JP2005073288A - Method for processing photographic image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a high-quality print and image file by efficiently performing a print-out and a file-out at low cost when performing both processing for printing out a photographic image and processing for storing the photographic image on a storage medium as an image file in a laboratory or the like. <P>SOLUTION: Image data read from a film 1 are alternately written in frame memories 2a, 2b. The image data are read from a frame memory that is not under writing, and image processing suitable for the file-out and image processing suitable for print-out are applied thereto in parallel. File-out data are stored on a predetermined removable medium 6 or in an image server as an image file to which a predetermined file name is given, and print-out data are used in parallel to create a photographic print 7 wherein the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

 The present invention relates to a photographic image processing method, and is particularly suitable for a case where a photographic print is created from a photographic image recorded on a photographic film and the photographic image data is stored as a file for later use. The present invention relates to a photographic image processing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a photo finishing system that reads an image of each frame of a photograph recorded on a photographic film (hereinafter simply referred to as film) by a film scanner, obtains image data, performs necessary image processing, and outputs it as a photo print. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, photographic image data is saved as image files on removable media so that it can be used on a personal computer, etc., but this is a service that is generally performed only for some photos selected by customers. In addition to the above-described photofinishing system, equipment such as a scanner and an image processing apparatus is usually provided. At this time, in order to provide a high-quality image file that can be printed out as a photographic print as well as displayed on a monitor, it was necessary to prepare an expensive one as the above equipment, so the price of the file output service is It was not necessarily cheap.
JP-A-6-139323

  In recent years, with the rapid spread of personal computers, the demand for file output services to the removable media as described above has increased. Also proposed is a service form in which all customer photos are stored and stored as image files on a server computer (hereinafter referred to as an image server) having a large capacity disk installed in a laboratory and used for reprinting. ing. Therefore, there is a demand for a method that can efficiently output a file of photographic image data at a lower cost.

  Also, from the viewpoint of the image quality of a photographic image, it is not preferable to perform print output and file output separately as in the prior art. When processing is performed separately, the reading conditions and image processing conditions do not always match. For example, when a print is created from an image file, the same finish as that of simultaneous printing is not always obtained, and the same finish is obtained. For this reason, there is a disadvantage that adjustment by trial and error must be performed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention efficiently outputs an image file that produces a desired finish at the time of printing when printing a photographic image recorded on a film and storing it in a storage medium as an image file. An object of the present invention is to propose a photographic image processing method that can be provided to customers.

  A first method of the present invention is a photographic image processing method for reading and outputting images of a plurality of photographic frames from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function. The following process is performed in the process of performing a series of reading processes required for obtaining image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of recorded images once.

  First, sequentially obtained image data for each frame is alternately written in two frame memories. While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory. By performing image processing suitable for file output and image processing suitable for print output on the read image data in parallel, file output data and print output data of the image data are generated in parallel. In addition to storing sequentially generated file output data as an image file with a predetermined file name in a predetermined removable medium or image server, the sequentially generated print output data is used. Create a photo print in which the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded.

  A second method of the present invention is a photographic image processing method for reading and outputting images of a plurality of photographic frames from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function. The following process is performed in the process of performing a series of reading processes required for obtaining image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of recorded images once.

  First, sequentially obtained image data for each frame is alternately written in two frame memories. While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory. A process for storing the file output data generated by performing image processing suitable for file output on the read image data as an image file with a predetermined file name stored in a predetermined removable medium or image server, and reading Using the print output data generated by performing image processing suitable for print output on the image data, processing for creating a photo print in which the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded is alternately performed.

  A third method of the present invention is a photographic image processing method for reading out and outputting images of a plurality of photographic frames from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function. It is characterized by performing.

  First, in the course of performing a series of reading processes required to obtain image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of images recorded on the photographic film while feeding the photographic film in one direction, the following processing is performed. I do.

  The sequentially obtained image data for each frame is written alternately in the two frame memories. While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory. File output data generated by performing image processing suitable for file output on the read image data is stored in a predetermined removable medium or image server as an image file with a predetermined file name.

  Further, the following process is performed in the process of performing the series of reading processes once while feeding the photographic film in the direction opposite to the one direction.

  The sequentially obtained image data for each frame is alternately written in the two frame memories. While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory. Using the print output data generated by performing image processing suitable for print output on the read image data, a photo print in which the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded is created.

  In the film reading process, pre-scanning may be performed at a lower resolution before performing fine scanning to obtain image data having a desired resolution.

  In this case, the film scanner is a scanner that acquires image data of the desired resolution by performing pre-scan and fine scan of images at different positions, and the pre-scan and fine scan are combined with the photographic film. It is preferable to use what is performed in parallel while feeding in the direction.

  Alternatively, the film scanner is a scanner that acquires image data of the desired resolution by performing prescan and fine scan of an image at the same position, and prescans each frame while feeding the photographic film in one direction. You may use what performs a fine scan.

  Furthermore, the film scanner is a scanner that acquires image data of the desired resolution by performing prescan and fine scan of an image at the same position, and performs the prescan while feeding the photographic film in one direction. The fine scan may be performed while feeding the photographic film in the direction opposite to the one direction.

  The series of reading processes may be performed only on an image of a desired frame among photographic frames recorded on the photographic film. The “desired frame” means a normal frame excluding, for example, out-of-focus, extreme under and over frames. In APS (Advanced Photo System), etc., the photographer can determine whether printing is necessary before reading the film and magnetically record the information on the film. A film scanner is included in the photo finishing system. Some have a function of reading this information and automatically skipping unnecessary frames. That is, in such a case, the “desired frame” means a frame in which information indicating that printing is necessary is recorded on the film.

  According to the photographic image processing method of the present invention, an image is output in parallel with reading of an image by switching and using two frame memories, and an image is obtained using image data obtained by one reading process. Perform both file generation and print creation. According to this method, it is possible to efficiently use both equipment and efficiently perform both print creation and image file storage at low cost.

  In addition, since image processing for print output and image processing for file output are collectively performed on the acquired image data, it is possible to perform processing based on the same standard when performing image processing, and output to a file. When the photographic image data is printed out later, the desired finish can be obtained without adjusting by trial and error.

  The photographic image processing method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. This is a photofinishing system installed in a lab or the like, and has a function of outputting photographic image data output as a simultaneous print as a file to a removable media or a lab image server.

  Similar to the conventional photo finishing system, this system reads all normal images except for out-of-focus, extreme under and over frames, etc., recorded on the film 1, and the digital image data obtained thereby Is stored in the frame memory 2. Alternatively, when reading an APS film, as described above, only print-needed frames may be read based on information indicating the necessity of printing magnetically recorded on the film.

  Reading is performed by performing two scans of pre-scan and fine scan for each frame. Pre-scanning is performed to set optimal reading conditions, and image data obtained by fine scanning is used for output.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the film may be fed for one frame after performing the pre-scan and fine scan for each frame. However, as shown in FIG. In parallel, reading can be performed in about half the time of the method of FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the film is sequentially sent in one direction and only pre-scanning is performed on all frames, and then the film is sent in the opposite direction to perform fine scanning.

  The image data read in this way is stored alternately in the two frame memories 2a and 2b. This is because the image data in the other frame memory is output while the read image data is written in one frame memory, so that the reading process and the output process can be performed in parallel. It is to do.

  Image data taken out from the frame memory 2 for output processing is processed by two image processing means 3a and 3b, respectively. At this time, the processing by the two image processing means and the subsequent output processing are performed simultaneously (in parallel) for each image data. When both processes are completed, the frame memory is switched, and the next image data is read into the two image processing means.

  The image processing performed by the image processing means 3a and 3b is, for example, correction of color and gradation, but the processing of the two image processing means differs depending on the output purpose of the image data. For example, the image processing means 3b performs a process for improving the image quality when the image data is recorded on photographic paper as a photographic print, and the image processing means 3a makes the image data displayed on the monitor of the personal computer easy to see. Image processing is performed. However, even if different image processing is performed, the processing performed by the image processing means 3a and the processing performed by the image processing means 3b can be associated with each other, unlike the case where the image processing is performed by different devices. When the file is printed out later, the image processing to be performed can be uniquely determined from the association.

  The image data processed by the image processing means 3a is compressed by the compression means 4 and stored in the storage medium 6 as a compressed image file. On the other hand, the image data processed by the image processing means 3b is printed out by the digital printer 5.

  In the embodiment described above, file output and print output are performed simultaneously for each image data. Next, for the embodiment in which file output and print output are alternately performed for each image data, FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. The film reading mode in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG.

  The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes the image processing means 3 for file output and print output, respectively, but the embodiment of FIG. 2 has only one image processing means, and this image processing means When the processing path is switched to the compression unit 4, image processing for file output is performed, and when the processing path is switched to the digital printer 5, processing for print output is performed.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, file output and print output may be alternately performed for each image data. For example, after image data of all frames read by sending a film in one direction is output to a file, The processing path may be switched, and then the film may be sent in the reverse direction to read each frame again and print the image data.

  Here, in implementing the present invention, whether to adopt the form of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be determined in consideration of the capabilities of a film scanner or a digital printer. For example, when it takes a long time to read by a film scanner, there is a high possibility of waiting in the output process, so it is sufficient to perform output by switching alternately without providing two image processing means. That is, it is desirable to select a form that maximizes the usage rate of each facility.

  When file output and print output are performed by the photographic image processing method of the present invention, as shown in FIG. It is desirable to record in Thereby, for example, when a request for reprinting is received, the search of the image file 8 stored in the image server 6 of the laboratory is facilitated, and a quick service can be provided.

  If a device such as the one described above is installed in a laboratory or the like as an alternative to a conventional photofinishing system, not only print output but also file output is performed at a cost comparable to that required for conventional print output. It is possible to provide an inexpensive service to the customer.

  As is clear from the above description, the photographic image processing method of the present invention is intended for a case where a large amount of images must be processed quickly, such as a photo finishing system installed in a laboratory or the like. Yes. In other words, for example, in a configuration in which a film scanner and a printer are connected to a personal computer, the film is manually set and scanned while selecting a frame, and then output to a file and further printed. Data is output one after another in the order of acquisition, and a system is assumed in which the next data is acquired even during the output processing.

The figure which shows one Embodiment of the processing method of the photographic image of this invention The figure which shows other embodiment of the processing method of the photographic image of this invention. Diagram showing an example of film feed sequence Diagram showing another example of film feed sequence Diagram showing still another example of film feeding sequence The figure which shows the example of recording to the print of the file name

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Film 2 Frame memory 3 Image processing means 4 Compression means 5 Digital printer 6 Storage medium 7 Print 8 Image file 9 Simultaneous printing
10 Index print

Claims (6)

A photographic image processing method for reading and outputting a plurality of photographic frame images from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function,
In the course of performing a series of reading processes necessary to obtain image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of images recorded on photographic film, the image data obtained for each frame is written alternately to the two frame memories. ,
While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory,
By performing image processing suitable for file output and image processing suitable for print output on the read image data in parallel, the file output data and print output data of the image data are generated in parallel,
Corresponding to using the sequentially generated print output data in parallel with storing the sequentially generated file output data as an image file with a predetermined file name on a predetermined removable media or image server A photographic image processing method comprising: creating a photographic print in which a file name of an image file to be recorded is recorded. A photographic image processing method for reading and outputting a plurality of photographic frame images from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function,
In the course of performing a series of reading processes necessary to obtain image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of images recorded on photographic film, the image data obtained for each frame is written alternately to the two frame memories. ,
While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory,
A process for storing the file output data generated by performing image processing suitable for file output on the read image data as an image file with a predetermined file name, and reading the data Using the print output data generated by applying image processing suitable for print output to the image data, and alternately creating a photo print in which the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded A photographic image processing method characterized by the above. A photographic image processing method for reading and outputting a plurality of photographic frame images from a developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function,
In the process of performing a series of reading processes required to obtain image data of a desired resolution for a plurality of images recorded on the photographic film while feeding the photographic film in one direction, each frame obtained sequentially Write image data to two frame memories alternately,
While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory,
File output data generated by performing image processing suitable for file output on the read image data is stored in a predetermined removable medium or image server as an image file with a predetermined file name,
In the process of performing the series of reading processes once while the photographic film is fed in the direction opposite to the one direction, image data for each frame obtained sequentially is written in two frame memories alternately.
While image data is being written to one of the two frame memories, the image data is read from the other frame memory,
Using the print output data generated by performing image processing suitable for print output on the read image data, a photo print in which the file name of the corresponding image file is recorded is created Image processing method.   The film scanner is a scanner that obtains image data of the desired resolution by performing pre-scan and fine scan of images at different positions, and the pre-scan and fine scan are performed while feeding the photographic film in one direction. 4. The photographic image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the photographic image processing method is performed in parallel.   The film scanner is a scanner that obtains image data of the desired resolution by performing pre-scan and fine scan of an image at the same position, and performs pre-scan and fine scan for each frame while feeding the photographic film in one direction. 4. A photographic image processing method according to claim 1, wherein scanning is performed.   The film scanner is a scanner that acquires image data of the desired resolution by performing pre-scan and fine scan of an image at the same position, and performs the pre-scan while feeding the photographic film in one direction. 3. A photographic image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the scanning is performed while feeding the photographic film in a direction opposite to the one direction.

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