treatment or the like is suitably performed, and a high-quality print that cannot be obtained by conventional direct exposure can be obtained.
In addition, according to the digital photo printer, an image taken with a digital camera or the like can be output as a print.
[0005]
In addition to such digital photo printers, images (frames) that have been printed once are printed in response to a request for reprinting or the like in an image shot on a film or a print output from image data shot with a digital camera. In many cases, so-called reprinting is performed in which printing is performed again.
In this case, unless there is a correction instruction in particular, the print that has been output first (usually the simultaneous print that reproduces and outputs the photographed image taken on the photographic film) and the reprint is printed. It is required that the reproduced images match.
However, there are many cases where the color and density of the image are different between the previous print and the reprint due to the operator's judgment and the difference in operation, and there are many complaints from customers.
[0006]
In order to cope with this, for example, a printing system that enables reordering without handling a film has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 09-55834 and 09-179211.
Also, a print system that efficiently searches for image processing information is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2000-222437, 2000-350129, and 2001-7965. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-52175 searches for an image similar to a target image from a reference image database in which a plurality of reference image data is stored using feature vectors generated by extracting a plurality of feature amounts. An image search apparatus is disclosed.
[0007]
By the way, in these prior arts, in order to match the reprinted print and the reprinted print that the operator reprints in response to the order for the extra print from the customer, The image processing is performed under the same image processing conditions as those during simultaneous printing. For this purpose, image processing conditions for simultaneous printing are registered in a database together with the image data, and this database is searched during reprocessing to retrieve image processing conditions for simultaneous printing.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image search method has poor work efficiency, low search performance, and problems such as frame detection errors and poor search efficiency due to differences in search conditions between simultaneous printing and reprocessing.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and improves work efficiency at the time of print creation, and efficiently outputs a print in which the finished quality of the print at the time of simultaneous printing and reprocessing is matched. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and apparatus that can be used.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an image processing condition for processing an input image to be an output image and the search data are stored in association with each other, and the input image is re-stored. An image processing method for searching the image processing conditions using the search data and performing reprocessing according to the searched image processing conditions when processing, wherein the search of the image processing conditions used during the reprocessing is performed manually. Provided is an image processing method characterized in that it is possible to switch between performing or automatically performing.
[0011]
In addition, the reprocessing of the input image may be a remake print that is reprinted on the spot for an input image from a photographic film that has been printed at the same time or an input image that is taken by a digital camera, or a reprint from a customer. Preferably, it is a reprint by order.
[0012]
The search data preferably includes at least one of image feature data, file ID, or print ID.
[0013]
Further, it is preferable that the search of the image processing conditions used at the time of the reprocessing is switched manually or automatically depending on the usage status of the device or the work content.
[0014]
Similarly, in order to solve the above-described problem, the second aspect of the present invention provides an image processing unit that processes an input image to produce an output image, and an image processing condition for each image processed by the image processing unit. Storage means for storing the search data in association with the search data in response to an instruction for reprocessing the input image, and storing the search data in association with the search data. A search means for reading out image processing conditions; and a search method switching means for switching whether to perform a search by manually inputting the search data into the search means or to perform a search automatically. Provided is an image processing apparatus characterized in that, when an image is reprocessed, the input image is reprocessed using image processing conditions of the input image searched manually or automatically.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital photo printer including an image processing apparatus for performing an image processing method according to the present invention.
The apparatus configuration for carrying out the image processing method of the present invention is not limited to such a digital photo printer, but is a conventional direct exposure analog photo printer that prints photographic paper with the projection light of the film. There may be.
[0017]
A digital photo printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 basically includes a scanner (image reading device) 12 that photoelectrically reads an image taken on a film F, and a read image. The data is processed into output image data. The image processing device 14 performs operation and control of the entire photo printer 10, and the light beam modulated according to the image data output from the image processing device 14 is exposed. A printer 16 that exposes an image of a material (photographic paper), develops it (finished), and outputs it as a print;
Further, the image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18 a and a mouse 18 b for inputting various conditions input and settings, processing selection and instructions, instructions for color / density correction, and the like, and a scanner 12. A display 20 is connected to display the image read in step 1, various operation instructions, a condition setting / registration screen, and the like.
[0018]
The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film F or the like, and includes a light source 22, a variable aperture 24, and a diffusion box 28 that makes reading light incident on the film F uniform in the surface direction of the film F. , An imaging lens unit 32, an image sensor 34 having a line CCD sensor corresponding to each image reading of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), an amplifier (amplifier) 36, and A / D ( Analog / digital) converter 38.
[0019]
Further, in the photo printer 10, the type and size of a film such as a new photo system (Advanced Photo System, hereinafter simply referred to as APS) or a 135 size negative (or reversal) film, and the form of a film such as a strip or a slide. According to the above, a dedicated carrier 30 that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared. By exchanging the carrier 30, various films and processes can be handled. An image (frame) photographed on the film F and used for print creation is conveyed to a predetermined reading position by the carrier 30.
In such a scanner 12, when reading an image photographed on the film F, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and adjusted in light quantity by the variable diaphragm 24 is positioned at a predetermined reading position by the carrier 30. By entering and transmitting the film F, projection light carrying an image photographed on the film F is obtained.
[0020]
The carrier 30 has a pair of transport rollers that transport the film F to a predetermined reading position, and a mask having a slit that regulates the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape in the same direction (main scanning direction) as the line CCD sensor. doing. The film F is positioned at the reading position by the carrier 30, and the reading light is incident while being conveyed while the longitudinal direction of the film F coincides with the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As a result, the film F is two-dimensionally slit-scanned by the slit extending in the main scanning direction, and the image of each frame photographed on the film F is read.
[0021]
A magnetic recording medium is formed on the APS film, and a magnetic head for recording / reading information on the magnetic recording medium is disposed on the carrier 30 corresponding to the APS film (cartridge). Information recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film F is read by this magnetic head and sent to the image processing device 14 or the like, and information from the image processing device 14 or the like is transferred to the carrier 30, and the film is read by the magnetic head. F is recorded on the magnetic recording medium.
Further, the carrier 30 is provided with a code reader for reading various types of information optically recorded on the film F, such as a DX code optically recorded on the film F, an extended DX code, and an FNS code. Various information read by the code reader is sent to the image processing apparatus 14.
[0022]
As described above, the reading light passes through the film F held on the carrier 30 and becomes projection light that carries an image, and this projection light is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32. .
The image sensor 34 is a so-called three-line color CCD sensor having three line CCD sensors for reading an R image, a G image, and a B image, respectively, and extends in the main scanning direction. The projection light of the film F is separated into R, G, and B primary colors by the image sensor 34 and read photoelectrically.
The output signal of the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, and sent to the image processing device 14.
[0023]
In the scanner 12, the image captured on the film F is read by two image readings of a pre-scan that reads at a low resolution and a fine scan that obtains image data of an output image.
The pre-scan is performed under pre-scan reading conditions set so that the image of all the films targeted by the scanner 12 can be read as an input image without the image sensor 34 being saturated. On the other hand, the fine scan is performed under the fine scan reading conditions set for each frame so that the image sensor 34 is saturated from the pre-scan data at a density slightly lower than the lowest density of the image (frame). Accordingly, the pre-scan and fine scan output signals differ only in resolution and output level.
[0024]
In the present invention, the scanner 12 is not limited to the one using such slit scanning, and may use a surface exposure that reads the entire image of one frame at a time. In this case, for example, an area CCD sensor is used, and each color filter of R, G, and B is sequentially inserted between the light source and the film F, and the image is read by the area CCD sensor. May be separated into three primary colors and sequentially read.
[0025]
As described above, the output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14.
In the photo printer 10, the image processing device 14 includes an image reading device that reads an image of a reflected original document in addition to the image of the film F read by the scanner 12, an imaging device such as a digital camera and a digital video camera, and a LAN. (Local Area Network) Communication means such as a computer communication network, various image reading means such as a memory card, MO (magneto-optical recording medium), photo CD, etc. (recording medium), imaging means, storage means for image data The image data may be received from various image data supply sources, and the following processing may be performed.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 14.
In this embodiment, image processing conditions for image processing performed on each image processed at the time of simultaneous printing, and search data are registered in a database, and when reprocessing is instructed, reprocessing is designated. The image processing conditions for the simultaneous print processing for the acquired images are searched from the database using the search data, and re-processed using the searched image processing conditions to create the same print as the simultaneous print To do.
The image processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail later.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a data processing unit 46, a log converter 48, a prescan (frame) memory 50, a fine scan (frame) memory 52, a prescan processing unit 54, and a fine scan processing unit. 56 and a condition setting unit 58.
FIG. 2 mainly shows image processing-related parts. The image processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire photo printer 10 including the image processing apparatus 14, and a photo printer. A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the camera 10, a means for determining an aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and an accumulation time of the image sensor 34, and the like are arranged. Connected to each part via a bus).
[0028]
The R, G, and B output signals output from the scanner 12 are subjected to predetermined processing such as DC offset correction, dark correction, and shading correction in the data processing unit 46, converted by the Log converter 48, and digitally processed. The prescan (image) data is stored (stored) in the prescan memory 50 and the fine scan (image) data is stored in the fine scan memory 52, respectively.
[0029]
The prescan data stored in the prescan memory 50 is processed by the prescan processing unit 54 to be image data corresponding to the display on the display 20, and the fine scan data stored in the fine scan memory 52 is fine scan. The image data is processed by the processing unit 56 and corresponds to the output from the printer 16.
Here, the pre-scan processing unit 54 includes an image processing unit 62 and a signal conversion unit 64. On the other hand, the fine scan processing unit 56 includes an image processing unit 66 and a signal conversion unit 68.
[0030]
The image processing unit 62 of the prescan processing unit 54 and the image processing unit 66 of the fine scan processing unit 56 both perform image processing on an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 in accordance with the setting of the condition setting unit 58 described later. It is a site to apply. Both perform basically the same processing except that the pixel density of the image data to be processed is different.
[0031]
The image processing in the image processing unit 62 and the image processing unit 66 is various types of known image processing. For example, gray balance adjustment, gradation adjustment, density adjustment (color density correction), electronic scaling processing, sharpness ( Sharpening) processing, grain suppression processing, dodging processing (adding dodging effect in the direct exposure printing system by compressing image data maintaining intermediate gradation), geometric distortion correction, peripheral light amount correction, red-eye correction, software One or more cases such as a special finish such as a focus and black and white finish are exemplified.
Each of these processes may be performed by a known method, and a process operation (algorithm), an adder / subtractor process, a LUT (lookup table) process, a matrix (MTX) operation, a filter process, etc. are appropriately combined. Done.
[0032]
The signal conversion unit 64 of the prescan processing unit 54 converts the image data processed by the image processing unit 62 with a 3D-LUT (three-dimensional lookup table) or the like, and converts it into image data corresponding to display on the display 20. It is a part to do. On the other hand, the signal conversion unit 68 of the fine scan processing unit 56 converts the image data processed by the image processing unit 66 using a 3D-LUT or the like, and converts the image data into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16. It is a part to supply to.
Both processing conditions in both conversion units are set by the condition setting unit 58.
[0033]
Image processing and processing conditions performed by the prescan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56 are set by a condition setting unit 58.
The condition setting unit 58 includes a setup unit 70, a key correction unit 74, and a parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76 is connected to storage means 78 for storing image processing conditions performed on the input image and search data. The storage unit 78 may further store image data of the processed image and function as an image database. Here, the information stored in the storage means 78 is information used to reproduce the same image as the simultaneous printing by performing the same image processing as that at the time of simultaneous printing at the time of reprocessing. Search data such as the image processing conditions performed and the image feature values used for searching the image processing conditions are included. At the time of reprocessing, the parameter integration unit 76 searches the storage unit 78 (database) using the search data, and reads the image processing conditions and the like. Alternatively, as described above, when image data is stored, the image data may also be read out.
[0034]
The image processing conditions may be any information that can reproduce the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing. Specifically, the LUT created for image processing, an arithmetic expression, a predetermined coefficient for image processing or an operator DCMY key correction information and the like are exemplified.
The search data is data used when searching for image processing conditions, and is not just the image data itself, but merely a numerical value such as an image feature amount extracted from the image. With this search data, for example, an image is specified from among hundreds of thousands of frames registered in the database.
Further, at this time, the compressed image data may also be stored and used to display the image search result on the display 20 in order to check whether or not the correct image data has been called by the search. Therefore, this image does not need to have such a high image quality. Of course, it is not necessary to compress, but considering the capacity of the hard disk, it is desirable to compress it. The compression method is not particularly limited, and for example, JPEG or the like is preferably exemplified. As described above, when image data is stored, the image data may be thinned and displayed on the display 20.
If it is considered that the search result is not correct, several frames of candidate images may be displayed on the display 20 so that the operator can select them.
[0035]
When the search result is not displayed, it is not necessary to save the compressed image data, the memory capacity can be reduced correspondingly, and the processing speed can be increased. Further, when storing the compressed image data, it is efficient to extract the search data from the compressed image data as image feature amount data. For example, spatial frequency data that has been subjected to discrete cosine transform (DCT) may be used as the image feature amount that is search data, or the image data is divided into blocks of a certain size, and an average value for each block. Alternatively, a sum, a maximum value, a minimum value, or the like may be used.
[0036]
It should be noted that the image processing conditions and the like are stored in the storage means 78 when a print is created, since it is usually at the time of so-called simultaneous printing in which a photographed image photographed on a photographic film is reproduced and output. Then, this is set as simultaneous printing, and the other is set as print in reprocessing. However, when reprocessing is performed a plurality of times, the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing are stored in the storage unit 78 at the time of the previous reprocessing, and later Of course, it may be used during reprocessing. That is, in the present embodiment, image processing conditions and the like are stored in the storage unit 78 at the time of previous printing such as simultaneous printing and previous reprocessing, and are used for subsequent printing such as subsequent reprocessing. In the following, a print in reprocessing such as simultaneous printing and reprinting or remake printing will be described as a representative example.
Here, reprinting refers to so-called reprinting that is normally performed in response to an order for additional printing from a customer, and remake printing refers to reprinting a plurality of prints while changing image processing conditions when an operator creates a print. This is a so-called reprinted print that is created and the best print is the finished print.
[0037]
The setup unit 70 determines fine scanning reading conditions, image processing contents and conditions in the prescan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56, and the like. Specifically, during simultaneous printing, the setup unit 70 creates density histograms from pre-scan data, and determines the frequency of density histograms such as average density, highlight (lowest density), and shadow (highest density). Calculation of image features such as% point, LATD (large area transmission density), histogram maximum and minimum density, etc., setting fine scan reading conditions, density histogram, image feature, and operator instructions The image adjustment and execution order to be executed from various image processes are determined in accordance with the image processing conditions, and the image processing conditions, the conversion conditions in the signal conversion unit 68, and the like are calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.
[0038]
The key correction unit 74 calculates the adjustment amount of the image processing condition in accordance with instructions such as color adjustment, density adjustment, and contrast (gradation) adjustment input from the keyboard 18a and the mouse 18b of the operation system 18, and parameter integration It supplies to the part 76. FIG.
The parameter integration unit 76 receives the image processing conditions calculated by the setup unit 70, sets the image processing conditions and the like in predetermined portions of the pre-scan processing unit 54 and the fine scan processing unit 56, and further adjusts the adjustment amount calculated by the key correction unit 74. Accordingly, the image processing conditions set for each part are adjusted.
Further, the parameter integration unit 76 sends the image processing conditions and the like of the frame image to the storage unit 78 after confirming the processing for the frame image at the time of simultaneous printing, and the storage unit 78 at the time of reprocessing. The information required for image reproduction of the frame image to be retrieved and reprocessed is read, the search result is displayed on the display 20, and the necessary information is supplied to a predetermined part such as the setup unit 70.
[0039]
There is no particular limitation on the storage means 78 for storing image processing conditions and the like, and various means can be used.
For example, various recording media such as a hard disk, a database, a flexible disk, and a magneto-optical recording medium built in or connected to the image processing apparatus 14 are exemplified. Further, the print system 10 may be connected to an external database by communication means such as a computer communication network.
[0040]
The image data processed by the prescan processing unit 54 of the image processing apparatus 14 is sent to the display 20, and the image data processed by the fine scan processing unit 56 is sent to the printer 16.
The printer 16 exposes a photosensitive material in accordance with supplied image data to record a latent image, and a processor (developing device) that performs a predetermined process on the exposed photosensitive material and outputs it as a print. ).
In the printer 16, for example, after the photosensitive material is cut into a print length, a back print is recorded, and then three types of light beams of R exposure, G exposure, and B exposure are applied to the image data output from the image processing device 14. Accordingly, the light is modulated and deflected in the main scanning direction, and the photosensitive material is transported in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, so that the photosensitive material is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to record a latent image on the processor. Supply. The processor that has received the light-sensitive material is subjected to predetermined wet development processes such as color development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, dried to be printed, sorted into predetermined units such as one film, and collected.
[0041]
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described mainly with respect to processing during reprocessing, taking the case of a film as an example.
First, in the case of simultaneous printing, the operator mounts the carrier 30 corresponding to the film F at a predetermined position of the scanner 12 and performs pre-scanning of the film F. When the prescan data is read, the setup unit 70 creates density histograms, calculates image feature amounts, and the like from the prescan data, calculates fine scan reading conditions and image processing conditions, and sets the parameters from the parameter integration unit 76. Image processing conditions are set for each predetermined part.
Based on the set conditions, the pre-scan processing unit 54 performs predetermined image processing, and an image for verification is displayed on the display 20 (verification monitor).
[0042]
Next, the operator looks at the verification screen on the display 20 and checks (verifies) the image. If necessary, the operator adjusts the color, density, gradation, etc. using the adjustment keys set on the keyboard 18a. (Correction) is performed. The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 74. The key correction unit 74 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends this to the parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76 corrects the image processing conditions set in the processing units 62 and 66 according to the sent correction amount. Therefore, the image displayed on the display 20 also changes according to the input by the operator.
[0043]
Next, exposure condition storage data is created from the image processing conditions finally determined by the test.
In addition to the above processing, the frame number is read from the film F. The image processing conditions for the image of each frame are managed by each frame number. The parameter integration unit 76 creates search data, image processing conditions and, if necessary, compressed image data corresponding to each frame number, sends it to the storage means 78, and stores these data in the storage means 78 as a database. Memorize and accumulate.
[0044]
At this time, it is effective to use, as the image search data, image feature amount data extracted when generating compressed image data. In addition, the above data are for each frame number, each film type, each camera model, each customer, each image unique ID, each order received date, each order receiving store, each device, each order, each film format (ASP, 135, Brownie, etc.), each film carrier type, each film mask, each shooting date, every image format (BMP, JPEG, etc.) It is better to manage with a database.
The shooting date and time may be read from an image. In addition, by associating a large amount of image reproduction information with various information in this way, the search speed can be further improved and erroneous search can be reduced.
[0045]
As described above, when the image processing conditions are set, this time, the film is fine-scanned, and as usual, the fine scan processing unit 66 performs image processing according to the set image processing conditions. And output from the printer 16 as a print (simultaneous print) that reproduces the photographed image photographed on the film.
[0046]
Next, in the case of reprocessing, there are an automatic method and a manual method as a method of searching for image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing for an image to be reprocessed.
FIG. 3 shows an outline of this automatic or manual search method. As shown in FIG. 3, the database formed in the storage unit 78 stores image processing conditions, print IDs, image feature amount data, and the like of images processed during simultaneous printing.
These data are composed of a group of negative data 78a and a group of positive data 78b (actually, tags such as negative or positive are attached to each data).
[0047]
The left side of FIG. 3 represents the case where the search is performed automatically, and the right side represents the case where the search is performed manually. For example, when searching automatically, a piece (negative) film is inserted into the carrier 30, a reprocessing target image is read, an image feature amount is calculated, and a search is performed using only image feature amount data. At this time, if it is a negative at the time of reprocessing, since it is a negative that is registered in the database of the storage means 78 at the time of simultaneous printing, it is sufficient to search within the group of negative data 78a. The re-processing target image may be designated on the re-order screen by inserting a piece film, for example, by a key operation or the like.
Further, in the case of manual search on the right side of FIG. 3, the operator inputs that the search is performed manually from the operation system 18, for example. Then, the barcode printed on the back of the print is read and the print ID is input, or the operator directly inputs the print ID by key, and the search is performed using the print ID. At this time, image feature amount data is also added, but is not used in the case of manual search.
[0048]
For example, a case where a search is automatically performed when a customer brings in a negative film and orders reprinting will be described. First, the film F is pre-scanned by the scanner 12 to read an image designated for reprinting, and the frame number is read from the film F. The read prescan data is sent to the image processing apparatus 14 together with the frame number. The setup unit 70 calculates image feature data from the pre-scan data and creates search data.
The parameter integration unit 76 uses the search data to search the negative data 78a in the database of the storage unit 78, identify the image designated for reprinting, and image processing conditions for simultaneous printing of the image. Call.
[0049]
At this time, when the compressed image data is stored, the search result may be displayed on the display 20 using the compressed image data corresponding to the called image, and the search result may be confirmed. If the search result is correct, this time, the film F is fine-scanned to obtain image data for reprinting. On the other hand, using the image processing conditions for simultaneous printing searched above, The same image processing is performed and a reprint is output from the printer 16.
In the case of an APS film, the search may be performed using the film ID and the frame number.
[0050]
In addition, in the case of manual search, for example, a case where a customer brings in a print order and a case where an operator reprints and creates a remake print can be considered. In this case, since there is a print under the operator, the operator inputs the print ID printed on the back of the print, or the print ID printed with the barcode on the back side of the print is printed with a barcode reader. Read and enter. Based on the input print ID, the positive data 78b group in the database of the storage means 78 is searched. Thus, the operator manually inputs and searches are performed, and the image processing conditions for simultaneous printing are called up.
It should be noted that automatic search or manual search can be switched as appropriate according to the usage status of the device and the work content. This switching can be performed, for example, when an operator gives an instruction from the operation system 18.
[0051]
In the above search, when searching for an image using the image feature amount in the database of the storage means 78, it is preferable that the search speed is faster if it is narrowed down under a predetermined condition such as a frame number. The narrowing conditions include carrier type, device ID (device type), mask type (F / HV / P / Half), input document type (negative / RV / black / white / DSC), DX code in addition to the frame number. And file names.
The database of the storage means 78 is preferably common for both manual calling and automatic calling. At this time, it is preferable that the print ID and the image feature amount data are respectively added to the image processing conditions so that both can be called, and these are all associated with each other.
Furthermore, it is desirable that the database of the storage means 78 be shared for film types such as negative and positive, and document types such as 135, APS, Brownie, and DCS. Further, it is more preferable that these pieces of information are associated with the search data and can be used for sifting or the like when searching.
[0052]
In the case of remake printing, the operator shakes various image processing conditions and selects the best one. However, in the case of reprinting, the operator may change the image processing conditions. As described above, in the reprocessing, when the image processing conditions are changed, there is a problem of what to do with the image processing conditions stored in the database of the storage unit 78. For the processing after the reprocessing, the flowchart of FIG. Will be described with reference to FIG.
[0053]
In step 100 of FIG. 4, after reprocessing (image processing), it is first determined whether or not the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing are accumulated in the database of the storage unit 78 for the currently processed image. If the image processing conditions are not yet registered in the database of the storage means 78, the process proceeds to step 140, and the image processing conditions used in the reprocessing are newly registered in the database of the storage means 78.
[0054]
If it is determined in step 100 that the image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing of the image already exist in the database of the storage unit 78, whether or not the image processing conditions have been changed in the reprocessing in the next step 110. to decide.
If there is no change in the image processing conditions, no particular action is required, and this routine is exited. If there is a change in the image processing conditions, it is determined in the next step 120 whether or not to update the image processing conditions existing in the database of the storage means 78.
[0055]
When updating the image processing condition, in the next step 130, the image processing condition of the image registered in the database of the storage means 78 is updated (overwritten) with the new image processing condition changed by the reprocessing. )
On the other hand, if not updated, in step 140, new image processing conditions changed by reprocessing are newly registered in the database of the storage means 78.
Although the basic flow is as described above, it may be possible to select whether to update or newly register depending on the work contents such as whether reprint printing is the center or reprint is the center.
[0056]
Alternatively, for example, new registration is always performed without overwriting, and in the case of automatic search, the last registered image processing condition is called, and in the case of manual search, an arbitrary image processing condition is called. It may be.
In this way, when a new registration is always made, a plurality of image processing conditions for one image are registered. Therefore, in the case of a remake print that selects the best image processing conditions. Convenient. However, when searching for an image using image feature amount data, since there are many image processing conditions for one image, it is difficult to search, and the possibility of erroneous search increases.
[0057]
On the other hand, when always updating (overwriting), since there is only one image processing condition registered most recently for one image, the condition is printed a plurality of times. Not available for remake prints that select the best. Conversely, when searching for an image using image feature data, there is no advantage that a plurality of identical frames are present, so that it is easy to search for an image.
[0058]
In both cases of automatic search and manual search, the reprocessed image data is sent to the printer 16 as output image data and output as a print.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image processing conditions for simultaneous printing can be called manually or automatically, and the working efficiency can be improved.
At this time, a manual or automatic calling method can be selected according to the work content and the like, and the intended simultaneous print image processing conditions can be called accordingly, thereby further improving the working efficiency.
[0059]
In the above-described embodiment, the search is performed using the image feature amount in the automatic case, and the search is performed using the print ID in the manual case. However, the search data used for the search is the same. There is no limitation, and a search method that does not use print IDs or image feature data may be used.
[0060]
The image processing method and apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you can go.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to call image processing conditions at the time of simultaneous printing, either manually or automatically, and efficiently output a print in which the finished quality of the simultaneous printing and the print at the time of reprocessing is matched. It is possible to improve work efficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital photo printer including an image processing apparatus that performs an image processing method according to the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an automatic or manual search method in the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing after reprocessing in the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital photo printer
12 Scanner
14 Image processing device
16 Printer
18 Operation system
20 display
22 Light source
24 Variable aperture
28 Diffusion box
30 career
34 Image sensor
36 amplifiers
38 A / D converter
46 Data processing section
48 Log Converter
50 Pre-scan (frame) memory
52 Fine scan (frame) memory
54 Pre-scan processing unit
56 Fine scan processing section
58 Condition setting section
62, 66 Image processing unit
64, 68 Signal converter
70 Setup section
74 Key correction part
76 Parameter integration section
78 Storage means

Claims (5)

An image processing condition for processing an input image to be an output image and the search data are stored in association with each other, and when the input image is reprocessed, the image processing condition is searched by the search data, An image processing method for performing reprocessing according to the searched image processing conditions,
An image processing method characterized in that the search for image processing conditions used at the time of reprocessing can be switched manually or automatically. The reprocessing of the input image is based on a remake print that is reprinted on the spot for an input image from a photographic film that has been printed at the same time or an input image that is taken by a digital camera, or by a reprint order from a customer The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image processing method is reprinting. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the search data includes at least one of image feature amount data, a file ID, and a print ID. The image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the search of the image processing condition used at the time of the reprocessing is switched between manual and automatic depending on a usage status of the device or work contents. Image processing means for processing an input image into an output image;
Storage means for storing the image processing conditions of each image processed by the image processing means in association with the search data;
In response to an instruction for reprocessing the input image, a search unit that searches the storage unit with the search data and reads the image processing condition stored in association with the search data;
Search method switching means for switching whether to perform a search by manually inputting the search data into the search means or to perform a search automatically,
An image processing apparatus characterized in that, when the input image is reprocessed, the input image is reprocessed using image processing conditions of the input image searched manually or automatically.

Images