JP2004096439A - Red-eye correcting method and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a red-eye correcting method whereby red-eye correction processing to a reprint can efficiently be performed with excellent operability and to provide an image processing apparatus executing the method. <P>SOLUTION: In the case that image processing is applied to original image data to produce and provide an output of image data, the original image data and / or the output image data are stored in a storage means, and when red-eye correction is instructed to an image having been early outputted, the corresponding original image data or output image data are read from the storage means, red-eye correction processing is applied to the read data and output image data are again generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of red-eye correction by image processing, and more specifically, a red-eye correction method that enables efficient red-eye correction during reprinting and the like, and image processing that implements the red-eye correction method Relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, 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 on the film onto the photosensitive material, and so-called direct exposure. Exposure is mainstream.
On the other hand, in recent years, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read and the read image is converted into a digital signal, and then subjected to various image processing to obtain image data for recording. A digital photo printer that exposes a photosensitive material with modulated recording light and outputs it as a print has been put into practical use.
[0003]
A digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film, and an image that is subjected to image processing on the image data read by the scanner to obtain image data for output. In accordance with image data output from the input device having the processing device and the image processing device, for example, the photosensitive material is exposed by light beam scanning to record a latent image, and development processing is performed (finished) to produce a print Machine (printer / processor).
[0004]
A digital photo printer photoelectrically reads an image taken on a film and uses the image as digital image data to perform image processing and exposure of a photosensitive material. Therefore, a print can be created not only from an image shot on a film but also from an image (image data) shot by a digital camera or the like.
In addition, since image processing is performed by image data processing, it is possible not only to correct color and density very well, but also in normal direct exposure printers such as gradation correction and sharpness processing (sharpness enhancement processing). High-quality images can be obtained by performing impossible image processing.
Further, in digital photo printers, not only printing but also outputting image data as an image file to a recording medium such as a CD-R is performed.
[0005]
By the way, in an image including a person such as a portrait, the most important factor affecting the image quality is the finish of the person. Therefore, the red-eye phenomenon in which a person's eyes (pupil) become red due to the influence of strobe emission at the time of photographing becomes a serious problem.
In a direct-exposure photo printer, it is necessary to correct a film using a color material or the like in order to correct red eyes, that is, an operator having a technique takes time and effort to correct the film. Therefore, in the case of simultaneous printing, red-eye correction is virtually impossible.
[0006]
On the other hand, in a digital photo printer, red-eye correction can be performed by image analysis and image data processing without any modification to the film. For example, a red eye is detected by detecting a pupil with red eyes by automatic extraction using position extraction, image analysis by an operator, etc., and color-converting the pupil (its image data) to correct red eyes. Correction processing is performed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, in the case of a printer that uses a digital photo printer equipped with a red-eye correction function, if red eyes are found by inspection during simultaneous printing, the print is remade (reprinted) as an NG print. It is common to provide the customer with prints that are red-eye corrected. In addition, there is a case where red-eye correction is requested at the time of reprinting (reprinting) according to a customer's request.
In digital photo printers, when correcting red-eye by such remake or reprint (hereinafter collectively referred to as reprint), the above-mentioned scanner is used to photoelectrically read the film and print output in simultaneous printing. It is necessary to perform exactly the same processing and perform red-eye correction processing.
[0008]
That is, in a digital photo printer, reprinting for performing red-eye correction processing needs to perform exactly the same work as normal print output, etc., once for a frame that has been printed, and the operability and efficiency are poor. , One of the causes of lowering productivity.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and the red-eye correction processing in reprinting such as remake and reprinting can be efficiently performed with good operability without reading the film again. An object of the present invention is to provide a red-eye correction method that can be performed and an image processing apparatus that implements the red-eye correction method.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the red-eye correction method of the present invention stores at least one of the original image data and the output image data when the image data is subjected to image processing to generate and output image data. The image data of the output image data that has been output previously is instructed to read out the corresponding original image data or output image data from the storage means, and the red-eye is read into the image data. Provided is a red-eye correction method characterized by performing correction processing and generating output image data again.
[0011]
The image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on the supplied original image data to generate and output output image data, which is related to the previously output output image data. A storage unit that stores at least one of the original image data and the output image data in association with the image identification information, and the image when the red-eye correction of the image of the output image data output previously is instructed. An image processing apparatus comprising: red-eye correction means for reading original image data or output image data of an image instructed to correct red-eye from the storage means using the identification information I will provide a.
[0012]
In the present invention, a mode for performing red-eye correction is set as the processing mode, and in this mode, the red-eye correction means issues an image calling instruction using the identification information to the image. As a red-eye correction instruction, it is preferable to automatically perform red-eye correction processing on the original image data or output image data of this image, and further, the image after red-eye correction by the red-eye correction means, or further this red-eye correction It is preferable to have display means for displaying an image before red-eye correction together with a later image.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a red-eye correction method and an image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer that uses the image processing apparatus of the present invention that implements the red-eye correction method of the present invention.
[0015]
A digital photo printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a (photo) film F, or image data of an image photographed by a digital camera or the like ( An image file) is acquired and output as a (photo) print, and basically includes a scanner 12, an image processing apparatus 14 according to the present invention, and a printer 22.
[0016]
The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image taken on each frame of the film F, and as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 2, the light source 24, the driver 26, the diffusion box 28, the carrier 30, and the imaging lens unit 32. , A reading unit 34, an amplifier (amplifier) 36, and an A / D (analog / digital) converter 38.
[0017]
In the scanner 12 of the illustrated example, the light source 24 uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and emits three types of reading light of R (red) light, G (green) light, and B (blue) light. The LED is arranged. Such a light source 24 is driven by a driver 26, and R, G, and B reading lights are sequentially emitted.
The diffusion box 28 makes the reading light uniform in the surface direction of the film F, and includes, for example, a quadrangular column of an inner surface mirror and a diffusion plate that closes one surface of the quadrangular column.
[0018]
The carrier 30 conveys the film F intermittently, and sequentially conveys / holds each frame (each image) photographed on the film F to a predetermined reading position. For the 135 size or APS (IX240) For example, a plurality of types according to the size and type of the film F are prepared, and are configured to be detachable from the main body of the scanner 12.
[0019]
In the illustrated example, the carrier 30 basically includes a pair of conveying rollers 40a and 40b, a mask 42 that restricts the reading area of each frame at a predetermined reading position, and a mask 44 that also functions as a pressing member for the film F. It is configured.
The conveyance roller pairs 40a and 40b are known (photographic) film conveyance roller pairs, and are arranged with a predetermined reading position sandwiched in the film F conveyance direction. Since the scanner 12 in the illustrated example performs image reading by surface exposure, the transport roller pair 40a and 40b intermittently transports the film F in the longitudinal direction, so that each frame photographed on the film F is one frame at a time. Then, it is sequentially conveyed to the reading position.
[0020]
Light that has passed through the frame positioned at the reading position (projected light that carries an image) enters the imaging lens unit 32. The imaging lens unit 32 forms an image of the projection light of the film F on the reading unit 34 (light receiving surface of the image sensor).
The reading unit 34 photoelectrically reads an image photographed on the film F using an area CCD sensor, and reads the entire surface of one frame regulated by the mask 42 of the carrier 30 (image reading by surface exposure).
An image signal from the reading unit 34 is amplified by an amplifier 36, converted into a digital image signal by an A / D converter 38, and output to the image processing device 14.
[0021]
In such a scanner 12, when reading the film F, first, the film F is conveyed by the carrier 30, and a frame to be read (usually the first frame or the last frame) is conveyed to the reading position.
Next, under the action of the driver 26, for example, the R LED of the light source 24 is driven to emit R light. The R light is made uniform by the diffusion box 28 in the surface direction of the film F, and then enters and passes through the frame held at the reading position, and becomes the projection light that carries the image photographed in this frame. . The projection light is imaged on the reading unit 34 by the imaging lens unit 32, and the R image of this frame is read photoelectrically.
Thereafter, in the same manner, the G and B LEDs of the light source 24 are sequentially emitted to read the G image and B image of this frame.
[0022]
Here, in the photo printer 10, a fine scan for reading an image at a high resolution for printing or the like for each frame, a fine scan reading condition, and an image processing in the image processing apparatus 14 (the image processing unit 62 or the like). In order to determine the conditions, image scanning is performed twice, that is, pre-scanning, which is image scanning at a low resolution, performed prior to fine scanning.
[0023]
In the illustrated example, pre-scanning and fine scanning are performed frame by frame as an example. When the reading of one frame is completed, the carrier 30 conveys the film F, conveys the frame to be read next to the reading position, and similarly reads the image of this frame.
[0024]
The scanner for supplying the image data of the film F to the image processing apparatus 14 of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, and all known scanners can be used.
Therefore, instead of the LED light source of the three primary colors as shown in the illustrated example, the reading light of the three primary colors may be incident on the film using a white light source and a filter of the three primary colors. In addition to a scanner that performs reading by surface exposure using an area CCD sensor, a scanner that photoelectrically reads the film F by slit scanning using a line CCD sensor may be used.
[0025]
As described above, the digital image signal output from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14.
The image processing device 14 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal sent from the scanner 12 or image data (image file) of a photographed image by a digital camera or the like to produce image data for output.
[0026]
In the illustrated example, the image processing apparatus 14 basically includes a signal processing unit 50, a prescan (frame) memory 52, a fine scan (frame) memory 54, an input processing unit 56, a setup unit 58, a test processing unit 60, an image. A processing unit 62, data conversion units 64 and 66, a storage unit 68, and a red-eye correction unit 70 are included.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a monitor 18 for displaying a test image and the like, designation (calling instruction) of frames (image data) for performing red-eye correction described later, and various input instructions. An operation system 20 (keyboard 20a and mouse 20b) for performing the above is connected.
[0027]
The image signal sent from the scanner 12 is sent to the signal processing unit 50.
The signal processing unit 50 performs predetermined signal correction such as dark correction, DC offset correction, and shading correction on the supplied image signal, and then performs log conversion using a lookup table (hereinafter referred to as LUT) or the like. Thus, image (density) data is obtained.
The signal processor 50 stores the processed prescan image data (hereinafter referred to as prescan data) in the prescan memory 52 (hereinafter referred to as pFM52) and the fan scan image data (hereinafter referred to as fine scan data). ) To a fine scan memory 54 (hereinafter referred to as fFM 54) for storage.
[0028]
As described above, the photo printer 10 can also create a print from image data of an image taken with a digital camera or the like.
Image data of an image taken with a digital camera is usually recorded on a recording medium such as a smart media ^TM or a compact flash ^TM . When the photo printer 10 performs print creation or the like from the image data, the recording medium is read by a reading unit (not shown) connected to the photo printer 10 and the image data (image file) is sent to the input processing unit 56. .
[0029]
The input processing unit 56 stores the supplied image data, converts the stored image data into image data corresponding to the photo printer 10, and stores the image data in the fFM 54 as fine scan data. Pre-scan data is generated by thinning out the scan data and stored in the pFM 52.
[0030]
The setup unit 58 reads the pre-scan data stored in the pFM 52, determines the fine-scan reading conditions, sends the pre-scan data to the scanner 12, and performs image analysis using the pre-scan data. The image processing conditions in the processing unit 621 are determined.
The image processing condition setting method and the image processing method may be known methods. In addition, when the image correction by the operator is entered during the verification, the setup unit 58 corrects the image processing conditions in the verification processing unit 60 and the image processing unit 62 accordingly.
[0031]
The test processing unit 60 reads pre-scan data from the pFM 52, performs predetermined image processing, generates image data of a test image (finished predicted image (simulation image)), and sends the image data to the data conversion unit 64.
The image processing of the pre-scan data in the test processing unit 60 corresponds to the generation of a test image according to the image processing in the image processing unit 62 described later, and the image processing conditions are basically the image processing unit. 62.
[0032]
The data conversion unit 64 supplied with the pre-scan data processed by the test processing unit 60 converts the pre-scan data with a three-dimensional (3D) -LUT or the like to obtain image data corresponding to image display on the display 18. The test image is displayed on the display 18.
Further, the data conversion unit 64 converts the image data supplied from the red-eye correction unit 70 in a red-eye correction mode to be described later, and displays an image after the red-eye correction process or further before the red-eye correction process on the display 18. .
[0033]
On the other hand, the image processing unit 62 reads out fine scan data from the fFM 54, performs image processing, and outputs data as output image data (hereinafter referred to as output image data) corresponding to an output image such as a print image. Etc. and to the storage means 68.
The image processing performed by the image processing unit 62 is not particularly limited. Electronic scaling processing (enlargement / reduction processing), gradation conversion, color / density correction, sharpness processing (sharpening processing), dodging processing (image density) Dynamic range compression processing) and the like.
In the present invention, the image processing unit 62 may perform red-eye correction processing for correcting red eyes as image processing during simultaneous printing or the like. At this time, the red-eye correction process may be performed in the same manner as described later.
[0034]
The data conversion unit 66 converts the output image data supplied from the image processing unit 66 by a 3D-LUT or the like to obtain image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 22 (exposure of photosensitive material (photographic paper)). It is.
[0035]
In the image processing apparatus 14 (photo printer 10) according to the present invention, the image data is not limited to being output to the printer 22.
For example, in addition to the data conversion unit 66, means for converting the output image data processed by the image processing unit 62 into an image file of JPEG format or the like is provided, and the converted image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R. The image data may be output to a means for providing a recording medium on which the image file is recorded.
[0036]
The storage unit 68 is a part that stores the output image data processed by the image processing unit 62 in association with the identification information.
As long as the storage means 68 has a sufficient capacity, various known storage means can be used. Also, the storage means 68 is not built in the image processing apparatus 14 as in the illustrated example, but is stored in the image processing apparatus 14. A connected external server or the like may be used.
[0037]
There is no particular limitation on the identification information, and output image data (corresponding frame (image)) and an image (usually a print) output using this output image data can be associated one-to-one. For example, various types of information can be used, and it is only necessary to obtain and associate them by known means such as use of information supplied from the scanner 12 or acquisition of automatically generated information.
As identification information, for example, a print serial number, a print frame number, an ID number of a film F that has read this image data (hereinafter referred to as film ID), a print output date, a customer ID, a shooting date, a print One or more of the order information such as is exemplified.
[0038]
The storage period of the output image data of each frame in the storage unit 68 is not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate according to the main object of reprinting (remake and reprint) for performing red-eye correction described later.
For example, when the red-eye correction mainly corresponds to remake (reprinting of NG prints discovered by inspection or the like), the storage period may be about 1 to 7 days. On the other hand, if the red-eye correction also corresponds to reprinting (request for extra printing by the customer), it may be about one month.
[0039]
In the illustrated image processing apparatus 14, the storage unit 68 stores the output image data processed by the image processing unit 62. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stored image data is Any output image data can be generated. Therefore, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 3, fine scan data may be stored instead of the output image data, or both output image data and fine scan data may be stored. Further, in addition to these, image data of thumbnail images may be stored.
[0040]
When the fine scan data is stored, it is necessary to perform image processing in the image processing unit 62 during the red-eye correction processing, and in order to eliminate the need for resetting the image processing conditions, fan scan data At the same time, it is necessary to store image processing conditions. On the other hand, if fine scan data is stored, the degree of freedom of reprinting is high, such as changing the print size (cannot be changed drastically), changing the color / density of the image, and supporting various special processes. Thus, it is possible to appropriately respond to various requests.
When only the output image data is stored, it is not possible to cope with a change in print size or the like, but on the other hand, only red-eye correction needs to be performed at the time of reprinting, and good productivity can be ensured. That is, when red-eye correction mainly corresponds to remake, it is most preferable because red-eye correction can be performed while minimizing a decrease in productivity in simultaneous printing or the like.
When the output image data and fine scan data are stored, the storage means 68 requires a large storage capacity, but the inconvenience of storing only one can be solved.
[0041]
Which data is stored may be appropriately determined according to the performance and cost required of the photo printer 10 in consideration of the advantages of the following aspects.
[0042]
The red-eye correction unit 70 reads out output image data of a print (frame (image)) instructed to correct red-eye from the storage unit 68 in the red-eye correction mode set in the photo printer 10, and performs red-eye correction processing. The image data sent to the data converter 64 corresponding to the display 18 is sent to the data converter 66 corresponding to the printer 22 in response to the output instruction (red-eye correction OK).
In addition, the red-eye correction unit 70 preferably sends image data not subjected to red-eye correction (output image data stored in the storage unit 68) to the data conversion unit 64 together with image data subjected to red-eye correction.
[0043]
The red-eye correction mode is basically a work mode corresponding to reprinting (remake or reprinting) for a frame that has once been printed or the like, and is a mode for performing redeye correction processing by reprinting.
In the illustrated example, a frame (output image data) corresponding to a print on which red-eye correction processing is performed is specified using the above-described identification information and the like, and in response to this, the red-eye correction unit 70 outputs a corresponding output image from the storage unit 68. Read data. Here, in the red-eye mode, the designation of this frame is a call (read) instruction from the storage means 68 for the corresponding image data, and the call instruction for this frame is the execution of red-eye correction processing for this frame. The red-eye correction unit 70 automatically performs a red-eye correction process on the output image data read from the storage unit 68.
[0044]
The red-eye correction process in the red-eye correction unit 70 is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used.
As an example, from the image data read out from the storage means 68, the red eyes in the image are automatically detected by image analysis (red eye detection), and further, the correction (red eye correction) is automatically performed by image processing. A red-eye correction processing method is exemplified.
[0045]
There are no particular limitations on the red-eye detection method, and various known methods can be used.
As an example, a method of performing face extraction and detecting pupils and / or red eyes from the extracted face is exemplified.
[0046]
The face extraction may be performed by a known method, for example, a face detection method by edge detection or shape pattern detection; a face detection method by hue extraction or skin color extraction; a candidate area is extracted, and the candidate area is divided into small areas Then, the feature quantity for each area is collated with a preset face area pattern, and the face area is extracted from the accuracy (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-137788); A method of extracting the face area by evaluating the accuracy from the degree of overlap of the candidate areas (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-149018); extracting the face candidate areas and setting the density of each candidate area to a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold value In some cases, a method for extracting a body region by extracting a body region and evaluating the accuracy using the density and saturation contrast of the face and body region (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-148980); Exemplification It is.
[0047]
A method for detecting red eyes from the extracted face area may be performed by a known method.
For example, pupil detection using edge detection, shape pattern detection, position information, hue information, etc. to detect red eyes from hue, etc .; eye detection using edge detection, shape pattern detection, position information, etc. , A method of extracting a low luminance region from the luminance histogram of the eye image data, extracting the pupil region by contracting the extracted low luminance region, and detecting a red eye from a hue or the like; The image feature amount z using the hue or the like is obtained for each pixel, the xyz three-dimensional space is set, the xy plane is divided from the mountain distribution of the z value, and shape information and statistical image features are divided for each divided region. Examples include a method for detecting red eyes from an amount or the like (see JP 2000-76427 A).
[0048]
Further, the detected red-eye correction method is not limited and may be performed by a known method.
For example, a method of correcting red eyes by color conversion or saturation reduction of detected red eyes; a method of correcting the saturation or lightness of all other pixels so as to be close to pixels of the minimum brightness in the detected red eye region -76427)); and the like.
[0049]
In the present invention, the result of red-eye correction by the red-eye correction unit 70 is changed by an image display on the display 18, an operation using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) using the operation unit 20 such as the display image and the mouse 20 b ( The red-eye correction result can be corrected).
The red-eye correction process is preferably a fully automatic process as described above, except for the correction process of the correction result. However, in order to reduce the required cost of the photo printer 10 and the amount of calculation processing, semi-automatic red-eye correction processing using operations by the operator such as designation of the red-eye position by the operator may be used. Or you may enable it to select a fully automatic process and a semiautomatic process suitably.
[0050]
The image data converted by the data converter 66 is output to the printer 22. In the photo printer 10, the printer 22 is a known printer.
As an example, each of the R, G, and B light beams is modulated in accordance with the image data output from the image processing device 14 (data conversion unit 66), and the light beams are deflected in the main scanning direction to obtain a predetermined value. In this recording position, the photosensitive material (printing paper) is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the photosensitive material is scanned and exposed two-dimensionally to record a latent image. And a developing machine (processor) that receives the exposed photosensitive material from the printing machine, performs a predetermined wet development process such as development, bleaching / fixing, washing with water, etc., and outputs it as a (finished) print A printer (printer / processor) consisting of
[0051]
Hereinafter, the operation of the photo printer 10 will be described to describe the present invention in more detail.
In the following description, remake in simultaneous printing or the like is taken as an example, but the red-eye correction processing according to the present invention may be basically performed in the same manner in reprinting.
[0052]
When the film F is set on the carrier 30 of the scanner 12 and an operation start instruction is input, the carrier 30 transports the film F and sets the first reading frame (usually the first frame) as a predetermined reading position.
Next, the light source 24 is driven to sequentially emit the R, G, and B reading lights, and as described above, a pre-scan for coarsely reading the image is performed. When supplied, the reading light of R, G, and B is sequentially emitted again to perform fine scanning, and the reading unit 34 reads the image of this frame.
When the reading of one frame is completed, the carrier 30 transports the film F, transports the next frame to the reading position, and similarly performs image reading on this frame. Read sequentially.
[0053]
The image signal read by the reading unit 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 38, and sent to the image processing device 14.
In the image processing apparatus 14, first, the signal processing unit 50 performs predetermined correction processing such as dark correction on the supplied image signal, and then performs log conversion to digital image data, and prescan data is transferred to the pFM 52. Fine scan data is stored in the fFM 54, respectively.
[0054]
When the pre-scan data is stored in the pFM 52, the setup unit 58 reads out, performs image analysis, sets fine scan reading conditions and sends them to the scanner 12, and sets image processing conditions for this frame (image). Then, it is set in the test processing unit 60 and the image processing unit 62.
When the image processing conditions are set, the test processing unit 60 reads the prescan data from the pFM 52, performs image processing, and sends it to the data conversion unit 64 as image data of the test image. The data conversion unit 64 converts the supplied image data of the test image into image data for display, and displays it on the display 18 as a test image.
[0055]
When the test image is displayed, the test is performed by the operator, and the image is corrected (correction of the image processing conditions) as necessary. If the test is OK, the output instruction of this frame is issued, The image processing conditions for the frame are determined, and then the process proceeds to the next image (next frame) test.
The fine scan data of the corresponding frame is read by the image processing unit 62 according to the output instruction by the verification OK, the image processing is performed according to the determined image processing condition, and the image data is sent to the data conversion unit 66 as output image data.
Further, the image processing unit 62 also sends this output image data to the storage unit 68. The storage unit 68 stores the supplied output image data and the above-described identification information in association with each other.
[0056]
The data conversion unit 66 converts the output image data by a 3D-LUT or the like, converts the image data into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 22, and sends the image data to the printer 22.
[0057]
The printer 22 supplied with the image data from the data converter 66 forms a latent image by scanning and exposing the photosensitive material with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data in the printing machine, and then developing the latent image. In the machine, the exposed photosensitive material is subjected to a predetermined wet development process, dried, and output as a (finished) print.
[0058]
In this way, the print output from the photo printer 10 is subjected to inspection at a predetermined timing, and reprinting is performed for prints determined to be NG (unsuitable).
In such reprinting, when red-eye correction is performed, the photo printer 10 is set to the red-eye correction mode according to an instruction from the operator.
[0059]
In the red-eye correction mode, first, an operator designates a frame (image) corresponding to a print for which red-eye correction is performed, that is, an instruction to call the corresponding image data from the storage unit 68 is performed. It should be noted that the instruction to call a frame for red-eye correction may be issued for a plurality of frames at once.
As described above, an instruction for calling a frame for performing red-eye correction can be performed by inputting the identification information, specifically, a print serial number, a print frame number, a film ID, or the like using the keyboard 20a or the like. Good. Alternatively, the image of the corresponding image data may be displayed on the display in response to an input such as a film ID or print output date and time, and an operator may call and instruct a frame for red-eye correction processing using a GUI or the like.
[0060]
As described above, in the red-eye correction mode, the call instruction for this frame is an instruction to execute the red-eye correction process for this frame. Therefore, the red-eye correction unit 70 reads out the corresponding output image data from the storage means 68 in response to the input of the call instruction for the frame, and then automatically performs the fully automatic red-eye correction process as described above. Then, the image data subjected to the red-eye correction is sent to the data converter 64 for the display 18.
The red-eye correction unit 70 preferably also sends output image data that is not subjected to further red-eye correction processing to the data conversion unit 64.
[0061]
The data conversion unit 64 converts both image data into image data corresponding to the display on the display 18, and displays the both on the display 64 as an image in which both are arranged. A schematic diagram of an example of this display screen is shown in FIG.
The operator confirms the red-eye correction result, and if there is a pupil for further red-eye correction, the “add” button is pressed (clicked) using the mouse 20b or the like. In response to this, the red-eye correction unit 70 performs red-eye detection and red-eye correction again, and sends the corrected image to the data conversion unit 64.
If correction of the red-eye correction result is necessary, the “correct” button is pressed to correct the red-eye correction result using the mouse 20b or the like (for example, the red-eye correction image Modify). The pressing of the “correct” button may be an instruction to delete the red-eye correction result (return it to before correction).
[0062]
When full-eye red-eye correction is appropriate, or when red-eye correction is appropriate due to correction or the like, the operator presses the “OK” button. In response to this, the red-eye correction unit 70 sends the image data subjected to red-eye correction to the data conversion unit 66. The “test” button is a test print instruction.
Thereafter, processing is performed in the same manner as in simultaneous printing, and the image data converted by the data converter 66 is supplied to the printer 22, and the printer 22 outputs a print (reprint) of this frame.
[0063]
Note that the red-eye correction check and correction described above may be performed one frame at a time (as-needed confirmation method), or multiple frames may be confirmed at one time (collective confirmation method). Switching may be possible.
[0064]
In a conventional photo printer, even when red-eye correction processing is performed by reprinting such as reprinting or remake, image reading of film F, that is, pre-scanning and main scanning (in the case of printing from a digital camera, re-reading of photographed image data) is performed. As described above, it is necessary to perform image processing condition setting to image processing to red-eye correction processing, and the operability and productivity (processing efficiency) are poor.
On the other hand, according to the present invention in which image data for output and fine scan data are stored and the corresponding image data is read out and red-eye correction processing is performed in accordance with a red-eye correction instruction, red-eye correction in reprinting is performed. Also when performing, it is not necessary to read the image of the film, and operability and productivity can be improved. Furthermore, if output image data is stored as in the above embodiment, image processing such as setting of image processing conditions and color / density correction are not required, and reprinting with red-eye correction processing is possible. Yes, it is possible to further improve the productivity of simultaneous printing by performing the red-eye correction process.
[0065]
As described above, the red-eye correction method and the image processing apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course it is good.
[0066]
For example, in the above example, the red-eye correction mode is set, and in this mode, the designation (calling instruction) of the frame (image) to be reprinted is the execution instruction for the red-eye correction processing for this frame. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the red-eye correction mode may not be provided, and the above-described red-eye correction may be performed by specifying a frame and instructing a red-eye correction process. Alternatively, even in a mode having the red-eye correction mode, the red-eye correction process may be appropriately performed in accordance with the frame designation and the red-eye correction process instruction input in the other work modes. .
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the red-eye correction process at the time of reprinting can be performed efficiently without the need to re-read the image. In the digital photo printer, the red-eye correction process can be performed efficiently. Operability and productivity can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a digital photo printer having an example of an image processing apparatus of the present invention that implements an example of a red-eye correction method of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the scanner of the digital photo printer shown in FIG.
3 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen for a red-eye correction result.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 (digital) photo printer 12 scanner 14 image processing device 18 display 20 operation system 22 printer 24 light source 26 driver 28 diffusion box 30 carrier 32 imaging lens unit 34 reading unit 36 amplifier 38 A / D converter 40 transport roller pair 42, 44 mask 50 signal processing unit 52 pFM (pre-scan memory)
54 fFM (Fine Scan Memory)
56 Input processing unit 58 Setup unit 60 Verification processing unit 62 Image processing unit 64, 66 Data conversion unit 68 Storage means 70 Red-eye correction unit

Claims (4)

When the original image data is processed and output image data is generated and output, at least one of the original image data and the output image data is stored in the storage means, and the output image data output previously When instructed to correct the red-eye of the image, the corresponding original image data or output image data is read from the storage means, the red-eye correction process is performed on the image data, and the output image data is generated again. A red-eye correction method characterized by that. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on supplied original image data to generate and output image data for output,
Storage means for storing at least one of the original image data and the output image data in association with the identification information of the image related to the output image data output previously;
When the red-eye correction of the image of the output image data output previously is instructed, the original image data or the output image data of the image instructed to correct the red-eye from the storage means is used using the identification information of the image. An image processing apparatus comprising red-eye correction means for performing read-out and red-eye correction processing. As the processing mode, a mode for red-eye correction is set,
In this mode, the red-eye correction means automatically uses the identification information as an image call instruction as a red-eye correction instruction for the image, and automatically adds red-eye to the original image data or output image data of the image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein correction processing is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit configured to display an image after red-eye correction by the red-eye correction unit or an image before red-eye correction together with the image after red-eye correction.

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