JP2006191446A - Correction processing system for dust and flaw of image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain consecutive processing by processing an unprocessed part of an image with a PC, another apparatus, when the next image is input while dust and flaw correction processing for the image is performed in an image processing apparatus for consecutive correction processing of dust and flaws of a plurality of images. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing system has a detection means for detecting visible image data and infrared image data from an original irradiated with visible light and infrared light, a correction means for correcting dust and flaws on a visible image by using the visible image and an infrared image, a determination means for determining whether to continue the dust and flaw correction or not, and a transfer means for transferring image information to another equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, method, and recording medium, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus, method, and apparatus that stores a program for causing a computer to function as an image processing apparatus.

  In a device that continuously scans scanned images, such as a film scanner, if hardware scratch processing is performed for dust scratch correction processing, if the amount of dust scratches is large, the processing takes time, so the next image scan starts. There is a possibility that correction of garbage scratches by hardware may not end. Conventionally, when such a situation occurs, a method is used in which the feeding of the film is stopped until the processing ends until the dust flaw correction processing ends.

As another conventional example, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be cited.
JP 2002-281247 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-16886

  According to the present invention, dust scratch correction of a document is performed without stopping film feeding by using both dust scratch correction processing by hardware and dust scratch correction processing by software.

  An image processing system according to claim 1 of the present application includes a light emitting unit that emits visible light and invisible light, and a visible image detecting unit that detects light from a document irradiated by the light emitting unit and outputs visible image data. And invisible light detecting means for detecting invisible light from the light emitting unit, dust scratch correction processing for performing dust scratch correction processing using dust scratch image data obtained by the invisible light detecting means and visible image data obtained by the image detecting means. A storage means for temporarily storing image data being processed by the dust scratch correction means, a transfer means for transferring visible image data or dust scratch image data to another apparatus, and whether dust scratch correction is continued. An image processing apparatus including: a determination unit that determines whether or not; a parameter transfer unit that transfers a dust flaw correction parameter; and a dust flaw correction parameter Characterized in that it comprises a dust and flaw correction function of the image data, characterized by having a separate device having means capable of performing dust and flaw correction using the meter and uncorrected visual image data.

  In the image processing system according to claim 2 of the present application, the determination unit stops the dust scratch correction of the current image when the dust scratch correction processing is not finished after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the processing, and the transfer Transfer the current visible image dust flaw correction parameters, dust flaw image data, and the uncorrected visible image data to another device, perform dust flaw correction on the next visible image with the dust flaw correction means, and use another device. The present invention is characterized by having means for correcting dust and scratches in the current visible image data.

  In the image processing system according to claim 3 of the present invention, when the next image is input to the dust scratch correction unit while correcting the dust scratch of the current image in the determination unit, the dust scratch correction of the current visible image is stopped. The transfer unit is used to transfer the present visible image dust scratch correction parameter, dust scratch image data, and visible image data before correction to another device, and the dust scratch correction unit performs dust scratch correction on the next visible image. The apparatus comprises means for carrying out dust flaw correction processing of current visible image data in the apparatus.

  In the image processing system according to claim 4 of the present application, when the determination unit stores an image of a certain amount or more in the storage unit, the current dust image correction is stopped and the current visible image is used by using the transfer unit. The dust scratch correction parameter, the dust scratch image data, and the visible image data before correction are transferred to another device, the dust scratch correction unit performs dust scratch correction processing on the next image, and the dust scratch of the current visible image data is performed on another device. It has the means to implement correction | amendment, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the image processing system according to claim 5 of the present invention, when it is determined in claims 1 to 4 that the determination unit cancels dust scratches in the current image data, the visible image portion whose correction processing has been completed is Using transfer means, transfer image data to another device, transfer the image of the uncorrected portion to the other device together with the dust scratch correction parameter and dust scratch image data, and perform dust scratch correction of the remaining uncorrected portion on the other device. It has the means.

  The image processing system according to claim 6 of the present invention is the image processing system according to claims 1 to 4, wherein when the determination unit determines to cancel the dust flaw correction processing of the current image data, the visible image data and the dust flaw image before correction are determined. It has a means for transferring data to another apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when the dust / scratch correction process is not completed by the dust / scratch correction apparatus until the next image comes, the parameters of the uncorrected part are transferred to another apparatus and the remaining processes are performed by the other apparatus. In the scanner or the like, the dust flaw correction process can be continuously performed without stopping the film feeding.

  According to the invention described in claims 1 to 6 of the present subject matter, when an image processing apparatus such as a film scanner and another apparatus connected thereto are used, continuous film flaw correction of a plurality of images is performed. It is possible to achieve continuous dust / scratch correction processing of a plurality of images without stopping.

  An embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described. The image processing apparatus of this embodiment is applied to a film scanner that uses a film as a document.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a film scanner. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a lamp for irradiating a film, which is driven by a lamp driving circuit 3 controlled by the CPU 2. A film holder 4 holds the film and can be moved in the direction of arrow A by the sub-scanning motor 5. The sub-scanning motor 5 is driven by a motor driving circuit 6 that is controlled by the CPU 2. Further, the initial position of the film holder 4 is acquired by the sub-scanning position detection sensor 7. Reference numeral 8 denotes a filter switching device that switches between the infrared light blocking filter a and the visible light blocking filter b, and can be moved in the direction of arrow B by the filter switching motor 9. The filter switching motor 9 is driven by a filter drive circuit 10 controlled by the CPU 2. Further, the filter switching state is transmitted to the CPU 2 by the filter switching detection sensor 11. In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the sub-scanning motor 5 and the filter switching motor 9, and a photo interrupter is used as the sub-scanning sensor 7 and the filter switching detection sensor 11. Reference numeral 12 denotes an imaging lens that forms an image on a CCD line sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as CCD) 13 on the light irradiated by the lamp 1 and transmitted through the film. The CCD 13 is controlled by a CCD drive circuit 14 controlled by the CPU 2 and has an electronic shutter function capable of controlling the timing of outputting the accumulated charge of the CCD. Further, the CCD 13 is mounted so as to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction A of the film holder 4 (vertical direction in the drawing). Due to this positional relationship, the CCD 13 has a main scanning direction which is the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the drawing). The sub-scanning direction, which is the moving direction of the film holder 4, is orthogonal. Reference numeral 15 denotes an analog processing circuit for performing gain setting and clamping processing of the analog image signal output from the CCD 13, and each of the RGB signals can be independently amplified by an analog amplifier. Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the analog processing circuit 15 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 17 denotes a digital image processing unit that processes the image signal digitized by the A / D converter 16, and performs a histogram creation unit, negative / positive conversion of the input signal, and white balance adjustment to adjust to an appropriate gradation. A gradation conversion curve creation unit for creating a gradation conversion curve is included. The image processing unit 17 may be created by a gate array, or may be constituted by a microcomputer unit such as a DSP having a CPU and a ROM. A dust scratch correction unit 18 corrects dust scratches in the image data output from the image processing unit 17 and includes a binarization processing unit, a complementary data creation unit, a data complementing unit, and the like. The dust scratch correction unit 18 may be created by a gate array, or may be configured by a microcomputer unit such as a DSP having a CPU and a ROM. A memory 19 temporarily stores image data, dust flaw correction parameters, and the like. Reference numeral 20 denotes an interface unit for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer (personal computer). 2 is a system controller (simply referred to as a CPU) that includes a ROM that stores a program (software) for controlling the operation of the entire film scanner, and a CPU that performs various operations in accordance with instructions from an external device based on this program. It is also called). Image data is transferred to the external device by communication processing using software in the system controller 2 (hereinafter referred to as firmware) and software for operating the film scanner from an external device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as driver software). Is output.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a method for detecting dust scratches on a film by infrared light. FIG. 2A shows a signal waveform for one line output from the CCD 13 when the film is irradiated with visible light. FIG. 5B shows a signal waveform for one line output from the CCD 13 when the film is irradiated with infrared light. When the infrared cut filter a is arranged on the optical path by the filter switching unit 8, the change in the output signal waveform of the CCD 13 due to dust scratches caused by visible light is irradiated on the film as shown in FIG. It is difficult to distinguish the change in the output signal waveform of the CCD 13. On the other hand, when the visible light blocking filter b is arranged on the optical path by the filter switching unit 8, infrared light is irradiated on the film as shown in FIG. A change in the output signal waveform of the CCD 13 appears due to dust scratches. Therefore, it is possible to detect the position of dust scratches on the film by setting a threshold value. This detection method uses the characteristic of transmittance with respect to the wavelength of the film. Since general film has high transparency to infrared light, only signal change information due to dust scratches on the film can be obtained by irradiating infrared light regardless of image information recorded on the film. Can do.

  Next, a method for correcting a pixel that has become a defective pixel due to dust scratches in the visible image will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a dust flaw correction processing procedure performed in the dust flaw correction unit 18. This process is executed by the dust / scratch correction unit, the memory 18 that temporarily stores images and various parameters, and the CPU 2 that controls the dust / scratch correction unit.

  The filter switching unit 8 arranges the infrared light blocking filter a and the visible light blocking filter b on alternate optical axes. The light transmitted through the film by scanning the film is read by the CCD 13 and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16, thereby generating visible image data and infrared image data, and an image processing unit 17. Is input. The image processing unit 17 performs processing such as histogram creation and white balance adjustment, and the optimized image data and visible image data are input to the dust flaw correction unit 18 (steps S1 and S2). At this time, the visible image data and the infrared image data are alternately input in units of N lines, and the dust scratch correction unit 18 performs dust scratch correction processing in units of N lines (step S3).

  The dust scratch correction unit 18 calculates a threshold value for detecting a defective pixel due to dust scratches from the infrared image (step 4), performs correction processing 1 to correction processing N (step S5), and corrects images for N lines. Is output (step S6). Thereafter, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the correction processing for one screen has been completed. If the processing for one screen has been completed, the correction processing for the next screen is executed (step S8). If the process has not ended, the process proceeds to the next step S9. In step 9, for each N line correction process, the image input time N for one screen is compared with the processing time M required so far. If the dust scratch correction time taken so far is smaller than the input time M of the image for one screen (M <N), the process returns to step 3 to perform dust scratch correction for the image for the next N lines. If the dust scratch correction time taken so far is longer than the input time M for one screen image (M> N), the dust scratch correction for the current image is stopped and the currently corrected visible image The data, dust scratch image data, and dust scratch correction parameters are transferred to the personal computer 21 and the next screen is shifted to dust scratch correction. The personal computer 21 uses a dust scratch correction function programmed in the personal computer 21 to perform dust scratch correction using the transferred visible image data, dust scratch image data, and dust scratch correction parameters. As shown in FIG. 4, the processing time in the dust / scratch correction unit depends on the amount of dust / scratches present in each image. For example, if the amount of dust scratches on the film is small as shown in Fig. 1 (A), the load on the dust scratch correction unit will be light and the dust scratch correction time will be shorter than the image input time N. Even when images are continuously processed, dust flaw correction can be performed without stopping the film feeding. If the amount of dust scratches on the film is large as shown in the figure (B), the number of dust scratches to be corrected by the dust scratch correction unit increases, so the correction time M can be longer than the image input time N. There is sex. When the processing is continued in the dust / scratch correction unit 18, if images are fed continuously like a film scanner, it is necessary to stop feeding the film until dust / scratch correction of the current image is completed. . This is because the amount of memory that can be built into a hardware device such as a film scanner is very small compared to the image capacity to be handled, and the next image is input to the dust / scratch correction processing unit 18 while the dust / scratch processing of the current image is not completed. In this case, it is necessary to temporarily store the image 19 in the memory 19 until the dust / flaw correction processing for the current image is completed, but this is because the memory capacity for storing the next image cannot be secured (FIG. 5).

  In the present invention, the dust scratch correction unit 18 performs dust scratch correction up to a range that does not exceed the input time N with respect to the image input time N, and the remaining correction is made to the personal computer 21 with visible image data, dust scratch image data, and dust scratches. The correction parameters are transferred, and processing is performed by a dust flaw correction program inside the personal computer 21. In this way, when it is necessary to continuously process images as in a film scanner, dust scratch correction can be performed without stopping the film feeding.

[Embodiment 2]
Since the configuration of the film scanner in the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, and here, dust scratch correction is performed without stopping the film feeding by means different from the first embodiment. The means to implement is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the dust / scratch correction processing unit 18 according to the second embodiment. First, a threshold for detecting a defective pixel due to dust scratches is calculated from an infrared image (step 10), correction processing 1 to correction processing N are performed (step S11), and a corrected image for N lines is output (step S11). Step S12). Thereafter, in step S13, it is determined whether the correction process for one screen has been completed. If the process for one screen has been completed, the correction process for the next screen is executed (step S15), If the process has not ended, the process proceeds to the next step S14. In step 14, it is confirmed whether or not the next screen has been input. If the next screen is not entered, the image is corrected for dust on the next N lines. When the next screen is input, the dust scratch correction of the current image is stopped, and the visible image, dust scratch image data, and dust scratch correction parameters that are currently being corrected are transferred to the personal computer 21, and the dust scratch correction of the next screen is performed. Move on. The personal computer 21 uses a dust scratch correction function programmed in the personal computer 21 to perform dust scratch correction using the transferred image data visible image data and dust scratch correction parameters.

  In the present invention, dust scratch correction is performed in the film scanner until the next screen is input, and when the next screen is input to the dust scratch correction unit 18, the dust scratch correction processing for the current screen is completed. If not, visible image data, dust scratch image data, and dust scratch correction parameters are transferred to the personal computer 21 for the remaining correction, and processing is performed by the dust scratch correction program in the personal computer 21. In this way, when it is necessary to continuously process images as in a film scanner, dust scratch correction can be performed without stopping the film feeding.

[Embodiment 3]
Since the configuration of the film scanner in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, and here, the film feeding is stopped by means different from those in the first and second embodiments. A means for carrying out dust flaw correction without any problem will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the dust flaw correction processing unit 18 in the third embodiment. First, a threshold value for detecting a defective pixel due to dust scratches is calculated from an infrared image (step 16), correction processing 1 to correction processing N are performed (step S17), and a corrected image for N lines is output (step S17). Step S18). Thereafter, in step S19, it is determined whether the correction process for one screen has been completed. If the process for one screen has been completed, the correction process for the next screen is executed (step S21), If the process has not ended, the process proceeds to the next step S20. In step 20, the remaining capacity of the memory 19 is confirmed. If the remaining capacity of the memory 19 is N or more, dust flaw correction is performed on the image for the next N lines. If the remaining capacity of the memory 19 is less than N, the dust scratch correction of the current image is stopped, and the currently corrected visible image, dust scratch image data, and dust scratch correction parameters are transferred to the personal computer 21 and the next screen dust scratch is corrected. Move on to correction. The personal computer 21 uses a dust scratch correction function programmed in the personal computer 21 to perform dust scratch correction using the transferred image data visible image data and dust scratch correction parameters.

  In the present invention, dust scratch correction processing is performed in the film scanner until the capacity of the memory 19 becomes less than a certain amount. When the capacity of the memory 19 becomes less than a certain amount, the dust scratch correction processing for the current screen is not completed. In this case, with respect to the remaining correction, the visible image data, the dust scratch image data, and the dust scratch correction parameter are transferred to the personal computer 21 and processed by the dust scratch correction program in the personal computer 21. In this way, when it is necessary to continuously process images as in a film scanner, dust scratch correction can be performed without stopping the film feeding.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, when the next screen needs to be processed before the dust scratch correction processing for the current screen is completed, the visible image, dust scratch image, dust scratch being currently processed is generated. Instead of transferring the correction parameters, the visible image data of the uncorrected portion, the dust scratch image data of the uncorrected portion, and the dust scratch correction parameter of the uncorrected portion are transferred to the personal computer 21 as shown in FIG. The dust scratch correction process may be performed only on the uncorrected portion in the dust scratch correction program.

  The above is the description of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and the functions shown in the claims or the functions having the configurations of the embodiments are included. Any configuration that can be achieved is applicable. For example, the present invention can be applied to a scanner, a film scanner, a copying machine, and the like. In addition, the software configuration and the hardware configuration of the above embodiments can be appropriately replaced. Further, the present invention is not limited to the apparatus described in the claims or the embodiments, whether the whole or a part of the configuration forms one apparatus or is combined with another apparatus. It may be an element that constitutes.

  In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

The figure which shows the structure of a film scanner. The figure which showed the method of detecting the dust crack on the film by infrared light. 9 is a flowchart showing a dust scratch correction processing procedure performed in the dust scratch correction unit 18. The figure which showed that the dust flaw correction process time is dependent on the state of the dust flaw of an image. The figure which showed that the memory capacity for storing the next image could not be secured. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in a dust / scratch correction processing unit 18 according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a dust flaw correction processing unit 18 according to the third embodiment. The figure which showed the transfer method of the image data to the personal computer 21.

Explanation of symbols

1 lamp 2 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Lamp drive circuit 4 Film holder 5 Sub scanning motor 6 Motor drive circuit 7 Sub scanning position detection sensor 8 Filter switching device 9 Filter switching motor 10 Filter driving circuit 11 Filter switching detection sensor 12 Imaging lens 13 CCD
14 CCD Drive Circuit 15 Analog Processing Circuit 16 A / D Converter 17 Digital Image Processing Unit 18 Dust Scratch Correction Unit 19 Memory 20 Interface Unit 21 Personal Computer

Claims (6)

  A light emitting unit that emits visible light and invisible light, a visible image detecting unit that detects light from a document irradiated by the light emitting unit and outputs visible image data, and an invisible light that detects invisible light from the light emitting unit Detection unit, dust scratch image data obtained by the invisible light detection unit, dust scratch correction unit that performs dust scratch correction processing using visible image data obtained by the image detection unit, and image data being processed by the dust scratch correction unit Storage means for temporarily storing, transfer means for transferring visible image data or dust scratch data to another apparatus, determination means for determining whether or not to continue dust scratch correction, and dust scratch correction parameters An image processing device having parameter transfer means for transferring, dust scratch correction parameters, dust scratch image data, and an uncorrected visible image The image processing system characterized by having a separate device having means capable of performing dust and flaw correction using data.   The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the dust scratch correction of the current image is stopped when the dust scratch correction is not completed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of processing, and the dust scratch of the current visible image is used using the transfer unit. The correction parameter, dust scratch image data and visible image data before correction are transferred to another device, the dust scratch correction of the next visible image is performed by the dust scratch correction means, and dust scratch correction of the current visible image data is performed by another device. An image processing system to be implemented.   The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein when the next image is input to the dust scratch correction unit while correcting the dust scratch of the current image, the determination unit stops the dust scratch correction of the current visible image and uses the transfer unit to The parameters for dust scratch correction of the visible image, the dust scratch image data, and the visible image data before correction are transferred to another device, the dust scratch correction of the next visible image is performed by the dust scratch correcting means, and the current visible image is performed by another device. An image processing system that performs dust flaw correction on data.   2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein when the image having a predetermined amount or more is stored in the storage unit, the current dust / scratch correction is stopped, and the transfer unit is used to set a dust / scratch correction parameter for the current visible image, the dust / scratch. Transferring image data and visible image data before correction to another device, performing dust scratch correction on the next image with the dust scratch correcting means, and performing dust scratch correction on the current visible image data with another device Image processing system.   5. The visible image portion for which correction processing has been completed, when the determination means determines that the dust image correction processing for the current image data is to be stopped, uses the transfer means to separate the image data from another device. The image processing system, wherein the visible image data of the uncorrected portion is transferred to another device together with the dust scratch correction parameter and the dust image data of the uncorrected portion, and the remaining dust scratch correction is performed in the separate device. .   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the dust flaw correction processing for the current image data is to be stopped, the visible image data and the dust flaw image data before correction are transferred to another apparatus. Image processing system.

Images