JP2006287693A - Color management processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a color management processor capable of quickening processing time by suppressing cost increase when CMS processing is performed to first image data and second image data. <P>SOLUTION: In a device for performing the color management (CMS) processing to two pieces of image data, camera image data and frame image data, the color management processor is equipped with a selector 36 which selects either the camera image data or the frame image data based on a selection control signal, a memory 38a for first parameter which sets a first parameter for performing the CMS processing to the camera image data, a memory 38b for second parameter which sets a second parameter for performing the CMS processing to the frame image data, a selector 39 which selects either the first parameter or the second parameter based on the selection control signal, a CMS operation circuit 40 which performs the CMS processing based on the set parameter and a synthetic processing part 12 which performs synthetic processing between the CMS processed camera image data and frame image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is an apparatus for performing color management processing on at least two image data of first image data and second image data, and particularly in the case of combining first image data and second image data. The present invention relates to a color management processing apparatus.

  In a photo processing system that acquires image data and creates a photo print based on it, the image is displayed on the monitor screen before the photo print is created so that a photo print of appropriate quality can be created. . For example, a frame image formed on a developed negative film is read by a film scanner and displayed on a monitor screen to make various determinations. One of the determinations made by the operator is determination of color / density, and color / density correction values are input as necessary so that a photo print of appropriate color / density can be created. When the correction value is input, the color and density of the image displayed on the monitor screen also change, and the image of the photographic print that will be obtained can be confirmed by the simulated image.

In this case, it is necessary to create a photo print with the color and density as confirmed on the monitor screen. However, since the color reproduction area seen on the monitor screen is different from the color reproduction area of the printer unit for creating a photographic print, it is necessary to match them. For this purpose, color management processing (hereinafter also referred to as CMS processing) is performed to eliminate the difference in color reproduction area between devices (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). In this CMS processing, parameters for processing (also referred to as a profile or a device profile) are used, which indicates which color a unique color that can be expressed by various devices corresponds to in the standard color gamut. A table that represents one color. That is, the characteristics of each device are expressed by parameters with the standard color gamut as a reference.
JP 2003-244468 A JP 2003-324621 A

  The problem of the present invention in such a case will be described. When creating a photo print using image data, camera image data (corresponding to the first image data) and frame image data (corresponding to the second image data) are superimposed to create a postcard or calendar. Image composition processing may be performed. Camera image data is mainly obtained by reading from a photographic film such as a negative film, whereas frame image data is often created by editing with a personal computer. That is, since the camera image data and the frame image data are often acquired by different routes, when CMS processing is performed, the camera image data and the frame image data have different parameters to be used. That is, it is necessary to perform the CMS process twice in total, and after performing the CMS process for each, the image composition process is performed.

  When CMS processing is performed, the processing time is faster with hardware. However, when CMS processing is performed on camera image data and frame image data with separate hardware, there is a problem that costs increase. Therefore, conventionally, when image synthesis is performed, CMS processing for camera image data is performed by hardware, and CMS processing for frame image data is performed by a function of software. As a result, there has been a problem that the efficiency of photo processing is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its problem is that color management that can suppress the increase in cost and speed up the processing time when performing CMS processing on the first image data and the second image data. It is to provide a processing device.

In order to solve the above problems, a color management processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided.
In an apparatus that performs color management processing on at least two image data of first image data and second image data,
An image selection unit that selects either the first image data or the second image data based on the selection control signal;
A color management processing circuit,
A parameter setting unit in which parameters for performing color management processing on the selected image data are set; and
A color management processing circuit having a color management processing unit that performs color management processing based on set parameters for the selected image data;
The first image data or the second image data subjected to the color management process is configured to be output from the color management calculation unit.

  The operation and effect of the color management processing apparatus having this configuration will be described. A color management processing circuit for performing color management processing is provided, and both the first image data and the second image data are processed by the same color management processing circuit. Which image data is to be processed is selected by the image selection unit based on the selection control signal. Parameters for performing color management processing are set in the parameter setting unit, and color management processing is performed on the selected image data based on the set parameters. The processed first image data and second image data are output from the color management calculation unit.

  According to this configuration, since both the first image data and the second image data are processed by the same color management calculation unit (color management processing circuit), an increase in cost can be suppressed while using hardware. it can. Since the input of the image data to the color management calculation unit is selected and controlled by the image selection unit, either the first image data or the second image data is selectively input to the color management calculation unit for processing. be able to. As a result, the first image data and the second image data can be processed simultaneously in parallel. As a result, when CMS processing is performed on the first image data and the second image data, it is possible to provide a color management processing apparatus that can suppress the increase in cost and increase the processing time.

In the present invention, the second image data is image data to be combined with the first image data,
A first setting unit that is provided in the parameter setting unit and sets a first parameter for performing color management processing on the first image data;
A second setting unit that is provided in the parameter setting unit and sets a second parameter for performing color management processing on the second image data;
A parameter selection unit that selects either the first parameter or the second parameter based on the selection control signal;
Based on the selected image data and parameters, color management processing is performed in the color management calculation unit,
It is preferable that a synthesis processing unit that performs synthesis processing of the first image data and the second image data subjected to color management processing is provided.

  According to this configuration, the first image data and the second image data are combined to generate combined image data. Then, considering the case where the first image data and the second image data are acquired by different routes, the first image data is processed by the first parameter set in the first setting unit. The second image data is processed by the second parameter set in the second setting unit. In the parameter setting unit, the first parameter or the second parameter is selected based on the selection control signal.

  That is, image data and parameters are selected by the same selection control signal, and color management processing is performed in the color management calculation unit based on the selected data. In other words, the process is executed and output according to appropriate parameters for the selected image data. The composition processing unit performs composition processing using the first image data and the second image data on which color management processing has been performed. In this way, appropriate color management processing is performed on each image data in one color management calculation unit.

  In the present invention, the image selection unit may be controlled by the selection control signal so that the first image data and the second image data are input to the color management calculation unit in a time-division manner in units of a predetermined number of pixels. preferable.

  When the first image data and the second image data are selectively input to the color management calculation unit, it is preferable that the first image data and the second image data are input in a time division manner in units of a predetermined number of pixels. The predetermined number of pixels can be inputted by time division alternately in units of one pixel (pixel) or in units of a plurality of pixels. As a result, the processing of the first image data and the second image data can be executed simultaneously in parallel, and the processing efficiency can be improved while using the color management calculation unit in common.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the parameter setting unit is controlled by the selection control signal so that a parameter is switched in synchronization with switching of image data by time division by the image selection unit.

  According to this configuration, since the parameter corresponding to the selected image data is switched in synchronization with the selection of the image data by the image selection unit, the color management process can always be performed with an appropriate parameter.

  A preferred embodiment of a photographic processing system in which a color management processing apparatus according to the present invention is used will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system.

<Photo processing system configuration>
The photographic processing system shown in FIG. 1 shows a system configuration for acquiring image data from a negative film or the like and creating a photographic print. The image input unit 1 provides a function for inputting image data. The film scanner 1a can scan and read a frame image formed on a developed negative film (photographic film). The medium loading unit 1b can be loaded with a storage medium used for a digital camera and other storage media such as an MO disk and a CD-R, and reads image data stored in the loaded storage medium. Can do. The image data input via the image input unit 1 is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 2.

  The first image processing unit 3 has a function of setting correction data for image data so that a photograph can be printed with an appropriate image quality when printing the input image data, and is mainly realized by a software function. It can be done. The thumbnail image generating unit 3a has a function of processing the image data stored in the image storage unit 2 to generate thumbnail image data. On the screen of the monitor 4, it is displayed in the form of a thumbnail image. A predetermined number of images can be displayed on the monitor 4 at a time, and the operator determines whether or not a photo print with an appropriate image quality is created while viewing the thumbnail images. The displayed thumbnail image is equivalent to an image that is actually printed, and corresponds to a simulated image.

  When correction data is set for a thumbnail image to be displayed, the image processing unit 3b has a function of processing the thumbnail image and generating corrected image data based on the correction data. For example, when the operator looks at the monitor 4 and determines that the color / density is not appropriate, color / density correction data (correction value) can be input, and an image corrected by the input correction data is displayed. You can check it again on the monitor screen. Examples of correction data other than color and density include correction data such as red-eye correction and backlight correction, correction data for trimming, and data relating to print size. Correction data setting input and the like can be performed by an input operation unit 5 such as a keyboard or a mouse. The set correction data is stored in the correction data storage unit 6. The correction data is set for each frame image.

  The composition information setting unit 3c provides a function for setting composition information when performing image composition. As image synthesis, camera image data (corresponding to first image data) input via the image input unit 1 and frame image data (corresponding to second image data) to be image-synthesized with this camera image data are used. A typical image is synthesized. For example, in a calendar print or postcard, camera image data is inserted into a frame image data of a calendar or post prepared in advance and combined. Examples of the combination information include data indicating the ratio at which two image data are combined, and data such as characters inserted into the combined image data. The composite information can be selected from those stored in the composite information storage unit 14.

  The parameter storage unit 7 stores parameters (also referred to as profiles or device profiles) used when performing color management processing (CMS processing). This parameter refers to a conversion table or a conversion formula that expresses which unique color that can be expressed by various devices corresponds to which color in the standard color gamut. That is, the characteristics of each device are expressed by parameters with the standard color gamut as a reference. The parameter storage unit 7 stores parameters of the monitor 4, the film scanner 1a, the printer unit, and the like. In addition, parameters of a device (for example, a digital camera in which it is used) relating to a storage medium mounted on the medium mounting unit 1b are also stored.

There are two specific examples of CMS processing. One is a method of processing with a three-dimensional LUT. In the case of a three-dimensional LUT, since the memory space of the LUT becomes enormous, it is preferable to thin out the number of lattice points of the LUT. Interpolation processing is performed for those outside the lattice points. In this case, the lattice point of the LUT is a parameter. The other is a method of processing using a conversion formula. When (R, G, B) before processing and (r, g, b) after processing, r = _fr (R, G, B), Conversion of g = f _g (R, G, B) and b = f _b (R, G, B) is performed.

  As described above, in order to determine the color and density of an image that will be created as a photographic print while looking at the monitor 4, the color and density confirmed on the screen of the monitor 4 and the image of the actually finished photographic print are displayed. It is necessary to match the color and density of the. Therefore, CMS processing is performed.

  The display control means 3d performs display processing for causing the monitor 4 to display various screens. Further, when displaying on the monitor screen, the display is performed after performing the CMS process using the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 7 as appropriate. This CMS processing is based on software functions.

  The frame image storage unit 8 stores a large number of frame image data to be combined with camera image data, and any one of them can be read and used. The frame image data can be created mainly by the image editing software 9, but is not limited to this, and the image data acquired via the image input unit 1 may be used as the frame image data. Further, it is possible to create composition information for image composition by the image editing software 9, and the created composition information is stored in the composition information storage unit 14.

  The second image processing unit 10 (image processing board) mainly performs image processing based on hardware functions, and is obtained from the correction data set by the work by the first image processing unit 3 and the image input unit 1. A function of generating print image data for creating a photographic print using the image data thus obtained is provided.

  The CMS processing device 11 provides a function for performing the color management processing described above, and is mainly realized by hardware (processing circuit). Details of the CMS processing apparatus 11 will be described later.

  The composition processing unit 12 performs image composition processing of camera image data and frame image data. The combination information necessary for performing the combination process is set based on the function of the combination information setting unit 3c of the first image processing unit 3. When image composition is not performed, processing by the composition processing unit 12 is not performed.

  Next, functions of the printer unit 20 will be described. In the paper magazine 21, paper (photosensitive material) on which an image is printed and exposed is stored in the form of a roll. The long paper drawn from the paper magazine 21 is cut into a predetermined print size by the paper cutter 22.

  The exposure engine 23 exposes and forms an image by performing scanning exposure on the emulsion surface of the paper based on the print image data output from the CMS processing device 11 or the composition processing unit 12. As the exposure engine 23, for example, an exposure engine, a PLZT engine, a CRT engine, or the like can be used. The paper on which the image has been baked and exposed by the exposure engine 23 is sent to the development processing unit 24, subjected to a predetermined development process, and then dried in the drying processing unit 25, and a finished photograph from the paper discharge unit 26. It is discharged as a print.

  The control unit 13 controls each unit of the photo processing system. Further, a selection control signal described later is output.

<About image composition>
Next, an example of image composition of camera image data and frame image data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows some examples of the frame image Gf. As the frame image Gf, many modifications can be considered. A frame image Gf and a camera image Gc to be combined are shown. By combining these images, a print Pfc in which the camera image Gc is inserted into the frame image Gf can be created.

<Configuration of CMS processing apparatus>
Next, the detailed configuration of the CMS processing apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The camera image memory 30 temporarily stores camera image data subjected to image processing in the second image processing unit 10. The frame image memory 31 temporarily stores the frame image data read from the frame image storage unit 8. The composite information memory 32 temporarily stores the composite information set by the composite information setting unit 3c. These memories 30, 31, and 32 may be configured as independent memories in terms of hardware, or may be configured by dividing a storage space in one memory.

  The FIFO memory 33 is a buffer memory in which the camera image data read from the camera image memory 30 is temporarily stored. The FIFO memory 34 is a buffer memory in which frame image data read from the frame image memory 31 is temporarily stored. The FIFO memory 35 is a buffer memory that temporarily stores synthesis information read from the synthesis information memory.

  The first selector 36 (corresponding to an image selection unit) is an image data selection circuit, and selectively selects either the camera image data of the FIFO memory 33 or the frame image data of the FIFO memory 34 based on the selection control signal. To output. The selection control signal is a command signal sent from the control unit 13 and is a control signal for selecting either camera image data or frame image data.

  Next, the configuration of the CMS processing circuit 37 will be described. The parameter setting unit 38 reads out the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 7, sets the parameters for printing, and stores them. Based on the parameters set in the parameter setting unit 38, CMS processing is performed. The first parameter memory 38a (corresponding to a first setting unit) stores a first parameter for performing CMS processing on camera image data. The second parameter memory 38b (corresponding to the second setting unit) stores a second parameter for performing CMS processing on the frame image data.

  The parameter setting unit 38 does not store the parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 7 as they are. For example, the parameter storage unit 7 stores “film scanner 1⇔standard color profile (1)” “printer⇔standard color profile”. When “(2)” is stored, the “film scanner 1 printer profile” calculated from the profiles (1) and (2) is set.

  The second selector 39 (corresponding to the parameter selection unit) is a parameter selection circuit, and either the first parameter of the first parameter memory 38a or the second parameter of the second parameter memory 38b is selected based on the selection control signal. One of them is selectively read out and output to a CMS arithmetic circuit (corresponding to a color management arithmetic unit) 40.

  The CMS arithmetic circuit 40 has a function of performing CMS processing on image data. When camera image data is selected and inputted by the selection control signal, the first parameter is selected in synchronization with this and the CMS process is performed. When frame image data is selected and input by the selection control signal, the second parameter is selected in synchronization with this and the CMS process is performed.

  When image data is selected by the first selector 36, camera image data and frame image data are alternately selected for each pixel or for each packet (number of pixels) and output to the CMS arithmetic circuit 40. It is preferable to go. That is, by alternately inputting the camera image data and the frame image data in a time division manner, the camera image data and the frame image data can be processed simultaneously in parallel, and the processing efficiency can be improved. When image data is processed in a time division manner, such a selection control signal is transmitted, and parameter selection by the second selector 39 is also switched and controlled in synchronization with this.

  The composition processing unit 12 (composition processing circuit) performs composition processing of camera image data and frame image data subjected to CMS processing by the CMS arithmetic circuit 40. The synthesis process is performed based on the synthesis information transmitted from the FIFO memory 35 in synchronization. The specific data content of the composite information can be roughly divided into two. First, a composition ratio in the case of compositing camera image data and frame image data is defined for each pixel. That is, camera image data n%, frame image data m%, and (n + m = 100%) are defined for each pixel constituting the composite image data. The second is front print data. For example, when character data is inserted into an image, image data representing the character is transmitted as composite information. When a character is inserted, image data representing the character is inserted as a constituent pixel of the composite image data in preference to camera image data or frame image data. The processing as described above is performed by the synthesis processing unit 12 for each pixel, thereby generating synthesized image data. The composite image data is transferred to the exposure engine 23 via the buffer 41. The buffer 41 is not always necessary. Further, in the case of image data that is not subjected to the synthesis process, the process by the synthesis processing unit 12 is not performed, and is immediately transferred to the exposure engine 23 after the CMS process is performed.

<Procedure for CMS processing>
A processing procedure when the CMS processing is performed in the above configuration will be briefly described. The image data is subjected to image processing based on the correction data stored in the correction data storage unit 6 to generate print image data before CMS processing. Image-processed camera image data and frame image data are stored in the camera image memory 30 and the frame image memory 31, respectively, and then read out to each FIFO memory.

  If the selection control signal is selection of a camera image, the camera image data of the FIFO memory 33 is output to the CMS arithmetic circuit 40 for one packet, and the first parameter is selected. If the selection control signal is a frame image, the frame image data for one packet is output to the CMS arithmetic circuit 40 and the second parameter is selected. CMS processing is performed in a time-sharing manner for each packet.

  The image data subjected to the CMS processing by the CMS arithmetic circuit 40 is subjected to the composition processing as described above, and then transmitted to the printer unit to create a photo print.

<Another embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the CMS processing in the case of synthesizing the camera image data and the frame image data has been described. However, the CMS processing apparatus 11 according to the present invention is also used in the following case where the image synthesis is not performed. Can do. That is, when continuously performing CMS processing on camera image data that is not image-synthesized, two frames 30 and 31 are used to input camera image data for two frames instead of outputting them to the CMS arithmetic circuit one frame at a time. Based on the selection control signal, CMS processing can be performed in a time division manner. In this case, for example, in the case of image data acquired from the same negative film, the first parameter and the second parameter are the same parameter, and therefore it is not necessary to perform selection control for the parameter.

  In this embodiment, an example of creating a photo print using composite image data has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case where composite image data is written in a storage medium such as a CD-R.

Conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a photo processing system Diagram explaining image composition Block diagram showing functions of CMS processor

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image input part 3 1st image process part 3c Compositing information setting means 7 Parameter storage part 8 Frame image storage part 10 2nd image processing part 11 CMS processing apparatus 12 Compositing process part 13 Control part 20 Printer part 30 Camera image memory 31 Frame Image memory 32 Composite information memory 33, 34, 35 FIFO memory 36 First selector 37 CMS processing circuit 38 Parameter setting unit 38a First parameter memory 38b Second parameter memory 39 Second selector 40 CMS arithmetic circuit

Claims (4)

In an apparatus that performs color management processing on at least two image data of first image data and second image data,
An image selection unit that selects either the first image data or the second image data based on the selection control signal;
A color management processing circuit,
A parameter setting unit in which parameters for performing color management processing on the selected image data are set; and
A color management processing circuit having a color management processing unit that performs color management processing based on set parameters for the selected image data;
A color management processing apparatus configured to output the first image data or the second image data subjected to color management processing from a color management calculation unit. The second image data is image data to be combined with the first image data,
A first setting unit that is provided in the parameter setting unit and sets a first parameter for performing color management processing on the first image data;
A second setting unit that is provided in the parameter setting unit and sets a second parameter for performing color management processing on the second image data;
A parameter selection unit that selects either the first parameter or the second parameter based on the selection control signal;
Based on the selected image data and parameters, color management processing is performed in the color management calculation unit,
The color management processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a composition processing unit that performs composition processing of the first image data and the second image data subjected to color management processing.   The image selection unit is controlled by the selection control signal so that the first image data and the second image data are input to the color management calculation unit in a time division manner in units of a predetermined number of pixels. Item 3. A color management processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2.   4. The color management process according to claim 3, wherein the parameter setting unit is controlled by the selection control signal so that a parameter is switched in synchronization with switching of image data by time division by the image selection unit. apparatus.

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