JP2005208965A - Image processor, image processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration in image quality in retouching where an image processing to treat image data as 16-bit gradation coexists with an image processing to treat the image data as 8-bit gradation. <P>SOLUTION: The image processings are successively performed one by one with respect to input image data which is inputted by an input processing by clicking icons for indicating the execution of the image processings one by one in a retouching processing. Each time the image processing is designated by the clicking, a plurality of the image processings designated up to that time are newly re-executed in execution order so as to allow the image processing corresponding to 16-bit color to be anterior and the image processing corresponding to 8-bit color to be posterior. That is, the execution order of the image processings is determined to be the descending order of the number of the bits of the gradation to express pixels concerning the image data to be treated in each image processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for retouching (modifying) image data.

  If image retouching software that operates on a computer is used, the contrast and saturation of image data can be easily corrected (Patent Document 1, etc.). However, the image quality deteriorates every time correction is performed. Thus, some recent retouching software can internally handle image data with a large number of gradations. Image processing is performed by representing 1 pixel (pixel) of image data with 256 gradations of 8 bits (24 bits per pixel for RGB), but 16 bits (48 bits per pixel for RGB). Image processing is performed with 65536 gradations. By using 16 bits, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

  The image retouching operation is performed by sequentially executing various image processing such as contrast adjustment and saturation adjustment. However, the image data is not treated as 16-bit gradation in all image processing. The final output printer has 8-bit input, and 16-bit conversion causes problems such as a reduction in processing speed and increased consumption of memory resources. At present, image data is treated as 8 bits in other image processing.

JP 2000-331180 A

  In the above technique, once image data is handled as an 8-bit gradation, even if image processing is performed after that the image data is converted to a 16-bit gradation, the image quality obtained by converting the image data to 16 bits is used. There was a problem that it was not possible to improve. If the image data has an 8-bit gradation, the amount of information of the image falls to 8 bits, and after that, even if the image data is handled as a 16-bit gradation, an increase in the information amount of the image cannot be expected. It is.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent deterioration in image quality in a retouching operation in which image processing that handles image data as 16-bit gradation and image processing that handles as 8-bit gradation are mixed.

  As means for solving at least a part of the problems described above, the following configuration is adopted.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
In the image processing apparatus that modifies the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the type of image processing,
Classification storage means for storing in advance a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processes for each number of bits of the gradation,
Based on the classification result stored in the classification storage unit, the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined as the image processing order in which the handled image data is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. And a control means.

  According to the image processing apparatus having the above configuration, the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined to be the order of the image processing in which the image data to be handled is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation representing the pixel, Processing is executed. For this reason, the image processing classified into the gradation of each number of bits to be executed can exhibit its original performance. This is because image data once converted to a gradation with a small number of bits by predetermined image processing is used, and image processing classified into gradations having a larger number of bits than this number of bits is executed. This is because there is not. Therefore, each image processing can exhibit its original performance, and thus has an effect of preventing a deterioration in image quality.

In the image processing apparatus having the above configuration,
Image processing specifying means for sequentially specifying two or more image processes to be performed on the input image data based on an operation command from an operator;
Each time one image processing is specified by the image processing specifying means, a parameter specifying means for specifying a parameter for specifying the degree of correction in the specified image processing based on an operator operation command;
Each time one image processing is designated by the image processing designation means, a modification history update means for adding the designated type of image processing to the modification history file together with the parameters designated by the parameter designation means;
Each time one image process is designated by the image processing designation unit, the output as a result of the modification is performed based on the input image data, the modification history file, and the execution order determined by the execution order control unit. Image processing execution means for generating image data.

  According to this configuration, the operator can sequentially specify image processing one by one for the input image data. For each designation, a plurality of image processes designated so far can be executed again in the optimum execution order. As a result, it is possible to obtain output image data with excellent image quality each time image processing is designated.

In the image processing apparatus configured to be able to obtain output image data with excellent image quality each time the image processing is specified,
A display device;
An input device that captures the operations performed by the operator;
Display control means for displaying a screen area for data input on the display device,
The display control means includes
An instruction switch display control means for providing a plurality of instruction switches corresponding to each image processing for receiving an operation command from an operator in the image processing designation means in the screen area;
Output image data display control means for displaying the output image data obtained by the image processing execution means can be provided in the screen area.

  According to this configuration, the operator can specify image processing to be performed on the input image data from the screen area for data input displayed on the display device. Further, the operator can view the output image data for which the designated image processing has been executed from the screen area.

  In the above-described image processing apparatus, the number of gradation bits expressing the pixel can be two types of 16 bits and 8 bits.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
In the image processing method for correcting the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the image process.
(A) a step of previously storing a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processes for each number of bits of the gradation;
(B) Based on the classification result stored in the step (a), the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined according to the image processing order in which the image data to be handled is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. It is characterized by having the process defined in.

The computer program of the present invention is:
A computer program for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the image process.
(A) a function of previously storing a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processings for each bit number of the gradation;
(B) Based on the classification result stored by the function (a), the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined according to the image processing order in which the image data to be handled is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. It is characterized by having a computer realize the functions defined in.

  According to the image processing method and computer program of the present invention, similarly to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, image processing classified into a large bit number gradation is performed using image data converted from a small bit number gradation. Since it is not executed, the image quality can be prevented from being lowered.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable recording medium that records the computer program of the present invention. This recording medium has the same operation and effect as each computer program of the present invention.

  The present invention includes other aspects as follows. The 1st aspect is an aspect as a program supply apparatus which supplies the computer program of this invention via a communication path. In this first aspect, the above-described method and apparatus are realized by placing a computer program on a server or the like on a computer network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program. Can do.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples. This embodiment will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration:
B. Computer processing:
B-1. Overall processing:
B-2. Retouching process:
C. Action / Effect Other embodiments:

A. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system 10 to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied. The computer system 10 includes a so-called personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer), and includes a CRT display 12, a printer 13, and a digital camera 14 around the computer system 10. The computer includes a computer main body 16, a keyboard 18, and a mouse 20. The computer main body 16 is equipped with a CD drive 24 for reading the contents of the CD-ROM 22.

  The computer main body 16 includes a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a display image memory 33, a mouse interface 34, a keyboard interface 35, a CDC 36, an HDC 37, a CRTC 38, a printer interface 39, an input / output device interface 40, and a CPU 30. An I / O port 41 is provided. The ROM 31 is a read-only memory that stores various built-in programs and the like. The RAM 32 is a readable / writable memory for storing various data. The display image memory 33 is a memory that stores image data of an image to be displayed on the CRT display 12.

  The mouse interface 34 is an interface that manages data exchange with the mouse 20. The keyboard interface 35 is an interface that manages key input from the keyboard 18. The CDC 36 is a CD controller that controls the CD drive (CDD) 24. The HDC 37 is a hard disk controller that controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 42. The HDD 42 stores in advance computer programs and the like which will be described later.

  The CRTC 38 is a CRT controller that controls display of an image on the CRT display 12 based on display image data stored in the display image memory 33. The printer interface 39 is an interface that controls input / output of data to / from the printer 13. The input / output machine interface 40 is an interface for controlling input / output of data to / from an externally connected input / output device, in this embodiment, for example, a digital camera 14 connected by USB (Universal Serial Bus). The I / O port 41 has a serial output port, and is connected to a modem 44, and is connected to a public telephone line 46 via the modem 44. The computer main body 16 is connected to an external network via a modem 44 and can be connected to a specific server 47.

  The digital camera 14 is a camera that records image data in which one pixel is expressed with a gradation of 8 bits to 16 bits. By saving in the “RAW mode” saving format, it is possible to obtain image data expressed in 16-bit gradation (hereinafter referred to as 16-bit color).

  In this computer system 10, the operating system is stored in the HDD 42, and when the computer main body 16 is turned on, it is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32 according to the loader written in the boot block of the HDD 42. Photo retouching software (computer program) for refining photographic images (color photographic images) taken by the digital camera 14 is stored in advance in the CD-ROM 22, and the CD drive 24 is activated by starting a predetermined installation program. To the computer main body 16. The installed computer program is stored in the HDD 42, and is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32 when a predetermined activation command is received.

  Various components of the present invention are realized by the CPU 30 executing some modules (described later) of the computer program. As described above, this computer program is stored in the CD-ROM 22, but instead of this, another portable recording medium (portable recording medium) such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an IC card. It is good also as a structure stored in. The computer program described above can also be obtained by downloading program data provided via a network from a specific server 47 connected to an external network and transferring it to the RAM 32 or the HDD 42. . The network may be the Internet or a computer program obtained by downloading from a specific homepage. Alternatively, it may be a computer program supplied in the form of an email attachment.

  Next, the state of control processing according to the photo retouching software by the computer system 10 having the hardware configuration described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a state of control processing according to the photo retouching software 50 executed by the computer main body 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, according to the photo retouching software 50 operating in the computer main body 16, first, the input module 51 performs processing for taking in image data Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14. The image data Dpi is stored in the “RAW mode” storage format by the digital camera 14 and is 16-bit color image data. Next, the modification module 52 modifies image data (hereinafter referred to as input image data) Dpi captured by the input module 51. The modification module 52 rotates, trims (cuts out) the photographic image represented by the input image data Dpi, changes the contrast and saturation of the image, and performs exposure correction and cross filter. The image can be modified by applying an effect. Each of these image processing is sequentially executed as necessary by receiving an operation command from the operator. An image of the modification process by the modification module 52 is sent to the CRT display 12 via the display driver 60 and displayed.

  The modification module 52 includes a classification storage unit 52a and an execution order control unit 52b. The order of performing the above-described image processing is determined by the function of each unit 52a, 52b. This configuration corresponds to the main part of the present invention and will be described in detail later.

  According to the photo retouching software 50, the modified image data Dpo is sent to the printer 13 via the printer driver 62 and displayed by the printing module 53. Further, the modified image data Dpo is sent to the external device by the output module 54.

B. Computer processing:
B-1. Overall processing:
By executing the photo retouching software 50 by the CPU 30 of the computer main body 16, the input module 51, the modification module 52, the printing module 53, and the output module 54 described above are realized. The control process according to the photo retouching software 50 will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of this control process. This routine is started when an instruction to execute the photo retouching software 50 is given.

  As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU 30 first performs a process of displaying the application window WD on the CRT display 12 (step S100). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial state of the application window WD. As shown in the figure, in the processing menu field MN on the left side of the application window WD, four types of buttons BT1, BT2, BT3, and BT4 of “input”, “modify”, “print”, and “output” are directed downward. The operator clicks these buttons BT1 to BT4 with the mouse 20 in order to modify and output the photographic image taken by the digital camera 14 on the screen of the CRT display 12. Can proceed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, after executing step 100, the CPU 30 takes in an operation command in which the buttons BT <b> 1 to BT <b> 4 are clicked with the mouse 20, and performs input processing, modification processing, printing processing corresponding to the operation command, The output process is executed in order (steps S200, S300, S400, S500).

  The input process executed in step S200 takes in image data (input image data) Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14, and corresponds to the input module 51 (FIG. 2) described above. This input image data Dpi import operation is performed in response to an operation command in which the “file” button BT11 provided on the menu bar BR1 of the application window WD shown in FIG. Specifically, “external device input” provided in a pull-down menu (not shown) opened from the “file” button BT11 is selected, then the digital camera 14 is selected as the input device, and then the file name is selected. The operation is performed in response to a series of operation commands from the mouse 20 such as selecting. The input image data Dpi thus captured is 16-bit color image data as described above, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 32. At the same time, it is displayed in the work field FDW of the application window WD. .

  The modification process executed in step S300 modifies the input image data Dpi by executing image processing on the input image data Dpi, and various requirements of the present invention are realized here. Details will be described later. The modified image data Dpo subjected to the modification process is stored in a predetermined holder prepared in the HDD 42. This modification process corresponds to the modification module 52 (FIG. 2) described above.

  The printing process executed in step S400 outputs the modified image data Dpo created in step S300 to the printer driver as a print command. This printing process has a well-known configuration and will not be described in detail here, but a modified photographic image is printed from the printer 13. This printing process corresponds to the printing module 53 (FIG. 2) described above.

  The output process executed in step S500 is to output the modified image data Dpo created in step S300 to an external device. As a result, the modified image data Dpo representing the modified photographic image is output to a desired external device. This output process corresponds to the output module 54 (FIG. 2) described above.

B-2. Modification Process The modification process executed in step S300 will be described in detail below. FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing the routine of this modification process. When the processing shifts to this routine, as shown in the figure, the CPU 30 first performs processing for changing the application window WD displayed on the CRT display 12 for modification processing (step S310).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an application window WD for modification processing. As shown in the figure, the toolbar BR2 of the application window WD for the modification processing includes “rotation / inversion”, “trimming”, “exposure correction”, “contrast adjustment”, “saturation adjustment”, “histogram correction”, Icons “IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4, IC5, IC6, IC7, IC8, IC9” of “Unsharp mask”, “Cross filter”, and “Text input” are provided. The operator can use the mouse 20 to click on any of the icons IC1 to IC9 to instruct execution of desired image processing from nine types of image processing determined by the icons IC1 to IC9. it can.

  Icons IC1 to IC9 are instruction switches represented by marks (pictures). The instruction switch is not limited to the icons IC1 to IC9, and can be configured as a menu opened from the menu bar BR1.

  “Rotation / inversion” is image processing that rotates an image or inverts it vertically or horizontally. “Trimming” is image processing in which only a necessary portion of an image is cut out (trimmed). “Exposure correction” is image processing that gives an effect of exposure correction to an image. “Contrast adjustment” is image processing for changing the contrast of an image. “Saturation adjustment” is image processing for changing the vividness of an image. “Histogram correction” is image processing for converting the color and brightness of an image using a histogram. “Unsharp mask” is image processing that gives the effect of applying an unsharp mask to an image. “Cross filter” is image processing that gives the effect of wearing a cross filter when taking a picture. “Character insertion” is image processing for inserting characters into an image.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after execution of step S310, the CPU 30 performs a process of reading the modification history file FL1 and the execution sequence storage file FL2 from the RAM 32 (step S320). The modification history file FL1 stores a history of modification performed on the input image data Dpi captured by the input process in step S200.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the modification history file FL1. As shown in the figure, the modification history file FL1 is composed of item data DT1, DT2, and DT3 of “Modification No.”, “Type”, and “Parameter”. Each item data DT1 to DT3 will be described later. When the correction process of step S300 is executed for the first time after the execution of the input process of step S200, the correction history file FL1 is null data.

  The execution order storage file FL2 stores an execution order when the image processing registered in the modification history file FL1 is executed again. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution order storage file FL2. As shown in the drawing, the execution order storage file FL2 is composed of item data DT4 and DT5 of “Modification No.” and “Number of bits”. The item data DT4 of “Modification No.” is obtained by transferring the item data DT1 of “Modification No.” included in the modification history file FL1. The item data DT5 of “number of bits” will be described later. The execution order storage file FL2 determines the execution order in the direction from the higher order to the lower order. When the correction process of step S300 is executed for the first time after the execution of the input process of step S200, the execution sequence storage file FL2 is null data.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after executing step S320, the CPU 30 takes in a click operation command using the mouse 20 from the worker, and determines whether any of the icons IC1 to IC9 of the application window WD is selected. (Step S330). If it is determined that there is no selection, step S330 is repeatedly executed to wait for the selection.

  If it is determined in step S330 that any one of the icons IC1 to IC9 has been selected, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S340. In step S340, the type of image processing instructed by selection of the icons IC1 to IC9 is specified. For example, when the “rotation / inversion” icon IC1 is clicked, the type of image processing is determined to be “rotation / inversion”. When the “contrast” icon IC4 is clicked, the type of image processing is: Determined to be “contrast”.

  Thereafter, the CPU 30 performs processing for displaying the dialog box for image processing specified in step S340 (step S350). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dialog box DBX1 for “rotation / inversion” displayed when the “rotation / inversion” icon IC1 is clicked. As shown in the figure, the dialog box DBX1 is provided with a field FD11 for displaying an original image, a field FD12 for displaying a processed image, and a field FD13 for an operation system.

  The operation field FD13 is provided with “left 90 °”, “90 ° right”, and “180 °” buttons for rotation and “up / down” and “left / right” buttons for inversion. It has been. The operator can rotate or reverse the image data by operating these buttons, and the result is displayed in the processed image display field FD12. When the “execute” button BT11 in the operation system field FD13 is clicked, the degree of rotation and inversion determined from the operation command of each button at that time is stored in the RAM 32 as a “rotation / inversion” parameter.

  The acquisition of the “rotation / reversal” parameter is realized in steps S360 and S370 of FIG. The CPU 30 captures the operator's operation command input from the image processing dialog box (step S360), and calculates a parameter for defining the degree of correction in the image processing based on the operation command. Is performed (step S370).

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dialog box DBX2 for “contrast” displayed when the “contrast” icon IC4 is clicked. As illustrated, the dialog box DBX2 includes an original image display field FD21, a modified image display field FD22, and an operation field FD23.

  The operation field FD23 is provided with a “contrast” slider bar SB. With this slider bar SB, the brightness range of the entire image can be adjusted. The operator adjusts the contrast of the image data by operating the slider bar SB, and the result is displayed in the processed image display field FD22. When the “execute” button BT21 in the operation field FD23 is clicked, the adjustment value of the slider bar SB at that time is stored in the RAM 32 as a “contrast” parameter in steps S360 and S370.

  Here, as described above, “rotation / inversion” and “contrast” have been described as an example of parameters acquired by the processing in steps S350 to S370. However, other image processing modules are also used for the image processing. For example, parameters relating to coordinate information indicating a region in image processing of “trimming”, parameters of effect strength in image processing of “cross filter”, and the like are obtained.

  After execution of step S370 in FIG. 5, the CPU 30 performs processing for registering the type of image processing specified in step S340 and the parameters acquired in step S370 in the modification history file FL1 (step S380). Specifically, in FIG. 8, a new record is added, and the next number of the already registered one is written in the item data DT1 of “Modification No.” of the record (this number is the icons IC1 to IC1). This is the registration number of the current image processing instructed by clicking on the IC 9.) In the “type” item data DT 2, the type of the image processing specified in step S 340 is written, and the “parameter” item data DT 3 is written. Performs the process of writing the parameter acquired in step S370.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after executing step S380, the CPU 30 performs a process of searching for how many bits of the color color the image processing specified in step S340 corresponds to (step S390). The nine types of image processing that can be executed by the above-described modification processing are realized by individual modules in the computer program. Each module expresses image data in 16-bit color (one pixel is expressed in 16-bit gradation). There is a 16-bit compatible type that handles image data, and an 8-bit compatible type that handles image data as 8-bit color (one pixel is represented by 8-bit gradation). This is a software design specification for each image processing. Considering the contribution to the image quality accuracy by supporting 16 bits, the degree of deterioration of operation comfort from the viewpoint of processing speed and resources, etc. It is determined. Specifically, work that requires a sufficient amount of information, such as exposure correction, contrast, and saturation adjustment, in other words, work that is necessary for the foundation of an image is 16-bit compatible. Work that gives effects or adds color to images is supported by 8 bits.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a classification table TBL for classifying the nine types of image processing into those corresponding to 16 bits and those corresponding to 8 bits. As shown in the figure, the classification table TBL indicates in a tabular form whether each type of image processing corresponds to 16-bit correspondence or 8-bit correspondence, and is stored in the photo retouching software 50 in advance. Specifically, in this embodiment, each process of “rotation / inversion”, “trimming”, “exposure correction”, “contrast adjustment”, “saturation adjustment”, and “histogram correction” is 16-bit compatible, It is shown that each process of “unsharp mask”, “cross filter”, and “character insertion” corresponds to 8 bits. The classification table TBL corresponds to the classification storage unit 52a.

  In step S390, in detail, the CPU 30 compares the type of image processing specified in step S340 with the classification table TBL, and the type is either “16-bit color compatible” or “8-bit color compatible”. Ask for. The obtained result is temporarily stored in the RAM 32 as the bit number BT of gradation expressing one pixel. If the search result is “corresponding to 16-bit color”, the bit number BT is a value of 16, and if the search result is “corresponding to 8-bit color”, the bit number BT is a value of 8.

  After execution of step S390, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S392. In step S392, the current image processing instructed by clicking on the icons IC1 to IC9 is registered in the execution order storage file FL2. In this registration, the registration number of the current image processing registered in the modification history file FL1 in step S380 (the value of the item data DT1 of “modification No.”) and the bit number BT obtained in step S390 are set as one record. This one record is added to the execution sequence storage file FL2. At the time of addition, an operation of rearranging the order of records to be added (hereinafter referred to as additional records) is performed.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the work of rearranging additional records. This rearrangement work is based on a method called bubble sort in which adjacent elements are compared in size and are exchanged for alignment. As shown in FIG. 13A, first, an additional record Ra is attached to the end of the execution order storage file FL2. Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, the value of the item data DT5 of “number of bits” (hereinafter referred to as “the number of bits”) between the additional record Ra and the preceding record (hereinafter referred to as a comparison target record) Rb. If the value of the “number of bits” of the additional record Ra is larger than the value of the “number of bits” of the comparison target record Rb, the additional record Ra and the comparison target record are compared. Replace Rb. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13C, the additional record Ra and the comparison target record Rb are rearranged in descending order of the “number of bits”.

  Subsequently, as shown in (d) of FIG. 13, the comparison target record is switched to the record Rc in front of the additional record Ra, and similarly to the above, between the additional record Ra and the comparison target record Rc, “ The number of bits is compared. When the value of the “number of bits” of the additional record Ra is not larger than the value of the “number of bits” of the comparison target record Rc, that is, when it is smaller or equal, the replacement of the additional record Ra and the comparison target record Rc is performed. Don't do it. When the replacement becomes unnecessary, all the records higher than the comparison target record Rc are already arranged in the descending order of the “number of bits”, and thus the rearrangement work is finished. As a result, the additional record Ra is arranged at a position where the “number of bits” is arranged in descending order in the execution order storage file FL2.

  As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when image processing is designated in the order of “rotation / inversion”, “exposure correction”, “cross filter”, “contrast”, “contrast” corresponding to 16-bit color. The execution order storage file FL2 is changed to an array in which the arrangement order of “cross filter” corresponding to 8-bit color is changed. Therefore, the execution order is changed to “rotation / inversion”, “exposure correction”, “contrast”, and “cross filter”. The processing executed in steps S390 and S392 corresponds to the execution order control unit 52b.

  Returning to FIG. 6, after executing step S392, the process proceeds to step S394, the input image data Dpi captured in the input process of step S200, the modification history file FL1 updated in step S380, and the execution order storage updated in step S390. Based on the file FL2, processing for generating modified image data Dpo on which image modification has been executed is performed.

  Specifically, the image processing registered in the modification history file FL1 is performed on the input image data Dpi one by one in the execution order stored in the execution order storage file FL2, so that the modified image data Dpo Is generated. Specifically, the first record of the execution order storage file FL2 is read, and the item data DT4 of “Modification No.” included in the first record is used as a key from the modification history file FL1. The item data DT2 and DT3 of “type” and “parameter” corresponding to the value of the item data DT4 are read. Then, the type of image processing written in the item data DT2 is executed on the input image data Dpi with the parameters written in the item data DT3.

  The module that realizes each image processing receives the input of the parameters determined based on the operation command from the operator and the image data, and the degree of change (the degree of modification) determined based on the parameters. It is configured to execute predetermined image processing on the processed image data. Therefore, by selecting a module that realizes image processing based on the type of data written in the item data DT2, the input image data Dpi and the parameters written in the item data DT3 are input to the module. The image data subjected to the first image processing (hereinafter referred to as first processed image data) stored in the execution order storage file FL2 can be obtained.

  Subsequently, the second record of the execution order storage file FL2 is read out, and the item data DT4 of “Modification No.” included in the second record is used as a key to select the item from the modification history file FL1. The item data DT2 and DT3 of “type” and “parameter” corresponding to the value of the data DT4 are read. Then, the type of image processing written in the item data DT2 is executed on the image data after the first processing with the parameters written in the item data DT3. As a result, image data subjected to the second image processing can be obtained. In this way, image processing is sequentially performed one by one until the final image processing represented by the last record stored in the execution order storage file FL2, and all the images registered in the execution order storage file FL2 are processed. The corrected image data Dpo that has been processed is generated.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to return to the input image data Dpi captured in the input process of step S200 and sequentially execute all the image processes stored in the execution order storage file FL2. Instead, it stores how far the previous image processing has returned by the rearrangement of the execution order in step S392, and each image processed image that has been backed up in advance every time image processing is performed. The data immediately before the returned position may be read from the data, and the subsequent image processing may be sequentially executed from the read image data.

  When the generation of the modified image data Dpo is completed in step S394, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S396 to display the modified image data Dpo in the work field FDW of the application window WD (step S396). Thereafter, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the selection of the icons IC1 to IC9 provided in the application window WD has been completed (step S398). Specifically, the CPU 30 determines whether or not an operation command other than the icons IC1 to IC9 has been received, and when an affirmative determination is made, the selection of the icons IC1 to IC9 is completed, and the process is processed as “return”. Proceed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S398 that the selection of the icons IC1 to IC9 has not been completed, the process returns to step S340 to execute the image processing corresponding to the newly selected icons IC1 to IC9. .

C. Action / Effect According to the computer system of this embodiment configured as described above, the operator clicks on the icons IC1 to IC9 one by one in the retouching process, and thereby the input image input by the input process. Image processing can be sequentially performed on the data Dpi one by one. Each time the image processing is specified by clicking, a plurality of image processings specified so far are newly executed in an order of execution such that the one corresponding to 16-bit color comes first and the one corresponding to 8-bit color follows. It will be executed again.

  Accordingly, since image processing corresponding to 16-bit color is not executed using image data once reduced to 8-bit color, each image processing corresponding to 16-bit color has its original performance. It will be the one that demonstrates it. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being deteriorated in the retouching operation.

D. Other embodiments:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. is there.

(1) In the above embodiment, the correction processing includes “rotation / inversion”, “trimming”, “exposure correction”, “contrast adjustment”, “saturation adjustment”, “histogram correction”, “unsharp mask”, “ “Cross filter” and “character insertion” are included, but instead, other types of image processing can be added, or some of the image processing can be removed. Examples of other types of image processing include “color balance adjustment” and “mosaic processing”. “Color balance adjustment” is compatible with 16-bit color, and “mosaic processing” is compatible with 8-bit color.

(2) In the previous embodiment, the various image processes described above were configured to be classified into either one corresponding to 16-bit color or one corresponding to 8-bit color. Instead, the specific image processing can be classified into both 16-bit color compatible and 8-bit color compatible. For example, trimming and rotation / reversal do not cause information deterioration in the image in any color correspondence, and can be classified into both. Therefore, when execution of “rotation / reversal” or “trimming” image processing is instructed, a record for the image processing may be added to the end as it is without rearranging the execution order storage file FL2. . At this time, the item data DT5 of “number of bits” may be stored with the same value as the value of “number of bits” of the immediately preceding record.

(3) In the above embodiment, the rearrangement (sorting) in step S394 is performed by the bubble sort method. Instead, bubble sort, bucket sort, radix sort, heap sort, merge sort, quick sort, etc. The rearrangement may be performed by other methods.

(4) In the previous embodiment, the image processing was compatible with 8-bit color and 16-bit color. For example, the image processing is compatible with 8-bit color, 16-bit color, and 24-bit color. It is also possible to support color with the above number of bits.

(5) In the above embodiment, the input image data Dpi is taken with a digital camera, but instead, it is image data such as a silver halide photograph or a color gravure obtained using a color scanner or the like. Also good. Alternatively, it may be prepared in advance in a storage device such as the HDD 42. Or what was taken in from the outside via a network may be used. Further, it is not always necessary to use color image data, and can be applied to monochrome image data.

(6) Although the input image data Dpi is 16-bit color image data stored in the “RAW mode” storage format, it can be replaced with 8-bit color image data. Among 16-bit color image processing, there is an image processing that outputs a finer value using 16-bit processing even if the input image has only 8-bit information. In this case, this fine value is lost when image processing corresponding to 8-bit color is executed in post-processing. In order to make use of fine values generated by 16-bit color image processing, even if the input image data is 8-bit color data, it is necessary to perform image processing corresponding to 16-bit color first, and the present invention is applied. Is possible.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the hardware of the computer system 10 to which one Example of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the mode of the control processing according to the photo retouch software 50 performed by the computer main body 16. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the routine of the said control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state of the application window WD. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the routine of a correction process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the routine of a correction process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the application window WD for a correction process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correction log | history file FL1. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the execution order storage file FL2. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of dialog box DBX1 for "rotation / inversion." It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of dialog box DBX2 for "contrast." It is explanatory drawing which shows the classification table TBL which classifies image processing into a thing corresponding to 16 bits, and a thing corresponding to 8 bits. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | work which rearranges the execution order of an image process.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Computer system 12 ... CRT display 13 ... Printer 14 ... Digital camera 16 ... Computer body 18 ... Keyboard 20 ... Mouse 30 ... CPU
31 ... ROM
32 ... RAM
33 ... Display image memory 34 ... Mouse interface 35 ... Keyboard interface 36 ... CDC
37 ... HDC
38 ... CRTC
39 ... Printer interface 40 ... I / O interface 41 ... I / O port 44 ... Modem 46 ... Public telephone line 47 ... Server 50 ... Photo retouch software 51 .. .Input module 52 ... Modification module 52a ... Classification storage unit 52b ... Gradation bit number determination unit 52c ... Image processing prohibition unit 53 ... Print module 54 ... Output module 60 ... Display driver 62 ... Printer driver BR1 ... Menu bar BR2 ... Tool bar BT1 to BT5 ... Button Dpi ... Input image data Dpo ... Fixed image data FDW ... Work field IC1 to IC9 ... Icon MN ... Processing menu field FL1 ... Modification history file FL2 ... Execution order storage file TBL ... Classification table WD ... Application window DBX1, DBX2 ... Dialog Box SB ... slider bar

Claims (11)

In the image processing apparatus that modifies the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the type of image processing,
Classification storage means for storing in advance a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processes for each number of bits of the gradation,
Based on the classification result stored in the classification storage unit, the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined as the image processing order in which the handled image data is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Image processing specifying means for sequentially specifying two or more image processes to be performed on the input image data based on an operation command from an operator;
Each time one image processing is specified by the image processing specifying means, a parameter specifying means for specifying a parameter for specifying the degree of correction in the specified image processing based on an operator operation command;
Each time one image processing is designated by the image processing designation means, a modification history update means for adding the designated type of image processing to the modification history file together with the parameters designated by the parameter designation means;
Each time one image process is designated by the image processing designation unit, the output as a result of the modification is performed based on the input image data, the modification history file, and the execution order determined by the execution order control unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: image processing execution means for generating image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A display device;
An input device that captures the operations performed by the operator;
Display control means for displaying a screen area for data input on the display device,
The display control means includes
An instruction switch display control means for providing a plurality of instruction switches corresponding to each image processing for receiving an operation command from an operator in the image processing designation means in the screen area;
An image processing apparatus comprising: output image data display control means for displaying output image data obtained by the image processing execution means in the screen area. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image processing apparatus in which the number of gradation bits representing the pixel is two types of 16 bits and 8 bits. In the image processing method for correcting the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the image process.
(A) a step of previously storing a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processes for each number of bits of the gradation;
(B) Based on the classification result stored in the step (a), the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined according to the image processing order in which the image data to be handled is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. An image processing method comprising: a step defined in 1. The image processing method according to claim 5,
(C) a step of sequentially specifying two or more image processes to be executed on the input image data based on an operation command from an operator;
(D) Each time one image processing is designated in the step (c), a step for designating a parameter for defining the degree of modification in the designated image processing based on an operator's operation command; ,
(E) a step of adding the specified type of image processing to the modification history file together with the parameter specified by the parameter specifying means each time one image processing is specified in the step (c);
(F) Each time one image processing is designated by the process (c), the result of the modification is based on the input image data, the modification history file, and the execution order determined by the process (b). A process for generating output image data as: an image processing method. A computer program for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing two or more image processes selected from a plurality of image processes prepared in advance for the input image data,
The plurality of image processes are configured such that the number of gradation bits representing pixels of image data that can be handled can be different depending on the image process.
(A) a function of previously storing a classification result obtained by classifying the plurality of image processings for each bit number of the gradation;
(B) Based on the classification result stored by the function (a), the execution order of the two or more image processes to be executed is determined according to the image processing order in which the image data to be handled is in descending order of the number of bits of the gradation. A computer program that causes a computer to realize the functions defined in. A computer program according to claim 7,
(C) a function of sequentially specifying two or more image processes to be executed on the input image data based on an operation command from an operator;
(D) A function for designating a parameter for defining the degree of modification in the designated image processing based on an operator's operation command every time one image processing is designated by the function (c). ,
(E) Each time one image processing is specified by the function (c), a function of adding the specified type of image processing to the modification history file together with the parameter specified by the parameter specifying means;
(F) Each time one image processing is designated by the function (c), the result of the modification is based on the input image data, the modification history file, and the execution order determined by the function (b). A computer program that causes a computer to realize the function of generating output image data as A computer program according to claim 8,
(G) a function for capturing an operation by an operator;
(H) The computer has a function of displaying a screen area for data input on the display device, and
The function (h) is
(H1) a function of providing a plurality of instruction switches corresponding to each image processing for receiving an operation command from an operator in the function (c) in the screen area;
(H2) A computer program comprising a function of displaying output image data obtained by the function (f) in the screen area. A computer program according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
A computer program in which the number of gradation bits representing the pixel is two types of 16 bits and 8 bits.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is recorded.

Images