JP2006115210A - Image input method, image input system, and operation program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convert a film image to a digital image signal in the most suitable in-focus state while taking user's intention of drawing into consideration. <P>SOLUTION: When a film image developed on a film F is electronically picked up, the user determines a specific in-focus area in the film image. An image input system includes a focus adjustment part 220 which acquires a prescribed condition evaluation value from a region including the in-focus area and performs focus condition decision to decide adequacy of focusing operation on the basis of the specific in-focus area in the image pickup operation, from the condition evaluation value. The focus adjustment part 220 decides a focus condition on the basis of an infrared transmittance, contrast, luminance, and the curl state of the film and displays an inadequacy decision result as a warning at least when the specific in-focus area is determined to be inadequate by focus condition decision. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input method, an image input system, and an operation program for electronically capturing a film image developed on a film, converting it into a digital image signal, and recording it.

  Conventionally, as a peripheral device of a computer, a frame image (film image) such as a 35 mm negative film is picked up by a line sensor composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the picked-up image signal is converted into digital data and a signal. A film scanner system (image input system) for processing and transferring to a computer is known. Also known are laboratory machines that have similar functions and convert film images into electronic images.

  In this type of film scanner system, laboratory machine, and the like, a focus control (autofocus control) mechanism is generally provided in order to read a film image with high accuracy. As such a focus control mechanism, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a film image is pre-scanned to obtain image data, and a high-contrast portion or a main portion of the film image (suitable for focus control) based on the image data. A method of automatically detecting the position of the in-focus position) and performing focus control according to the detected focus position is disclosed.

Furthermore, when reading a film image, it is necessary to pay attention to curling of the film to be read. That is, if the film is curled, a good focus state cannot be obtained over the entire film image. As a technique for solving this problem, for example, in Patent Document 2, the curl state of a film is determined, and in such a situation where such a curl exists in the film, the best in-focus state of the entire film image is obtained. A method for automatically detecting a focus position and performing focus control according to the focus position is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-164100 JP 2000-89374 A

  In reading the film image as described above, it is desirable that the user can freely select the in-focus position according to his / her preference in order to realize image reading that matches the user's intention to draw. However, in the method of Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, since the focus position is automatically detected and focus control is performed based on the focus position, the user can set a favorite focus position. Inherently does not accept. In an image input system including such a focus control mechanism, when the user sets a focus position, a good film is obtained if dust is attached to the focus position or contrast or brightness is insufficient. There is a problem that the image cannot be read.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image input method, an image input system, and an operation program for the film image that can convert a film image into a digital image signal in the best possible focus state while drawing the user's drawing intention to the maximum. The purpose is to do.

  The image input method of the present invention performs an imaging operation for electronically capturing a film image developed on a film, and in recording the obtained image data, determines a specific focus area on the film image, A predetermined condition evaluation value is obtained from an area including the focusing area, and the validity of performing the focusing operation based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation is determined from the condition evaluation value. Focus condition determination is performed, and at least when the focus condition determination is determined to be inappropriate, the inappropriate determination result is displayed as a warning (claim 1).

  According to this method, a predetermined condition evaluation value (for example, presence / absence of dust, contrast, luminance information, or curl information of a film) is acquired from a specific focusing area (for example, a focusing area specified by the user). Since the in-focus condition is determined, it is possible to grasp in advance whether the specific in-focus area is suitable for the in-focus operation (manual in-focus adjustment, auto-in-focus adjustment, etc.). When it is determined as inappropriate in the in-focus condition determination, a warning is displayed so that the user can perform image reading that is expected to perform in-focus adjustment in the specific in-focus area. Can be identified.

In the above configuration, the condition evaluation value is at least one or more evaluation values selected from the following evaluation value groups (1) to (3), and the in-focus condition determination is performed using the selected evaluation value. It is desirable to be performed based on (Claim 2).
(1) Transmittance of predetermined test light in a specific focusing area (2) Contrast between a specific focusing area and its adjacent area (3) Luminance in a specific focusing area According to this method, (1 ) Can be used to grasp the state of attachment of dust and the like in the in-focus area, the in-focus area contrast information can be grasped from the evaluation value (2), and the in-focus area brightness can be determined from the evaluation value (3). Information can be grasped. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine the appropriateness of focusing based on these evaluation values.

  Further, in the above configuration, the condition evaluation value is curl state information in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the film, and the focusing operation is performed based on the specific focusing area based on the detected curl state information. When the imaging operation is performed by performing a focus evaluation for evaluating the degree of focus in a region other than the focus region, and at least when the focus evaluation is determined to be inappropriate, the It is desirable to display an appropriate determination result as a warning (claim 3).

  According to this method, in consideration of the curl state in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the film, the specific focusing area is grasped in advance as the focusing area to be focused. be able to. If it is determined as inappropriate in the in-focus evaluation, a warning is displayed to indicate that it is inadequate, so that the user can read an image that is expected to perform in-focus adjustment in the specific focus area. It becomes possible to identify whether or not.

  An image input system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that electronically captures a film image developed on a film, a focusing control unit that controls a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and an image captured by the imaging unit. In the image input system, comprising: a display unit that displays a captured image; a storage unit that records a captured image signal; a control unit that controls an imaging operation; and a focus adjustment unit that performs a predetermined focus adjustment. The focus adjustment unit obtains a predetermined condition evaluation value from an area including a specific focus area defined in the film image, and the specific focus area in the imaging operation is obtained from the condition evaluation value. An in-focus condition determination unit that determines the appropriateness of performing the focusing operation on the basis of the inconsistency, and at least the in-focus condition determination unit determines that the determination is inappropriate. Characterized by comprising a warning display unit which displays a warning fruit (claim 4).

  According to this configuration, since the in-focus condition determination unit performs the in-focus condition determination based on the predetermined condition evaluation value acquired from the specific in-focus area, the specific in-focus area is in-focus. It is possible to know in advance whether it is suitable for operation. Then, when it is determined that the in-focus condition is determined to be inappropriate, the warning display unit displays a warning indicating that it is inappropriate, so that the user can adjust the focus in the specific focus area. It is possible to identify whether or not the expected image reading can be performed when performing the above.

  In the above configuration, the in-focus condition determination unit obtains the transmittance of the predetermined test light in the specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value, and the in-focus condition is determined based on the transmittance of the predetermined test light. It is desirable to have a test light transmittance determining unit that performs the determination of the application (claim 5). According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp the adhesion state of dust or the like in the in-focus area based on the transmittance of predetermined test light (for example, infrared light), and to determine whether or not the focus on the adhesion of dust or the like is appropriate. Based on the determination result, it becomes possible to accurately grasp.

  In the above configuration, the focus condition determination unit obtains a contrast between the specific focus area and its adjacent area as the condition evaluation value, and performs a focus condition determination based on the contrast. It is desirable to have a configuration comprising (claim 6). According to this configuration, the contrast information in the in-focus area can be grasped, and the in-focus appropriateness regarding the contrast can be grasped accurately based on the determination result of the contrast determination unit.

  In the above configuration, the in-focus condition determination unit includes a luminance determination unit that obtains the luminance in a specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value and performs the in-focus condition determination based on the luminance. (Claim 7). According to this configuration, the luminance information in the in-focus area can be grasped, and the in-focus appropriateness relating to the luminance can be accurately grasped based on the determination result of the luminance determining unit.

  In the above configuration, the focus adjustment unit includes a curl state determination unit that performs focus information processing derived from the curl state of the film, and the curl state determination unit uses the main scan of the film as a condition evaluation value. A curl state detection unit that detects curl state information in the direction and the sub-scanning direction, and based on the detected curl state information, the focusing operation is performed based on the specific focusing area, and the imaging operation is performed. A warning for displaying the inappropriate determination result as a warning when the focus evaluation unit evaluates the degree of focus in a region other than the focus region and at least the focus evaluation unit determines that the determination result is inappropriate. It is desirable to have a configuration including a display unit (claim 8).

  According to this configuration, first, the curl state of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the film is detected by the curl state detection unit. Therefore, the curl state of the entire film can be grasped. Next, by the focus evaluation unit functioning as the focus condition determination unit, the specific focus region is a focus region that should be focused when such a curl state of the film is considered. It is determined whether it is appropriate. Then, when it is determined that the in-focus evaluation unit is inappropriate, the warning display unit displays a warning to the effect that the user is inadequate, so the user has adjusted the focus in the specific focus area. Whether or not the expected image reading can be performed can be identified.

  In the configuration according to any one of claims 4 to 8, the focus adjustment unit is configured to have an appropriate focus area when the focus condition determination unit and / or the focus evaluation unit determines that the focus adjustment unit is inappropriate. It is desirable to provide a recommended in-focus area display section for determining and displaying the above (claim 9). According to this configuration, it is possible to display information related to an appropriate focus area. For example, when an appropriate focus area exists in the vicinity of the focus area specified by the user, the information can be transmitted to the user. become.

  In the configuration according to any one of claims 4 to 9, the focus adjustment unit may re-focus the focus area when the focus condition determination unit and / or the focus evaluation unit determines that the focus adjustment unit is inappropriate. It is desirable that a focusing area setting unit for receiving the setting is provided (claim 10). According to this configuration, for example, when the in-focus area designated by the user is determined to be inappropriate, the in-focus area closer to the drawing intention can be reset.

  Another image input system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that electronically captures a film image developed on a film, a focusing control unit that controls a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and the imaging unit. An image input system comprising: a display unit that displays a captured image; a storage unit that records a captured image signal; a control unit that controls an imaging operation; and a focus adjustment unit that performs a predetermined focus adjustment. The focus adjustment unit acquires a predetermined condition evaluation value from a region including a specific focus area defined in the film image, and uses the specific focus evaluation value in the imaging operation from the condition evaluation value. An in-focus condition determining unit that determines the validity of performing a focusing operation based on a focal area, and at least the in-appropriate state when determined as inappropriate by the in-focus condition determining unit A warning display unit for displaying a fixed result as a warning, and the in-focus condition determination unit obtains a transmittance of predetermined test light in the specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value, and the predetermined test light A test light transmittance determination unit that performs focusing condition determination based on the transmittance of the light, and obtains a contrast between the specific focused area and its adjacent area as the condition evaluation value, and focuses based on the contrast A contrast determination unit that performs condition determination, a luminance determination unit that obtains luminance in a specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value, and performs in-focus condition determination based on the luminance, and the test light transmittance determination unit And a condition comprehensive determination unit that comprehensively determines the in-focus condition based on the determination results of the contrast determination unit and the luminance determination unit. Claim 11).

  According to this configuration, the focus adjustment unit includes the test light transmittance determination unit, the contrast determination unit, and the luminance determination unit, and comprehensively determines the focus condition based on the determination results of these determination units. Since the overall condition determination unit is provided, it is possible to perform in-focus condition determination after comprehensively considering dust presence / absence information, contrast information, and luminance information.

An operation program for an image input system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that electronically images a film image developed on a film, a focusing control unit that controls a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and the imaging unit. An image input system comprising: display means for displaying an image picked up by the recording means; storage means for recording the picked-up image signal; a control section for controlling the pick-up operation; and a focus adjustment section for performing a predetermined focus adjustment. The following (1)-(3) evaluation from the step which receives the setting of the specific focus area with respect to the said film image in the said focus adjustment part, and the area | region containing the said focus area Acquiring at least one condition evaluation value selected from a value group; and performing a focusing operation based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation from the condition evaluation value. A step of performing in-focus condition determination for determining the validity of the image, and a step of displaying a warning of the inappropriate determination result when it is determined as inappropriate at least in the in-focus condition determination step. (Claim 12).
(1) Transmittance of predetermined test light in a specific focus area (2) Contrast between a specific focus area and its adjacent area (3) Luminance in a specific focus area

  In this case, in the step of determining the in-focus condition, when the in-focus area to be determined is determined to be appropriate, the step of detecting the curl state information of the film and the detected curl state information When the focusing operation is performed based on the focusing area determined to be appropriate in the focusing condition determination and the imaging operation is executed, the focusing degree of the area other than the focusing area is evaluated. It is desirable to execute a focus evaluation step and a step of displaying a warning of the inappropriate determination result when at least the focus evaluation is determined to be inappropriate (claim 13).

  According to the image input method of the first aspect, when a specific focus area is set (for example, when the user specifies a specific focus area), the image is focused in the specific focus area. Since it is possible to identify whether or not the expected image reading can be performed when the focus adjustment is performed, the film image can be read in the optimum focus state as much as possible while drawing the user's drawing intention.

  According to the image input method of the second aspect, the in-focus condition determination in a specific in-focus area is accurately performed based on the indispensable elements for the in-focus condition determination, such as dust adhesion information, contrast information, and luminance information. Therefore, the occurrence of a condition determination error can be suppressed.

  According to the image input method according to claim 3, not only the unidirectional curl of the film but also the curled state of the entire film is taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to read the image closer to the user's intention to draw.

  According to the image input system of the fourth aspect, when a specific focus area is set (for example, when the user designates a specific focus area), the focus condition determination unit determines the appropriateness. And the result of the determination is displayed on the warning display section, so that it is possible to identify whether or not the image can be read as expected when the focus adjustment is performed in the specific focus area, and the user's drawing intention is taken into account. On the other hand, it is possible to read a film image in an optimum in-focus state as much as possible.

  According to the image input system of the fifth aspect, it is possible to grasp the adhesion state of dust and the like in the in-focus area based on the transmittance of predetermined test light (for example, infrared light), It is possible to accurately grasp based on the determination result of the test light transmittance determination unit. Therefore, the determination in the in-focus condition determination unit can be accurately performed.

  According to the image input system of the sixth aspect, the contrast information in the in-focus area can be grasped, and the in-focus appropriateness regarding the contrast can be grasped accurately based on the determination result of the contrast determining unit. Therefore, the determination in the in-focus condition determination unit can be accurately performed.

  According to the image input system of the seventh aspect, the luminance information in the in-focus area can be grasped, and the in-focus appropriateness regarding the luminance can be accurately grasped based on the determination result of the luminance determining unit. Therefore, the determination in the in-focus condition determination unit can be accurately performed.

  According to the image input system of the eighth aspect, the curl state determination unit considers the curl state of the entire film and determines whether the specified focus area is appropriate as a focus area to be focused. Since it can be grasped in advance, image reading closer to the user's intention to draw can be performed.

  According to the image input system of the ninth aspect, for example, when an appropriate in-focus area exists in the vicinity of the in-focus area designated by the user, the information can be transmitted to the user. There is an advantage that image reading closer to the purpose of drawing can be realized.

  According to the image input system of the tenth aspect, for example, when the in-focus area designated by the user is determined to be inappropriate, the in-focus area closer to the drawing intention can be reset. There is an advantage that image reading closer to the taste can be realized.

  According to the image input system of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to perform in-focus condition determination after comprehensively considering dust presence / absence information, contrast information, and luminance information. Therefore, the in-focus condition can be determined more accurately.

  According to the image input system operation program of the twelfth aspect, it is determined whether or not an image can be read that is expected to be adjusted in the specific focus area with respect to the focus area set by the user or the like. , Dust adhesion information, contrast information and brightness information can be accurately determined based on the indispensable factors for determining the in-focus condition. Can be read.

  According to the operation program for an image input system according to claim 13, the in-focus area determined in consideration of the curl state of the film with respect to the in-focus area determined to be appropriate in the in-focus condition determination step, Since it is possible to know in advance whether or not the focusing area to be focused is appropriate, it is possible to perform image reading closer to the user's intention to draw.

(Description of overall configuration)
An image input system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image input system (film image reading system) 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a film scanner 100. The image input system 1 includes a film scanner 100 and a host computer 200 (hereinafter referred to as a host PC 200).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the film scanner 100 (imaging means) is provided with a power switch 101 and a focus adjustment operation button 102 at the lower part of the front surface, and a film insertion port 103 is provided above the focus adjustment operation button 102. Is provided. The focus adjustment operation button 102 adjusts the focus of a lens system 105 (see FIG. 3) that forms an optical image of the developed film F on an imaging surface of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 104 as an imaging device described later. Is. The film insertion slot 103 is used to set the film F so as to read an image (film image) taken on each frame of the film F, and a shutter 106 is provided to be openable and closable to prevent entry of dust and the like. ing.

  The film scanner 100 can read a film image of the film F, specifically, a slide (mounted positive film) F1 and a color negative film F2 mounted on a dedicated negative carrier, and the film insertion slot 103 has a slide F1. Alternatively, any color negative film F2 can be set. Further, it may be possible to cope with a film storage system such as a sleeve or a cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the host PC 200 includes a control main body 201, a monitor 202 (display means), and an input operation unit 203 including a keyboard. The film scanner 100 is connected to the control main body via a USB cable 215. An image reading operation is performed in accordance with a control command from the host PC 200.

  That is, when a film image is required, the host PC 200 sends a predetermined command to the film scanner 100 to perform a pre-scan and a main scan of the film image described later. The film scanner 100 initializes the apparatus in accordance with a command transmitted from the host PC 200, and then scans the CCD 104 relative to the film image of the film F to capture film image data (image data). After performing predetermined image processing on the data, the data is sequentially transferred to the host PC 200. The host PC 200 displays the transferred image data on the monitor 202 as a pre-scanned image or an image immediately before recording, and stores it in a storage unit 232 (to be described later) in the control main body 201 (during the main scan).

  Then, film image capturing and image data transfer to the host PC 200 are repeated for each line, and when the transfer of the image data constituting all the film images is completed, the film scanner 100 ends the film image reading operation.

(Description of overall electrical configuration)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image input system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the film scanner 100 is connected to the host PC 200 in accordance with, for example, the USB standard, and functions as a peripheral device of the host PC 200 that supports image processing software activated on the host PC 200. The standard for connecting the film scanner 100 to the host PC 200 is not limited to the USB standard and may be a SCSI standard.

  The film scanner 100 includes an optical system 107, a CCD 104, an amplifier unit 108, a clamp circuit unit 109, an analog multiplexer 110 (hereinafter referred to as MPX 110), a D / A converter 111, an A / D converter 112, a digital signal processing unit 113, and output data. It comprises a buffer 114, a DMA controller 115, a USB controller 116, a timing generator 117 and a controller 118.

  Although not described in detail, the optical system 107 includes an illumination system 119, a lens system 105, a light shielding plate 120, a drive system (not shown), and the like disposed on the optical axis L. The illumination system 119 includes a lamp composed of, for example, a fluorescent lamp, a xenon lamp, or a halogen lamp, and illuminates the film F. The light shielding plate 120 is interposed between the lens system 105 and the film F. A slit-shaped exposure window 120 a is formed at an appropriate position of the light shielding plate 120.

  The drive system relatively moves the film F set on the film scanner 100 and the exposure window 120a of the light shielding plate 120 in a predetermined direction. Thereby, the optical image of the film F illuminated by the illumination system 119 is divided into slit optical images by the exposure window 120a and guided to the CCD 104.

  The CCD 104 (line CCD 104) is composed of, for example, three line sensors in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (pixels) such as photodiodes are linearly arranged in a line, and each line sensor has a light receiving surface. R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color filters are provided to convert the light image of the film image formed on the light receiving surface into an electrical signal, and each color of R, G, and B in line units. It is a color CCD that outputs as an image signal.

  The amplifier unit 108 includes amplifiers 108G, 108R, and 108B arranged corresponding to the R, G, and B channels. The amplifiers 108R, 108G, and 108B adjust the gains of the image signals of the R, G, and B channels using the analog gain that is input from the control unit 118 via the D / A converter 111. This analog gain is calculated by the host PC 200.

  The clamp circuit unit 109 (clamp circuits 109G, 109R, 109B) converts the black level of the R, G, B color image signals of the CCD 104 according to the clamp level input from the control unit 118 via the D / A converter 111. It is adjusted to the clamp level output from the black reference output unit. The MPX 110 selectively outputs image signals of R, G, and B channels serially.

  The A / D converter 112 converts analog R, G, and B image signals into digital signals having a number of bits unique to the film scanner, for example, 16 bits or 12 bits.

  The digital signal processing unit 113 cancels shading caused by the black correction for canceling the input level offset to the A / D converter 112 and the optical system 107 and the CCD 104 in the digitized image signals of the R, G, and B channels. Processing such as shading correction, γ conversion of G, R, and B signals is performed. In the black correction, an image signal for one line of the CCD 104 is taken in a no-signal state in which the exposure window 120a is closed, and this image signal is transferred to the host PC 200. In the shading correction, the illumination light of the illumination system 119 is directly incident on the CCD 104, that is, the CCD 104 is illuminated in a transparent state without the film F, and an image signal is taken in. The image signal is transferred to the host PC 200. Hereinafter, the image signal subjected to the above-described processing by the digital signal processing unit 113 is referred to as image data.

  The output data buffer 114 is a memory that temporarily stores R, G, and B color image data. Each image data is output from the output data buffer 114 to the host PC 200 via the DMA controller 115 and the USB controller 116. It has come to be.

  The DMA controller 115 controls transfer of image data and the like between the digital signal processing unit 113, the output data buffer 114, and the USB controller 116 based on a control signal from the control unit 118. The USB controller 116 performs interface control in transmission / reception of various data including image data between the film scanner 100 and the host PC 200.

  The timing generation unit 117 outputs a timing signal for controlling the drive timing of each unit based on a control signal from the control unit 118. The CCD 104 receives a timing signal for controlling the charge accumulation time and the like. A clamp level adjustment timing signal is input to the clamp circuit unit 109. The MPX 110 and the A / D converter 112 are each input with a clock signal for synchronization.

  In this type of film scanner 100, changing the exposure time of each of the R, G, and B colors for each color according to the subject information reproduces a fine gradation and obtains a high-quality image. Desirable in terms. Therefore, an exposure parameter (exposure time) can be set for each of R, G, and B in an exposure amount control unit 209, which will be described later, and the timing generation unit 117 receives such a setting control signal and receives the R, G, and B of the CCD 104. It is desirable that the charge transfer timing of each B color pixel be a predetermined timing set for each color (that is, the main scan is performed for each of R, G, and B colors). As a result, not only the density adjustment but also the white balance can be controlled, and a delicate image that cannot be sufficiently reproduced only by the gain adjustment can be formed.

  The control unit 118 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a ROM 121 that stores a control program and a RAM 122 that temporarily stores data, and controls the operation of each unit of the film scanner 100. Control of the optical system 107 and the drive system, timing signal output control of the timing generator 117 based on exposure time data transmitted from the host PC 200 via the USB controller 116, and transmission from the host PC 200 via the USB controller 116. It has functions such as gain adjustment control of the amplifier unit 108 performed via the D / A converter 111 based on the analog gain.

  Further, the control unit 118 acquires a predetermined condition evaluation value from an area including the specified in-focus area based on a command signal from the control unit 205 (condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222) of the host PC 200 described later. To do this. Further, the control unit 118 captures a film image based on a command signal from the control unit 205 (the main scan control unit 242 or the pre-scan control unit 241) (in the present specification, this is an image capturing operation). Is called “main scan”), and in order to set exposure conditions when capturing image data in the main scan, an imaging operation for preliminarily taking a film image before the main scan (this is referred to in this specification) "Pre-scan"). The image data captured in the main scan and prescan is transferred from the output data buffer 114 to the host PC 200 via the DMA controller 115 and the USB controller 116.

  The ROM 121 of the control unit 118 stores information on the type of film scanner (scanner information) including the bit number information of the output signal of the A / D converter 112 and the model name information of the film scanner 100. This scanner information Is sent to the host PC 200 when scanning is started. A plurality of types of film scanners 100 can be connected to the host PC 200. The host PC 200 has scanner information of each type of film scanner 100, and has a function of discriminating the model of the connected film scanner 100, for example, at startup.

  Next, the host PC 200 will be described. The host PC 200 includes a control main body 201 including a USB controller 204, a control unit 205, and a frame memory 206, a monitor 202 as a display unit, and an input operation unit 203 including a keyboard and a mouse.

  The USB controller 204 performs interface control in data transmission / reception between the film scanner 100 and the host PC 200.

  The control unit 205 functionally includes a connection determination unit 207, a data reception unit 208, an exposure amount control unit 209, a focus control unit 210, a focus adjustment unit 220, a pre-scan control unit 241, a main scan control unit 242, and a storage. Part 243 and data transfer part 244 are provided.

  The connection determination unit 207 determines whether or not the film scanner 100 is connected to the host PC 200. The data receiving unit 208 receives image data and scanner information transmitted from the film scanner 100. The received image data and the like are recorded in the storage unit 243.

  The exposure amount control unit 209 sets exposure conditions such as exposure time during pre-scanning and main scanning. At the time of the pre-scanning, the exposure amount control unit 209 sets a predetermined standard exposure condition (exposure time), and executes an imaging operation via the control unit 118. At the time of the main scan, an appropriate exposure parameter is calculated by automatically calculating a histogram (film density) from the image data acquired by the pre-scan, and an exposure condition (exposure time) is set based on the exposure parameter. To do. For example, when the main scan is executed for each of R, G, and B colors, the exposure amount control unit 209 sets exposure parameters (exposure times) for each of R, G, and B colors.

  The focus control unit 210 (focus control means) acquires a predetermined focus evaluation value by moving the film F forward and backward in the optical axis direction so as to capture a film image in the focused state, and determines the focus position. Perform the desired control. Further, the focus control unit 210 generates a control signal based on the exposure parameter obtained by the exposure parameter calculation unit 235 described later, and executes the focus operation. FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing an example of a focusing mechanism controlled by the focusing control unit 210 (the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 3 are given). In this focusing mechanism, the illumination system 119, the lens system 105, and the CCD 104 are arranged on the optical axis, and the film F held by a holder or the like can be moved in the front-rear direction of the optical axis by a driving mechanism (not shown). It has the structure which was made.

  In such a configuration, the light emitted from the illumination system 119 passes through the focus adjustment point Ff on the film F, is collected by the lens system 105, and forms an image at the focus adjustment point Pf on the CCD 104. . The brightness data detected at the pixel at the focus adjustment point Pf and the brightness data detected at the pixel at the adjacent point Pfr of the focus adjustment point Pf are acquired by the focus control unit 210 as a focus evaluation value. The contrast between them is calculated. Then, the contrast mechanism is sequentially calculated while moving the film F little by little in the optical axis direction by operating the drive mechanism, and the position Lmax of the film F at which the contrast becomes highest is obtained as the in-focus position.

  The drive control method in the optical axis direction of the film F is a method in which the driver software for focus control is automatically performed with reference to the contrast calculation value (so-called hill-climbing detection method), and a focus evaluation value (contrast calculation value) by the user. ) And a manual operation method. In the present specification, the former is called AF (Auto Focus) and the latter is called MF (Manual Focus). In the present embodiment, as described later, in the AF and MF, when a specific focus area (focus point) preferred by the user is determined, the focus operation for the main scan is performed based on the specific focus area. It is configured so that it can be determined whether or not it is appropriate to perform the determination, and the determination result can be notified to the user. Therefore, when the user designates a specific focus area, focus control is performed with the specific focus area as the focus adjustment point Pf (hereinafter referred to as “point AF / MF”). There is). When the user does not designate a specific focus area, focus control is performed with a default value (usually the center of the image) determined by the driver software.

  The focus adjustment unit 220 has a focus condition determination function for determining whether or not a specific focus area specified by the user is a focus area suitable for performing a focus operation as described above. At the same time, when it is determined as inappropriate in the in-focus condition determination, it performs a function of displaying a predetermined warning and notifying the user. Furthermore, the focus adjustment unit 220 of the present embodiment also includes a recommended focus area display function for determining and displaying an appropriate focus area when an inappropriate determination is made. The configuration of the focus adjustment unit 220 will be described in detail later.

  The prescan control unit 241 controls the overall prescan operation. That is, an imaging operation for obtaining a pre-scan image is performed, or image data for setting exposure conditions is acquired from the pre-scan image and transmitted to the exposure amount control unit.

  The main scan control unit 242 controls the overall operation of the main scan. That is, the imaging operation of the film F is executed under the predetermined exposure conditions set by the exposure amount control unit 209. When a specific in-focus area is designated by the user, the imaging operation is executed after performing the in-focus operation based on the in-focus area or after performing the in-focus operation in the recommended in-focus area. If exposure parameters are set for each of R, G, and B colors as described above, the main scan imaging operation is executed for each of R, G, and B colors.

  The storage unit 243 temporarily stores the image data received by the data receiving unit 209 as described above. Further, when the pre-scan is executed a plurality of times for different films, the image data is temporarily stored in association with the film identification code or the like. Furthermore, the position information of the designated in-focus area, a condition evaluation value (to be described later), an in-focus condition determination result, and the like are temporarily stored.

  The data transfer unit 244 converts various data including focus control data set by the focus control unit 210 and data related to exposure conditions set by the exposure amount control unit 209 into a transfer data format. The converted transfer data is transferred to each part of the film scanner 100 via the USB controller 204.

  A frame memory 206 (storage means) stores image data for one frame obtained by performing a main scan under set exposure conditions. This image data is displayed as an image on the monitor 202 by a user operation, recorded on a memory unit included in the host PC 200 or various recording media attached to the host PC 200, or printed on a paper by a printer device such as an inkjet printer. Or output.

  The monitor 202 (display device) includes an LCD, a CRT, or the like, and displays a film image stored in the frame memory 206. During focus adjustment, warning information is displayed when a specific focus area is determined to be inappropriate in the focus condition determination, or a recommended focus area is displayed based on a preview image of a film image. Or

  The input operation unit 203 performs various operations such as an instruction operation for instructing the film F to start scanning of the film F by the film scanner 100, and setting or selection of the in-focus area, selection, re-selection, or the like during the focus adjustment. A selection operation or the like is performed.

(Detailed description of the focus adjustment unit 220)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram for explaining the function of the focus adjustment unit 220. The focus adjustment unit 220 includes a focus region setting unit 221, a condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222, a focus condition determination unit 223, a recommended focus region display control unit 229, a curl state determination unit 230, and a focus parameter calculation. Part 235.

  When the film F is read, the focusing area setting unit 221 receives a setting of a “specific focusing area” for which the user should perform a focusing operation, and this is set as a focusing adjustment point in the focusing adjustment unit 220. (In the following description, the “specific focus area” may be described as a “focus adjustment point Pf”). That is, when the user desires to execute the point AF / MF, setting of a specific focus area that matches the user's drawing position is received from the input operation unit 203, and the specific focus by the focus adjustment unit 220 is received. The focus condition determination of the area can be executed. If no focus area is set in the focus area setting unit 221, the focus default area (for example, the center point of the film image) determined by the driver software is the focus adjustment unit 220. Will be the subject of in-focus condition determination.

  The condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 acquires a predetermined condition evaluation value from an area including the specific focus area (or focus default area) set by the focus area setting unit 221. In the present embodiment, as described later, the focusing condition determination is performed based on the presence / absence of dust adhesion, contrast, and luminance. Therefore, the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 uses the test light necessary for these determinations. Transmittance data and image data are acquired from an area including a specific focus area. The curl degree of the film is also one of the condition evaluation values, and the evaluation value is obtained by a curl state detection unit 231 described later.

  If there is no condition evaluation value for a specific in-focus area designated by the user in the pre-scan image data acquired so far, the pre-scan control unit 241 operates. A signal is sent to perform a pre-scan of an area including a specific focus area. In this case, it may be a prescan of only one line in the main scanning direction of the line CCD 104 including a specific focus area or a prescan of the entire film image. For example, when the in-focus area specified by the user is inappropriate, it is intended to detect the recommended in-focus on one line in the main scanning direction including the in-focus area and notify the user of this. A pre-scan with only one line is employed. On the other hand, when it is intended to detect and notify the recommended focal point from the entire image area, pre-scan of the entire film image is adopted.

  The in-focus condition determination unit 223 performs a specific in-focus setting set by the user in the in-focus area setting unit 221 in the main scan based on the predetermined condition evaluation value acquired by the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222. The validity of performing the focusing operation based on the area is determined. The in-focus condition determination unit 223 includes a test light transmittance determination unit 224, a contrast determination unit 225, a luminance determination unit 226, a condition overall determination unit 227, and a warning display unit 228.

The test light transmittance determination unit 224 transmits the test light transmittance data when the film F to be imaged is irradiated with test light such as infrared light (light that passes through the film but does not transmit dust or the like). It is acquired from the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222, and based on this transmittance data, it is determined whether or not dust is attached to a specific in-focus area. For example, when the infrared light transmittance of a specific in-focus area acquired from the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 is T1, a predetermined transmittance threshold Tth that is set in advance and the infrared light transmittance T1 Contrast
T1 <Tth
If the above condition is satisfied, it is determined that dust is attached to the specific in-focus area. This is based on the fact that, when dust is present, infrared light is blocked (absorbed) by the dust, so that the output light is reduced, that is, the transmittance is reduced with respect to the input light irradiated accordingly. Yes.

The contrast determination unit 225 acquires the contrast data between the specific focus area and the adjacent area obtained from the image data (luminance data) obtained by the prescan from the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222, and based on the contrast data. Thus, it is determined whether or not the specific focus area has a predetermined contrast with no shortage. For example, when the contrast between a specific in-focus area and its adjacent area is C1, a predetermined contrast threshold Cth set in advance is compared with the contrast C1,
C1 <Cth
If this condition is satisfied, it is determined that the contrast is insufficient to cause the focusing operation to be performed in the specific focusing area. Note that the size of the contrast is a problem because the lack of contrast tends to make it difficult to perform the focusing operation using the “hill climbing detection method” described above smoothly and accurately. is there.

The luminance determination unit 226 acquires luminance data in a specific in-focus area obtained from image data (luminance data) obtained by pre-scanning from the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222, and based on the luminance data, the specific alignment It is determined whether the focal area has a predetermined luminance. For example, when the brightness of a specific focus area is E1, a predetermined brightness threshold Eth that is determined in advance is compared with the brightness E1,
E1 <Eth
If the above condition is satisfied, it is determined that the brightness is insufficient to perform the focusing operation in the specific focusing area. The reason for the problem of the size of the luminance is that if the luminance is insufficient, it takes time to acquire the contrast information, and there is a tendency that a rapid focusing operation cannot be performed.

The condition comprehensive determination unit 227 comprehensively determines the quality of the in-focus condition based on the determination results of the test light transmittance determination unit 224, the contrast determination unit 225, and the luminance determination unit 226. For example, the condition comprehensive determination unit 227 performs the above-described infrared light transmittance T1, contrast C1, and luminance E1 determined by each determination unit with respect to the threshold values Tth, Cth, and Eth.
T1 ≧ Tth (1)
C1 ≧ Cth (2)
E1 ≧ Eth (3)
Is satisfied in all of the above formulas (1) to (3), it is determined that the in-focus condition is “appropriate”. On the other hand, if any one of the above formulas (1) to (3) does not hold, it is determined that the in-focus condition is “inappropriate”. This criterion is an example, and the criterion may be appropriately set according to the properties of the film F or according to the needs of the user.

  The warning display unit 228 receives at least a determination result from the overall condition determination unit 227 (or one or more of the test light transmittance determination unit 224, the contrast determination unit 225, and the luminance determination unit 226), and at least “inappropriate”. When the determination is made, the inappropriate determination result is displayed on the monitor 202 or the like. For example, a message such as “the designated focus adjustment point is inappropriate” is displayed on the monitor 202 to notify the user.

  Although it is good also as a structure which carries out warning alerts as described above and prompts the user to reselect the focus area, there is a focus area suitable for the focus operation in the vicinity of the specific focus area designated by the user. In such a case, it can be said that it is desirable to detect such an in-focus area and notify the user of the in-focus area as a recommended in-focus area from the viewpoint of enabling a quick search for an in-focus area closer to the user's preference.

  In view of such a request, the recommended in-focus area display control unit 229, for example, detects a proper in-focus area from the vicinity to the vicinity with a specific in-focus area designated by the user as a starting point. The proper focus area is displayed on the monitor 202 or the like as the recommended focus area. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of such a recommended in-focus area display control unit 229.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, a specific focus area designated by the user is set as a focus adjustment point Pf, and this focus adjustment point Pf is set as a determination point P1 for performing focus condition determination. In the case where the determination point P1 includes T1, C1, and E1 that satisfy the conditions of the above expressions (1) to (3), the determination point P1 is treated as having an appropriate focusing operation. The warning display by the warning display unit 228 and the recommended focus range display by the recommended focus range display control unit 229 are not performed with respect to the focus adjustment point Pf. Therefore, the user can perform the main scan by performing the focusing operation at the focusing adjustment point Pf (specific focusing area) selected by the user.

  On the other hand, if the determination point P1 does not satisfy the conditions of the above formulas (1) to (3) and the in-focus condition determination is made as “inappropriate”, as shown in FIG. An appropriate candidate point P2 in the vicinity of P1 is selected, the candidate point P2 is set as a new determination point P1, and the infrared light transmittance T1, contrast C1, and luminance E1 which are the condition evaluation values at the candidate point P2. Is obtained, and in-focus condition determination is performed based on the above formulas (1) to (3). As a result, when it is determined that the candidate point P2 is also “inappropriate”, an appropriate candidate point P3 in the vicinity of the candidate point P2 is further selected, and the candidate point P3 is placed as a new determination point P1, At this candidate point P3, data on the infrared light transmittance T1, contrast C1, and luminance E1, which are the condition evaluation values, are acquired, and the in-focus condition determination is similarly performed based on the above formulas (1) to (3). . In this way, the candidate condition is sequentially determined and the focusing condition evaluation is performed.

If it is determined that the candidate point P3 is “appropriate”, a point corresponding to the candidate point P3 is displayed on the monitor 202 or the like as a recommended focus area. The user sees such a display,
a) Select the first designated focus area while recognizing the poor condition.
b) Select the recommended focusing area as a focusing area for performing a focusing operation (focusing).
c) A new focusing area can be selected, or d) the processing so far can be canceled.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the selection display screen 40 capable of performing such selection. The selection display screen 40 includes a preview image display unit 41, a designated focus area selection icon 42, a recommended focus area selection icon 43, a focus area reselection icon 44, and a cancel icon 45.

  In the preview image display unit 41, for example, a film image read by pre-scanning is displayed. The preview image display unit 41 displays a focus adjustment point Pf, which is a specific focus area designated by the user, and a recommended focus Pm obtained by the recommended focus area display control unit 229. An example is shown. It is desirable to display the focus condition determination result (such as a message generated by the warning display unit 228) of the focus adjustment point Pf on any part of the preview image display unit 41.

  When the user selects the focus area (focus adjustment point Pf) specified first while confirming the display of the preview image display section 41, the user clicks the specified focus area selection icon 42, When selecting the recommended in-focus Pm, the user clicks the recommended in-focus area selection icon 43 to select a point to perform the in-focus operation. On the other hand, when a new specific focus area is selected, the focus area reselection icon 44 is clicked. In this case, an input of a new in-focus area from the input operation unit 203 to the in-focus area setting unit 221 is accepted. Further, when it is desired to reset the operation performed so far and return to the state where the pre-scanning is completed, the user can click the cancel icon 45 to reset it.

  When the focus adjustment point Pf is determined through the processing as described above, the focus parameter calculation unit 235 calculates a focus parameter for performing a focus operation on the focus adjustment point Pf. The calculated focus parameter is set in the focus control unit 210, the focus control unit 210 performs a focus operation corresponding to the focus adjustment point Pf, and the main scan operation is executed. .

  In addition, regarding the selection of the above-described candidate point P2 and candidate point P3 shown in FIG. 6, when the condition evaluation value for one line including the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user is used, the candidates are sequentially selected in the main scanning direction. The point will be moved horizontally. In this case, the processing can be speeded up. On the other hand, when using the condition evaluation value acquired from the whole film, a candidate point can be moved two-dimensionally as shown in FIG.6 (b). In this case, there is an advantage that an appropriate focus area can be easily obtained in the vicinity of the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user.

  The above description is a function for executing point AF / MF, but when point AF / MF is not executed, that is, when focus adjustment is performed in the focus default area set on the driver side. Since the user's intention for selection does not intervene, for example, the warning display by the warning display unit 228 is not performed, and the above-described recommended focus Pm may be automatically replaced with the focus adjustment point Pf. In this case, the focus adjustment point Pf that has been automatically replaced may be notified to the user. Alternatively, a message for prompting the user to execute the point AF / MF may be displayed before automatic replacement of the focus adjustment point.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the curl state determination unit 230 acquires a condition evaluation value called a curl degree of the film, and determines whether or not a specific focus area designated by the user is suitable for the focus operation. The curl state determination unit 230 includes a curl state detection unit 231, a CCD relative movement control unit 232, a focus evaluation unit 233, and a warning display unit 234.

  The curl state detection unit 231 detects curl state information of the film F in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction as a condition evaluation value. For example, the curl state detection unit 231 acquires in-focus position information from a plurality of points along one line in the main scanning direction, and focuses from a plurality of points along a predetermined measurement line set in the sub-scanning direction. Get location information.

  The CCD relative movement control unit 232 performs control to relatively move the line CCD 104 and the film F in order to detect the curl state information. Specifically, the operation of the drive mechanism that enables the holder holding the film F to move in the sub-scanning direction (one direction orthogonal to the optical axis) is controlled. Of course, the line CCD 104 may be moved in the sub-scanning direction. The focusing control unit 210 controls driving of the film F (holder for holding the film F) in the optical axis direction for adjusting the focusing position (see FIG. 4).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the operation at the time of curl state information detection. As shown in the figure, lines for dividing the imaging area of the film F into m pieces at predetermined intervals in the sub-scanning direction are set (in the example shown, m = 7 is shown). These m lines serve as measurement lines for extracting curl state information. At this time, the setting is made such that the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user is included in one line (in the example shown in the figure, the focus adjustment point Pf is included in the line of m = 4). Shown). On the other hand, in the main scanning direction, n extraction points are set at predetermined intervals from the center to both ends (in the example shown in the figure, n = 7 is shown). The n extraction points become extraction points in each of the m measurement lines. The setting of these m lines and n extraction points is arbitrary, and may be equal intervals or unequal intervals, for example, a setting that is dense in the vicinity of the focus adjustment point Pf, and conversely near the edge of the film F Can be set to be dense.

  In the m lines and n extraction points Pi1, Pi2,... Pin (i = 1, 2,... M) set in this way, the focus positions Li1, Li2,. 1, 2,... M) are detected. That is, the CCD relative movement control unit 232 relatively moves the line CCD 104 on any appropriate line of the m lines, and then the focusing control unit 210 performs the focusing operation while the n number of the CCDs are moved. In-focus position information at the extraction point is detected (that is, since n in-focus position information on one line is in the main scanning direction, it can be detected by one focusing operation). Thereafter, the CCD relative movement control unit 232 sequentially moves the line CCD 104 relative to other lines, and the same detection operation is repeated for m lines, thereby curling the film F in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. Status information is detected.

Based on the curl state information detected by the curl state detection unit 231, the focus evaluation unit 233 performs a focus operation based on the focus adjustment point Pf (specific focus area) designated by the user and performs the main scan. The degree of focusing in the area other than the in-focus area is evaluated. Specifically, with respect to the in-focus positions Li1, Li2,... Lin (i = 1, 2,... M) obtained above, the in-focus position at the in-focus adjustment point Pf is Lf, the in-focus position. If the allowable amount is Lth, at all in-focus position extraction points Lij (i = 1, 2,... M, j = 1, 2,... N),
| Lij−Lf | ≦ Lth
When the relationship is satisfied, it is determined that the curl state of the film F is within an allowable range, and the degree of focus is determined as “appropriate”. on the other hand,
| Lij−Lf | ≧ Lth
If the in-focus position extraction point Lij is present, the curl state of the film F exceeds the allowable range, and the in-focus degree is determined as “inappropriate”.

  The warning display unit 234 displays the inappropriate determination result on the monitor 202 or the like when at least the in-focus evaluation unit 233 determines “inappropriate”. When the point AF / MF is not executed, the warning display may not be performed. In this case, for example, a new in-focus position where the entire surface of the film F is within the range of the in-focus position allowable amount Lth. Alternatively, an in-focus position where the center portion of the image falls within the range of the allowable amount Lth of the in-focus position and the region included in the range of the allowable amount Lth is maximized is calculated, and this is determined as the focus adjustment point Control to set Pf can be performed.

  Although it is good also as a structure which alert | reports the above and prompts a user to re-select an in-focus area, the focus position information which considered the curl state is provided to a user like the above-mentioned in-focus condition determination. It is desirable. In view of such a request, the recommended focus area display control unit 229 has a function of generating two-dimensional or three-dimensional focus position information and displaying information on the recommended focus area on the monitor 202 or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the two-dimensional in-focus position information screen 50 generated by the recommended in-focus area display control unit 229 in the curl state determination. The focus position information screen 50 includes a preview image display unit 51, a focus adjustment point reselection icon 52, and a cancel icon 53.

The preview image display unit 51 displays the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user, and as focus position information,
(A) a first region 52 that falls within the range of the allowable amount Lth of the focus position when the focus operation is performed at the focus adjustment point Pf;
(B) When the focusing operation is performed at the focusing adjustment point Pf, the second region 53 outside the range of the focusing position allowable amount Lth, and (c) the entire surface of the film F is the allowable amount of the focusing position. Third region 54 within the range of Lth
Is displayed by changing the display color.

  When the user confirms the display of the preview image display unit 51 and selects the focus area (focus adjustment point Pf) designated first, the user executes the process as it is, and obtains the focus position information. When the focus area is selected again with reference, the focus adjustment point reselection icon 55 is clicked to select a new focus area. In this case, an input of a new in-focus area to the in-focus area setting unit 221 is accepted from the input operation unit 203 (for example, an operation such as selecting any part of the third area 54 as the in-focus adjustment point Pf). Is accepted). Further, when it is desired to reset the operation performed so far and return to the state where the pre-scan is finished, the user can click the cancel icon 56 to reset it.

(Description of the operation flow of the image input system)
Next, a film image reading process performed by the image input system 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of film image reading processing by the image input system 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of focus adjustment (focus adjustment), and FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing in the curl state determination of the film F. FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, a film F that the user desires to read is set in the film scanner 100 (step S11). At this time, the host PC 200 determines whether or not the film scanner 100 is correctly connected by the connection determination unit 207.

  When the setting of the film F is completed, it is confirmed whether or not the focus adjustment is executed in the pre-scan (step S12). When the focus adjustment is executed (YES in step S12), the focus condition determination unit The focus adjustment including the focus condition determination by 223 and the curl state determination by the curl state determination unit 230 is executed (step S13). The process in step S13 will be described in detail later based on the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Subsequently, pre-scanning is executed (step S14), exposure evaluation values and the like are acquired, and an image image by pre-scanning is displayed on the monitor 202. If focus adjustment is not performed in the prescan (NO in step S12), the prescan in step S14 is performed without performing the focus adjustment.

  Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not (again) point AF / MF is performed (step S15). If point AF / MF is not performed (NO in step S15), the main scan is executed (step S16). Complete the process. On the other hand, when performing point AF / MF (again) (YES in step S15), the process returns to step S13 to perform focus adjustment, and pre-scan is executed again.

  Next, the overall flow of the focus adjustment processing (step S13) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is confirmed whether or not point AF / MF is to be performed (step S21). If point AF / MF is to be performed (YES in step S21), the user inputs from the input operation unit 203 to the focusing area setting unit 221. The focus area setting information is accepted, and a specific focus area (focus adjustment point Pf) preferred by the user is set (step S22). On the other hand, when the point AF / MF is not performed (NO in step S21), the focus adjustment point Pf is set to a default value (step S23).

  Thereafter, the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 acquires the condition evaluation value from the region including the focus adjustment point Pf (default focus adjustment point Pf). It is confirmed whether or not the test light (infrared light) transmittance data and image data exist for the entire line or image (step S24). If such data does not exist (NO in step S24). ), The condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 sends an operation signal to the pre-scan control unit 241 so as to execute the pre-scan of one line or the entire image including the focus adjustment point Pf (step S26). Based on the image obtained by such pre-scanning, the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 acquires a predetermined condition evaluation value. If there is already data for one line or the entire image including the focus adjustment point Pf (YES in step S24), pre-scanning is not performed.

  Subsequently, based on the condition evaluation value, the focus condition determination unit 223 determines whether the focus adjustment point Pf is suitable for the focus operation (step S25). The process in step S25 will be described in detail later based on the flowchart of FIG. Thereafter, whether or not the curl state determination is to be performed is confirmed (step S27). If the curl state determination is to be performed (YES in step S27), the focus adjustment point Pf determined to be appropriate in the focus condition determination is as follows. The curl state determination unit 230 performs curl state determination (step S28). The process in step S28 will be described in detail later based on the flowchart of FIG. When the focus adjustment point Pf is determined, a focus operation is performed by the focus control unit 210 based on the focus adjustment point Pf (step S29), and pre-scan (step S14) and main scan (the step). S16) is executed.

  If the curl state determination is not performed (NO in step S27), step S28 is skipped, and the focusing operation is performed based on the focusing adjustment point Pf set in step S25. When the focus adjustment point Pf is reselected in step S25 or step S27, that is, when the focus area reselection icon 44 on the selection display screen 40 shown in FIG. 7 is selected, or in FIG. When the focus adjustment point reselection icon 52 on the focus position information screen 50 shown is selected, the process returns to step S22, and the focus adjustment point Pf for the focus area setting unit 221 is reset. The above is the overall stream of focus adjustment.

  Next, a detailed flow of the in-focus condition determination process (step S25) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 6, a specific focus area designated by the user is set as a focus adjustment point Pf, and this focus adjustment point Pf is set as a determination point P1 for performing focus condition determination (step). S31).

  At the determination point P1, the condition evaluation value acquisition unit 222 acquires data of the infrared light transmittance T1, contrast C1, and luminance E1 as the condition evaluation values (step S32). Then, the test light transmittance determination unit 224, the contrast determination unit 225, and the luminance determination unit 226 determine the adhesion state of dust, the appropriateness of the contrast and the luminance, respectively, and the condition comprehensive determination unit 227 determines the above (1) to ( 3) Focus condition determination is performed based on the equation (step S33).

  As shown in the figure, when all of the above formulas (1) to (3) are satisfied and the focus condition is set to be determined as “appropriate”, as shown in FIG. An appropriate candidate point P2 in the vicinity of the determination point P1 is selected by the focal area display control unit 229, and the candidate point P2 is set as a new determination point P1 (step S34). Then, returning to step S32, the condition evaluation value is acquired at the new determination point P1 (candidate point P2). Such a determination process is continued until a candidate point determined as “appropriate” is searched. Note that it is also possible to perform in-focus condition determination for all of the predetermined determination points and extract a plurality of candidate points (recommended in-focus areas Pm) that are considered “appropriate”.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the final determination point P1 is the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user (step S35). If the focus adjustment point Pf specified by the user is “appropriate”, P1 = Pf (YES in step S35), and no warning display is required. Pf is displayed (step S40; for example, displayed on the preview image display unit 41 in FIG. 7), and the process proceeds to the mode selection step in step S41 (for example, selection on the selection display screen 40 in FIG. 7 is accepted). The user options in this case are:
(A) Focus adjustment using the focus adjustment point Pf as the focus area;
For example, when the selection display screen 40 is displayed, the user can select the designated focus area selection icon 42, the focus area reselection icon 44, Clicking on one of the cancel icons 45 causes the next process to be executed.

  On the other hand, when P1 = Pf is not satisfied, the focus adjustment point Pf according to the user's designation is “inappropriate” (NO in step S35). Therefore, when the point AF / MF is executed ( YES in step S36), a warning message or the like is generated by the warning display unit 228 and displayed on the monitor 202 (step S37). When the focus adjustment point Pf is not the default value but the point AF / MF (NO in step S36), no warning is displayed because the user's selection element is not intervening.

  After the warning is displayed in step S37 (or before step S37), it is confirmed whether or not to display the “appropriate” candidate point (recommended focus area Pm) searched by the recommended focus area display control unit 229 ( Step S38). When the recommended focal point Pm is displayed (YES in step S38), the recommended focal point Pm to be displayed is set (step S39), and the process proceeds to step S40 and selection including the recommended focal point Pm is performed. A display screen 40 is displayed. If the point AF / MF is not executed (NO in step S36), the step S39 is a process for replacing the default in-focus point with the recommended in-focus point Pm. If the recommended focal point Pm is not displayed (NO in step S38), the selection display screen 40 not including the recommended focal point Pm is displayed in step S40.

When the selection display screen 40 including the recommended focal point Pm is displayed in step S40, the user's options are
(A) Focus adjustment using the focus adjustment point Pf as the focus area;
(B) Focus adjustment with the recommended focus Pm as the focus area;
For example, when the selection display screen 40 is displayed, the user can select the designated focus area selection icon 42, the recommended focus area selection icon 43, Clicking on either the focus area reselection icon 44 or the cancel icon 45 causes the next process to be executed. Note that in the case of a NO stream in step S38, this is an option excluding (b) above.

  Next, a detailed flow of the film curl state determination process (step S28) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The focus adjustment point Pf in the following description is the focus adjustment point Pf selected in the previous focus condition determination process. First, in order to detect curl state information of an arbitrary line in the main scanning direction (or one line including the focus adjustment point Pf), the curl state detection unit 231 is set to set the detection target line i = 1. (Step S51). In response to this, the CCD relative movement controller 232 moves the line CCD 104 to the i-th position in the sub-scanning direction for setting (step S52). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, if the curl state information is sequentially detected from the line of m = 1, the line CCD 104 is moved to the position of m = 1.

  Then, the curl state detection unit 231 detects in-focus positions L11, L12,... L1n at n extraction points P11, P12,. Step S53). Since the example of FIG. 8 shows a case where n = 7, in this case, seven pieces of in-focus position information are detected.

  When the detection of in-focus position information for one line is completed, it is confirmed whether i = m has been reached, that is, whether in-focus position information detection has been completed for all detection target lines (step S54). If incomplete (NO in step S54), i + 1 addition processing is performed (step S55), the process returns to step S52, the line CCD 104 is moved to the i = i + 1th position, and the i + 1th position is reached. In-focus position information detection is executed. This loop is repeated until i = m is reached (YES in step S54). Since the example of FIG. 8 shows the case of m = 7, in this case, n = 7 pieces of focus position information are detected for each of the 7 lines. As a result, at the m lines set on the film image plane and the n extraction points Pi1, Pi2,... Pin (i = 1, 2,... M), the focus positions Li1, Li2,. Lin (i = 1, 2,... M) is detected. When only film curl in the main scanning direction is detected, it is sufficient to detect n pieces of focus position information for only one line including the focus adjustment point Pf (m = 4 in the case of FIG. 8). .

When YES is determined in the step S54, the focus evaluation unit 233 causes the focus position extraction points Lij (i = 1, 2... M, j = 1, 2... N) to be as described above.
| Lij−Lf | ≦ Lth
Whether or not the above relationship is satisfied is confirmed (step S56). Here, when the curl degree of the film F is large, the in-focus position is shifted due to the curl. Therefore, the difference from the in-focus position Lf at the in-focus adjustment point Pf becomes large. Therefore, the allowable amount Lth of the in-focus position. It will be over. If the allowable amount Lth is exceeded at n extraction points in the main scanning direction, the curl XC in the main scanning direction of the film F exceeds the allowable value as shown in FIG. Also, in the m lines in the sub-operation direction, when the allowable amount Lth is exceeded at the specific n-th extraction point, the curl YC in the sub-scanning direction of the film F exceeds the allowable value. . Accordingly, the curl state of the entire film F can be grasped.

  When it is determined by the focus evaluation unit 233 that the focus position allowable amount Lth is exceeded (NO in step S56), if the focusing operation is performed at the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user, the curl of the film F In this case, a warning message or the like is generated by the warning display unit 234 and displayed on the monitor 202 or the like (step S57). Although the flow is omitted in order to avoid duplication, if the focus adjustment point Pf is the default value instead of the point AF / MF as described above, the user's selection factor does not intervene. No warning is displayed.

  After the warning is displayed in step S57 (or before step S57), it is confirmed whether or not the information on the recommended focus area obtained by the recommended focus area display control unit 229 is displayed (step S58). When the recommended focus area information is displayed (YES in step S58), for example, the focus position information screen 50 shown in FIG. 9 including the recommended focus area information is displayed (step S59). And it transfers to the mode selection step of step S60.

  Here, when the user confirms the display of the in-focus position information screen 50 and selects the in-focus area (in-focus adjustment point Pf) designated first, the user executes the process as it is, and the in-focus position information When the focus area is selected again with reference to, the focus adjustment point reselection icon 55 is clicked to select a new focus area. In this case, an input of a new in-focus area from the input operation unit 203 to the in-focus area setting unit 221 is accepted. Further, when it is desired to reset the operation performed so far and return to the state where the pre-scan is finished, the user clicks the cancel icon 56 to reset.

  If the recommended in-focus area information is not displayed (NO in step S58), in step S60, the mode selection is an alternative of executing or canceling the process at the in-focus adjustment point Pf. Also in this case, a preview image displaying the focus adjustment point Pf may be displayed on the monitor 202. Further, when the point AF / MF is not executed (illustration is omitted in the flow), for example, a new in-focus position where the entire surface of the film F is within the in-focus range allowable amount Lth or an image center portion is displayed. A control is performed in which the in-focus position that falls within the range of the allowable amount Lth of the in-focus position and in which the region included in the range of the allowable amount Lth is maximized is calculated and used as the in-focus adjustment point Pf. Is done.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the focus evaluation unit 233 that the allowable amount Lth of the focus position is not exceeded (YES in step S56), the curl of the film F is within the allowable range. No display is done. In this case, in step S59, a preview image displaying the focus adjustment point Pf designated by the user is displayed on the monitor 202 together with a message such as “film curl is within the allowable range”. And it transfers to the mode selection step of step S60.

  In this case, the user has an option to execute the process as it is based on the focus adjustment point Pf, or to reselect the focus area, or to cancel. When performing reselection, click the focus adjustment point reselection icon 55 and click the cancel icon 56 to reset the operation performed so far and return to the state where the pre-scan is completed. Will reset.

  The embodiment described above can be implemented in variously modified forms. For example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, an example in which the curl state determination is performed after the in-focus condition determination is performed based on the condition evaluation values of the infrared light transmittance T1, the contrast C1, and the luminance E1 data has been described. However, the in-focus condition determination may be performed after the curl state determination is executed first. It is also possible to execute only one of the determination of the in-focus condition and the determination of the curl state.

  Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, in the above-described embodiment, in the in-focus condition determination, the determination is performed based on the three evaluation values of the infrared light transmittance T1, the contrast C1, and the luminance E1 as the condition evaluation values. Although the case where it performs is demonstrated, you may make it determine based on any one of the infrared-light transmittance T1, the contrast C1, and the brightness | luminance E1, or two evaluation values.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the film image reading process (image input method performed by the image input system 1) performed by the above-described image input system 1 can also be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card attached to the computer and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a film scanner. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image input system according to an embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically an example of a focusing mechanism. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function of a prescan control part. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the function of a recommended focusing area display control part. It is a top view which shows an example of the selection display screen in focused condition determination. It is a typical perspective view for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of curl state information detection. It is a top view which shows an example of the two-dimensional focusing position information screen produced | generated by the recommended focusing area display control part in curl state determination. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of the film image reading process by the image input system 1 concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of focus adjustment (focus adjustment). It is a flowchart which shows the detailed process in focusing condition determination. 5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing in curl state determination of a film F.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image input system 100 Film scanner 104 CCD (line CCD; imaging means)
200 host PC
202 Monitor (display means)
203 Input operation unit 205 Control unit 206 Frame memory (storage means)
210 Focus control unit (focus control means)
220 Focus adjustment unit 222 Condition evaluation value acquisition unit 223 Focus condition determination unit 224 Test light transmittance determination unit 225 Contrast determination unit 226 Brightness determination unit 227 Condition comprehensive determination unit 228, 234 Warning display unit 229 Recommended focus Area display control unit 230 Curl state determination unit 231 Curl state detection unit 233 Focus evaluation unit 241 Pre-scan control unit 242 Main scan control unit 243 Storage unit 40 Selection display screen 50 Focus position information screen F Film

Claims (13)

When recording the obtained image data by performing an imaging operation to electronically image the film image developed on the film,
A specific focus area is defined for the film image, a predetermined condition evaluation value is obtained from an area including the focus area,
From the condition evaluation value, in-focus condition determination is performed to determine the appropriateness of performing the focusing operation based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation,
An image input method characterized by displaying an inappropriate determination result as a warning when it is determined as inappropriate in at least the focusing condition determination. The condition evaluation value is at least one evaluation value selected from the following evaluation value groups (1) to (3), and the in-focus condition determination is performed based on the selected evaluation value. The image input method according to claim 1, wherein:
(1) Transmittance of predetermined test light in a specific focus area (2) Contrast between a specific focus area and its adjacent area (3) Luminance in a specific focus area The condition evaluation value is curl state information in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the film,
Based on the detected curl state information, a focusing operation for evaluating a focusing degree in a region other than the focusing region when the imaging operation is performed by performing a focusing operation based on the specific focusing region. Do a scoring evaluation,
The image input method according to claim 1, wherein at least when the in-focus evaluation is determined to be inappropriate, the inappropriate determination result is displayed as a warning. Imaging means for electronically capturing a film image developed on the film, focusing control means for controlling a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and display means for displaying an image captured by the imaging means In an image input system including a storage unit that records a captured image signal, a control unit that controls an imaging operation, and a focus adjustment unit that performs a predetermined focus adjustment,
The focus adjustment unit
A predetermined condition evaluation value is acquired from an area including a specific focusing area defined in the film image, and the focusing operation is performed based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation from the condition evaluation value. An in-focus condition determination unit that determines the appropriateness of performing
An image input system comprising: a warning display unit that displays a warning of the inappropriate determination result when at least the in-focus condition determination unit determines that it is inappropriate.   The in-focus condition determination unit obtains the transmittance of the predetermined test light in the specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value, and performs the in-focus condition determination based on the transmittance of the predetermined test light. The image input system according to claim 4, further comprising a test light transmittance determination unit.   The in-focus condition determination unit includes a contrast determination unit that obtains a contrast between the specific in-focus area and its adjacent area as the condition evaluation value, and performs in-focus condition determination based on the contrast. The image input system according to claim 4.   The in-focus condition determination unit includes a luminance determination unit that obtains luminance in a specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value and performs in-focus condition determination based on the luminance. 4. The image input system according to 4. The focus adjustment unit includes a curl state determination unit that performs focus information processing derived from the curl state of the film, and the curl state determination unit includes:
As a condition evaluation value, a curl state detection unit that detects curl state information in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the film,
Based on the detected curl state information, the focus degree of a region other than the focus region is evaluated when the imaging operation is performed by performing a focus operation based on the specific focus region. A focus evaluation unit;
The image input system according to claim 4, further comprising: a warning display unit that displays a warning of the inappropriate determination result when the focus evaluation unit determines that the determination is inappropriate.   The focus adjustment unit includes a recommended focus area display unit that determines and displays an appropriate focus area when the focus condition determination unit and / or the focus evaluation unit determines that the focus adjustment unit is inappropriate. The image input system according to claim 4, wherein the image input system is an image input system.   The focus adjustment unit includes a focus area setting unit that accepts resetting of a focus area when it is determined as inappropriate by the focus condition determination unit and / or the focus evaluation unit. An image input system according to any one of claims 4 to 9. Imaging means for electronically capturing a film image developed on the film, focusing control means for controlling a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and display means for displaying an image captured by the imaging means In an image input system including a storage unit that records a captured image signal, a control unit that controls an imaging operation, and a focus adjustment unit that performs a predetermined focus adjustment,
The focus adjustment unit
A predetermined condition evaluation value is acquired from an area including a specific focusing area defined in the film image, and the focusing operation is performed based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation from the condition evaluation value. An in-focus condition determination unit that determines the appropriateness of performing
A warning display unit that displays a warning of the inappropriate determination result when it is determined as inappropriate by at least the in-focus condition determination unit;
The in-focus condition determination unit
A test light transmittance determination unit that obtains the transmittance of a predetermined test light in the specific focusing area as the condition evaluation value, and performs a focusing condition determination based on the transmittance of the predetermined test light;
A contrast determination unit that obtains a contrast between the specific focus area and the adjacent area as the condition evaluation value, and performs focus condition determination based on the contrast;
A luminance determination unit that obtains the luminance in a specific in-focus area as the condition evaluation value, and performs an in-focus condition determination based on the luminance;
An image input system comprising: a condition comprehensive determination unit that comprehensively determines an in-focus condition based on determination results of the test light transmittance determination unit, the contrast determination unit, and the luminance determination unit. Imaging means for electronically capturing a film image developed on the film, focusing control means for controlling a focusing operation at the time of imaging the image, and display means for displaying an image captured by the imaging means An operation program for an image input system, comprising: a storage unit that records a captured image signal; a control unit that controls an imaging operation; and a focus adjustment unit that performs a predetermined focus adjustment; Part
Receiving a setting of a specific focusing area for the film image;
Obtaining at least one or more condition evaluation values selected from the following evaluation value group (1) to (3) from an area including the in-focus area;
From the condition evaluation value, performing a focusing condition determination for determining the validity of performing the focusing operation based on the specific focusing area in the imaging operation;
An operation program for an image input system for executing a step including at least a step of displaying a warning of an inappropriate determination result when it is determined as inappropriate at least in the focusing condition determination step.
(1) Transmittance of predetermined test light in a specific focus area (2) Contrast between a specific focus area and its adjacent area (3) Luminance in a specific focus area In the step of determining the in-focus condition, when it is determined that the in-focus area to be determined is appropriate,
Detecting curl state information of the film;
Based on the detected curl state information, when the focusing operation is performed based on the in-focus area determined to be appropriate in the in-focus condition determination and the imaging operation is performed, the area other than the in-focus area Performing focus evaluation to evaluate the degree of focus of the area;
13. The operation program for an image input system according to claim 12, further comprising: executing a warning display of the inappropriate determination result when it is determined that the determination is inappropriate in the focus evaluation.

Images