JP2005275454A - Image processing method, image processing system, image processing device and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a proper test while reducing time required for testing work. <P>SOLUTION: Simplified original image data are generated by thinning original image data obtained by photographing at a thinning rate variable dependent on a photographed scene. The thinning rate is decided in such a manner that information necessary for a proper test is left, and information not particularly required for a test is deleted. An image compensation is performed for the simplified original image data with a predetermined development parameter, and a conversion is made to the image for simplified display which allows a monitor display. An operator changes the development parameter while observing the image for a simplified display. Every time the development parameter is changed, an image compensation is performed for the simplified original image data with the development parameter after the change, and the updated image for the simplified display is displayed. The original image data are subjected to an image compensation with the determined development parameter and, after the conversion to an image for display, are outputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing system, and an image processing for performing various image processing while reproducing and displaying a digital image based on original image data (CCD-RAW data) sent from a photographing device such as a digital camera. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image processing program.

  In order to improve the image quality of a digital image, it is effective to perform various corrections such as color balance, white balance, and tone curve of the digital image using an information processing terminal such as a personal computer (PC). For example, in photographing using a digital camera, image data is sent from the digital camera to the PC. By observing an image displayed on a monitor provided on the PC and performing an examination operation for changing various correction parameters, an image with a finish intended by the operator can be obtained.

  Also, by using a digital camera that can output original image data (RAW data) that has not undergone white balance processing or exposure correction, image verification can be performed on the PC side without dropping color information on the digital camera side. it can.

  Original image data is data that has been output from the imaging device of the digital camera, and image correction is performed based on white balance correction and exposure correction parameters (hereinafter referred to as development parameters) for display on a PC monitor. For example, it is necessary to convert to display image data in a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format (hereinafter referred to as development processing). However, since the original image data is composed of pixel data represented by, for example, 12-bit or 16-bit gradation values for each color, the data size is very large, and development processing takes a long time. Then, every time the various development parameters are changed, the development processing is performed again with the changed parameters. Therefore, when the size of the original image data is large, there is a problem that the time required for the verification work becomes very long. In addition, since the load on the CPU becomes very high during the development process, another process cannot be performed while the development process is repeated while changing various development parameters.

  In the conventional verification work, the operator selects the images to be verified one by one and changes the development parameters for each image. Therefore, when the original image data having a large data size is handled, the verification work is completed. There were concerns that it would take a long time. In particular, when the shooting environment is substantially the same for a plurality of shot images, such as in studio shooting, the operator does not perform image verification one by one even though the optimum development parameters are almost the same. I have to say that it is inefficient.

  In addition to the above development parameters, image adjustment parameters such as color correction and trimming can be corrected simultaneously. In the conventional verification work, every time this parameter for image adjustment is changed, image adjustment is performed together with the development processing described above, so that the verification work also takes a long time.

  In order to cope with this problem, it is conceivable to use original image data compressed in JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Expert Group) format (reduced image data) in the test. However, JPEG format images differ in color space and number of bits from the display image data obtained by developing the original image data, so the color differs from the display image and the proper test cannot be performed. There is a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when performing verification work using original image data, image processing that can shorten the time required for the work and can perform proper verification It is an object to provide a method, a system, an apparatus, and a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention determines a thinning rate for thinning out the original image data based on a shooting scene in at least a partial region of an image, and thins the original image data at the thinning rate. Simple original image data is generated, and image correction is performed on the simple original image data using, for example, the first correction parameter relating to white balance and exposure correction, and simple display is generated based on the corrected simple original image data. The first correction parameter can be adjusted by reproducing and displaying the image, and image correction is performed on the original image data based on the determined first correction parameter.

  The thinning rate is preferably determined for each of a plurality of areas of the image. Further, when there is a first area with a high thinning rate and a second area with a low thinning rate in the image, the pixel density is set to the first area by interpolation or replacement with pixel data in the first area after thinning. It is preferable to make the inside and the second area equal. Furthermore, it is preferable to determine the thinning rate based on a reduced image corresponding to the original image data, for example, compressed in JPEG format. Moreover, it is preferable that the reduced image corresponding to the image for which image correction is not completed among the reduced images is displayed in black and white.

  Each time the first correction parameter is changed, image correction is performed on the simplified original image data with the changed first correction parameter. Then, the simple display image generated based on the corrected simple original image data is reproduced and displayed. In addition, after the first correction parameter is determined, image adjustment is performed on the simple display image using, for example, the second correction parameter related to color adjustment and trimming. Then, image adjustment is performed on the display image data with the determined second correction parameter.

  When image processing is performed on a plurality of photographed images obtained under the same photographing conditions, it is preferable to perform image correction collectively with the same correction parameter. Therefore, simple original image data is generated for the first frame image, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the original image data corresponding to the second and subsequent frames is determined using the determined first correction parameter. It is preferable to correct the image. Further, simple original image data is generated for one image among a plurality of images, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the selected first correction parameter corresponds to the other selected image. Image correction may be performed on the original image data. Further, the above-described two processing modes may be provided, and the selection may be made according to the shooting conditions.

  In an image processing system that includes a photographing device that shoots a subject and generates original image data, and an image conversion device that performs image correction on the original image data, converts the original image data into display image data, and outputs the image data, Simple image data is generated by thinning out the original image data at a thinning rate that is variable depending on the shooting scene in either one of the image conversion devices, and the image data conversion device performs a first correction on the simple original image data. The image correction is performed using the parameters, the simple display image generated based on the corrected simple original image data is reproduced and displayed, and the first correction parameter can be adjusted. Based on the determined first correction parameter, the original correction image can be adjusted. Image correction is performed on the image data.

  According to the present invention, the thinning rate is determined based on the shooting scene, and the simple original image data is generated by thinning the original image data. Therefore, the simple original image data color space and the number of bits are the same as the original image data. It is the same as the display image data obtained by development processing, and not only can prevent color misrecognition, but also keeps the necessary information for verification by varying the thinning rate according to the shooting scene, and performing appropriate verification Yes. In addition, since the first correction parameter applied to the development process is adjusted using the simple original image data having a small data size obtained by thinning the original image data, the time required for the image processing can be shortened. .

  In addition, by setting the thinning rate for each area of the image, it is possible to thin out information on areas that are not necessary for verification while leaving information on areas necessary for verification. In addition to shortening the time, a more accurate test can be performed.

  Furthermore, if the thinning rate is determined based on a reduced image having a small data size corresponding to the original image data, the time required for determining the thinning rate can be shortened. Further, if the reduced image corresponding to the image that has not been corrected among the reduced images is displayed in black and white, for example, a reduced image that is compressed in the JPEG format and has a different color space or displayable number of colors is observed. It is possible to prevent an operator from having wrong color recognition

  Further, if the second correction parameter for image adjustment is adjusted based on the determined first correction parameter and the image displayed on the monitor is adjusted, the original image data is developed at the time of image adjustment. This is unnecessary, and the image processing time can be effectively shortened.

  Furthermore, image processing can be efficiently performed by performing image correction on a plurality of captured images obtained under the same imaging conditions collectively with the same correction parameters. A first processing mode in which image processing is automatically performed with the determined correction parameter every time original image data is obtained, and a second processing mode in which image processing is performed only on the selected image Can be switched, image processing can be performed in an appropriate processing mode in accordance with the shooting situation.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system including a digital camera 10 and an image verification PC 30. As the image verification PC 30, a commercially available personal computer in which an image processing program for performing various correction processes on a digital image obtained by photographing can be used. The digital camera 10 and the image verification PC 30 are connected to each other via the communication cable 11 and can transmit and receive photographing control data and image data. As the communication cable 11, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE 1394 compliant cable is used. Instead of the communication cable 11, data communication may be performed using wireless communication means.

  Each part of the digital camera 10 is connected to each other via the data bus 12 and its operation is controlled by the CPU 13 in a comprehensive manner. The ROM 14 stores a program for operating the digital camera 10 and is loaded into the RAM 15 when the digital camera 10 is activated. The imaging unit 16 includes a known photographic lens, a CCD, and the like, and generates digital image data by photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject. Shooting conditions such as aperture and shutter speed are set by operating various setting buttons provided on the operation unit 17. The imaging conditions may be set by determining the imaging conditions in the image verification PC 30 and sending the setting information to the digital camera 10 via the communication cable 11. Furthermore, another PC for shooting control can be connected to the digital camera 10.

  The image data output from the imaging unit 16 is buffered in the RAM 15. This image data is original image data (RAW data) that has not been subjected to image correction such as white balance processing. For example, pixel data for 4256 × 2848 pixels having a gradation value represented by 16 bits for each color. Consists of The image processing circuit 18 reduces the gradation value of the original image data to 8 bits, and performs white balance (WB) processing, gradation conversion processing, and the like under the conditions set for each model in advance. Output corrected image data. The compression / decompression processing circuit 19 compresses the image data after image correction in accordance with a format defined by JPEG, and outputs compressed image data. Also, JPEG image data (reduced image data) of, for example, 603 × 402 pixels is generated by thinning out the image data after image correction. In this embodiment, in order to shorten the time required for processing, the reduced image data compressed in the JPEG format is used. However, original image data thinned out at a constant rate may be used as reduced image data. Good.

  The original image data is sent together with the reduced image data to the image verification PC 30 via the input / output I / F 22. Alternatively, only the original image data may be sent to the image verification PC 30. Further, the subject image is continuously displayed on the LCD 23 in the photographing mode, and the image in the recording medium 21 is reproduced and displayed in the reproduction mode. In this embodiment, the original image data is directly transmitted to the image verification PC 30 via the input / output I / F 22. However, the original image data is recorded on the recording medium 21, and the recording medium 21 is stored in the image. The original image data may be sent by setting in the test PC 30.

  The image verification PC 30 reproduces and displays an image on the monitor 31 based on the original image data sent from the digital camera 10, and performs various image corrections in response to operation signals from input devices such as the keyboard 32 and the mouse 33. I do. The units of the image verification PC 30 are connected to each other via a data bus 34, and the operation of the CPU 36 is generally controlled. Original image data sent from the digital camera 10 is recorded together with corresponding reduced image data in an external storage device 38 such as a hard disk via an input / output I / F 37 and a data bus 34. Input devices such as a keyboard 32 and a mouse 33 are operated during image correction, which will be described later, or when setting shooting conditions of the digital camera 10.

  The image processing program is installed in the external storage device 38 of the image correction PC 30 via a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, the Internet, or the like. When the image processing program is executed by operating the keyboard 32 or the mouse 33, the image processing program is read into the RAM 39 and executed.

  When the image processing program is executed, the test screen 50 shown in FIG. 2 or 3 is displayed on the monitor 31. The test screen 50 includes a test target image display area 52 for displaying the test target image 51, a reduced image display area 53 for displaying a plurality of reduced images side by side, and a parameter adjustment area 54. On the upper side of the test object image display area 52, a title bar 56 displaying the title (file name) of the test object image 51 is displayed.

  The test target image 51 is simplified original image data generated by determining a shooting scene based on the corresponding reduced image data in the JPEG format and thinning the original image data at a thinning rate according to the determined shooting scene. Is based. The simple original image data generation process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Along with the execution of the image processing program, a shooting scene determination is made, and it is classified according to whether the test target image 51 is a photograph of a person, a landscape, a building, or any of the four images other than the above (others) ( S1). The photographic scene determination is performed by determining the shape of the contour, the color component constituting the inside of the contour, and the like based on the spatial frequency characteristics of the reduced image data and the color density gradation value for each pixel. Then, it is determined that the part constituted by the linear contour is a scene in which the building is photographed, and the landscape is photographed from the color information constituting the inside of the contour with respect to the part constituted by the curve. It is determined whether the scene is a scene or a scene in which a building is photographed. Further, when the outline is an ellipse and the color information constituting the inside of the outline is skin color, it is determined that the scene is a scene in which a person is photographed.

  Note that the present invention is not limited by the method for determining the shooting scene. Various methods other than the above method are known as a method for determining a shooting scene based on image data (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-218015), and a shooting scene based on such a known method is known. Can be determined. Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the shooting scene is divided into four cases has been described, but there are innumerable cases dividing patterns of the shooting scene, and can be freely set. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which shooting scene determination is performed based on reduced image data in order to shorten the processing time has been described. However, shooting scene determination is performed by using the original image data or the original image data at a certain rate. It is also possible to analyze the data thinned out by.

  The thinning rate for each area of the original image data is determined in accordance with the result of shooting scene determination (S2). As shown in Fig. 5, the thinning rate is determined so as to reduce the processing time by largely thinning out information on areas that are not often used for verification, while leaving as much information on the area necessary for verification as possible. Is done.

  In the case of a photograph of a person, the person area information is necessary for the test, so it is thinned out at a low decimation rate, and other areas, such as the background area, are not as important for the test as the person area. Thinned at the thinning rate. In the case of taking a picture of a landscape, the entire area is thinned out at a constant thinning rate. When a building is photographed, the area including the main subject is thinned out at a low thinning rate, and the other areas are thinned out at a high thinning rate. In the case of photographing other than the three (others), the high frequency area is thinned out at a low thinning rate, and the low frequency area is thinned out at a high thinning rate.

  Here, the high-frequency area represents an area where the integral value of the high-frequency component of the spatial frequency of the image data (in this embodiment, reduced image data) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is easy to obtain when shooting a pattern. Similarly, the low frequency area represents an area where the integrated value of the low frequency component is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and is easily obtained when, for example, the sky is photographed.

  In addition, although the example in which the thinning rate is varied for each area has been described, all areas may be thinned with a constant thinning rate. In this case, the thinning rate is varied for each scene such as a person or a landscape that is classified in the shooting scene determination. Further, the setting of the area and the thinning rate for each area are not limited to the above example, and can be freely set. For example, in the case where a person is photographed, the setting may be changed so that the thinning rate of the person area, particularly the person's face area, is kept low.

  Furthermore, although the example in which the shooting scene determination is automatically performed by the image processing program has been described, the examiner may perform the determination manually. In this case, the most appropriate shooting scene among a plurality of shooting scenes such as a person and a landscape prepared in advance may be input via the mouse 33 or the keyboard 32. Further, although the example in which the thinning rate is automatically determined by the image processing program has been described, the thinning rate, the thinning area, or the like may be selected via the mouse 33 or the keyboard 32.

  Subsequently, simplified original image data is generated by thinning the original image data at the determined thinning rate (S3). In the generation of the simple original image data, when the thinning rate is different for each area of the image (in this embodiment, in the case of a person, a building, or the like), the number of pixels left after the thinning is different for each area. When simple image data is generated in combination, the image is distorted and the impression is different from the original image data. In order to prevent such a problem, when generating the simple original image data, when the thinning rate is different for each area of the image, the pixel density of the area thinned out at the lowest thinning rate is equal. Image interpolation processing is performed by replacing a gap created between pixels in an area with a high thinning rate with neighboring pixels. In the image interpolation process, a pixel optimal for replacement may be estimated from a color density gradation value of a neighboring pixel and the replacement may be performed using the estimated pixel.

  The simplified original image data generated in this way is subjected to image correction using initial parameters determined in advance by the image processing program, and is also converted to, for example, a simplified Tiff format having a 16-bit gradation value. Monitor output as display image data. As a result, the test target image 51 is displayed in the test target image display area 52. Hereinafter, the process of performing image correction on the simplified original image data and outputting it as simplified display image data is referred to as “temporary development process”. The process of performing image correction on the original image data and outputting it as display image data is referred to as “main development process”.

  In the reduced image display area 53, a plurality of reduced images 60 to 63 are displayed side by side. Each of the reduced images 60 to 63 is reproduced and displayed based on the corresponding reduced image data in the JPEG format. In the example shown in FIG. 3, four frames of reduced images are displayed, but the number of frames displayed simultaneously can be increased or decreased as appropriate. In addition, a selection cursor 64 is highlighted around the reduced image 62 corresponding to the test target image 51, and the test target image 51 and the reduced image 62 are associated with each other. On the right side of the reduced image display area 53, a scroll bar 65 that can be scrolled up and down is provided. When there are five or more reduced images, the fifth and subsequent reduced images can be displayed by sliding the scroll bar 65 up and down.

  Among the plurality of reduced images 60 to 63 displayed in the reduced image display area 53, those for which the verification operation has not been completed (reduced images 62 and 63 for the right two frames in the example of FIG. 2) are displayed in black and white. ing. The image data in the JPEG format used as a reduced image has a small number of bits for each color as 8 bits, and the number of colors that can be displayed is smaller than that of the test target image 51. For this reason, the display colors of the reduced images 60 to 63 and the verification target image 51 are different, and the operator who observed the reduced image may have erroneous color recognition with respect to the verification target image 51. Note that a reduced image (for example, the second reduced image 61 from the left end) that has been tested and a reduced image that is not to be tested (for example, the leftmost reduced image 60) are displayed in full color.

  The parameter adjustment area 54 is provided with two types of change screens, “development conditions” for changing parameters during development processing (development parameters) and “image adjustment” for changing parameters during image adjustment (adjustment parameters). By selecting the switching tab 70 displayed at the top, each change screen can be switched. When the “Development condition change” tab is selected, a development condition change screen 71 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. On the development condition change screen 71, for example, a tone curve correction unit 72 for correcting a tone curve, a white balance correction unit 73 for correcting white balance, an exposure correction box 74, and an sensitization correction box 75 are displayed, and the mouse 33 is operated. Then, the development parameter can be changed by moving the cursor 47 to a position to be adjusted and performing a click operation or a drag operation. When the development parameter is changed, provisional development processing is performed based on the changed development parameter, and the newly generated simple display image is updated and displayed as the test target image 51.

  As described above, when the “image adjustment” tab is selected, the image adjustment screen 80 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. On the image adjustment screen 80, adjustment parameters such as color balance, brightness, and contrast can be changed. The value of each adjustment parameter can be changed by directly inputting a numerical value in the corresponding input box 81 or by moving the indicator 82 to the left or right in the drawing. When each adjustment parameter is changed, image correction is performed on the display image data corresponding to the test target image 51, and the corrected image is updated and displayed in the test target image display area 52.

  The development parameters are not limited to the tone curve and white balance parameters shown in FIG. 2, but may include, for example, sharpness correction parameters. In addition to the parameters shown in FIG. 3, for example, trimming correction parameters can be included as adjustment parameters. Further, combinations of development parameters and adjustment parameters are not limited to those listed in the present embodiment, and the combinations can be determined as appropriate. For example, a color balance correction parameter may be included as a development parameter.

  The procedure of the image verification work will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. The imaging conditions of the digital camera 10 are set by operating the image verification PC 30 or an externally connected PC (S11). Based on the set photographing condition, photographing is performed with the digital camera 10, and original image data is generated (S12). The original image data is sent together with the reduced image data from the digital camera 10 to the image verification PC 30 via the communication cable 11 (S13).

  The image verification PC 30 displays a list of read images in the reduced image display area 53 based on the reduced image data. Here, the displayed reduced image is displayed in black and white except for those that have been verified or excluded in advance from the verification target, thereby preventing an operator who has observed the reduced image from having erroneous color recognition.

  Then, for the image frame selected by the operator, a simple original image data generation process is performed to thin out the corresponding original image data at a thinning rate according to the shooting scene (see FIG. 4), and the simple original image data is generated. (S14). Temporary development processing is performed with the initial development parameters (S15). The simple display image generated by the temporary development processing is displayed as the test target image 51 in the test target image display area 52 (S16).

  The operator observes the test target image 51 and changes development parameters such as a tone curve and a color temperature (S17). When the development parameters are changed, temporary development processing is performed on the simplified original image data with the changed development parameters, and the verification target image 51 is updated and displayed. That is, every time the development parameter is changed, steps S15 and S16 in FIG. 6 are repeated.

  In this temporary development process, simplified original image data obtained by thinning out original image data by changing the thinning rate for each area in accordance with the shooting scene is used. The thinning rate is determined so that information on areas that are not often used for verification is thinned out at a high thinning rate, and information on areas necessary for verification remains as much as possible. For this reason, not only can the data size to be handled be reduced to shorten the time required for the temporary development process, but also the information necessary for the test can be left and an appropriate test can be performed. Further, since the shooting scene is determined based on the reduced image data, the time required for determining the shooting scene can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since the simplified original image data is different from the image data compressed in the JPEG format and has the same number of bits as the original image data, the display color is not different. Accordingly, the time required for the development process can be effectively shortened without degrading the image quality of the display image. When the finished image desired by the operator is obtained, the correction of the development conditions is completed and the development parameters are determined (S18).

  After the development parameters are determined, a temporary display image that has undergone provisional development processing with the determined development parameters and has undergone processing such as color balance, contrast, and trimming with the initial adjustment parameters is displayed on the verification screen 50. The target image 51 is displayed (S19). The operator observes the test target image 51 and changes the adjustment parameter (S20). When the adjustment parameter is changed, image adjustment such as color adjustment and trimming is performed on the simple display image obtained from the simple original image data (temporary adjustment), and the test target image 51 is updated and displayed.

  In this image adjustment process, since simple original image data is used, processing time is shortened by thinning out information on areas that are not often used for verification. It can be carried out. Furthermore, since the development process is not performed when the adjustment parameter is changed, the time required for the update display is shortened. The temporary adjustment process is repeated, and when an image with a finish desired by the operator is obtained, the image adjustment is completed and the adjustment parameter is determined (S21).

  In parallel with the operation of changing the adjustment parameter, based on the determined development parameter, the original image data is developed in the background (S22), and display image data is generated (S23). Since it is not necessary to develop the original image data after the image adjustment is completed, the time required for the verification operation can be shortened. After the image adjustment is completed, image adjustment (main adjustment) such as color adjustment and trimming is performed on the display image data based on the determined adjustment parameter (S24). Display image data obtained by this adjustment is output as verified image data.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which image verification is performed on image data for one frame has been described, but the present invention can be similarly applied to shooting of a plurality of frames. Furthermore, when shooting multiple frames in almost the same composition and shooting environment, the development parameters and adjustment parameters required for the finish desired by the operator are almost constant. By omitting, the time required for image verification can be further shortened.

  For example, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 7, the development parameter and the adjustment parameter are repeated by repeating the temporary development and the temporary adjustment for the first frame image by the same procedure as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To decide. Next, the second frame image is taken, and the corresponding original image data is output to the image verification PC 30. Then, development processing and image adjustment are performed on the original image data using the development parameters and adjustment parameters determined at the time of image verification for the first frame. Development processing and image adjustment are performed in the same manner for the third and subsequent frames. Thereby, the image verification can be performed automatically, and the verification operation can be completed in a short time. Of course, only the development processing is performed on the original image data, and the operator can determine the adjustment parameter by repeating the image adjustment.

  Further, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 8, the image capturing is repeated a plurality of times to output original image data of a plurality of frames (for 5 frames in the example of FIG. 8). Similarly, temporary development and temporary adjustment are repeated for the first frame image to determine development parameters and adjustment parameters. Although illustration is omitted in the example of FIG. 8 for simplification, provisional development and provisional adjustment are performed using simple original image data obtained by thinning the original image data at a thinning rate determined according to the shooting scene. . When the temporary adjustment for the first frame is completed, another image frame to be subjected to development and image adjustment is selected by the operation of the operator. During this selection operation, image adjustment is performed on the original image data of the first frame based on the adjustment parameter.

  Then, the operator selects an image frame to be subjected to image processing under the same conditions as the first frame image. For example, when the images of the second frame and the third frame are grouped, the original image data of the second frame and the third frame are used by using the development parameters and adjustment parameters determined at the time of the first frame image verification. Development processing and image adjustment are performed. Only the development process is performed on the original image data, and the operator can repeat the image adjustment to determine the adjustment parameter.

  The next subject can be photographed during the development and image adjustment processing for the second frame and thereafter. Then, for example, images of the sixth frame to the twelfth frame are taken, and the original image data is output to the image verification PC 30. The image verification PC 30 performs thinning processing on the original image data of the sixth frame, and generates simplified original image data. As in the case of the first frame, the operator performs an examination operation on the image of the sixth frame. When the verification work is completed, the operator selects an image frame to be subjected to image processing under the same conditions as the sixth frame image. For example, when the images of the 7th to 10th frames are grouped, using the development parameters and adjustment parameters determined at the time of the image verification for the 4th frame, development processing is performed on the original image data of the 7th to 10th frames. Image adjustment is performed. Of course, only the development processing is performed on the original image data, and the operator can determine the adjustment parameter by repeating the image adjustment.

  Note that a mode in which image processing is performed in the sequence shown in the time chart of FIG. 7 and a mode in which image processing is performed in the sequence shown in the time chart of FIG. 8 may be provided so as to be switchable according to the shooting environment. For example, when the shooting environment is always constant as in studio shooting, image processing can be automatically performed every time shooting is performed by performing image processing in the sequence shown in FIG. If the shooting environment is likely to fluctuate, image processing is performed by switching to the sequence shown in FIG. Image processing can be performed effectively because batch image processing is performed only on necessary image frames and image processing is omitted on unnecessary image frames.

  In the above embodiment, the simple original image data is generated on the image verification PC 30 side, but the original image data is generated on the digital camera 10 side to generate simple original image data, which is used for image verification together with the original image data. You may output to PC30. In addition, although an example in which a commercially available personal computer is used as the image verification PC 30 has been described, the image verification may be performed using an apparatus dedicated to image verification. In this case, a simple original image data generation unit that generates simple original image data by thinning the original image data at a thinning rate determined according to the shooting scene, a temporary development process, and a main development. A developing unit that performs processing, an image correction unit that enables adjustment of correction parameters for simple original image data, and performs image correction on the original image data based on the determined correction parameters may be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structure of a digital camera and image verification PC. It is explanatory drawing which shows an image test | inspection screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of an image test | inspection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a simple original image data generation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a photography scene and a thinning-out rate. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image verification process using simple original image data. It is a timing chart which shows the test processing procedure of a plurality of image frames. It is a timing chart which shows another example of an examination processing procedure.

Explanation of symbols

10 Digital camera 30 Image verification PC
50 Examination screen 51 Examination object image 54 Parameter adjustment area 60 to 63 Reduced image 71 Development condition adjustment screen 80 Image adjustment screen

Claims (13)

In an image processing method for performing image correction on original image data of an image obtained by shooting, converting to display image data, and outputting it,
In at least a partial area of the image, a thinning rate for thinning out the original image data is determined based on a shooting scene, simple original image data is generated by thinning out the original image data at the thinning rate, and the simple original data is generated. Image correction is performed on the image data using the first correction parameter, and a simple display image generated based on the corrected simple original image data is reproduced and displayed to enable adjustment of the first correction parameter. An image processing method, wherein image correction is performed on the original image data based on the first correction parameter.   The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the thinning rate is determined for each of a plurality of areas of the image.   When there is a first area with a high thinning rate and a second area with a low thinning rate in the image, the pixel density is set in the first area by interpolation or replacement with pixel data in the first area after thinning. The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein the first and second areas are equal.   The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein a thinning rate is determined based on a reduced version image corresponding to the original image data.   5. The image processing method according to claim 4, wherein the reduced image corresponding to an image for which image correction has not been completed is displayed in black and white.   Each time the first correction parameter is changed, the simplified original image data is subjected to image correction with the changed first correction parameter, and the simplified display generated based on the corrected simplified original image data. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein an image for reproduction is reproduced and displayed.   After the determination of the first correction parameter, image adjustment is performed on the simple display image with the second correction parameter, and image adjustment is performed on the display image data with the determined second correction parameter. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein:   The simplified original image data is generated for the image of the first frame, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the original image data corresponding to the images of the second and subsequent frames is determined using the determined first correction parameter. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein image correction is performed on the image processing method.   The simplified original image data is generated for one image among a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of shootings, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the selected first correction parameter is selected. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein image correction is performed on original image data corresponding to the other image that has been performed. The simplified original image data is generated for the first frame image, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the determined first correction parameter is converted into the original image data corresponding to the second and subsequent frames. A first processing mode for performing image correction on the image;
The simplified original image data is generated for one image among a plurality of images obtained by a plurality of shootings, the first correction parameter is adjusted, and the selected first correction parameter is selected. And a second processing mode for performing image correction on the original image data corresponding to the other image that has been selected, wherein the first and second processing modes can be selected. Image processing method as described in any one of -7. An image processing system comprising: a photographing device that shoots a subject to generate original image data; and an image conversion device that performs image correction on the original image data, converts the original image data into display image data, and outputs the image data.
In either one of the photographing device and the image conversion device, the original image data is generated by thinning out the original image data at a thinning rate that is variable according to a photographing scene,
The image conversion apparatus performs image correction on the simple original image data with a first correction parameter, reproduces and displays a simple display image generated based on the corrected simple original image data, and performs the first display. An image processing system which enables adjustment of a correction parameter and performs image correction on the original image data based on the determined first correction parameter.   Means for generating simple original image data by thinning out original image data obtained by photographing at a thinning rate that is variable according to a photographing scene; and image correction is performed on the simple original image data with a first correction parameter. Means for performing and displaying the simplified display image generated based on the simplified original image data after correction to enable adjustment of the first correction parameter, and based on the determined first correction parameter Means for performing image correction on the original image data.   Means for generating simple original image data by thinning out original image data obtained by photographing at a thinning rate that is variable according to a photographing scene; and image correction is performed on the simple original image data with a first correction parameter. Means for performing and displaying the simplified display image generated based on the simplified original image data after correction to enable adjustment of the first correction parameter, and based on the determined first correction parameter An image processing program for causing a computer device to function as means for performing image correction on the original image data.

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