JP2007057908A - Image selection device and image selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly select an image free from a blur caused by camera shake as a candidate for an output object. <P>SOLUTION: When inputting an image file, a printer 100 analyzes additional information included in the image file. As a result, when a tripod is used, when a self-timer is used, when exposure time is equal to or under a predetermined value, or when photographing is performed in circumstances that camera shake hardly occurs, it is assumed that the image is not blurred, and processing to detect the camera shake using a primary differential operator is eliminated. Thus, the image free from the blur caused by the camera shake is quickly selected as the candidate for the output object while eliminating arithmetic processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for selecting an image file that is a candidate for output from a plurality of input image files.

  Image data taken by a digital camera is usually recorded on a memory card set inside the digital camera. The capacity of memory cards is increasing year by year, and a large amount of image data of 100 or more images can be recorded in one memory card.

  The operation of selecting the image to be printed from a large amount of image data by the user is a very troublesome operation. Therefore, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for automatically selecting an image with less camera shake by analyzing image data and recommending it to a user as a print target.

JP 2004-112596 A JP 2002-10179 A

  In Patent Document 1 described above, when detecting the presence or absence of camera shake, detection of edges in an image is performed by performing arithmetic processing using a first-order differential operator called Prewitt operator on the luminance value of each pixel constituting the image. The presence or absence of camera shake is detected according to the amount of the edge.

  However, the calculation of the edge amount described above for all of a large amount of image data recorded on the memory card is a large amount of calculation. In particular, when such a calculation is performed in a printing apparatus having a calculation capability lower than that of a personal computer or the like, a long processing time is required.

  In consideration of such problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to quickly select an image with no camera shake as an output target candidate.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as an image selection apparatus as follows. That is,
An image selection device that inputs a plurality of image files captured and generated by a camera and selects image files that are candidates for output from the plurality of input image files.
The image file includes image data and a camera shake related parameter indicating a shooting situation related to occurrence of camera shake,
A camera shake detection unit that performs a predetermined calculation using the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data in the input image file and detects the presence or absence of camera shake;
When the camera shake relation parameter in the input image file is analyzed based on a predetermined determination criterion to estimate the presence or absence of camera shake, and when it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred, A camera shake detection omission determination unit that omits camera shake detection;
An image file that is estimated to be free of camera shake by the camera shake detection omission determination unit, or a selection unit that selects an image file detected as having no camera shake by the camera shake detection unit as the output target candidate; The gist is to provide.

  According to the image selection device of the present invention, when it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred by analyzing the camera shake related parameters included in the image file, the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data is calculated. Detection of camera shake by the used calculation can be omitted. Therefore, it is possible to quickly select an image with no camera shake as an output target image while reducing the processing burden related to camera shake detection.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
The camera shake related parameter is a parameter indicating whether the camera is fixed and the image data is captured,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter, and detects that a camera shake has not occurred when a parameter indicating that the camera is fixed and the image data is captured is detected. It may be estimated.

  With such a configuration, the camera shake-related parameter indicates whether or not the camera is fixed and photographed at the time of image capture, and therefore it is possible to easily estimate whether or not camera shake has occurred.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
The parameter indicating whether or not the image data is captured with the camera fixed is a parameter that indicates whether or not a tripod is used when capturing the image data.
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter and determines that the image data is captured with the camera fixed when a parameter indicating that a tripod is used is detected. It may be estimated that no camera shake has occurred.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily estimate that no camera shake has occurred with the use of a tripod as a criterion. When a tripod is used, it is considered that an image is taken with a stable posture, so that it can be estimated with high accuracy that there is no camera shake.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
The parameter indicating whether or not the image data is captured with the camera fixed is a parameter indicating whether or not a self-timer is used when capturing the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter and determines that the image data is captured with the camera fixed when a parameter indicating that a self-timer is used is detected. However, it may be estimated that there is no camera shake.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily estimate that no camera shake has occurred with the use of the self-timer as a criterion. When the self-timer is used, it is considered that the camera was photographed while being fixed in a stable state. Therefore, it can be estimated that camera shake has not occurred with high accuracy.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
The camera shake related parameter includes a parameter representing an exposure time at the time of shooting the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit may analyze the camera shake related parameter and estimate that no camera shake has occurred when detecting that the exposure time is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

  According to such a configuration, it can be easily estimated that no camera shake has occurred, using the exposure time at the time of image capture as a criterion. This is because if the exposure time is sufficiently short, the distance that the subject can move on the image sensor provided in the camera is shortened, and the possibility of camera shake being reduced in the captured image is reduced.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
The camera shake related parameter includes a parameter representing an exposure time at the time of shooting the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter, and assumes that camera shake has occurred in the image data based on the exposure time and a predetermined average speed of camera shake. The virtual distance of camera shake may be obtained, and it may be estimated that camera shake has not occurred when the virtual distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

  According to such a configuration, if the virtual distance of camera shake obtained from the relationship between the exposure time and the average speed of camera shake is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that an image has been shot in a situation in which camera shake is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it can be easily estimated that camera shake has not occurred.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
A storage unit that stores a model-specific information database in which the type of the camera and the size of the image sensor included in the camera are recorded in association with each other;
A printing paper size acquisition unit for acquiring the size of the printing paper for outputting the image file,
The camera shake-related parameters include information indicating the type of camera that captured the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit obtains the size of the image sensor included in the camera by referring to the storage unit from a parameter indicating the type of the camera in the image file, and the size of the image sensor and the print Based on the size of the paper and a predetermined distance as a distance where camera shake is conspicuous on the printing paper, a distance where camera shake is conspicuous on the photographing element is obtained, and the distance is applied as the predetermined threshold. Also good.

  According to such a configuration, the distance at which camera shake is conspicuous on the printing paper can be converted into the distance at which camera shake is conspicuous on the image pickup device provided in the camera. By comparing the distance, it is possible to easily determine whether or not an image has been shot in a situation where camera shake is unlikely to occur. Further, according to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the threshold value in accordance with the size of the image sensor included in the camera that captured the image. The camera is a camera capable of outputting electronic data, such as a digital still camera, a mobile phone with a camera, and a video camera with a still image shooting function, and the imaging element is, for example, a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
Further, the database acquisition unit that acquires the model-specific information database from any one of a predetermined server connected via a network, a memory card inserted into the image selection device, and a computer connected to the image selection device. May be provided.

  According to such a configuration, even if the camera type acquired from the camera shake-related parameter cannot be retrieved from the model-specific information database stored in the storage unit, the camera type is acquired via a network or a memory card. It is possible to search from the latest model-specific information database.

In the image selection device having the above configuration,
Furthermore, a printing mechanism for printing the image file selected as the output target candidate by the selection unit may be provided.

  According to such a configuration, the image selection device of the present invention can be applied as a printing device.

  In addition to the configuration as the image selection device described above, the present invention is also configured as an image selection method by a computer, a computer program for selecting an image, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded so as to be readable by the computer. be able to. As the recording medium, for example, various media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a memory card, and a hard disk can be used.

Hereinafter, in order to further clarify the operations and effects of the present invention described above, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples in the following order.
A. Hardware configuration of printing device:
B. Software configuration of printing device:
C. Recommended printing image selection process:
D. Camera shake detection omission judgment processing:
E. effect:
F. Variation:

A. Hardware configuration of printing device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a printing apparatus 100 as an embodiment of the image selection apparatus of the present application. The printing apparatus 100 is a so-called multifunction machine type printing apparatus, and includes a scanner 110 for optically reading an image, a memory card slot 120 for inserting a memory card MC on which image data is recorded, a digital camera, and the like. A USB interface 130 to be connected is provided. The printing apparatus 100 can print an image captured by the scanner 110, an image read from the memory card MC, and an image read from the digital camera via the USB interface 130 on the printing paper P. Also, it is possible to print an image input from a personal computer (not shown) connected by a printer cable or the like.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 140 for performing various operations related to printing, such as setting the size of the printing paper and the number of printed sheets. The operation panel 140 includes an automatic selection button 141 for automatically selecting an image recommended for printing by the printing apparatus 100, a print button 142 for executing printing, and the like. A liquid crystal display 150 is provided at the center of the operation panel 140. The liquid crystal display 150 displays an image automatically selected by the printing apparatus 100 as an image recommended for printing.

  Further, the printing apparatus 100 includes a network interface 160. The printing apparatus 100 is connected via the network interface 160 to a model-specific information server SV connected on the Internet INT. The model-specific information server SV is installed at a site operated by the manufacturer of the printing apparatus 100, for example. The model-specific information server SV stores a model-specific information database DB in which a model name of a digital camera and a size of a CCD (charge coupled device) included in the digital camera are recorded in association with each other. The model-specific information database DB is referred to when the printing apparatus 100 selects an image recommended for printing. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 and the model-specific information server SV are connected via the Internet INT, but may be connected via a LAN or WAN.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 100. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 100 serves as a mechanism for printing on the printing paper P, a carriage 210 having an ink cartridge 212 mounted thereon, a carriage motor 220 for driving the carriage 210 in the main scanning direction, and the printing paper P in the sub scanning direction. And a paper feed motor 230 for conveying the paper.

  The carriage 210 includes a total of six ink heads 211 for each ink that expresses cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), light cyan (Lc), and light magenta (Lm). ing. An ink cartridge 212 containing these inks is mounted on the carriage 210. The ink supplied from the ink cartridge 212 to the ink head 211 is ejected onto the printing paper P by driving a piezoelectric element (not shown).

  The carriage 210 is movably held by a sliding shaft 280 installed in parallel with the axial direction of the platen 270. The carriage motor 220 rotates the drive belt 260 in accordance with a command from the control circuit 250 to reciprocate the carriage 210 in parallel with the axial direction of the platen 270, that is, in the main scanning direction.

  The paper feed motor 230 rotates the platen 270 according to a command from the control circuit 250, thereby conveying the printing paper P perpendicular to the axial direction of the platen 270. That is, the paper feed motor 230 can relatively move the carriage 210 in the sub-scanning direction.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes a control circuit 250 for controlling operations of the ink head 211, the carriage motor 220, and the paper feed motor 230 described above. Connected to the control circuit 250 are the scanner 110, the memory card slot 120, the USB interface 130, the operation panel 140, the liquid crystal display 150, and the network interface 160 shown in FIG.

  The control circuit 250 includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a memory 253, and an EEPROM 254. The ROM 252 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 100. The CPU 251 expands and executes the control program in the memory 253, thereby performing processing for automatically selecting an image recommended for printing, and print control for the image selected by the processing.

  The EEPROM 254 stores a model-specific information database DB downloaded by the CPU 251 from the model-specific information server SV via the network interface 160.

  The memory 253 is used as a work area when the control program is executed, and temporarily stores information such as the print paper size and the number of prints set by the operation panel 140.

B. Software configuration of printing device:
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of functions realized by software by the CPU 251 executing the control program described above. As illustrated, the printing apparatus 100 includes an image input unit 300, a print paper size acquisition unit 310, a recommended print image selection unit 330, and a recommended print image display unit 340 as functional blocks.

  The image input unit 300 is a functional block that inputs an image file from a memory card MC inserted into the memory card slot 120, a digital camera connected via the USB interface 130, or the like. The input image file is transferred to a recommended print image selection unit 330 described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the data format of the image file input by the image input unit 300. As shown in the figure, the image file is composed of additional information and image data, and various parameters are recorded in the additional information by the digital camera that captured the image. The additional information includes, for example, an image title, shooting date and time, image size, digital camera model name, thumbnail image data, and the like, and as a parameter indicating a shooting situation related to occurrence of camera shake, a tripod Parameters indicating whether or not used, whether or not the self-timer is used, exposure time, and the like are included. As the data format of such an image file, for example, an EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) format standardized by JEIDA (Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association) can be applied.

  Of the parameters shown in the figure, whether or not a tripod is used is, for example, that a digital camera is equipped with a sensor or a switch on the tripod attachment, and the tripod is attached to the digital camera using such a sensor or switch. When a tripod is detected, it can be recorded that a tripod is used as additional information.

  Returning to FIG. The printing paper size acquisition unit 310 acquires the printing paper size set by the user using the operation panel 140 from the memory 253. The acquired size information is transferred to a print recommendation image selection unit 330 described later.

  The recommended print image selection unit 330 determines whether or not there is camera shake, out of focus, or exposure for the image file input by the image input unit 300, and prints the image file. It is determined whether or not to select as a recommended image file candidate. The recommended print image selection unit 330 includes a model-specific information update unit 335, a camera shake detection omission determination unit 331, a camera shake detection unit 332, a focus deviation detection unit 333, and an exposure fraud detection unit 334, as illustrated. It has.

  The model-specific information update unit 335 downloads the model-specific information database DB from the model-specific information server SV using the FTP protocol or the HTTP protocol, and updates the model-specific information database DB stored in the EEPROM 254.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the model-specific information database DB. As shown in the drawing, in the model-specific information database DB, the model name of the digital camera and the size of the CCD provided in the digital camera are recorded in association with each other.

  Returning to FIG. The camera shake detection omission determination unit 331 analyzes the additional information of the image file input from the image input unit 300, and a camera shake occurs in the image data included in the image file while referring to the model information database DB. Estimate whether or not When it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred, a camera shake detection process by the camera shake detection unit 332 described later is omitted.

  The camera shake detection unit 332 first differentiates the pixel value (luminance value) of each pixel constituting the image data by a predetermined operator to extract an edge, and calculates the direction of the edge and the width of the edge in that direction. If the edge width in that direction is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, it is detected that there is a camera shake. This threshold value is adjusted according to the paper size acquired by the printing paper size acquisition unit 310. That is, the larger the paper size, the larger the threshold value, and the smaller the paper size, the smaller the threshold value. As the primary differential operator, a known operator such as a Prewitt operator or a Sobel operator can be used. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-112596 describes details of a camera shake detection technique using a first-order differential operator.

  The focus shift detection unit 333 first differentiates the luminance value of each pixel constituting the image data by a predetermined operator to extract an edge, and obtains the edge width in all directions. If the width is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is detected that a focus shift has occurred. This threshold value is adjusted according to the paper size acquired by the printing paper size acquisition unit 310. That is, the larger the paper size, the larger the threshold value, and the smaller the paper size, the smaller the threshold value. As the primary differential operator, a known operator such as a Prewitt operator or a Sobel operator can be used. In other words, the focus shift can be detected by a method almost similar to the above-described camera shake detection.

  The exposure fraud detection unit 334 extracts an area where the luminance value of each pixel constituting the image data is a certain value (for example, 240) or more, or a certain value (for example, 16) or less from the image data. If the proportion of the entire image area is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 40%), it is detected that the exposure of the image data is incorrect. By doing this, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of whiteout or blackout.

  When the recommended print image selection unit 330 determines that the above-described camera shake detection unit 332, the focus deviation detection unit 333, and the exposure fraud detection unit 334 determine that the image is not shaken, out of focus, or exposure fraud, The image file input from the image input unit 300 is selected as an image recommended for printing.

  The recommended print image display unit 340 displays the image file selected by the recommended print image selection unit 330 on the liquid crystal display 150 as a candidate image recommended for printing. The user can print the selected image by confirming the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 150 and pressing the print button on the operation panel 140.

C. Recommended printing image selection process:
6 and 7 are flowcharts of recommended print image selection processing executed by the CPU 251 when the automatic selection button 141 on the operation panel 140 is pressed by the user. This recommended printing image selection process is a process for automatically selecting an image file suitable for printing. Here, a case will be described in which an image recommended for printing is selected from image files recorded on the memory card MC. The input source of the image file may be a digital camera connected via a USB interface or a personal computer.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the recommended print image selection process is executed, the CPU 251 first uses the model information update unit 335 to store the time of the model information database DB stored on the model information server SV. The stamp is inquired (step S100). As a result, if the time stamp inquired is newer than the time stamp of the model-specific information database DB stored in the EEPROM 254 (step S110: Yes), the model-specific information database DB is downloaded from the model-specific information server SV ( In step S120, the model-specific information database DB stored in the EEPROM 254 is updated (step S130). If the time stamp inquired is the same as or older than the time stamp of the model-specific information database DB stored in the EEPROM 254 (step S110: No), the processing of step S120 and step S130 is skipped, and the model-specific information database DB Do not update.

  Next, the CPU 251 acquires the print paper size set by the user from the memory 253 using the print paper size acquisition unit 310 (step S140).

  The description is moved to FIG. After acquiring the size of the printing paper, the CPU 251 inputs one image file from the memory card MC (step S150).

  When the image file is input, the CPU 251 determines whether additional information (see FIG. 4) is included in the input image file (step S160). As a result of the determination, if additional information is included (step S160: Yes), the camera shake detection omission determination is performed using the camera shake detection omission determination unit 331 to determine whether or not the detection of camera shake can be omitted. Processing is executed (step S170). A detailed description of this camera shake detection omission determination process will be given later.

  As a result of the camera shake detection omission determination process, the CPU 251 determines that camera shake detection cannot be omitted (step S180: No), or in step S160, determines that no additional information is included in the image file. In this case (step S160: No), the camera shake detection unit 332 is used to detect whether camera shake has occurred (step S190). In the camera shake detection process by the camera shake detection unit 332, as described above, the luminance value of each pixel constituting the image data is first differentiated to extract an edge, and the edge direction and the edge width in the direction are determined. calculate. If the edge width in that direction is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, it is detected that there is a camera shake.

  If camera shake is detected as a result of the camera shake detection process (step S190: Yes), the CPU 251 determines that the input image file is an image that is not suitable for printing, and selects the image recommended for printing. Not performed. Accordingly, the focus shift detection process and the exposure fraud detection process described below are skipped, and it is determined whether or not the input of all the image files has been completed (step S230). The process returns to S150, the next image file is input, and the determination of whether or not the image file is suitable for printing is continued.

  If no camera shake is detected as a result of the camera shake detection process (step S190: NO), or if it is determined in step S170 that the detection of camera shake can be omitted (step S180: Yes). ) The CPU 251 detects whether or not the input image file is out of focus using the out-of-focus detection unit 333 (step S200). If focus detection is detected as a result of this detection (step S200: Yes), it is determined that the input image file is an image unsuitable for printing, and is not selected as an image recommended for printing. Therefore, the exposure fraud detection process described below is skipped, and it is determined whether or not the input of all the image files is completed (step S230). If not completed, the process returns to step S150, The next image file is input and the determination of whether the image file is suitable for printing is continued.

  If no focus deviation is detected as a result of the focus deviation detection process (step S200: No), the CPU 251 uses the above-described exposure fraud detection unit 334 to determine whether the exposure of the input image data is illegal. It detects (step S210). As a result of such detection, when it is detected that the exposure is incorrect (step S210: Yes), the input image file is determined to be an image that is not suitable for printing, and is not selected as an image recommended for printing. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the input of all the image files is completed (step S230). If not completed, the process returns to step S150, the next image file is input, and the image file is printed. Continue to determine whether or not it is suitable.

  As a result of the exposure fraud detection process, when it is not detected that the exposure is fraud (step S210: No), that is, there is no camera shake or focus deviation in the image data, and the exposure is also appropriate. In this case, the CPU 251 determines that the image is suitable for printing, and selects the input image file as a candidate image recommended for printing (step S220). The selected image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 150 using the recommended print image display unit 340. After confirming the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 150, the user can print the displayed image by pressing the print button 142 on the operation panel 140. The user can further narrow down the images to be printed by adjusting the number of printed images displayed on the liquid crystal display 150 using the operation panel 140.

  After selecting the recommended print image in step S220, the CPU 251 determines whether or not the input of all image files has been completed (step S230). If the input of all the image files has not been completed, the process returns to step S150, the next image file is input, and the determination of whether or not the image file is suitable for printing is continued. If the input of all the image files has been completed, the series of recommended print image selection processing ends.

D. Camera shake detection omission judgment processing:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the camera shake detection omission determination process executed in step S170 of the recommended print image selection process described above.

  When this camera shake detection omission determination process is executed, first, the CPU 251 analyzes the additional information and determines whether or not a tripod is used when the image is captured (step S300). For example, in the additional information shown in FIG. 4, since “tripod” is recorded as “used”, it is determined that the tripod is used. In this process, if it is determined that a tripod is used (step S300: Yes), it can be determined that an image is captured in a stable state, and it can be estimated that no camera shake has occurred. It is determined that the detection can be omitted (step S310).

  If it is determined in step S300 that the tripod is not used (step S300: No), the CPU 251 analyzes the additional information and determines whether or not the self-timer is used when the image is captured (step S300: No). Step S335). For example, in the additional information shown in FIG. 4, since “self-timer” is recorded as “not used”, it is determined that the self-timer is not used. In this process, if it is determined that the self-timer is used (step S320: Yes), it can be determined that the digital camera was captured with a tripod or the like, and it can be estimated that camera shake has not occurred. It is determined that the camera shake detection can be omitted (step S310).

  If it is determined in step S320 that the self-timer is not used (step S320: No), the CPU 251 analyzes the additional information and determines whether or not the exposure time during image shooting is 1/250 seconds or less. Is determined (step S330). For example, since the “exposure time” is recorded as “1/250 seconds” in the additional information shown in FIG. If it is determined in the process of step S330 that the exposure time is 1/250 second or less (step S330: Yes), the exposure time is sufficiently short, and there is no influence of camera shake on the photographed image. Since it can be estimated, it is determined that camera shake detection can be omitted (step S310). In this embodiment, the threshold value of the exposure time is 1/250 seconds, but other values may be used as long as they do not cause the influence of camera shake on the captured image.

  If it is determined in step S330 that the exposure time exceeds 1/250 seconds (step S330: No), the CPU 251 is in a situation where camera shake is unlikely to occur due to the relationship between the exposure time and the CCD size of the digital camera. It is determined whether an image has been taken. The details of this processing will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a method for determining whether or not an image has been shot in a situation in which camera shake is unlikely to occur.

  First, the CPU 251 calculates a virtual distance L1 (mm) of camera shake (see FIG. 9) when it is assumed that camera shake has occurred in the input image file (step S340). Specifically, first, the average speed B (mm / second) of camera shake is obtained from the ROM 252, the exposure time S (second) is obtained from the additional information, and the virtual distance L1 is calculated by multiplying these values. To do. That is, the virtual distance L1 of camera shake can be obtained by the following formula (1). In addition, the average speed B of camera shake is a value obtained statistically by conducting an experiment or the like in advance.

L1 = S * B (1)

  When the camera shake virtual distance L1 is calculated, the CPU 251 calculates a distance L2 (see FIG. 9) where camera shake is conspicuous on the CCD (step S350). Specifically, first, the model name of the digital camera that captured the image is acquired from the additional information, and the digital camera is referred to by referring to the model-specific information database DB (see FIG. 5) recorded in the EEPROM 254. The size of the CCD provided (CX (mm) * CY (mm)) is acquired. Further, the CPU 251 acquires from the ROM 252 a camera shake distance R (mm) at which camera shake is conspicuous on the printing paper. The distance R is a value recorded in advance in the ROM 252 and can be approximately 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Based on these values and the size of the printing paper (PX (mm) * PY (mm)) acquired in step S140 (see FIG. 6) of the recommended printing image selection process described above, the following equation (2) is used. Then, a distance L2 at which camera shake is conspicuous on the CCD is calculated. In the following formula (2), the distance in the Y-axis direction is obtained because it is considered that camera shake often occurs in the vertical direction.

L2 = R * CY / PY (2)

  After calculating the virtual distance L1 of camera shake and the distance L2 where camera shake is conspicuous on the CCD by the above processing, the CPU 251 compares L1 and L2 (step S360). As a result, if the virtual distance L1 of camera shake is equal to or less than the distance L2 where camera shake is conspicuous on the CCD (step S360: Yes), it can be determined that an image has been shot in a situation in which camera shake is unlikely to occur. Is determined to be omissible (step S310). On the other hand, if the virtual distance L1 of camera shake is larger than the distance L2 where camera shake is conspicuous on the CCD (step S360: No), it can be determined that an image has been shot in a situation in which camera shake is likely to occur. It is determined that it cannot be omitted (step S370).

E. effect:
According to the printing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment described above, (A) whether or not a tripod is used, (B) whether or not a self-timer is used, (C) the length of exposure time, and (D) occurrence of camera shake. It is possible to easily determine whether camera shake detection can be omitted by using the additional information in the image file based on various determination criteria such as whether or not the image is captured in a situation where it is easy to perform. Therefore, when it is determined that the camera shake detection process can be omitted according to these determination criteria, the complicated calculation process for calculating the presence / absence of an edge by performing a first-order differentiation for all the pixels of the image data is omitted. Thus, it is possible to quickly select an image recommended for printing.

  In the present embodiment, the model-specific information database DB held by the printing apparatus 100 can be updated to the latest model-specific information database DB via the Internet. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not an image taken with the latest digital camera is taken in a situation where camera shake is likely to occur.

F. Variation:
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to such an Example, and can take a various structure in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, a function realized by software may be realized by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are possible.

(F-1):
In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 automatically selects an image recommended for printing. On the other hand, the personal computer may read an image file from a memory card or the like and execute various processes shown in FIGS. This makes it possible to automatically select an image recommended for printing by a personal computer. In addition to a personal computer, a digital camera that captures an image, an image viewer device for viewing an image, etc. may execute the same processing to automatically select an image recommended for printing. Good.

(F-2):
In the above embodiment, the latest model-specific information database DB is downloaded from the model-specific information server SV connected via the Internet. In contrast, for example, the model information database DB is stored in the memory card MC or a personal computer connected to the printing apparatus 100, and the latest model information database DB is acquired from these devices. It is good. Further, the printing apparatus 100 may not directly hold the model-specific information database DB, and inquire the CCD type information directly from the model-specific information server SV every time the camera shake detection omission determination process is executed.

(F-3):
In the above-described embodiment, every time the recommended print image selection process is executed, the model-specific information server SV is inquired whether the model-specific information database DB is the latest. On the other hand, for example, only when the model name of the digital camera acquired from the attached information in step S350 of the camera shake detection omission determination process is not registered in the model information database DB recorded in the EEPROM 254, An inquiry may be made to the information server SV. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the frequency of making inquiries to the model-specific information server SV, and thus it is possible to quickly select a print recommended image.

(F-4):
In the above embodiment, as criteria for determining whether or not camera shake detection can be omitted, (A) whether or not a tripod is used, (B) whether or not a self-timer is used, (C) the length of an exposure time, (D) Although the four criteria of whether or not the image was taken in a situation where camera shake is likely to occur are used, the criteria are not limited to these. For example, a shooting mode at the time of image shooting by a digital camera is recorded in the additional information, and by analyzing this additional information, an image is shot in a shooting mode for shooting a fast-moving subject (for example, a sports mode). If it is determined that the camera shake is detected, detection of camera shake can be omitted. This is because, in a shooting mode for shooting a fast-moving subject, it is considered that an image is shot in a situation where the shutter speed is fast and the exposure time is short, and it can be estimated that there is no camera shake.

  In addition, for example, when a parameter indicating whether a release capable of remotely operating a camera shutter or a wireless remote control is used is recorded in the additional information, it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred. It is good also as what to do. In such a case, there is a high possibility that the camera is photographing with a tripod or the like.

(F-5):
In the above embodiment, the CCD size of the digital camera is acquired from the model-specific information database DB. On the other hand, for example, the digital camera may record the size of the CCD in the additional information when taking an image. In this way, it is possible to directly acquire the CCD size from the additional information in the image file without referring to the model-specific information database DB.

(F-6):
In addition to the CCD size, for example, information indicating whether the digital camera has a camera shake correction function may be recorded in the model-specific information database DB. In this case, in the camera shake detection omission determination process, the model name of the digital camera is acquired from the attached information, the model-specific information database DB is referenced, and the image is taken by the digital camera having the camera shake correction function. If it is determined that there is no camera shake, it may be estimated.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the printing apparatus 100 as an Example of the image selection apparatus of this application. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the printing apparatus 100. FIG. It is a block diagram of each function implement | achieved by software by running a control program. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format of an image file input by an image input unit 300. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of model classification information database DB. It is a flowchart of a printing recommendation image selection process. It is a flowchart of a printing recommendation image selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of camera shake detection omission determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the method to determine whether the image was image | photographed in the condition where it is hard to generate camera shake.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Printing apparatus 110 ... Scanner 120 ... Memory card slot 130 ... USB interface 140 ... Operation panel 141 ... Automatic selection button 142 ... Print button 150 ... Liquid crystal display 160 ... Network interface 210 ... Carriage 211 ... Ink head 212 ... Ink cartridge 220 ... Carriage motor 230 ... Paper feed motor 250 ... Control circuit 251 ... CPU
252 ... ROM
253 ... Memory 254 ... EEPROM
260 ... Drive belt 270 ... Platen 280 ... Sliding shaft 300 ... Image input unit 310 ... Print paper size acquisition unit 330 ... Print recommended image selection unit 331 ... Camera shake detection Omission determination unit 332 ... Shake detection unit 333 ... Focus deviation detection unit 334 ... Incorrect exposure detection unit 335 ... Model information update unit 340 ... Recommended print image display unit INT ... Internet MC ... Memory card SV ... Model-specific information server DB ... Model-specific information database

Claims (12)

An image selection device that inputs a plurality of image files captured and generated by a camera and selects image files that are candidates for output from the plurality of input image files.
The image file includes image data and a camera shake related parameter indicating a shooting situation related to occurrence of camera shake,
A camera shake detection unit that performs a predetermined calculation using the pixel value of each pixel constituting the image data in the input image file and detects the presence or absence of camera shake;
When the camera shake relation parameter in the input image file is analyzed based on a predetermined determination criterion to estimate the presence or absence of camera shake, and when it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred, A camera shake detection omission determination unit that omits camera shake detection;
An image file that is estimated to be free of camera shake by the camera shake detection omission determination unit, or a selection unit that selects an image file detected as having no camera shake by the camera shake detection unit as the output target candidate; An image selection device provided. The image selection device according to claim 1,
The camera shake related parameter is a parameter indicating whether the camera is fixed and the image data is captured,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter, and detects that a camera shake has not occurred when a parameter indicating that the camera is fixed and the image data is captured is detected. Estimated image selection device. The image selection device according to claim 2,
The parameter indicating whether or not the image data is captured with the camera fixed is a parameter that indicates whether or not a tripod is used when capturing the image data.
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter and determines that the image data is captured with the camera fixed when a parameter indicating that a tripod is used is detected. An image selection device that estimates that camera shake has not occurred. The image selection device according to claim 2,
The parameter indicating whether or not the image data is captured with the camera fixed is a parameter indicating whether or not a self-timer is used when capturing the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter and determines that the image data is captured with the camera fixed when a parameter indicating that a self-timer is used is detected. An image selection device that estimates that there is no camera shake. The image selection device according to claim 1,
The camera shake related parameter includes a parameter representing an exposure time at the time of shooting the image data,
The image selection apparatus that estimates that no camera shake has occurred when the camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter and detects that the exposure time is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The image selection device according to claim 1,
The camera shake related parameter includes a parameter representing an exposure time at the time of shooting the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit analyzes the camera shake related parameter, and assumes that camera shake has occurred in the image data based on the exposure time and a predetermined average speed of camera shake. An image selection device that calculates a virtual distance of camera shake and estimates that no camera shake has occurred when the virtual distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The image selection device according to claim 6,
A storage unit that stores a model-specific information database in which the type of the camera and the size of the image sensor included in the camera are recorded in association with each other;
A printing paper size acquisition unit for acquiring the size of the printing paper for outputting the image file,
The camera shake-related parameters include information indicating the type of camera that captured the image data,
The camera shake detection omission determination unit obtains the size of the image sensor included in the camera by referring to the storage unit from a parameter indicating the type of the camera in the image file, and the size of the image sensor and the print An image selection method for obtaining a distance at which camera shake is conspicuous on the imaging element based on a paper size and a predetermined distance as a distance at which camera shake is conspicuous on the printing paper, and applying the distance as the predetermined threshold value. apparatus. The image selection device according to claim 7,
Further, the database acquisition unit that acquires the model-specific information database from any one of a predetermined server connected via a network, a memory card inserted into the image selection device, and a computer connected to the image selection device. An image selection device comprising: The image selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
An image selection apparatus further comprising a printing mechanism that prints an image file selected as an output target candidate by the selection unit. An image selection method in which a computer inputs a plurality of image files captured and generated by a camera and selects an image file that is a candidate for output from the plurality of input image files.
The image file includes image data and a camera shake related parameter indicating a shooting situation related to occurrence of camera shake,
A camera shake detection step of performing a predetermined calculation using pixel values of each pixel constituting the image data in the input image file and detecting the presence or absence of camera shake;
When the camera shake-related parameter in the input image file is analyzed based on a predetermined criterion to estimate the presence or absence of camera shake, and when it is estimated that camera shake has not occurred, A camera shake detection omission determination step that omits camera shake detection; and
A selection step of selecting, as the output target candidate, an image file that is estimated to have no camera shake by the camera shake detection omitting step or an image file that has been detected by the camera shake detection step to have no camera shake. Image selection method. A computer program for inputting a plurality of image files picked up by a camera and selecting a candidate image file to be output from the plurality of input image files,
The image file includes image data and a camera shake related parameter indicating a shooting situation related to occurrence of camera shake,
A camera shake detection function for performing a predetermined calculation using pixel values of each pixel constituting the image data in the input image file and detecting the presence or absence of camera shake;
When the camera shake relation parameter in the input image file is analyzed based on a predetermined determination criterion to estimate the presence or absence of camera shake, and when it is estimated that no camera shake has occurred, Camera shake detection omission judgment function that omits camera shake detection,
A selection function for selecting, as the output target candidate, an image file that is estimated to have no camera shake by the camera shake detection omission determination function or an image file that has been detected by the camera shake detection function to have no camera shake. A computer program for realizing on a computer.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the computer program of Claim 11.

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