JP2004170970A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system capable of stably reproducing an image whose colors and density are similar to those of an image printed at the same time when the image is printed again. <P>SOLUTION: The system has an acquiring means of acquiring identification information for identifying respective frames of a film on which images are photographed, a storage means of storing the identification information that the acquiring means acquires and information on image processing of forming prints where images of respective frames photographed on the film are reproduced so that both the pieces of information correspond to each other, and a condition setting means of setting image processing conditions corresponding to the images photographed on the film at the time of print formation and setting image processing conditions according to information corresponding to the identification information which is read out of the storage means according to the identification information that the acquiring means acquires when a print is formed again, and reproducingly performs the image processing again according to the information on the image processing when the image is printed again, to solve the problem described above. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a print system that outputs a print (photograph) that reproduces an image photographed on a film.

  Currently, printing of images taken on photographic films (hereinafter referred to as films) such as negative films and reversal films onto photosensitive materials (printing paper) is performed by projecting the film images onto photosensitive materials and exposing the photosensitive materials to surface exposure. The so-called direct exposure (analog exposure) is performed.

  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. Digital photo printers that print image data (latent images) by scanning and exposing a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data and printing are put into practical use.

With digital photo printers, images can be converted into digital image data, and the exposure conditions during printing can be determined by image data processing. Therefore, correction of image skipping and blurring caused by backlighting, flash photography, etc., color feria and density Various kinds of image processing that was impossible or difficult with conventional direct exposure, such as correction of feria, correction of underexposure and overexposure, correction of insufficient amount of peripheral light, sharpness processing, etc. with high flexibility And a very high-quality print can be obtained as compared with direct exposure. In addition, a plurality of images can be combined, divided into images, and characters can be combined by image data processing. A print that is freely edited / processed according to the application can be output.
Further, according to the digital photo printer, not only the image can be output as a print (photograph) but also the image data can be supplied to a computer or the like, or can be stored in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk. Therefore, the image data can be used for various purposes other than photography.

  Such a digital photo printer basically has a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film by a CCD sensor or the like, and various image processing (image data processing) on the image data read by the scanner. The image processing device for determining the exposure condition of the output image data, that is, the photosensitive material to be printed, and the photosensitive material is exposed with recording light such as a light beam modulated according to the image data determined by the image processing device. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a printer (image recording apparatus) that performs a predetermined development process on the exposed photosensitive material (finished) and outputs it as a print.

By the way, in the case of printing using a film, there is often a request for so-called extra printing in which an image of the same frame is printed a plurality of times. In this case, the color and density of the image reproduced on the print match between the previous print (usually the print that was output during simultaneous printing) and the print that is output after reprinting (reprint). It is required that
However, there are many cases in which the color and density of the image differ between the previous print and reprint due to differences in the print system, operator judgment and operation, and there are many complaints from customers.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and in a printing system that outputs a print that reproduces an image taken on a photographic film or an image taken with a digital camera, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of stably reproducing an image having the same color and density as the image of the previous print when reprinting is performed according to the above.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the printing system of the present invention is a printing system that performs image processing on an image photographed on a film and outputs a print that reproduces the image as a visible image. An acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying each frame of the film on which the image was shot; an identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a print that reproduces the image of each frame shot on the film The storage means for storing the information of the image processing in association with each other, and setting the image processing conditions according to the image photographed on the film at the time of print creation, and at the time of reprint creation of the print, In accordance with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, image processing information corresponding to the identification information is read from the storage means, and image processing conditions are determined according to the image processing information. And a condition setting means for setting the time of reprinting, to provide a printing system which reproduces executing image processing based on the information of the image processing.

  In the second aspect of the printing system of the present invention, image processing is performed on an image recorded on a film or image data supplied from an image data supply source, and the image or image data recorded on the film is carried. A print system for outputting a print in which an image is reproduced as a visible image, the acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying each frame corresponding to the image, the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, and each frame At least one of the storage means for storing the information of the image processing at the time of creating the print reproducing the image in association with each other, and at the time of print creation or output of digital image data for print creation, Identification information acquired by the acquisition means by setting image processing conditions based on an image or image data Searching the storage means based on image processing information corresponding to the identification information, and setting condition processing means for setting image processing conditions based on the searched image processing information, and at the time of creating a reprint, Provided is a print system that reproduces and executes image processing based on image processing information.

  In such a print system of the present invention, the image processing information includes the type of image processing performed in common for one case, the type of image processing performed for each frame, the order of image processing performed, image processing conditions, One or more selected from image processing related data, and the image processing condition is selected from parameters used in each image processing, application range of image processing, reference destination of related data, and control parameters related to hardware control of the system It is preferable that it is 1 or more.

  Further, the printing system photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film, performs image processing on the obtained input image data to obtain output image data, and a photosensitive material using recording light modulated according to the output image data. A digital print system that creates a print by exposing the film or photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film and sensitizes it with the projection light of the film subjected to optical image processing according to the obtained input image data An analog printing system for exposing a material to create a print, wherein the storage means further includes an image feature amount of input image data at the time of previous printing, input image data at the time of previous printing, and at the time of previous printing Reduced image data of input image data, resolution conversion image data of input image data at the time of previous printing, destination Compressed image data of input image data at the time of printing, image feature amount of output image data at the time of previous printing, output image data at the time of previous printing, reduced image data of output image data at the time of previous printing, at the time of previous printing Resolution image data of the output image data in the image, compressed image data of the output image data at the time of the previous print, image feature amount of the output print at the time of the previous print, image data of the output print at the time of the previous print, at the time of the previous print At least one selected from reduced image data of output print image data, resolution-converted image data of output print image data at the time of previous printing, and compressed image data of output image print data at the time of previous printing And the above condition The determination unit reads at least one of the image feature amount and image data stored in the storage unit in addition to the image processing information, and the image feature amount and / or image data at the time of the previous printing, and at the time of reprinting It is preferable to set the image processing conditions at the time of reprinting so as to reduce the difference between the image feature amount and / or the image data.

  Further, the identification information includes film information for identifying a film main body and frame number information, and the acquisition means records on a storage medium formed on the film, describes on the film, Label affixed to film, description on film container, label affixed to film container, optical recording on film, bar code recorded on film, DX code, extended DX code, when first printed Preferably, the identification information is obtained from at least one selected from the group consisting of the date information, customer information at the lab vendor, and processing number data of the lab vendor.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to have means for creating film information for identifying the main body of the film, and means for providing the film information created by the creating means to the film and / or the film container, and the storage means is a film. Is preferably at least one of a storage medium, a storage system inside and / or outside of the printing system, and a database owned by a laboratory company, and instead of film, image data is supplied from an image data supply source. It is preferable to output a print in which an image carried by the image data is reproduced as a visible image. Further, the digital image data is output instead of or in addition to the print, and the digital image data and its identification information are output. As well as image processing information, and reproduce this digital image data. It is preferable to create a print.

  Furthermore, in the second aspect of the printing system of the present invention, when outputting the digital image data at the time of the previous printing instead of or in addition to printing, the condition setting means includes the digital image data and the digital image data It is preferable to search for identification information and further information on image processing during reprinting, and then create a print that reproduces the digital image data.

  By having the above-described configuration, the printing system of the present invention can stably reproduce an image reproduced in the simultaneous printing and an image having the same color and density at the time of reprinting. The corresponding reprint can be suitably output.

  Hereinafter, the printing system of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer according to the printing system of the present invention.
A digital photo printer (hereinafter referred to as photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 is basically a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image taken on a photographic film F (hereinafter referred to as film F). 12, image processing of image data (image information) read by the scanner 12, selection / setting / change of image processing conditions, operation and control of the entire photo printer 10, and image processing apparatus And a printer (image recording device) 16 that exposes the photosensitive material A with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data processed in 14, develops it (finished), and outputs it as a print P. .

  Further, the image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting various settings (settings), processing selection and instructions, instructions for color / density correction, and the like, and a scanner. 12 is connected to a display 20 that displays the image read in 12, various operation instructions, various condition setting / registration screens, and the like.

  The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image shot on a film F or the like one frame at a time. The light source 22, a variable aperture 24, and three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). A color filter plate 26 that has three color filters R, G, and B to be decomposed and rotates to act on the optical path of the arbitrary color filter, and the reading light incident on the film F is the surface of the film F A diffusion box 28 that is uniform in the direction, an imaging lens unit 32, a CCD sensor 34 that is an area sensor that reads an image of one frame of a film, and an amplifier 36 are configured.

In the illustrated photo printer 10, the type and size of a film such as a cartridge of a new photo system (Advanced Photo System) or a negative (or reversal) film of 135 size, the form of strips or slides, trimming, etc. A dedicated carrier that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared in accordance with the type of processing and the like, and various films and processing can be handled by exchanging the carrier.
When reading an image shot on a 135-size negative film or a film of an IX240 cartridge of the new photo system, each frame to be printed is sequentially transported to a predetermined reading position by a carrier and shot on these frames. Images are read sequentially.
A carrier corresponding to the cartridge of the new photographic system is provided with a magnetic head for reading information recorded on the magnetic recording medium formed on the film of the new photographic system and recording information. The information recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film is read by the carrier and sent from the scanner 12 main body to a necessary part such as the image processing apparatus 14 or the information from the image processing apparatus 14 etc. is sent from the scanner 12 main body. It is transferred to a carrier and recorded on a film magnetic recording medium.

In such a scanner 12, the reading light emitted from the light source 22, adjusted in light quantity by the variable aperture 24, passed through the color filter plate 26, adjusted in color, and diffused in the diffusion box 28 enters the film F. , The projection light carrying the image of the frame photographed on the film F is obtained.
The projection light of the film F is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32, is read photoelectrically by the CCD sensor 34, and the output signal is amplified by the amplifier 36 to the image processing device 14. Sent.
The CCD sensor 34 is an area CCD sensor of 1380 × 920 pixels, for example. Further, in the illustrated apparatus, the CCD sensor 34 is configured to be two-dimensionally movable in the pixel arrangement direction by an amount corresponding to a half pixel, whereby the number of read pixels is apparently increased to four times. Can do.

In the scanner 12, such image reading is performed three times by sequentially inserting each color filter of the color filter plate 26, thereby separating and reading one frame image into the three primary colors of R, G, and B.
Here, in the photo printer 10, normally, prior to image reading (main scanning) for outputting the print P, pre-scanning for reading an image at a low resolution is performed in order to determine image processing conditions and the like. Accordingly, at this time, a total of six image readings are performed in one frame.

  The photo printer 10 in the illustrated example photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film such as a negative or a reversal by the scanner 12 and creates a print P that reproduces the image. However, in the print system of the present invention, In addition to this, a scanner that photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film by slit scanning using a line CCD sensor corresponding to reading of R, G, and B images, an image reading device that reads an image of a reflection original, and a digital camera Various images such as imaging devices such as digital video cameras, communication means such as LAN (Local Area Network) and computer communication networks, media such as memory cards, MO (magneto-optical recording media), and photo CDs (recording media) Images from various image data supply sources such as reading means, imaging means, image data storage means, etc. It receives the image data which carries, may create a print P obtained by reproducing the image.

As described above, the output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the image processing apparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing device 14 (hereinafter referred to as the processing device 14) includes a data conversion unit 38, a data processing unit 54, a pre-scan (frame) memory 40, a main scan (frame) memory 42, a press. A can image processing unit 44, a main scan image processing unit 46, and a condition setting unit 48 are included.
FIG. 2 mainly shows image processing-related parts. In addition to this, 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 A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the printer 10 and the like, means for determining an aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and an accumulation time of the CCD sensor 34, and the like are arranged. It is connected to each part via a CPU bus.

The R, G, and B output signals output from the scanner 12 are first converted into digital image data (input image data) by A / D (analog / digital) conversion and log conversion in the data converter 38. Subsequently, the data processing unit 54 performs predetermined processing such as DC offset correction, dark correction, and shading correction, and the prescan image data is stored in the prescan memory 40 and the main scan image data is stored in the main scan memory 42. Each is stored (stored).
The pre-scan (image) data and the main scan (image) data are basically the same data except that the pixel density and the signal level are different. In the illustrated apparatus, the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 at the time of the main scan is set based on the pre-scan data, so that both data have different signal levels.

The prescan data stored in the prescan memory 40 is processed in the prescan image processing unit 44, and the main scan data stored in the main scan memory 42 is processed in the main scan image processing unit 46, respectively.
The prescan image processing unit 44 includes an image processing unit 50 and a signal processing unit 52. On the other hand, the main scan image processing unit 46 includes an image processing unit 60 and a signal processing unit 62.

  Both the image processing unit 50 (hereinafter referred to as processing unit 50) of the pre-scan image processing unit 44 and the image processing unit 60 (hereinafter referred to as processing unit 60) of the main scan image processing unit 46 will be described in detail later. This is a part that performs predetermined image processing on the image (image data) read by the scanner 12 in accordance with the image processing conditions set by the condition setting unit 48. Both perform basically the same processing except that the pixel density of the image data to be processed is different.

  Image processing in the processing unit 50 and the processing unit 60 includes basic processing such as gray balance adjustment (color balance adjustment), contrast correction (gradation processing), and brightness correction, as well as the image state (by the scanner 12). Scanned image data), geometric distortion correction, density unevenness correction (peripheral light amount correction), sharpness processing, dodging processing, special finishing (cross) performed according to customer requests or operator instructions Filter processing, soft focus finish, black and white finish, sepia finish, etc.), emphasis / bokeh processing, face area processing (density, skin tone, emphasis / blurring, etc.), red eye correction, partial eyes, hair, lips, etc. Processing and correction of various shapes and colors, correction of scratches on the film, aspect ratio change (magnification) processing such as thinning of a person, images (different images and characters), characters, etc. Synthesis, 1 or more, such as an electronic variable scale magnification process in such a trimming is illustrated.

Each of these corrections may be performed by a known method, and is performed by appropriately combining image processing calculation, LUT (lookup table) processing, matrix calculation, filter processing, and the like.
For example, the gray balance adjustment, brightness correction, and contrast correction are all correction (adjustment) tables created according to image feature amounts such as highlight (lowest density), shadow (highest density), and average density. The method using is illustrated. Note that these correction tables are normally created for each of R, G, and B colors. Further, the gray balance adjustment LUT and the gradation correction LUT may be created by accumulating image data for one film F.
The sharpness processing is performed by creating an image obtained by averaging the original images (first averaged image) and an image obtained by further averaging the first averaged image, and multiplying the difference between the two by a sharpness correction coefficient. A method of adding the first averaged image to the obtained image is exemplified.
In the dodging process, a blurred image (data) is generated by filter processing using a luminance signal obtained by converting image data, an IIR filter, etc., and an LUT or an arithmetic expression is created using the blurred image. A method for imparting a dodging effect by compressing or expanding a high density area and a low density area using processed image data to compress / expand the dynamic range of the original image while maintaining the intermediate gradation. Examples thereof (see JP-A-9-18704, JP-A-9-182093, and Japanese Patent Application No. 9-207941).
The geometric distortion correction and the peripheral light amount correction are mainly for correcting image distortion and light amount decrease in the peripheral portion of the image taken with an inexpensive camera such as a lens-attached film. Since the pixel position shift and the light amount decrease due to this distortion can be expressed by a function formula, a method for creating this function formula and correcting the pixel position so that each pixel is at an appropriate position using this function formula, and A method for performing density correction for the amount of decrease in peripheral light is exemplified. Also, this function formula is usually created for each of R, G, and B colors.
Further, as a method of correcting a scratch on the film, a method of designating an unnecessary area such as a scratch by a monitor test and replacing the image data of the unnecessary area with background image data around the unnecessary area is exemplified. (See Japanese Patent Application No. 9-69366).

The signal processing unit 52 of the pre-scan image processing unit 44 is a part that converts the image data processed by the processing unit 50 using an LUT or the like, and generates image data corresponding to display on the display 20.
On the other hand, the signal processing unit 62 of the main scan image processing unit 46 converts the image data (output image data) processed by the processing unit 60 into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16 and supplies the image data to the printer 16. It is a part. As will be described in detail later, the printer 16 scans and exposes a photosensitive material (photographic paper) with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data, forms a latent image, performs a predetermined development process, and outputs it as a print. . Note that processing conditions such as an image data conversion table set in the signal processing unit 62 may also be stored as image processing conditions.

Image processing and image processing conditions performed by the processing unit 50 of the prescan image processing unit 44 and the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46 are set by a condition setting unit 48.
The condition setting unit 48 includes an image processing condition setting unit 64, an identification information acquisition unit 66, a key correction unit 70, and a parameter integration unit 72. Also, the parameter integration unit 72 stores identification information for identifying each frame of the film F that has been previously printed (usually at the time of simultaneous printing) and image processing information of the frame in association with each other. A storage means 68 is connected.

An image processing condition setting unit 64 (hereinafter referred to as a setting unit 64) further performs pre-printing in response to a pre-scan image, or a main part (area) extracted from the pre-scan image, an instruction from an operator, and the like. Uses the image processing information stored in the storage unit 68 to set the image processing conditions for the display and output images in the processing units 50 and 60, and supplies them to the parameter integration unit 72.
Specifically, the setting unit 64 creates density histograms from pre-scan data, average density, highlight (lowest density), shadow (highest density), LATD (large area transmission density), maximum and minimum values of the histogram. The image feature amount such as value density is calculated, or the main part (region) such as a person's face is extracted as necessary, and the obtained image feature amount and the main part, further the operator's instruction, The image processing to be executed and the execution order are determined from the above-described various image processing in accordance with the information on the image processing, and the image processing conditions are further determined and supplied to the parameter integration unit 72.

The method for extracting the main part is not particularly limited. For example, a method in which the operator designates one point of the main part with the mouse 18b or the like and extracts the main part from the continuity of the image (color, shape, etc.), mouse 18b A method of cutting out the main part using, for example, is illustrated.
Also, a known main part extraction algorithm may be used. For example, it is estimated that it corresponds to a method for extracting a specific color, a method for extracting a specific shape pattern, or a background disclosed in JP-A-9-138470. A plurality of different main part extraction methods such as region removal methods are evaluated in advance to determine the weight, the main part is extracted with each extraction method, the extracted main part is weighted with the determined weight, and the result is According to the method for determining and extracting the main part accordingly, other methods such as JP-A-4-346333, JP-A-5-158164, JP-A-5-165120, JP-A-6-160993, JP-A-8-184925, and JP-A-9-101579. The main part extraction method disclosed in each publication such as No. 9-138471 can be suitably used.

The key correction unit 70 calculates the adjustment amount of the image processing conditions in accordance with instructions such as color adjustment, density adjustment, and contrast (gradation) adjustment input from the keyboard 18a and mouse 18b of the operation system 18, and integrates the parameters. This is supplied to the unit 72.
For example, when there is an input of color adjustment from the operation system 18, a correction amount corresponding to the input is calculated by the key correction unit 70, and a gray balance adjustment table according to the correction amount is calculated by the parameter integration unit 72. Is corrected, and if there is an input for density adjustment, the table for brightness correction is similarly adjusted, and if there is an input for contrast adjustment, the correction table for contrast is similarly adjusted.

The parameter integration unit 72 receives the image processing conditions set by the setting unit 64, sets the supplied image processing conditions in the processing unit 50 of the prescan image processing unit 44 and the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46, Furthermore, the image processing conditions set for each part are adjusted according to the adjustment amount calculated by the key correction unit 70.
The parameter integration unit 72 also identifies the identification information of each frame acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 66 and the image processing of this frame during simultaneous printing (or when there is no instruction for reprinting). This information is sent to the storage means 68, and when reprinting is performed, the image processing information of the frame is read from the storage means 68 in accordance with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 66.

The identification information acquisition unit 66 is a part that acquires identification information for identifying a frame to be printed and sends it to the parameter integration unit 72 at the time of print creation.
In order to identify each frame of the film F, the discriminating means of the film F main body and the information of the frame number of each frame of the film are necessary. The identification information is, for example, the identification information (identification of the film F main body) Number, identification ID, identification code, etc.) and a frame number. The identification information may be unique to the frame, that is, the output print (image), irrespective of the film.
The identification information acquisition unit 66 acquires this identification information by various methods according to the type of film, the management system of the laboratory contractor, etc. at the time of previous printing and reprinting.

For example, when the film F is the film (cartridge) of the above-mentioned new photographic system, the cartridge ID number and the frame number of each frame are recorded as magnetic information on the magnetic recording medium of the film, so the cartridge ID Using the number as the film identification number, the identification information acquisition unit 66 acquires the identification information of the frame to be printed from the magnetic information read by the scanner 12 (the carrier attached to the scanner 12).
The cartridge ID number is usually also written on the cartridge, so the operator looks at it and inputs the ID number and frame number of the cartridge for which a reprint request has been received using the keyboard 18a or the like. Also good.

For other than the new photo system, when printing simultaneously (development and creation of film F), print date and time, customer, developing machine that developed the film, various information included in DX code and extended DX code, etc. The identification information of the film F is determined according to the above, and this is recorded in the film F (outside the image area) or in the bag or case containing the film F. At the time of simultaneous printing or reprinting, The identification information acquisition unit 66 may acquire the identification information when the operator inputs using the keyboard 18a or the like.
The identification information is not written directly on the film F or bag, but may be attached with a label on which the identification information is recorded, or a barcode indicating the identification information of the film F is attached with a label, The identification information of the film F may be read with a barcode reader.
Further, the identification information of the film F, the barcode indicating the identification information, and the like may be optically recorded on the film F before development, and a visible image may be obtained by development. At this time, when the film F to be returned to the customer is cut into negative pieces of 4 to 6 frames, it is preferable to record identification information and the like for each negative piece.
These methods can also be used in the new photographic system, and the determined identification information may be magnetically recorded and used instead of the cartridge ID.

Further, the identification information may be recorded on the back side of the print together with the back print (back side print) normally recorded on the print, may be recorded inside or outside the image area of the print, and the index print The identification information of each frame may be recorded in The identification information may be converted into a barcode as in the previous example. In the case of a new photo system, the cartridge ID and frame number recorded in the index print may be used as identification information.
Also in this case, the identification information acquisition unit 66 may acquire the identification information when the operator inputs the identification information of the film F using the keyboard 18a, a barcode reader, or the like at the time of simultaneous printing or reprinting. .

Such determination of identification information (including the barcode) and application to the film F or the like may be automatically performed.
For example, when the film F is mounted on the scanner 12 (carrier), identification information is automatically determined by the processing device 14 and sent to the identification information acquisition unit 66, and a label is created and pasted by the identification information. This label is attached to the film F that has been provided and has been read (printed).
Further, when developing the film F, the identification information is automatically determined by the control unit of the film developing machine (film processor), and this is optically applied to areas other than the image area of the film F (for example, unused areas at the front end and the end). Or, a label is prepared and attached, and a label on which identification information is written is attached to the developed film.

  Further, when the identification information is applied to a film or the like in a state where optical reading or the like is possible, the optical reading is automatically performed by the scanner 12 (carrier) or the like during simultaneous printing or reprinting. Thus, the identification information income unit 66 may automatically acquire the identification information. Further, this reading may be performed using a barcode reading means such as a DX code that is normally arranged on the carrier.

  In addition, if the lab contractor (lab shop) manages the customer ID, the simultaneous print request date, the processing number data, etc., the film F main body can be specified from these combinations. The film F may be used as identification information.

  Alternatively, in a (digital) photo printer, image data of an image can be stored as a file in a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and the image file name may be used as identification information.

  In any case, the frame number is recorded in each frame at the time of film production, so that it may be used or optically recorded on the film F instead of the frame number. A barcode, DX code, extended DX code, or the like may be used. The identification information acquisition unit 66 obtains a frame number by counting with the scanner 12 (carrier), reading a barcode recorded on the film F, or inputting by an operator. Get it.

The storage means 68 stores the above-mentioned film F frame identification information and the image processing information of this frame in association with each other.
The stored image processing information is image processing information for reproducing the same image processing as that of the previous print at the time of reprinting. For example, the type of image processing performed, the order of image processing, and the image processing conditions Or it is a parameter, related data, etc. for reproducing this.

  The image processing conditions or parameters and related data for reproducing them are various information that can reproduce the previous image processing (conditions) depending on the image processing to be performed, specifically, created for image processing. Examples include LUTs, processing arithmetic expressions, coefficients applied to predetermined image processing arithmetic expressions, information on areas subjected to image processing, synthesized image or character data files, and the like.

More specifically, for example, the gray balance adjustment, the brightness correction, and the contrast correction, as described above, create an LUT for correcting these, and perform the correction and adjustment by this LUT. , G and B) for each color. As described above, when the gray balance adjustment LUT and the gradation correction LUT are created from the image data for one film F, this may be stored as information common to all frames of the target film F. .
In the sharpness processing, the above-described sharpness correction coefficient is stored.
Also in the dodging process, image data is processed by setting an LUT and a processing operation, and the dynamic range is compressed / processed using the image data obtained by the processing, so the LUT or the processing operation is stored.
The geometric distortion correction and the peripheral light amount correction are performed by creating a function equation indicating pixel position deviation or light amount decrease, and the function equation is stored. In addition, when the function formula is created for each color, each is stored. Further, since this function equation is the same for all frames of one film F, it may be stored as information on the film F. Alternatively, instead of these functional expressions, a correction (two-dimensional) table indicating pixel position deviation and light amount reduction may be created and stored.
When the flaw on the film is corrected, the designated flaw position and the background pixel data (a part thereof) replaced with the flaw are stored.
In addition, when images and characters such as characters and other images are synthesized, the file name and composition position of the synthesized characters and images are modified when the face area is processed or partially modified. The area / color / density and shape correction data, when the aspect ratio change process is performed, the aspect ratio is changed, when trimming is performed, the change ratio is changed, and when special processing is performed, Each parameter corresponding to the process is stored.

  Further, as described above, the processing device 14 extracts the main area such as the face area and sets the image processing conditions as necessary, so that, for example, when only the face area is corrected, etc. Also, information on the face area is stored.

The storage means 68 for storing the identification information and the image processing information is not particularly limited, and various means can be used.
For example, when the film F is a new photographic system, a magnetic recording medium formed on the film F may be used as the storage unit 68. However, since the storage capacity of the magnetic recording medium formed on the film F is limited, it is necessary to consider that a large amount of information cannot be stored when this is used.
Further, a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or an IC card may be used as the storage unit 68. At this time, the recording medium is delivered to the customer together with the print, and the recording medium is supplied from the customer together with the film F at the time of reprinting, and is read by a drive or the like connected to the photo printer 10.
When a laboratory company (store) has created a database of customers, this database may be used as the storage means 68. In addition, if these pieces of information are stored permanently, the amount of information becomes enormous. Therefore, it is preferable that this storage be performed for a predetermined period. For example, since a reprint request is generally within one month from simultaneous printing, the storage period may be about one month from simultaneous printing.
Alternatively, when a processing computer 14 or a personal computer owned by a laboratory contractor is connected to a communication means such as a computer communication network such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network) and a request for reprinting of the film F is received, The image processing information may be obtained by accessing the database of another laboratory company that has performed the previous printing, and the personal computer owned by the customer is used as the storage means 68 for the identification information and the image processing at the time of simultaneous printing. Information may be stored and image processing information may be obtained by accessing during reprinting.

Further, as described above, when an image or character such as a character or another image is synthesized, if the image or character data (hereinafter referred to as reference data) is unique to the customer, this The reference data itself may be recorded on a recording medium that is delivered to the customer or on the customer's personal computer.
Alternatively, if the amount of reference data information is greater than the predetermined amount, the reference data itself is stored in a laboratory vendor's database for a certain period, and the reference data file name and access destination information are recorded on a recording medium that is passed to the customer. May be.
Furthermore, if the reference data is general-purpose, such as when the reference data is from a specific pattern or some database, the file name and access destination information of the reference data are given to the customer. You may record on the recording medium etc. to pass.

  As described above, when the print image data is stored as a file in a recording medium such as a floppy disk, identification information and image processing information may be added as data attached to the image file. .

As described above, the image data processed by the processing device 14 is sent to the printer 16.
A schematic diagram of the printer 16 is shown in FIG.
The printer 16 includes a driver 80, an exposure unit 82, and a development unit 84. The printer 16 performs, for example, pulse width modulation of the light beam L in accordance with image data sent from the processing device 14, and generates a photosensitive material A. To expose.

Image data from the processing device 14 is sent to the driver 80.
The driver 80 converts the image data sent from the processing device 14 (signal processing unit 62) into a pulse width modulation drive signal of the AOM 86 corresponding to the recorded image (exposure amount), and drives each AOM 86. .

  The exposure unit 82 scans and exposes the photosensitive material A by light beam scanning and records an image of the image data on the photosensitive material A, and is formed on the photosensitive material A as conceptually shown in FIG. A light source 88R that emits a light beam in a narrow band wavelength range corresponding to the exposure of the R photosensitive layer, a light source 88G corresponding to the exposure of the G photosensitive layer, and a light source 88B corresponding to the exposure of the B photosensitive layer. Light source of light beam, AOMs 86R, 86G and 86B for modulating the light beam emitted from each light source according to the recorded image, polygon mirror 90 as an optical deflector, fθ lens 92, and sub-scan conveyance of photosensitive material A Have means.

  Each light beam emitted from the light source 88 (88R, 88G, 88B) and traveling at a different angle enters the corresponding AOM 86 (86R, 86G, 86B). ROM, G, and B drive signals corresponding to the recorded image from the driver 80, that is, the image data supplied from the image processing device 74, are transferred to each AOM 86, and the incident light beam is transmitted according to the recorded image. Modulate.

  Each light beam modulated by the AOM 86 is incident and reflected at substantially the same point of the polygon mirror 90, deflected in the main scanning direction (in the direction of arrow x in the figure), and then predetermined by the fθ lens 92 at a predetermined scanning position z. The light beam is adjusted so as to form an image with the beam shape, and enters the photosensitive material A. The exposure unit 82 may be provided with a light beam shaping means and a surface tilt correction optical system as necessary.

On the other hand, the photosensitive material A is long and is wound in a roll shape and loaded into a predetermined position in a magazine state.
Such a photosensitive material A is pulled out by a drawing roller, cut into a predetermined length corresponding to one printed sheet by a cutter, and transport roller pairs 94a and 94b constituting sub-scanning means arranged with a scanning position z interposed therebetween. While being held at the scanning position z, it is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction (arrow y direction in the figure) perpendicular to the main scanning direction. In addition, necessary information is backprinted along the way. As described above, as the back print, the identification information of the frame, that is, the print (image) may be recorded.
Since the light beam is deflected in the main scanning direction, the photosensitive material A conveyed in the sub-scanning direction is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed by the light beam, and the image transferred to the photosensitive material A from the processing apparatus 14 is transferred. A data image (latent image) is recorded.

After the exposure, the photosensitive material A is carried into the developing unit 84 by the conveying roller pair 96 and is subjected to development processing to be a finished print P.
Here, for example, if the photosensitive material A is a silver salt photosensitive material, the developing unit 84 includes a color developing tank 98, a bleach-fixing tank 100, washing tanks 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d, a drying unit and a cutter (not shown). The photosensitive material A is processed in each processing tank, dried, and then output as a print P.

  Hereinafter, the printing system of the present invention will be described in more detail by explaining the operation of the photo printer 10.

First, an example in the case of so-called simultaneous printing will be described.
In simultaneous printing, when a carrier corresponding to the film F is mounted at a predetermined position of the scanner 12 and the film F is set at a predetermined position of the carrier, the first frame of the film F, usually the frame of frame number 1 is set. Is conveyed to a predetermined reading position by the carrier.

Here, when the film F used for reading (print creation) is a film of a new photographic system, the magnetic information recorded on the film F is read by the carrier when the film F is conveyed, and is necessary. Information is sent to the processing device 14, and the cartridge ID number is sent to the identification information acquisition unit 66 as the film F identification number.
On the other hand, in the case of a normal 135 size negative film or the like, as an example, before the film F is mounted on the carrier, an identification number for the operator to identify the film F main body according to, for example, the date or the customer A label on which the identification number is written is stuck outside the image area of the film F, and the set identification number is input by the keyboard 18a. With this input, the identification number of the film F used for print creation is sent to the identification information acquisition unit 66. As described above, the determination of the identification number, the application to the film F, and the reading and transfer to the identification information acquisition unit 66 may be automatically performed.

Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the scanner 12 is in a predetermined state, such as the light amount of the light source 22, the open value of the variable aperture 24, and the rise of the CCD sensor 34, reading is started.
That is, the reading light emitted from the light source 22, dimmed by the variable aperture 24 and the color filter plate 26, and diffused by the diffusion box 28 is incident on the first frame at the reading position and is transmitted there. The projection light carrying the image is imaged on the CCD sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32, photoelectrically converted, amplified by the amplifier 36, and sent to the processing device 14.

As described above, in the scanner 12, such image reading is performed three times by sequentially inserting each color filter of the color filter plate 26, whereby an image photographed on the film F is converted into R, G, and B 3. This is done by sequentially separating the colors into primary colors.
Further, prior to the main scan for obtaining the output image, a pre-scan for reading the image at a low pixel density is performed. Therefore, as described above, a total of six times are read for one frame. .

When the image reading for the first frame is completed, the carrier conveys the film F by one frame, the second frame is conveyed to the reading position, and prescanning and main scanning are performed in the same manner to read the image. The image data is sent to the processing device 14, and then the third frame is conveyed and read in the same manner. Thereafter, the images of the respective frames are sequentially read in the same manner, and the image data is sent to the processing device 14.
In addition to the image data, information indicating what frame the read image is, that is, the frame number of the read image (image data) is also sent to the processing device 14 (identification information acquisition unit 66). . The frame number may be determined by the reading count from the first frame, or by reading the barcode recorded on the film F. When the film F is a new photo system, It can also be determined from magnetic information.

  The image data output from the scanner 12 is A / D-converted and Log-converted by the data conversion unit 38 to be digital image data, and then subjected to predetermined processing such as offset correction in the data processing unit 54. , G, and B pre-scan data are sequentially transferred to the pre-scan memory 40, and the main scan data is similarly transferred to the main scan memory 42 for storage.

When the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 40, the setting unit 64 reads it, and as described above, creates the histogram and calculates the image feature amount, or further extracts the main part such as the face. Based on the result, the reading conditions for the main scan such as the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 are set, the image processing to be executed is selected, the order is determined, and the image processing conditions for each image processing are set. The set image processing conditions are sent to the parameter integration unit 72 and set in the processing unit 50 of the prescan image processing unit 44 and the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46.
The main scan is performed after the reading conditions are set, and R, G, and B main scan data are sequentially transferred and stored in the main scan memory 42.

  When the image processing conditions are set in the processing unit 50, prescan data is read from the prescan memory 40, and the processing unit 50 performs image processing according to the set image processing conditions. This image data is then supplied to the signal processing unit 52 and converted into image data corresponding to the display on the display 20, and a pre-scan image is displayed on the display 20.

The operator looks at the display 20 and confirms (verifies) the image, that is, the processing result, and adjusts the color / density, gradation, etc., as necessary, and the composition processing using the keyboard 18a and the mouse 18b. And processing such as partial correction.
The adjustment signal is sent to the key correction unit 70, and the key correction unit 70 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the input, and sends this to the parameter integration unit 72. The parameter integration unit 72 corrects the image processing conditions set in the processing unit 50 and the processing unit 60 as described above according to the correction amount sent.
Therefore, the image displayed on the display 20 also changes according to the input by the operator.

When the operator determines that the image displayed on the display 20 is appropriate (test OK), the operator uses the keyboard 18a or the like to instruct the start of printing.
As a result, the image processing conditions are determined, the main scan data is read from the main scan memory 42, processed under the determined conditions in the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46, and the printer 16 in the signal processing unit 62. Is converted to image data corresponding to the image recording by the printer and sent to the driver 80 of the printer 16.
At the same time, the parameter integration unit 72 receives the frame number and the film identification number, that is, the identification information of the frame from the identification information acquisition unit 66, and the image processing information corresponding to the determined image processing condition, specifically, the execution Image processing information and sequence thereof, image processing parameters and LUT, image processing application range data, related image data information and the like are associated with frame identification information, and both are stored in the storage means 68. Send and memorize.

In this example, verification by the operator is performed. However, the verification is not performed, and the image processing condition is determined when the parameter integration unit 72 sets the image processing condition set by the setting unit 64 to the processing unit 60. Similarly, the print start and image processing information and the frame identification information may be transferred to the storage unit 68.
The presence or absence of such an assay is preferably selectable as a mode.

  When the image data is sent to the driver 80 of the printer 16, as described above, the light beam modulated by the driving of the AOM 86 by the driver 80 and deflected in the main scanning direction by the polygon mirror 90 has a predetermined length corresponding to the print. The photosensitive material A that has been cut and transported in the sub-scanning direction by the transport roller pair 94 is two-dimensionally scanned and exposed to form a latent image, and the exposed photosensitive material A is subjected to color development and bleach-fixing in the developing unit 16. , Washing, drying and the like are performed and the print P is output.

In the printing system of the present invention, what is stored in the storage unit 68 is not limited to image processing information at the time of simultaneous printing. For example, the customer is dissatisfied with the image of simultaneous printing and instructs color / density processing. When reprinting is requested or when reprinting a frame that does not store image processing information, the image processing conditions determined at this time may be saved as image processing information for the previous print. .
In the following description, the simultaneous print is described as the previous print.

On the other hand, in the photo printer 10, reprinting is basically performed as follows.
The operator inputs an instruction to reprint, loads a carrier corresponding to the requested film F into the scanner 12, attaches the film F to the carrier, and reprints using the keyboard 18a or the like. Specify the frame to be played. Thereby, the carrier conveys the film F, and the frame to be reprinted is conveyed to the reading position.

Here, when the film F is a film of a new photographic system, the carrier reads the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film F by this conveyance, and necessary information is sent to the processing device 14, The identification information acquisition unit 66 acquires the identification information of the frame to be reprinted, that is, the identification number of the film F (cartridge ID number) and the frame number of the frame conveyed to the reading position.
On the other hand, when the film F is a normal 135 size negative film or the like, the operator looks at the description of the film F or the attached label as described above and inputs it with the keyboard 18a or the like. The identification information acquisition unit 66 acquires the film identification number, and acquires the frame number according to the instruction of the frame to be reprinted by the operator.
Alternatively, as described above, acquisition of the identification number of the film F by automatic reading of the identification number of the label or reading of the frame number by reading of the barcode of the film may automate the acquisition by the identification information acquisition unit 66. Is possible.

Next, as in the case of simultaneous printing, after it is confirmed that the scanner 12 is in a predetermined state, reading is started, pre-scanning and main scanning are performed, and image data is sequentially stored in the pre-scan memory and main scanning. Sent to memory and stored.
On the other hand, the parameter integration unit 72 receives the identification information of the frame to be reprinted from the identification information acquisition unit 66, reads the image processing information corresponding to this identification information from the storage unit 68, and sends it to the setting unit 64.
The setting unit 64 determines the reading conditions for the main scan in the same manner as described above, and uses the image processing information read from the storage unit 68 to perform the same image processing and the order of image processing as in the simultaneous printing. The image processing conditions of the image processing performed at the time of simultaneous printing are reproduced using the pre-scan image data as necessary, and set in the parameter integration unit 72. Further, when there is related data such as synthesis of characters and images, the parameter integration unit 72 accesses the corresponding image data file and acquires necessary data.

The parameter integration unit 72 sets the image processing condition (or further related data) in the processing unit 60 of the main scan image processing unit 46. In the case of reprinting, basically, the image processing conditions are determined in this way, the main scan data is read from the main scan memory 42, processed in the processing section 60 under the determined conditions, and the signal processing section 62. And is sent to the driver 80 of the printer 16, and the print P is output in the same manner. In this case, it is not always necessary to display the pre-scan image on the display 20. In addition, the image processing conditions may be corrected as necessary, such as receiving an instruction to correct the image at the time of requesting reprinting, or a test may be performed in the same manner as in simultaneous printing.
Here, the image reproduced by this reprinting is an image that has been subjected to the same image processing as that at the time of simultaneous printing under the same image processing conditions. It is an image.
In addition, since the image processing conditions are set using the image processing information of the previous print, the image processing conditions can be quickly set during reprinting. In particular, when an LUT for gray balance adjustment or gradation correction is created using accumulated image data for one film F during simultaneous printing, it is necessary to read the image for one film F again in the conventional method. In particular, since the normal 135 film is divided, the work is time-consuming and time-consuming. It can save a lot of time and effort. Further, in the case of reprinting, the extraction of the main part such as the face can be omitted, which is also advantageous in this respect.

In the above example, only the image processing information is stored in the storage means 68. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other information can be used as the frame identification information. Corresponding information may be stored in the storage unit 68 together with image processing information, and image processing may be performed using this.
This makes it possible to create a reprint in which an image having the same color and density as the image of the simultaneous (previous) print is reproduced more reliably.

For example, in the photo printer 10, the scanner 12 photoelectrically converts the projection light of the film by the CCD sensor 34, thereby reading an image of each frame photographed on the film.
Here, the light quantity of the light source 22 and the sensitivity of the CCD sensor 34 are not necessarily constant, but change with time. Therefore, for example, even when images of the same frame are read by the same apparatus in simultaneous printing and reprinting, the image data output from the scanner 12 may not necessarily match. In addition, there is a machine difference in the scanner 12, and when reading with different scanners 12 for simultaneous printing and reprinting, the image data that is output is not necessarily output even if the same frame image is read. It may not match.

  Therefore, in the printing system of the present invention, the image feature amount of the input image data (pre-scan data and / or main scan data) is stored in the storage unit 68 together with the information on the image processing for simultaneous printing, and reprinting is performed. The image feature amount calculated at this time may be compared with the image feature amount of the simultaneous printing, and the image data of the main scan may be corrected by referring to the image feature amount.

Specifically, as described above, the setting unit 64 calculates an image feature amount from the pre-scan image in order to set image processing conditions and the like. In this aspect, the image feature amount calculated at the time of simultaneous printing, for example, average value of image density, highlight and shadow, histogram shape (for example, density value of maximum value and minimum value), and image are divided into blocks. The histogram shape and the like of each block is stored in the storage unit 68 together with the above-described image processing information, preferably for each of R, G, and B.
At the time of reprinting, the image feature information calculated at the time of simultaneous printing is read together with the image processing information, and compared with the image feature value calculated from the pre-scan data for reprinting. A correction condition is set such that the feature amount matches the image feature amount of simultaneous printing. Examples of the correction include an overall density shift and correction using a gradation correction curve (LUT).
As described above, when the image processing conditions at the time of reprinting are determined, the main scan data (input image data) is read from the main scan memory 42, and the main scan data is processed according to the correction conditions prior to processing by the processing unit 60. Then, the processing unit 60 performs image processing.

In addition, at least one of the input image data, the reduced image of the input image data, the image data in which the resolution (space and / or density) of the input image is reduced, the data in which the input image data is compressed (encoded), etc. You may memorize | store in the memory | storage means 68 with the information of image processing.
In this aspect, the stored pre-scan data or the like may be used for setting correction conditions for matching the main scan data during simultaneous printing and re-printing, in the same manner as the above-described image feature amount. For example, the image feature amount is calculated from the stored image data (or image data that has been compressed and decoded). Alternatively, when the main scan data is stored, the main scan reading at the time of reprinting is not performed, but the main scan data at the time of simultaneous printing is obtained from the storage unit 68 when the reprint instruction and the identification information of the frame are acquired. The image processing conditions may be read out, the image processing conditions may be set, and the main scan data at the time of simultaneous printing read out may be processed using this to generate output image data. Also, the compressed main scan data is decoded, the reduced main scan data is enlarged, or the resolution of the main scan data with reduced resolution is converted (higher), and the same as the main scan data itself. You may perform the process of.

In the above-described example, the image feature amount before image processing is stored, and the image processing is performed after correcting the image feature amount so as to match in simultaneous printing and reprinting. In addition to this, during simultaneous printing, the image feature amount of the image (image data) processed by the processing unit 60 is stored in the storage unit 68 together with the image processing information, and is processed by the processing unit 60 during reprinting. The image feature amount of the processed image is calculated, and the same correction as described above may be performed on the image data processed by the processing unit 60 so that the image feature amount matches between simultaneous printing and reprinting. .
Similarly to the above-described input image data, the image data processed by the processing unit 50 and the processing unit 60 (hereinafter referred to as output image data) itself, the reduced image of the output image data, and the output image at the time of simultaneous printing. Low-resolution image data of data, compressed data of output image data, and the like may be stored in the storage unit 68. To create a reprint using these, the above-described image feature amount and input image data may be referred to.

According to these aspects, the deviation of the image data caused by the state of the scanner 12 and the like is preferably corrected, and a reprint in which an image having the same color and density as the simultaneously printed image is reproduced more reliably is created. can do.
Therefore, such processing is unnecessary if the machine difference of the scanner 12 is negligible between simultaneous printing and reprinting. Alternatively, reading conditions for simultaneous printing may be stored, and main scanning data correction conditions for correcting machine differences of the scanner 12 may be set from the main scanning reading conditions set for reprinting.

  In the printing system of the present invention, when input image data and output image data (or compressed data thereof) are stored, a print created from a film F (digital camera or the like) using these image data. In this case, the reprint may be created without using the image data storage medium.

As a preferred example, the following embodiments are exemplified.
In this aspect, when the simultaneous print is created, the input image data and image processing information and the identification information of the frame are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 68. Note that the input image data to be stored may be only the main scan data, or may further store pre-scan data.
The printer 16 records this identification information as a back print.

At the time of reprinting, the operator looks at the back side of the print requested to be reprinted and inputs the recorded identification information using the keyboard 18a or the like. The processing device 14 acquires the identification information, searches the storage means 68, and reads input image data and image processing information corresponding to the input identification information.
The processing device 14 reproduces image processing at the time of simultaneous printing from image processing information in the same manner as described above. Here, when an image correction instruction (so-called reprinting) is given by the customer, the operator adjusts the color and density of the image according to the correction instruction and corrects the image processing conditions. If pre-scan data is present, the image is displayed on the display 20, or if there is no pre-scan data, the main scan data is thinned and displayed to perform verification, and the image processing conditions are determined. It may be corrected.

When the image processing conditions are reproduced or the correction of the image processing conditions based on the customer's request or verification is finished and the setting of the image processing conditions to the predetermined part is finished (the image processing conditions are confirmed), the processing device 14 reads out The main scan data of the input image data is processed under the image processing conditions to be image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16 and output to the printer 16.
The printer 16 creates a reprint using this image data. Also in this case, identification information may be recorded as a back print.

In this example, both the image processing information and the input image data are stored in the storage unit 68. However, only the input image data may be stored without storing the image processing information at the time of simultaneous printing.
In this mode, when reprinting, image processing conditions are set in the same manner as in simultaneous printing using input image data (pre-scan data or thinned main scan data) read according to identification information, and necessary. In response to the customer's instruction, the image is corrected or verified to determine the image processing conditions, and the input image data for the main scan is processed under the determined image processing conditions to support image recording by the printer 16. The image data is output to the printer 16 and reprinted.
In this aspect, if the version of the image processing software is different, or if image correction is performed by the operator at the time of simultaneous printing, the image may differ between reprinting and simultaneous printing.

As another preferred mode, output image data may be stored.
That is, at the time of simultaneous printing, the output image data and the identification information of the frame are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 68. Note that the output image data to be stored is basically only the main scan data.
Similarly, the printer 16 records identification information on the print as a back print.

When reprinting, the operator looks at the back side of the print to be reprinted and inputs identification information using the keyboard 18a or the like. The processing device 14 acquires the identification information, searches the storage means 68, and reads the output image data corresponding to the input identification information.
The processing device 14 processes the output image data with the signal processing unit 62 to produce image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16 and outputs the image data to the printer 16. Note that when an instruction to correct an image is given by the customer, the operator corrects the image processing conditions in the same manner as described above in accordance with the correction instruction. Further, if necessary, the actual scan data may be thinned and displayed on the display 20 for verification. In addition, when pre-scan data is provided, the test may be performed using this.
The printer 16 creates a reprint using this image data. Also in this case, identification information may be recorded as a back print.

In the above example, the identification information is recorded on the back print of the print, and this is used to input the identification information at the time of reprinting. The processing device 14 obtains the identification information. May be used as identification information, and reprinting instructions and identification information may be input using index printing instead of printing.
In addition to printing and index printing, identification information of the print to be reprinted by verbal or memo writing by the reprint requester may be found and input using the keyboard 18a or the like.

  Further, as is clear from the above description, the above examples include an image reading apparatus that does not have the film F, reads an image of a reflective original, an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, and a communication means such as a LAN. Also, the present invention can be suitably applied to reprinting of prints using image data from various image data supply sources such as a memory card and a medium such as an MO.

In the photo printer 10, the printer 16 exposes the photosensitive material A with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data output from the image processing unit 14, and performs a predetermined development process on the exposed photosensitive material A. Print P.
Therefore, even if the image data output by the image processing unit 14 is the same, the color / density of the output image differs if the light beam output, wavelength, development processing temperature, processing liquid concentration, etc. of the printer 16 fluctuate. . However, these conditions vary with time or within the day. As a result, even if the same image data is output from the processing device 14 for simultaneous printing and reprinting, the color of the image of the output print P is output. / Concentration may be different.

Therefore, in the printing system of the present invention, the machine difference of the printer 16 may be corrected using the image feature amount of the image reproduced by the simultaneous printing.
That is, when outputting the simultaneous print, the print image (density) is measured, the image feature amount is calculated in the same manner as in the above example, and this is stored together with the image processing information in the storage unit 68. Remember it.
In addition, at the time of reprinting, the image feature amount of the simultaneous printing is read out, and output image data from the image processing unit 14 at the time of reprinting (image data processed by the signal processing unit 62 or the processing unit 60). From the image data processed in step (3), the image of the print output by the printer 16 is predicted, and the image feature amount (hereinafter referred to as the predicted image feature amount) is calculated. Next, both image feature amounts are compared, a correction condition is set such that the expected image feature amount matches the image feature amount of the simultaneous print, and the output image data is processed under this correction condition, and then the driver of the printer 16 Output to 80.
Alternatively, print measurement image data, compressed data, reduced image data, and resolution reduction data may be stored and used in the same manner as the main scan data.

Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to create a reprint in which an image having the same color and density as the simultaneously printed image is reproduced more reliably regardless of the state of the printer 16.
It should be noted that such processing is unnecessary if the difference between the printers 16 is negligible between simultaneous printing and reprinting. Alternatively, the condition of the printer 16 at the time of simultaneous printing may be stored and a correction condition for correcting the machine difference of the printer 16 may be set.

In this aspect, examples of the correction method for matching the predicted image feature quantity with the image feature quantity of the simultaneous printing include image density shift and correction using a gradation correction curve, as in the previous aspect.
In a normal printer, the relationship between the supplied image data and the density of the print image can be grasped to some extent as the output characteristics of the printer. What is necessary is just to predict the image of the print P to be output.
For this aspect, reference can be made to the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 8-238176 by the present applicant.

In the above example, the image processing performed, the image processing conditions, etc. are stored as the image processing information, and this is used to reproduce the image processing at the time of simultaneous printing and reprint. In addition to this, the present invention can output reprints in which the same image as that of simultaneous printing is reproduced by using various data as image processing information.
For example, the difference between the input image data and the output image data at the time of simultaneous printing is preferably compressed and stored in the storage unit 68 as image processing information, and this difference is stored in the storage unit 68 at the time of reprinting. The difference may be added to the image data read from 68, read by the scanner 12, and processed by the data processing unit 54, and output to the printer 16 as output image data.

Further, when the image of the film F is read by the scanner 12, a reading area on the film is defined by a mask formed on a carrier or the like. Here, of course, since the mask size is smaller than the image size of each frame shot on the film, if the image position with respect to the mask is shifted between simultaneous printing and reprinting, the reproduced image will be different. . Even when trimming is performed to cut out and enlarge a part of an image and reproduce it, if the image position with respect to the mask is shifted between simultaneous printing and reprinting, the reproduced image will be different.
Therefore, in the printing system of the present invention, in order to correct the positional deviation of the input image data in simultaneous printing and reprinting, the position reference data is recorded together with the image processing information, and is used for reprinting. (See Japanese Patent Application No. 9-69366).

In the above-described example, the pre-scan data is used to extract the main area and set the image processing conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these operations are performed using the main scan data. May be performed. However, extraction of the main part, setting of image processing conditions, etc. need not be performed with high pixel density image data, and the calculation time increases in proportion to the number of pixels. Therefore, in view of efficiency and the like, these operations are preferably performed using pre-scan data.
Further, in the above example, pre-scanning is performed and condition setting is performed using pre-scan data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the scanner 12 performs only the main scanning and performs the main scanning. Data may be thinned out to obtain low pixel density image data such as pre-scan data, which may be used for extraction of main parts, setting of image processing conditions, and the like.

As described above, the print system of the present invention not only outputs a print reproducing an image taken on the film F, but also an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a photo. Image data may be received from an image data supply source such as a recording medium such as a CD, and a print reproducing the image may be output. A print in which the color and density of the reproduced image coincide with each other at the time of printing can be output.
Also in this case, the image processing information is the same as the image output of the film F, and various methods exemplified for the film F can be used for the frame identification information. Further, as the frame identification information, a signal output from the device can be used.

As described above, when outputting a print reproducing the image supplied from the image data supply source, the processed image data may be returned to the customer together with the print, but the image data provided by the customer may be returned. By returning the product without processing (original), the following merits arise.
That is, depending on the content of the image processing (for example, blurring processing, character / image synthesis), the processed image data may not be restored to the original image data. If the image is reproduced in the form of (including change), it is possible to cope with a request for a change in image processing from a customer later.
Also, since the result of combining copyrighted images, such as character and talent images, becomes a problem when distributed as image data, it is preferable to limit only prints.

The printing system of the present invention can be suitably used not only for a digital photo printer as shown in FIG. 1 but also for a conventional direct exposure (analog exposure) photo printer.
As is well known, a direct exposure photo printer forms a latent image by forming projection light of an image taken on a film on a photosensitive material and exposing (baking) the photosensitive material with the projection light to form a latent image. The print which reproduced the image image | photographed on the film is obtained. Here, when exposing the photosensitive material with the projection light of the film, color filters of C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) are appropriately used in the optical path in order to reproduce an image suitable for printing. The color adjustment of the image is performed by inserting the amount, and the density adjustment of the image is performed by adjusting the projection light quantity by the diaphragm. The insertion amount of each filter and the adjustment amount of the aperture are obtained by, for example, photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a film to obtain image data (input image data), and image characteristics such as LATD, highlight, and shadow of the image. A quantity is calculated and determined using this.

When the printing system of the present invention is used for a direct exposure photo printer, the amount of each filter inserted and the amount of aperture adjustment at the time of simultaneous printing are stored in the storage means as image processing information, and reprinting is performed. At this time, the image processing information is read in accordance with the frame identification information obtained in the same manner as in the above example, and the exposure conditions similar to those for the simultaneous printing are reproduced, and reprint projection exposure is performed.
Or, similar to the above-mentioned digital photo printer, it stores input image data (itself, reduced image, compressed data, reduced resolution data), photometric data of the created print (itself, reduced image, compressed data, reduced resolution data), etc. In addition, this may be used at the time of reprinting.

  Although the printing system of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

1 is a block diagram of an example of a digital photo printer that uses a printing system of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram of an example of the image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG. It is the schematic of an example of the printer of the digital photo printer shown by FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 (Digital) Photo Printer 12 Scanner 14 Image Processing Device 16 Printer 18 Operation System 18a Keyboard 18b Mouse 20 Display 22 Light Source 24 Variable Aperture 26 Color Filter Plate 28 Diffusion Box 32 Imaging Lens Unit 34 CCD Sensor 36 Amplifier 38 Data Conversion Unit 40 Prescan (frame) memory 42 Main scan (frame) memory 44 (Prescan image) processing unit 46 (Main scan image) processing unit 48 Condition setting unit 50, 60 (Image) processing unit 54 Data processing unit 52, 62 Signal processing Unit 64 (image processing condition) setting unit 66 identification information acquisition unit 68 storage means 70 key correction unit

Claims (10)

A printing system that performs image processing on an image photographed on a film and outputs a print that reproduces the image as a visible image,
An acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying each frame of the film on which the image was shot;
Storage means for storing both the identification information acquired by the acquisition means and the information of image processing when a print reproducing the image of each frame photographed on the film is associated with each other;
In addition to setting image processing conditions according to the image photographed on the film at the time of creating the print, and at the time of reprinting the print, according to the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, the storage unit stores the identification information. It has condition setting means for reading the corresponding image processing information and setting the image processing conditions according to the image processing information, and at the time of reprinting, the image processing is reproduced based on the image processing information. To print system. The image processing information is selected from the type of image processing performed in common for one case, the type of image processing performed for each frame, the order of image processing performed, image processing conditions, and image processing related data 1 Above,
2. The print according to claim 1, wherein the image processing condition is one or more selected from parameters used in each image processing, an application range of image processing, a reference destination of related data, and a control parameter related to hardware control of the system. system. The printing system photoelectrically reads an image photographed on a film, performs image processing on the obtained input image data to produce output image data, and exposes the photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the output image data. A digital print system for creating a print, or an image photographed on a film is photoelectrically read, and a photosensitive material is projected by projection light of the film subjected to optical image processing according to the obtained input image data. An analog printing system that creates a print by exposure,
The storage means further includes an image feature amount of input image data at the time of previous printing, input image data at the time of previous printing, reduced image data of input image data at the time of previous printing, and input image data at the time of previous printing. Resolution conversion image data, compressed image data of input image data at the time of previous printing, image feature amount of output image data at the time of previous printing, output image data at the time of previous printing, output image data at the time of previous printing Reduced image data, resolution-converted image data of output image data at the time of previous printing, compressed image data of output image data at the time of previous printing, image feature amount of output print at the time of previous printing, output print at the time of previous printing Image data, output print at the time of the previous print Storage of at least one selected from reduced image data of image data, resolution-converted image data of image data of output print at the time of previous printing, and compressed image data of output image print data at the time of previous printing And
The condition setting means reads at least one of the image feature quantity and image data stored in the storage means in addition to the image processing information, and reprints the image feature quantity and / or image data at the time of previous printing. The print system according to claim 1, wherein image processing conditions for reprinting are set so as to reduce a difference from the image feature amount and / or image data at the time. The identification information includes film information for identifying a film main body and frame number information.
In addition, the acquisition means includes recording on a storage medium formed on the film, description on the film, label attached to the film, description on the film container, label attached to the film container, and film. At least one selected from the group consisting of: optical records, barcodes recorded on film, DX codes, extended DX codes, date information at the time of the first print, customer information at the lab vendor, and processing data of the lab vendor The printing system according to claim 1, wherein identification information is acquired from one of the two.   The print system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for creating film information for identifying a film main body, and means for giving the film information created by the creation means to a film and / or a film container.   The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is at least one of a storage medium included in the film, a storage medium inside and / or outside the print system, and a database included in a laboratory company.   The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein image data is supplied from an image data supply source instead of film, and a print in which an image carried by the image data is reproduced as a visible image is output.   2. A digital image data is output instead of or in addition to a print, and the digital image data, its identification information and image processing information are received, and a print reproducing the digital image data is created. The printing system according to any one of? A printing system that performs image processing on an image recorded on a film or image data supplied from an image data supply source, and outputs a print that reproduces an image recorded on the film or an image carried by the image data as a visible image Because
Obtaining means for obtaining identification information for identifying each frame corresponding to the image;
Storage means for storing the identification information acquired by the acquisition means and information of image processing when creating a print reproducing the image of each frame in association with each other;
At least one of the time of print creation or the output of digital image data for print creation, image processing conditions are set based on the image or image data, and the identification information acquired by the acquisition means, corresponding to this identification information Searching for the storage means based on image processing information to be performed, and setting condition processing means for setting image processing conditions based on the searched image processing information,
A printing system that reproduces and executes image processing based on the image processing information at the time of creating a reprint.   10. The printing system according to claim 9, wherein when the digital image data at the time of the previous printing is output instead of or in addition to the printing, the condition setting means includes the digital image data and its identification information. Further, the printing system is characterized in that information on image processing at the time of reprinting is searched, and then a print that reproduces the digital image data is created.

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