JP2006262155A - Image processor and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and image processing program which enable an image processing parameter to be set without imposing a load on a photographer. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor includes: a capturing means for capturing photographed image data generated by an external photographing device 20 and identification information (for example, personal authentication information) of the photographer attached to the photographed image data; a setting means 12 for setting an image processing parameter for the photographed image data on the basis of the identification information attached to the photographed image data; and a processing means 14 for applying image processing to the photographed image data according to the parameter set by the setting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program that perform image processing on captured image data.

With recent advances in digital technology, the photographer himself has taken an image-image processing (editing) with an image processing device-and has performed an image output by himself, so that an environment in which the photographer's preferences can be reflected in the output image is being prepared Yes, and the demand is getting stronger. As one form of such image acquisition / processing, captured image data generated by an imaging device such as a digital camera is captured in a computer, for example, and image processing of the captured image data is performed using application software on the computer. Can be considered. Such image processing has become a problem due to processing that is impossible in the imaging device due to hardware limitations of the imaging device, processing to match the photographer's preference as a work, shooting time and conditions, etc. There is a part correction process. For example, outline enhancement (sharpness), gradation conversion (tone adjustment), color adjustment, noise removal, filtering, and the like are common. Further, there are many image processing parameters for each processing item, and each can be arbitrarily set from an input device of a computer before image processing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, desired image processing can be performed on the captured image data in accordance with the set combination of parameters.
JP 2002-330388 A

  However, the operation of setting image processing parameters is very complicated because there are many setting items. In addition, there are many fixed parameters that the photographer (operator) uses regularly, but even such parameters must be set every time the application software is started, which is very troublesome. In addition, when one photographer software is shared by a plurality of photographers, it is necessary to reset the parameters for one use each time it is changed, which is very troublesome. In order to reduce this complexity, it has been proposed to save the parameter settings as a batch process, but it takes time to select them.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program capable of setting image processing parameters without a photographer's load.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 is added to the captured image data, capture means for capturing captured image data generated by an external imaging device and photographer identification information added to the captured image data. Setting means for setting image processing parameters for the photographed image data based on the identification information; and processing means for performing image processing on the photographed image data in accordance with the parameters set by the setting means. It is a thing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus further comprises registration means for registering information corresponding to the identification information in association with the predetermined parameter, and the setting means includes: Based on the identification information added to the photographed image data, the registered content by the registration means is referred to, and the parameter registered in association with the information corresponding to the identification information is set.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing device according to the first or second aspect, the identification information added to the captured image data is personal authentication information based on the photographer's biometric information. .
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the identification information is added to the captured image data by a digital watermark.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the identification information is added as metadata to the captured image data.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the capturing unit is further added to the photographed image data, and information relating to processing contents of image processing performed by the imaging apparatus The setting means is configured to change and set the parameter registered in association with information corresponding to the identification information based on the extracted information regarding the processing content.

  The image processing program according to claim 7 is added to the captured image data, a capture procedure for capturing captured image data generated by an external imaging device and photographer identification information added to the captured image data, and the captured image data. A setting procedure for setting image processing parameters for the photographed image data based on the identification information, and a processing procedure for performing image processing on the photographed image data according to the parameters set by the setting means. It is for making it run.

  According to the image processing apparatus and the image processing program of the present invention, it is possible to set image processing parameters without a photographer's load.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that takes captured image data generated by an external imaging device 20 and performs desired image processing on the captured image data. The processing procedure in the image processing apparatus 10 is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The image processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a general-purpose computer in which an image processing program (FIGS. 2 and 3) is installed. An image processing program recorded on a recording medium 15 such as a CD-ROM may be installed in a general-purpose computer. Alternatively, an image processing program downloaded via the Internet may be installed.

Before specifically describing the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 20 will be described. The imaging device 20 is a digital camera, a digital video camera, or the like.
As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging device 20 includes a photographing lens 21, an imaging element 22, an analog processing unit (circuit) 23, an A / D converter 24, a digital processing unit (circuit) 25, and an authentication unit. A (circuit) (26 to 28) and a recording control unit (circuit) 29 are provided. The recording control unit 29 is connected to the recording medium 9A. The recording medium 9A is, for example, a compact flash (registered trademark) or a smart media (registered trademark). The image sensor 22 is, for example, a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the imaging device 20 includes a shutter button 31, a finder 32, a liquid crystal display unit 33, a selection key 34, a microphone 35, and a grip unit 36. Provided. FIG. 5A is a diagram of the imaging device 20 viewed from the front, and FIG. 5B is a diagram of the imaging device 20 viewed from the back.
Light from the subject enters the image sensor 22 through the taking lens 21. A subject image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 22. The image sensor 22 captures a subject image and outputs analog image signals of three colors RGB.

The analog imaging signal is subjected to correlated double sampling processing, direct current regeneration processing, and the like in the analog processing unit 23, and converted into a digital signal (imaging data) in the A / D conversion unit 24. The digital processing unit 25 performs processing such as gradation correction, color correction, and contour correction on the digital signal, and outputs the captured image data to the recording control unit 29.
The signal processing parameters (degree of contour emphasis, gradation, hue, sensitivity, saturation, etc.) in the processing units (23 to 25) can be changed as necessary according to the photographer's preference. At this time, the selection key 34 shown in FIG. 5B is operated by the photographer, and various menus displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 33 are selected / determined. In the processing units (23 to 25), if there is a setting change instruction, the changed parameter is used, and if there is no instruction, signal processing is performed using a predetermined default parameter.

The imaging device 20 can also record captured image data (RAW data) that is not processed by the digital processing unit 25 in the recording medium 9A.
The authentication unit (26 to 28) of the imaging device 20 includes a sensor 26, a registration unit 27, and a CPU 28.
The sensor 26 is a sensor for acquiring the photographer's biological information. The biometric information is information on physical features peculiar to individuals such as fingerprints, iris (retina) patterns, and voiceprints. Since such biometric information does not change with the aging of an individual or the like and is relatively easy to discriminate, it has recently been used for biometric personal authentication.

For example, when a fingerprint is acquired as the photographer's biometric information, a semiconductor fingerprint sensor may be used as the sensor 26 and provided on the shutter button 31 or the grip portion 36 shown in FIG. When the semiconductor fingerprint sensor is provided on the shutter button 31, the fingerprint (biological information) can be acquired without any consciousness whenever the photographer puts a finger on the shutter button 31.
When an iris (retina) pattern is acquired as the photographer's biological information, an iris imaging sensor may be used as the sensor 26 and provided in the finder 32 shown in FIG. In this case, every time the photographer looks into the viewfinder 32, the iris (retina) pattern (biological information) can be acquired without being conscious of anything.

When acquiring a voiceprint as the photographer's biological information, the microphone 35 shown in FIG. In this case, when the photographer utters toward the microphone 35, the voiceprint (biological information) can be acquired.
In addition, the registration unit 27 includes a memory, and pre-acquired biometric information (such as a fingerprint) of a photographer is registered for personal authentication. For registration, the selection key 34 in FIG. 5B is operated to enter the biometric information registration mode from the setting screen of the liquid crystal display unit 33, and the photographer's biometric information is acquired using the sensor 26. Save with personal authentication information such as code. The sensor 26 and the registration unit 27 function as an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information that identifies the photographer. When the imaging device 20 is shared by a plurality of people, it is preferable that biometric information for a plurality of people can be registered. In addition, the biometric information and personal authentication information can be viewed and changed only by the registered person or the administrator of the imaging device 20 by, for example, providing a password for browsing / changing or inputting the registered biometric information. It is preferable to limit.

The CPU 28 compares and collates the photographer's biometric information (such as a fingerprint) acquired by the sensor 26 with the biometric information registered in advance in the registration unit 27 to perform personal authentication. If biometric information equivalent to the biometric information from the sensor 26 exists in the registration unit 27, personal authentication information (registration data such as name and authentication code) of the biometric information is output to the recording control unit 29. To do.
The timing of the personal authentication in such an authentication unit (26 to 28) is not limited to when the subject is photographed, but may be performed when the power of the imaging device 20 is turned on / off. When performing personal authentication separately from the shooting operation, it is not necessary to perform a collation process in parallel with the shooting process inside the imaging apparatus 20, thereby reducing the load on the CPU and the like.

Even when personal authentication is performed at the time of shooting, if continuous shooting is being performed, it may be determined that there is no change of the photographer and personal authentication may be omitted. In this case as well, the load on the CPU can be reduced. In order to determine whether or not the photographer has changed, for example, a method may be considered in which the shooting interval is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and if the shooting interval is equal to or less than the threshold value, “no change” is determined.
As described above, the captured image data from the processing unit (circuit) (23 to 25) and the personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) from the authentication unit (26 to 28) are stored in the recording control unit 29. Is output.

The recording control unit 29 adds the personal authentication information to the captured image data as metadata, and then stores the captured image data and the personal authentication information in the recording medium 9A. Furthermore, if necessary, parameters related to shooting control (shooting date and time, exposure, shutter speed, etc.), parameters of signal processing in the processing unit (23-25), etc. may be added and stored as metadata. .
However, the metadata is data that can be easily viewed by a display unit such as a viewer and can be tampered with. For this reason, when it is desired to keep the photographer secret or to prevent tampering, it is preferable to encrypt the personal authentication information using an encryption processing unit (not shown) and then add it as metadata.

  Furthermore, in order to add personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) to the photographed image data, embedding with a digital watermark may be performed. In this case, the personal authentication information is embedded as a digital watermark in the photographed image data using a digital watermark embedding unit (circuit) in the recording control unit 29. Since information addition by digital watermark is excellent in secrecy and tamper resistance, it is preferable to use digital watermark when there is a strong demand for protection and secrecy of personal authentication information.

  However, increasing the tamper resistance and increasing the degree of protection of embedded data generally tends to lead to image degradation. For this reason, when securing image quality is considered, it is preferable to embed less data. That is, it is preferable that only personal authentication information is added by digital watermark, and other parameters are added as metadata. Further, when confidentiality and tamper resistance are required even with parameters, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be embedded as a digital watermark, or may be encrypted and added as metadata.

Next, the image processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be specifically described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a capturing unit (circuit) 11, a setting unit (circuit) 12, a registration unit (circuit) 13, and a processing unit (circuit) 14. The image processing device 10 includes captured image data generated by the external imaging device 20, personal authentication information (photographer identification information) added to the captured image data, parameters related to shooting control, and a processing unit. The signal processing parameters in (23 to 25) and the like are captured by the capturing unit 11 via the recording medium 9A of FIG.

Then, the image processing apparatus 10 uses image processing application software, sets image processing parameters from personal authentication information, and performs image processing of captured image data according to the procedures of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. . Image processing here includes contour enhancement (sharpness), gradation conversion (tone adjustment), color adjustment, noise removal, filtering, and the like.
In order to perform image processing parameter setting without the photographer's load, the registration unit 13 of the image processing apparatus 10 has an individual ID corresponding to personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) and a photographer's own predetermined preset. Parameters (fixed parameters that the photographer decides to use) are registered in association with each other. Here, an example in which unique parameters are registered in association with individual IDs will be described, but personal authentication information itself may be used instead of individual IDs.

  The procedure for registering the photographer's unique parameters in the registration unit 13 is as shown in steps S1 to S4 in FIG. When the registration mode of the unique parameter is selected in step S1 (when step S1 is Yes), in the next step S2, the personal authentication information and individual ID of the photographer to be registered are input, and the personal authentication information and individual ID is associated. Then (step S3), an image processing unique parameter is input. Thereafter, according to the registration instruction, the input individual ID and the unique parameter are associated with each other and registered in the registration unit 13 (step S4).

When the registration process in FIG. 2 is completed and the captured image data to be processed is selected from the captured image data captured from the external imaging device 20 (when step S11 in FIG. 3 is Yes), the image is displayed. The capturing unit 11 of the processing device 10 determines whether or not personal authentication information is added to the captured image data (step S12).
When the personal authentication information is digital watermark data, the digital watermark data is extracted by the digital watermark data reading circuit in the capturing unit 11. Further, when the personal authentication information is encrypted and added as metadata, the metadata is extracted by a decoder circuit corresponding to this in the fetching unit 11 and the encrypted data is decrypted.

If personal authentication information is added to the captured image data as a result of the above determination (Yes in step S12), the personal authentication information is output from the capture unit 11 to the setting unit 12. The captured image data is output from the capture unit 11 to the processing unit 14.
In step S13 of FIG. 3, the setting unit 12 refers to the registration content by the registration unit 13 based on the personal authentication information, and performs comparison with the registered individual ID. When the personal authentication information of the captured image data to be processed matches the personal authentication information corresponding to the registered individual ID (Yes in step S14), the process proceeds to the next step S15.

In step S15, the unique parameter registered in association with the individual ID corresponding to the personal authentication information of the photographed image data to be processed is read from the registration unit 13 and automatically transmitted to the processing unit 14 of the image processing apparatus 10. Set to In step S16, additional parameters and the like can be manually set as necessary.
In addition, when personal authentication information is not added to the captured image data to be processed (step S12 is No), or when the personal authentication information does not match the registered individual ID (step S14 is No). In step S15, the automatic setting is not performed, and only the manual setting in step S16 is performed.

When the setting of image processing parameters is completed in this way, the processing unit 14 of the image processing apparatus 10 executes image processing (processing / retouching) on the captured image data to be processed in accordance with the set parameters (step). S17). As a result, desired image processing can be performed on the captured image data in accordance with the set combination of parameters.
As described above, in the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the captured image data and the personal authentication information are acquired from the external imaging apparatus 20, and the image registered in the registration unit 13 based on the personal authentication information that identifies the photographer. Since the processing content (including unique parameters) is specified and set by the setting unit 12, the parameter setting can be automatically performed without a photographer's load. As a result, a preferable image can be obtained without a photographer's load.

If parameter information is not exchanged between the imaging device 20 and the image processing device 10, the parameter information can be concealed. Of course, if parameter information is added by encrypting the parameter information and digital watermarking, the parameter information can be kept secret.
Further, in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the image processing unique parameter is registered in the registration unit 13 together with the individual ID in advance, and an appropriate unique parameter is selected using the individual ID corresponding to the personal authentication information. Therefore, setting processing on the image processing apparatus side is simplified, and automatic parameter setting can be performed quickly. When the unique parameter is registered in the registration unit 13, a complicated operation is performed only once in step S3 of the registration process (FIG. 2), but the subsequent complicated operation is not necessary.

  Therefore, even when the application software of the image processing apparatus 10 is started up or when the application software is used in place of another photographer, only the captured image data to be processed is selected in step S11 in FIG. Appropriate image processing based on the unique parameters can be performed on the captured image data. For this reason, workability at the time of image processing is remarkably improved. Further, efficient image processing can be performed.

  When the captured image data captured by the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is generated by continuous shooting, a processing unit is used to reduce the load on the processing units (23 to 25) of the external imaging device 20. The processing items in (23 to 25) can be reduced, and the remaining processing items can be performed by the processing unit 14 of the image processing apparatus 10. By performing such distributed processing, the photographing ability such as the continuous shooting speed of the imaging device 20 is improved. Even in this case, the unique parameters of the image processing can be set based on the personal authentication information added to the photographed image data without the photographer's load.

In addition to the continuous shooting operation described above, the image processing is performed with the set parameters in the imaging device 20, and personal authentication information and the set parameters are set in the captured image data output from the imaging device 20. It is also possible to add information related to the information or information related to processing performed by the imaging device 20 as supplementary information and output the information to the image processing device 10.
The image processing apparatus 10 reads the contents of the image processing performed in the image processing apparatus 10 registered in association with identification information such as personal authentication information, or its own parameters, and adds them as supplementary information. The image processing content read from the registration unit 13 or its own parameter is changed based on information relating to processing performed in the imaging device 20 or parameter information, and set by the setting unit 12.

For example, in the case where the conversion process of the tone characteristics desired by the photographer has already been performed in the imaging device 20, this fact is added to the captured image data together with the personal authentication information as supplementary information. .
In this case, the image processing apparatus 10 uses the setting unit 12 to process the processing content excluding the tone characteristic conversion processing from the image processing content read by the registration unit 13 based on identification information such as personal authentication information. Then, the processing unit 14 performs image processing on the captured image data. The setting of the processing content excluding the gradation characteristic conversion processing may be performed by a parameter.

For example, the setting of the processing content excluding the gradation characteristic conversion process is performed by setting the gradation conversion characteristic parameter to 1. Setting the gradation conversion characteristic parameter to 1 corresponds to gradation conversion being performed with γ (gamma) = 1. That is, the gradation characteristic conversion process is not performed.
In addition, for example, a contour enhancement characteristic desired by the photographer is a first digital filter that realizes the first enhancement frequency, and a second digital filter that realizes a second enhancement frequency different from the first enhancement frequency. The processing parameters for realizing the edge enhancement characteristics are registered in the registration unit 13 of the image processing apparatus 10 in association with the identification information, and are registered in the imaging apparatus 20. When the contour enhancement processing by the first digital filter has already been performed, the imaging device 20 adds the personal authentication information to the captured image data and the content of the processing already executed in the imaging device 20 (first digital filter Information related to the contour emphasizing process) is added as supplementary information and output to the image processing apparatus 10.

  In this case, the image processing apparatus 10 determines the processing content excluding the edge enhancement characteristic by the first digital filter from the image processing content read by the registration unit 13 based on identification information such as personal authentication information. Setting is performed by the setting unit 12, and the processing unit 14 performs image processing including contour enhancement processing by the second digital filter on the captured image data. The setting of the processing content excluding the contour enhancement processing by the first digital filter is performed by setting the original parameters (matrix coefficients of the digital filter) of the contour enhancement processing by the first digital filter, for example, from FIG. This is done by changing as shown in b).

That is, when considering an image processing system composed of the imaging device 20 and the image processing device 10, the contents (parameters) of the image processing are always constant. For this reason, even if image processing is performed by the imaging device 20 according to a photographer's instruction, an image desired by the photographer can always be obtained from the output of the image processing device 10.
Even if the photographer wants to realize high-speed continuous shooting at the time of continuous shooting, for example, even if the image processing content performed in the imaging device 20 is limited, the continuous shot image having a desired image quality is output from the image processing device 10. Can be obtained.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 associates the identification information with the identification information added to the captured image data output from the imaging apparatus 20 and representing the supplementary information indicating the content of the image processing performed in the imaging apparatus 20. By changing the contents of image processing registered (including unique processing parameters), the imaging device 20 and the image processing device 10 cooperate in accordance with the processing parameters set in the imaging device 10, Flexible distributed processing can be performed.

  Further, when the imaging device 20 is a digital camera and the captured image data captured from the imaging device 20 to the image processing device 10 of the present embodiment is RAW data, the image processing device 10 uses an application called RAW development software. Then, image processing is performed to convert it into a so-called image form. Image processing using RAW development software has the advantage that it can be customized to an image of the photographer's preference with higher precision and accuracy.

  However, since the number of parameters required for this purpose is very large, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is used, and the unique parameters for image processing are set based on the personal authentication information added to the RAW data without the burden of the photographer. Setting is particularly effective. However, before performing image processing based on the unique parameters, it is usually necessary to generate an initial image with reference to metadata of RAW data. In the case of RAW data, by adding personal authentication information to metadata for generating an initial image, it becomes easy to associate unique parameters for image processing.

  When the captured image data after the image processing is performed in the image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is output to an output device such as a printer, for example, via an output device driver installed in the image processing device 10 become. In this case, there are a plurality of output modes having different image processing trends such as default setting, vivid setting, and color management setting. Even in this case, if the unique output parameter customized by the photographer is associated with the personal authentication information, the photographer can automatically use the parameter customized for himself.

In the above embodiment, an example in which various data is exchanged between the imaging device 20 and the image processing device 10 using a recording medium has been described, but wired or wireless connection (for example, communication such as LAN) Data may be exchanged via a line).
(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the photographer's personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) is added to the photographed image data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the personal authentication information, the photographer's biometric information (such as a fingerprint) acquired by the sensor 26 may be added to the captured image data as it is. The photographer's biometric information and personal authentication information generally correspond to “photographer identification information”.

  When biometric information (such as a fingerprint) is directly added to the captured image data, the registration unit 27 and the CPU 28 (FIG. 4) are provided on the image processing apparatus 10 side, and the biometric information added to the captured image data to be processed is added. It is conceivable to perform personal authentication based on this. Then, the result of personal authentication is output to the setting unit 12 in FIG. 1, collated with the individual ID of the registration unit 13, and the corresponding unique parameter is automatically set in the processing unit 14. In this case, although the amount of information added to the captured image data increases, the circuit amount in the imaging device 20 is reduced, the collation operation is unnecessary, and the operation load of the imaging device 20 is reduced.

  In addition, when biometric information (such as a fingerprint) is added to the captured image data, personal authentication may be omitted without being limited to an example in which personal authentication is performed on the image processing apparatus 10 side. In this case, biometric information (such as a fingerprint) itself and unique parameters are registered in association with each other (registration unit 13), and biometric information added to the captured image data is compared with biometric information registered in advance, Corresponding unique parameters are automatically set in the processing unit 14.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-described biometric information and personal authentication information, information related to the photographer's preferences (for example, color saturation and gradation characteristics) may be added to the photographed image data as photographer identification information.
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the image processing apparatus 10 is a general-purpose computer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied when the image processing apparatus 10 is incorporated in an output device such as a printer. When taking captured image data into an output device including the image processing device 10, the recording medium 9A in FIG. 4 may be used. Alternatively, it can be captured by cable or wireless.

  In this case as well, unique output parameters are automatically set based on the photographer's identification information (personal authentication information, etc.) added to the photographed image data without the photographer's load. Image processing is performed. Then, the captured image data after image processing is output. Even in the image processing for output, it is preferable to add photographer identification information (such as personal authentication information) as metadata because it makes it easy to associate unique parameters.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the application software associates the photographer's identification information (such as personal authentication information) with a unique parameter in advance, and the parameter is based on the identification information (such as personal authentication information) added to the captured image data. Although an example of setting is described, the present invention is not limited to this. Correspondence (pre-registration) between identification information (personal authentication information, etc.) and application parameters in the application software is omitted, and the unique parameters required in the application software are obtained using the cooperation between the imaging device 20 and the application software. It may be registered on the imaging device 20 side and added to the captured image data. In this case, the application software performs image processing based on the unique parameter added to the captured image data.

  Therefore, even when the photographer entrusts image processing to a third party or performs image processing with application software that has not been pre-registered, image processing with unique parameters intended by the photographer can be performed. it can. When registering the parameters for application software in the imaging apparatus 20, it is efficient if the imaging apparatus 20 and the image processing apparatus 10 are connected by a cable or the like so that registration work can be performed from the application software side.

Furthermore, by registering unique parameters related to output on the imaging device 20 side and adding them to the captured image data, an intended output image can be obtained even when output devices of different individuals are used.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the signal processing parameters in the processing units (23 to 25) of the imaging device 20 are manually set as necessary has been described as an example. However, in the authentication units (26 to 28), The authentication result (photographer's personal authentication information) can be used to automatically set, for example, according to a flowchart shown in FIG.

For this purpose, a parameter registration unit (circuit) is required in addition to the configuration of FIG. In the parameter registration unit, personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) and a photographer's own predetermined parameters (fixed parameters, etc. determined by the photographer) are registered in association with each other.
Here, a procedure (FIG. 7) for registering the photographer's unique parameters in the parameter registration unit will be described. When the registration mode of the unique parameter is selected in step S31 (when step S31 is Yes), the photographer's biometric information is acquired from the sensor 26 (step S32), and the biometric information registered in advance in the registration unit 27 is acquired. Comparison comparison is performed (step S33), and personal authentication is performed. If biometric information equivalent to the biometric information from the sensor 26 is present in the registration unit 27 (Yes in step S34), input of a unique parameter is accepted in the next step S35. Thereafter, in response to the registration instruction, the input unique parameter is associated with the personal authentication information (name, authentication code, etc.) of the biometric information and registered in the parameter registration unit (step S36). The reason for performing steps S32 to S34 is to allow only the registrant himself to change parameters.

When the registration process in FIG. 7 is completed and, for example, the photographer's finger contacts the shutter button 31 of the imaging device 20 (Yes in step S21 in FIG. 6), the CPU 28 of the authentication unit (26-28) The biometric information of the photographer is acquired from (step S22), the collation with the biometric information of the registration unit 27 is performed (step S23), and personal authentication is performed.
If equivalent biometric information exists in the registration unit 27 (Yes in step S24), the process proceeds to the next step S25. In step S25, the parameter registration unit is referred to, the unique parameter associated with the personal authentication information is read and automatically set in the processing unit (23-25).

  If there is no equivalent biometric information in the registration unit 27 (No in step S24), the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not to manually set parameters. If yes (Yes), parameters are manually set according to the operation of the selection key 34 shown in FIG. 4B. When manual setting is not performed (No), a predetermined default parameter of the imaging device 20 is set.

  When the setting of the parameters is completed in this way and the analog imaging signal is captured from the imaging element 22 to the processing units (23 to 26) of the imaging device 20 by pressing the shutter button 31, the processing units (23 to 26) Then, image processing is executed according to the set parameters (step S26). As a result, desired image processing can be performed according to the set combination of parameters, and photographed image data is generated.

By performing the processing of FIG. 6, the parameters of signal processing in the processing units (23 to 25) of the imaging device 20 are used by using the authentication result (photographer's personal authentication information) in the authentication unit (26 to 28). Can be set automatically.
In the process of FIG. 6, the unique parameter registered by the photographer is prioritized, but manual parameter setting may be prioritized. Further, when the photographer does not want his / her settings to be seen by others, or when a single image pickup device 20 is shared by a plurality of people, it is only necessary to restore the default settings when the power is turned off. Furthermore, the unique parameter set by the parameter registration unit may be added to the captured image data as metadata and stored.

  As described above, by automatically setting the unique parameters based on the photographer's identification information (personal authentication information, etc.) in each of the imaging device 20, the image processing device 10, and the output device, the photographer does not have to be aware of it. Thus, image processing can be performed using parameters customized for the purpose, and a desired image can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus 10. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process procedure in the image processing apparatus 10. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing in the image processing apparatus 10. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging device 20. FIG. 1 is an external view of an imaging device 20. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of imaging processing in the imaging device 20. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of registration processing in the imaging apparatus 20. It is explanatory drawing of the digital filter which implement | achieves an outline emphasis process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing apparatus 11 Capture part 12 Setting part 13, 27 Registration part 14 Processing part 20 Imaging device 21 Imaging lens 22 Imaging element 23 Analog processing part 24 A / D converter 25 Digital processing part 26 Sensor 28 CPU
29 Recording control unit 9A, 15 Recording medium 31 Shutter button 32 Finder 33 Liquid crystal display unit 34 Selection key 35 Microphone 36 Grip unit

Claims (7)

Capture means for capturing captured image data generated by an external imaging device and photographer identification information added to the captured image data;
Setting means for setting image processing parameters for the captured image data based on the identification information added to the captured image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: processing means for performing image processing on the captured image data in accordance with the parameter set by the setting means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Registration means for registering information corresponding to the identification information and the predetermined parameter in association with each other;
The setting unit refers to the registration content by the registration unit based on the identification information added to the captured image data, and sets the registered parameter in association with the information corresponding to the identification information. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the identification information added to the captured image data is personal authentication information based on a photographer's biometric information. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the identification information is added to the captured image data by digital watermark. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the identification information is added as metadata to the photographed image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The capture means further extracts information on the processing content of the image processing performed by the imaging device, which is added to the captured image data,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the setting unit changes and sets the parameter registered in association with information corresponding to the identification information based on the extracted information regarding the processing content. Capture procedure for capturing captured image data generated by an external imaging device and photographer identification information added to the captured image data;
A setting procedure for setting image processing parameters for the captured image data based on the identification information added to the captured image data;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a processing procedure for performing image processing on the photographed image data in accordance with the parameters set by the setting means.

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