JP2007293582A - Image processor, setting method of image processing condition in the image processor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which can suitably perform fine tuning of the processing conditions based on selected processing conditions while indicating by thumb-nail after narrowing down beforehand what can be set as the reference object of processing condition from among the image data processed, prior to the image processing with respect to certain image data. <P>SOLUTION: An attribute is specified for processing target image data acquired by an image acquisition means by an attribute specification means, based on analysis by an image analysis means. A thumb-nail image which is specified by the same attribute as that of the processing target image data based on the attribute out of the processed image data, is displayed on a thumb-nail selection GUI (Graphical User Interface). When user selects a thumb-nail image of the image data which the user desires to set as reference image data, processing condition data for the reference image data are acquired from an image database 30. When it is decided that correction is required for the processing condition, fine-tuned GUI, of which the fine tuning coverage has been set, based on the processing condition data, is displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data, and more particularly to an apparatus that can set processing conditions with reference to processing conditions for image data that has already been processed.

  In order to assist the user in grasping the image contents of each image data when searching for and selecting the desired image data from the image data recorded in the storage medium of the computer or the memory of the mobile phone, The so-called thumbnail display in which an image is reduced is widely used. In particular, a technique for improving the convenience of thumbnail display by using specific information added to the thumbnail display is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  On the other hand, a technique for setting shooting conditions and correction processing conditions based on past shooting conditions and correction processing history at the time of photographing with a digital camera and correction processing on image data is also known (for example, Patent Documents). 3 and Patent Document 4).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-27132 JP 2004-355493 A JP 2003-187215 A JP 2002-101330 A

  With the rise of digital cameras in recent years, photographs for commercial prints are also being digitized. Specifically, a workflow in which digital data (photo image data) about a photograph taken by a digital camera is used to create layout data for a printed material has become common. However, in this workflow, the delivered photographic image data is rarely used in the RAW data or RGB data format at the time of shooting, and the data format, image content, image quality, etc. at the editing process stage Usually, the image data is used after being subjected to predetermined image processing (for example, correction processing such as sharpness processing and highlight / shadow processing) according to the above.

  When correction processing is performed for the above-described purpose, correction processing with relatively close content is often performed on image data having similar image contents (subject type, color, etc.). . Therefore, when performing correction processing on certain image data, it is rare to make fine adjustments to obtain more appropriate condition settings for the image data while referring to the contents and processing parameters of the previously performed processing. Not that. In such a case, naturally, a mode in which thumbnail display is used to select a reference image is also conceivable.

  However, when there are many selection candidate images, it is not easy to select an image suitable as a reference object even if an image is selected based on a thumbnail display. Moreover, it is necessary to acquire separately about the conditions of the correction process performed about the selected image. Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose an aspect of using specific information added to a thumbnail image, but such correction processing conditions are added to a thumbnail display, and this is applied to another image. There is no disclosure about the mode used in the data correction process.

  Further, both Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 disclose a technique for setting conditions for photographing and correction processing based on selected image data. However, a specific aspect of image data selection is disclosed. No disclosure has been made. In either case, only an aspect is disclosed in which the conditions for photographing and correction processing are uniquely determined when image data is selected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and in performing image processing on certain image data, the image data that has been previously processed has been narrowed down in advance that can be referred to for setting processing conditions. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that can be finely adjusted in processing conditions based on the processing conditions for image data selected as a reference target while being presented in a thumbnail display mode.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is an apparatus for performing image processing by setting predetermined processing conditions for image data, wherein the first image data that has undergone image processing is used as an attribute and image processing A database that accumulates in association with processing conditions at the time, an image acquisition unit that acquires second image data to be processed, an image analysis unit that analyzes the image content of the second image data, and the image analysis unit From the attribute specifying means for specifying the attribute of the second image data based on the analysis result obtained by the above, and among the first image data having the same attribute as the attribute specified by the attribute specifying means, Reference image selection means for enabling selection of reference image data to be referred to when setting processing conditions for the second image data; and the reference image data of the first image data; Characterized in that it comprises a processing condition acquiring means for processing condition data associated with those selected to obtain from said database, and an image processing means for executing image processing according to the determined processing conditions Te.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference image selection means presents a thumbnail image of an image represented by the first image data, and the thumbnail image is displayed on the thumbnail image. The reference image data based on the selection is selected.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising thumbnail image generation means for generating thumbnail image data representing a thumbnail image for the second image data, The database stores, as the first image data, the second image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image processing means, and the thumbnail image data generated for the second image data is stored in the first image data. One image data is stored in the database as thumbnail image data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the second image data is based on the processing condition data acquired by the processing condition acquiring means. Fine adjustment processing means for enabling fine adjustment of the processing conditions, and the fine adjustment processing means sets a fine adjustment range based on the processing condition contents described in the processing condition data. To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for setting image processing conditions when image processing is performed by setting predetermined processing conditions for image data in a predetermined image processing apparatus. A storage step for storing the image data in a predetermined database in association with attributes and processing conditions at the time of image processing, an image acquisition step for causing the image processing apparatus to acquire second image data to be processed, and the second An image analysis step for analyzing the image content of the image data, an attribute specification step for specifying an attribute of the second image data based on an analysis result obtained by the image analysis step, and the first image data A reference for selecting reference image data to be referred to when setting processing conditions for the second image data from those having the same attribute as the attribute specified in the attribute specifying step An image selection step; and a processing condition acquisition step of acquiring processing condition data associated with the first image data selected as the reference image data from the image database. .

  The invention of claim 6 is the image processing condition setting method according to claim 5, wherein in the reference image selection step, a thumbnail image of an image represented by the first image data is presented, The reference image data is selected based on the thumbnail image.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the image processing condition setting method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second image data is based on the processing condition data acquired in the processing condition acquisition step. A fine adjustment processing step that enables fine adjustment of the processing conditions, and in the fine adjustment processing step, a fine adjustment range is set based on the processing condition contents described in the processing condition data. And

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when executed on a computer, the computer is caused to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  According to the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, when setting the processing conditions for the image data to be subjected to image processing with reference to the processing conditions for the already processed image data, The user analyzes the image contents and identifies the attributes, and narrows down the processed image data having the same attributes as reference candidates, and presents the thumbnail images as options. Can improve searchability and convenience when setting processing conditions.

  In particular, according to the inventions of claims 4 and 7, the range in which the processing conditions can be finely adjusted is set based on the processing conditions used for the selected reference image data. Regardless of what the image content is, it is suppressed that an inappropriate processing condition is set in view of the image content and image processing is performed. Thus, even when an operator who is not skilled in image processing makes adjustments, image processing is not executed under processing conditions that do not match the image content.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that allows a user to perform various image processing (for example, correction processing such as sharpness processing and highlight / shadow processing) on read image data. The image processing apparatus 1 is preferably implemented by a computer. That is, the image processing apparatus 1 is responsible for transmission and reception of various data with an operation unit 11 including a mouse and a keyboard, a display unit 12 including a display, a storage unit 13 including a hard disk, and an external device. Interface unit 14 capable of USB or USB connection, a read / write unit 15 that reads / writes data from / to a portable recording medium such as a DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, or microdrive, and a CPU 16a The controller 16 mainly includes a ROM 16b, a RAM 16c, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration realized in the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 also shows various data flows in the image processing apparatus 1. In the image processing apparatus 1, by executing the program 13 p stored in the storage unit 13, an image acquisition unit 21 and an attribute processing unit are provided as functional components by the operation of the control unit 16 and other units. 22, processing condition reference processing means 23, fine adjustment processing means 24, image processing means 25, and thumbnail image generation means 26 are mainly realized. Various operations in the image processing apparatus 1 are performed via the GUI. In other words, various processing menus are called up on the display unit 12 via the operation unit 11, and processing conditions can be set and instructions for executing the processing can be performed based on the display contents. The image processing apparatus 1 is configured to be able to exchange image data directly or indirectly with a digital camera or other devices via the interface unit 14 or the read / write unit 15.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 1 is provided with an image database 30. The image database 30 stores processed image data DZ0 that is image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image processing apparatus 1. In addition, the thumbnail image data DT0 for the thumbnail of the image represented by the processed image data DZ0 and the processing conditions (processing parameters) of the image processing performed when obtaining the processed image data DZ0 are described (image processing The processing condition data DP0 (set up at the time) and the attribute data DA0 describing the attributes (details will be described later) of the processed image data DZ0 are also stored in the image database 30 in a state associated with the processed image data DZ0. Is done. In other words, it can be said that certain processed image data DZ0, its thumbnail image data DT0, processing condition data DP0, and attribute data DA0 are stored and accumulated in one data set DS. These data are once held in each means of each generation source (strictly speaking, the RAM 16c that realizes them) at the time of creation, and when a predetermined storage instruction is given via the operation unit 11. The image data is transferred from each means to the image database 30. The specific configuration of the image database 30 is not particularly limited as long as the image database 30 can exchange data with the image processing apparatus 1. The image processing apparatus 1 is not necessarily provided integrally with the image processing apparatus 1 and may be provided separately.

  The image acquisition unit 21 is responsible for processing to acquire processing target image data D0, which is image data to be subjected to image processing. For example, the acquisition of the processing target image data D0 may be performed directly from the storage source of the image data via the interface unit 14 in response to a predetermined execution instruction issued from the operation unit 11 by the user. Alternatively, the read / write unit 15 may acquire the image data from the storage medium that stores the image data. Alternatively, a mode in which a large amount of image data is read into the storage unit 13 in advance, and the user selects the processing target image data D0 from among them may be used. The processing target image data D0 is held in the RAM 16b or the storage unit 13.

  The attribute processing unit 22 performs processing for specifying the attribute of the processing target image data D0 acquired by the operation of the image acquisition unit 21. In the present embodiment, the “attribute” of image data refers to a type based on the image content of the image data (subject type, color, etc.). The image processing apparatus 1 performs image processing after specifying this attribute for the acquired processing target image data D0. That is, the processing target image data D0 is classified according to the attribute. Also, attribute information (attribute information) for all acquired processing target image data D0 (that is, for all processed image data) is stored in the storage unit 13. As will be described later, the attribute information is used for narrowing down the reference image candidate data by the processing condition reference processing means 23 when performing image processing on the processing target image data D0. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating exemplary attributes assumed in the image processing apparatus 1 in a list format. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the case where the attributes are given in two stages of the basic attribute A1 and the detailed attribute A2.

  The attribute processing unit 22 includes an image analysis unit 221 and an attribute specifying unit 222 in order to perform such processing.

  The image analysis means 221 is a process (image feature amount extraction process) for extracting an image feature amount that quantitatively represents the feature (image feature) of the image expressed by the processing target image data D0 by a predetermined arithmetic process, It is responsible for statistical processing to obtain an image feature representative value that representatively represents the extracted image feature amount. In the image feature amount extraction processing, for example, a known Laplacian filter processing is performed on the photographic image data to be analyzed for each pixel, and the value obtained for each pixel is converted into an absolute value, thereby obtaining an edge amount. Edge extraction processing for obtaining the image, processing for extracting a region belonging to a specific color range in the image, and the like. Statistical processing includes calculation of an average value, variance value, maximum value, minimum value, and the like of the color density values of the pixels constituting the processing target image data, and the shape (that is, frequency distribution) of the color density value histogram. There are a process for obtaining a value that characterizes the color, a process for obtaining a color density value in the upper and lower specific range (specific percentage) in the frequency distribution, and the like. Furthermore, processing for obtaining a value characterizing the size and shape of the extracted area is also performed. A value obtained by each processing is used as an image feature amount representative value for specifying an attribute. The data describing the image feature amount representative value is referred to as representative value data DV.

  The attribute specifying unit 222 specifies the attribute of the processing target image data D0 that is the generation source by comparing the content of the image feature amount representative value described in the representative value data DV with a predetermined attribute criterion. Take on. Specifically, for example, a certain image feature amount representative value is determined in advance corresponding to each of the values described in the representative value data DV and the attributes illustrated in FIG. After obtaining a difference from the attribute reference value stored as the attribute reference data DAC for each attribute, each absolute value is calculated, and the attribute having the smallest value is the attribute of the processing target image data D0. And so on. However, since the absolute value of the difference is so large that it exceeds a predetermined threshold and it may not always be appropriate to apply it to an existing attribute, in such a case, the attribute is not given (or “attribute” The attribute may be “unspecified”) or the user may be able to define a new attribute. In the latter case, an attribute reference value for the attribute is newly determined.

  When the attribute is specified for the processing target image data D0, the attribute processing unit 22 generates the attribute data DA describing the attribute information that associates the processing target image data D0 with the attribute.

  The processing condition reference processing unit 23 executes processing conditions from among the processed image data that is image data that has already been subjected to image processing and stored in the image database 30 when the attribute of the processing target image data D0 is specified. The user selects image data that refers to the image data, and performs processing for acquiring the processing conditions. Here, “referring” to the processing condition corresponds to a case where the processing condition is acquired as an initial value and fine adjustment is performed thereafter, or the processing condition is used as it is. The processed image data that refers to the processing condition is referred to as reference image data. The processing condition reference processing unit 23 includes a reference image selection unit 231 and a processing condition acquisition unit 232 for this purpose.

  Based on the description of the attribute data DA, the reference image selection unit 231 acquires from the image database 30 thumbnail image data DT0 representing the thumbnail image of the processed image data having the same attribute as the processing target image data D0. In the reference image selection screen displayed on the display unit 12, thumbnail images are displayed as a list. In other words, this means that, among the many processed image data DZ0 stored in the image database 30, the processed image data DZ0 whose attribute matches the processing target image data D0 is selected as the reference image data. Under the assumption that there is a high possibility that the image will be processed, only the corresponding processed image data DZ0 is narrowed down in advance as reference image candidate data, and the thumbnail image is presented to the user. The user can select reference image data to be referred to as a processing condition based on the displayed thumbnail image. For image data with the same attribute, that is, similar image content, image processing with relatively close content is often performed. The searchability and convenience when setting is improved. For example, even when a large number of image data is stored in the image database, it is easy for the user to find out the image data that the user wants to refer to the processing conditions.

  The user can select one or a plurality of reference image data more suitable for referring to the processing conditions with reference to the displayed thumbnail images. Information on the selected reference image data is described as reference image specifying data DRS.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a reference image selection screen W (also referred to as a thumbnail selection GUI). On the reference image selection screen W, the file input button B1 starts from the acquisition of the processing target image data D0 by the image acquisition means 21, and extends from the specification of the attribute for the processing target image data D0 to the thumbnail display of the reference image candidate data. This is a button for instructing the start of a series of processes. The attribute display frame F1 is an area for displaying the attribute specified for the processing target image data D0 by the action of the attribute processing unit 22. The classification correction button B2 is a button for instructing the user to start correction of the attribute specified for the processing target image data D0. The reference candidate display frame F2 is an area for displaying the thumbnail image IS1 of the reference image candidate data acquired by the operation of the processing condition reference processing means 23. The reference image selection frame F3 is an area for selecting the thumbnail image IS2 of the image data selected as the reference image data by the user. The fine adjustment button B3 is a button for instructing start of execution of a fine adjustment process of a processing condition described later. The file output button B4 is a button for instructing the start of image processing under the determined processing conditions.

  In the reference image selection screen W, the reference image data is selected by dragging and dropping the thumbnail image IS1 displayed in the reference candidate display frame F2 onto the reference image selection frame F3. Note that not only one reference image data but also a plurality of reference image data may be selected.

  In addition, in response to the point-out of the displayed thumbnail image IS1, processing conditions for image processing performed when obtaining the reference image candidate data corresponding to the thumbnail image IS1 are acquired from the image database 30, and predetermined May be displayed in a display area (a predetermined display area in the reference image selection screen W, a separate window, a pop-up display, etc.). Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the processing conditions associated with the reference image candidate data.

  The processing condition acquisition unit 232 is responsible for acquiring processing condition data DP0 for the reference image data selected based on the thumbnail display based on the description content of the reference image specifying data DRS from the image database 30. The acquired processing condition data DP0 is transferred to the fine adjustment processing means 24 as reference processing condition data DP1. In the case of the reference image selection screen W in FIG. 4, the reference processing condition data DP1 is acquired by the fine adjustment processing means 24 when the fine adjustment button B3 is clicked. When a plurality of reference image data is selected, all the processing condition data DP0 are acquired.

  The fine adjustment processing unit 24 performs processing for enabling fine adjustment of processing conditions by the user. Specifically, a range in which fine adjustment is possible is set for each processing condition of the image processing performed on the processing target image data D0, and processing for realizing fine adjustment within the range is performed. For this purpose, the fine adjustment processing unit 24 includes a fine adjustment range setting unit 241 and a fine adjustment execution unit 242.

  The fine adjustment range setting unit 241 responds to a predetermined execution operation via the operation unit 11 based on the description content of the reference processing condition data DP1 acquired by the processing condition acquisition unit 232 with respect to the processing target image data D0. For each processing condition of the image processing to be performed, an initial value and a fine adjustable range are set. These settings are described as adjustment range data DPA. In the case of FIG. 4, when the fine adjustment button B3 is clicked, such processing is performed in parallel with the acquisition of the reference processing condition data DP1 described above.

  When only one reference image data is selected, since the reference processing condition data DP1 is only for the reference image data, the processing condition is set as an initial value. In addition, for example, in the case of a parameter expressed by some numerical value such as sharpness setting or highlight / shadow setting, the fine adjustment range is set to the initial value as a central value, It can be given by setting a numerical range. The setting of the numerical range is given according to the attribute of the image. Thereby, finer fine adjustment according to the image content becomes possible. The initial value and the numerical value expressing the fine adjustment range for each parameter may be expressed in a relative manner.

  For example, the numerical range can be set based on a range ratio value determined in advance according to the attribute of the image data. The range ratio value is a value that can obtain the above-described numerical range by multiplying the initial value by the ratio indicated by the value. The range ratio value can individually set the upper limit and the lower limit of the fine adjustment range. FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying setting for each attribute of the range ratio value. FIG. 5 exemplifies the range ratio value for each attribute with respect to a numerical parameter that gives a processing condition related to the strength of sharpness. For the lower limit value of the fine adjustment range, a value obtained by multiplying the initial value by the absolute value of the ratio is set, and for the upper limit, a value obtained by multiplying the initial value by the absolute value of the ratio. A value obtained by adding is set. In FIG. 5, the range ratio value for the “person” attribute is given as a lower limit of −100% and an upper limit of 50%. Therefore, when the initial values are 50 and 200, the fine adjustment ranges are 0 to 75 and 0 to 300, respectively, with the center values as the center values. Further, when the display is relativized with the initial value set to 0, the range ratio value itself represents the upper and lower limits regardless of the initial value, so that the user can easily set. However, the numerical range that is actually finely adjusted differs if the initial value is different. For the “machine” attribute, the lower limit of the range ratio value is given as −50%, and the upper limit is given as 100%. Of course, the fine adjustment range is different.

  When a plurality of reference image data are selected, for example, after calculating an average value for all reference image data for each processing condition, the same processing as described above may be performed. .

  The fine adjustment execution means 242 displays a predetermined fine adjustment processing screen (also referred to as a fine adjustment GUI) on the display unit 12 and performs processing that enables fine adjustment by the user. The fine adjustment processing screen is displayed on the display unit 12 when the adjustment range data DPA is generated by the fine adjustment range setting unit 241. On the fine adjustment processing screen, for each processing item of image processing, the fine adjustment of the processing condition is performed by moving the adjustment bar, slider, adjustment dial, etc., for example. It can be done within the range. Preferably, the fine adjustment processing screen is provided with a preview display for displaying a state after fine adjustment, and the user can finely adjust the processing conditions while visually recognizing the preview display. The processing condition determined by fine adjustment is described as finalized processing condition data DP2.

  Strictly speaking, the fine adjustment range setting means 241 sets the initial value and the fine adjustment range of the processing conditions in the above-described manner according to the image contents of the individual processing target image data D0. This means that different initial values and fine adjustment ranges are set according to the processing condition data DP0 for the reference image data selected to be referred to when setting the processing conditions of the processing target image data D0. Assuming that the adjustable range of processing conditions is the same regardless of the image content, when an operator who is not good at image processing (without image processing skills) makes adjustments, carelessly set the parameter value within the range. The image processing may be executed by setting a processing condition that does not match the image content, for example, by making a large change. However, in the image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, processed image data having an image content close to the image content of the processing target image data D0 is selected as reference image data, and the processing condition is set as an initial value. Since a finely adjustable range is set based on the processing conditions, no matter what the image content of the processing target image data D0 is, there are inappropriate processing conditions in view of the image content. Setting and image processing are suppressed.

  The image processing means 25 performs image processing on the processing target image data D0 in accordance with the processing conditions described in the confirmed processing condition data DP2 (by setting up the image processing conditions described in the confirmed image processing condition DP2). Thereby, processed image data DZ, which is image data that has been subjected to image processing in accordance with the processing conditions set by the user, is obtained.

  The thumbnail image generation unit 26 generates thumbnail image data DT representing the thumbnail image of the processed image data DZ. The generation of the thumbnail image data DT is realized by reducing the resolution or reducing the processed image data DZ by a known method.

<Process flow>
Next, a typical process flow performed in the image processing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing this.

  First, the user of the image processing apparatus 1 specifies image data to be processed, and gives a predetermined acquisition instruction to the image processing apparatus 1 by, for example, clicking the file input button B1 shown in FIG. . In response to the acquisition instruction from the image acquisition unit 21, the image processing apparatus 1 acquires the processing target image data D0 by reading the image data (step S1). The acquired processing target image data D0 is a target of analysis by the image analysis unit 221. Based on the result, an attribute according to the image content is specified by the attribute specifying unit 222 (step S2), and the attribute data DA is stored. Generated.

  When the attribute is specified, the thumbnail selection GUI is displayed on the display unit 12 by the action of the reference image selection unit 231 (step S3). In the thumbnail selection GUI, among the processed image data DZ0 stored in the image database 30, as image data (reference image data) selection candidates for which processing conditions are to be referred to when performing image processing on the processing target image data D0. A thumbnail image having the same attribute as the processing target image data D0 is displayed.

  Based on the displayed thumbnail image, the user selects one or a plurality of thumbnail images of image data to be used as reference image data (step S4). When such selection is made, the reference image selection means 231 generates reference image specifying data DRC describing information for specifying the processed image data DZ0 corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. Further, the processing condition acquisition means 232 acquires the processing condition data DP0 for the reference image data from the image database 30 based on the description content of the reference image specifying data DRC, and sets this as the reference processing condition data DP1 for setting the fine adjustment range. Provided to means 241. The fine adjustment range setting means 241 sets a fine adjustment range based on the reference processing condition data DP1, and generates adjustment range data DPA describing the contents (step S5).

  The user determines whether to further modify the processing condition corresponding to the reference processing condition data DP1, or to execute image processing using the processing condition as it is (step S6).

  When the user determines that correction is necessary, for example, when a predetermined fine adjustment execution instruction is given to the image processing apparatus 1 by clicking the fine adjustment button B3 shown in FIG. 4, the fine adjustment GUI is displayed on the display unit 12. It is displayed (step S7). In the fine adjustment GUI, for example, a fine adjustment menu that allows fine adjustment of various processing conditions (processing parameters) used for image processing by moving a slider or the like is set based on the adjustment range data DPA. It is displayed in the state that was done. The user performs fine adjustment of the processing conditions using the fine adjustment GUI (step S8). Based on the result, it is determined whether further fine adjustment is necessary (step S6).

  When correction of the processing conditions is not necessary, or when necessary correction is made, for example, when a predetermined image processing execution instruction is given to the image processing apparatus 1 by clicking the file output button B4 shown in FIG. Confirmed processing condition data DP2 describing the processing conditions at the time is given to the image processing means 25. In response to this, the image processing means 25 executes predetermined image processing based on the description content of the confirmed processing condition data DP2 (step S9). The processed image data DZ, which is the image processed image data obtained by the image processing means 25, is used for subsequent processing of the workflow such as layout processing of printed matter.

  As for the generated processed image data DZ, thumbnail image data DT representing the thumbnail image of the processed image data DZ is generated by the thumbnail image generating means 26 (step S10). The generation of the thumbnail image data DT may be performed continuously with the execution of the image processing by the image processing means 25, or in response to a predetermined execution instruction given via the operation unit 11 after the image processing. May be performed.

  After the thumbnail image data DT is generated by the thumbnail image generator 25, when a predetermined storage instruction is given via the operation unit 11, the processed image data DZ held by the image processor 25 is stored in the image database 30. Passed and stored as processed image data DZ0 (step S11). Similarly, thumbnail image data DT held by the thumbnail image processing means 26 is stored as thumbnail image data DT0. Further, the finalized processing condition data DP2 used for generating the processed image data DZ held by the fine adjustment processing unit 24 is stored as the processing condition data DP0. Furthermore, attribute data DA related to the processed image data DZ held by the attribute processing unit 22 is stored as attribute data DA0. That is, the data set DS relating to the new processed image data DZ0 is stored and accumulated in the image database 30. The new data set DS is used in the same manner as described above in the next and subsequent image processing.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the setting of the processing condition for the processing target image data to be subjected to image processing is referred to the processing condition for the already processed image data. In view of the fact that image processing with relatively similar contents is often performed on image data with similar image contents when used (as is or as an initial condition), Analyzing the image content and identifying its attributes, narrowing down the image data having the same attribute from the image processed image data as reference candidates, and the thumbnail images are presented as options Yes. Thereby, even when a large number of image data is stored in the image database, it becomes easy for the user to find the image data that the user wants to refer to the processing conditions. That is, it is possible to improve searchability and convenience when the user sets processing conditions.

  Furthermore, in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the range in which the processing conditions can be finely adjusted is set based on the processing conditions used for the selected reference image data. Regardless of the content, it is suppressed that an inappropriate processing condition is set in view of the image content and image processing is performed. As a result, even when an operator who is not skilled in image processing (without image processing skills) makes adjustments, image processing is not executed under processing conditions that do not match the image content. .

<Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the attribute reference value used for specifying the attribute of the processing target image data is predetermined is shown. The attribute reference value may be determined according to the content of the image data DZ0. For example, for each attribute, an attribute reference value may be determined based on the content of the processing condition of the processed image data DZ0 belonging to the attribute (that is, the processing condition data DP0). Moreover, some sample image data may be provided, and the processing conditions corresponding to them may be described as default values of attribute reference values.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image database 30 stores the processed image data DZ0 and its thumbnail image data DT0, the processing condition data DP0, and the attribute data DA0. As long as the processing apparatus 1 has information for associating these, and data can be exchanged in the same manner as described above, not all the data need be stored in the image database 30.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description is given with the handling at the time of performing correction processing on image data such as a photographic image in mind, but the present invention is processing at the time of processing on certain data whose contents are visible. The conditions can be applied in the same manner as long as the conditions are set with reference to the contents of processing performed previously and fine adjustment is performed as necessary. For example, when workflow RIP processing is performed on predetermined page layout data, it is necessary to set processing conditions for various processing performed in the processing, but the previous processing contents are stored in the database. In the above, by specifying the attribute based on the file name, format, number of pages, preflight analysis result, etc., and generating the thumbnail image using the image of the first page, Processing can be performed using a similar GUI.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration realized in the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a figure which illustrates the typical attribute assumed in the image processing apparatus 1 in the form of a list. It is a figure which illustrates the reference image selection screen W (thumbnail selection GUI). It is a figure which illustrates the setting for every attribute of a range ratio value. 3 is a diagram illustrating a typical processing flow performed in the image processing apparatus 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 11 Operation part 12 Display part 13 Memory | storage part 13p Program 14 Interface part 15 Read / write part 16 Control part 22 Attribute processing means 221 Image analysis means 222 Attribute specification means 23 Processing condition reference processing means 231 Reference image selection means 232 Processing condition acquisition means 24 Fine adjustment processing means 241 Fine adjustment range setting means 242 Fine adjustment execution means 25 Image processing means 26 Thumbnail image generation means 30 Image database B1 File input button B2 Classification correction button B3 Fine adjustment button B4 File output button F1 attribute Display frame F2 Reference candidate display frame F3 Reference image selection frame W Reference image selection screen

Claims (8)

An apparatus for performing image processing by setting predetermined processing conditions for image data,
A database for storing first image data that has undergone image processing in association with attributes and processing conditions during image processing;
Image acquisition means for acquiring second image data to be processed;
Image analysis means for analyzing the image content of the second image data;
Attribute specifying means for specifying an attribute of the second image data based on an analysis result obtained by the image analyzing means;
A reference image that enables selection of reference image data to be referred to when setting processing conditions for the second image data from among the first image data having the same attribute as the attribute specified by the attribute specifying means. A selection means;
Processing condition acquisition means for acquiring, from the database, processing condition data associated with the first image data selected as the reference image data;
Image processing means for executing image processing in accordance with the determined processing conditions;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The reference image selection means presents a thumbnail image of an image represented by the first image data, and causes the selection of the reference image data based on the thumbnail image;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
Thumbnail image generation means for generating thumbnail image data representing a thumbnail image for the second image data;
Further comprising
The database stores, as the first image data, the second image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image processing means, and the thumbnail image data generated for the second image data is stored in the first image data. Storing in the database as thumbnail image data for one image data;
An image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Fine adjustment processing means for enabling fine adjustment of processing conditions for the second image data based on the processing condition data acquired by the processing condition acquisition means;
Further comprising
The fine adjustment processing means sets a fine adjustment range based on the processing condition contents described in the processing condition data.
An image processing apparatus. A method for setting image processing conditions when image processing is performed by setting predetermined processing conditions for image data in a predetermined image processing apparatus,
An accumulation step for accumulating the first image data that has undergone image processing in a predetermined database in association with attributes and processing conditions during image processing;
An image acquisition step of causing the image processing apparatus to acquire second image data to be processed;
An image analysis step of analyzing the image content of the second image data;
An attribute specifying step of specifying an attribute of the second image data based on an analysis result obtained by the image analysis step;
Reference image selection for selecting reference image data to be referred to when setting processing conditions of the second image data from among the first image data having the same attribute as that specified by the attribute specifying step Process,
A processing condition acquisition step of acquiring processing condition data associated with the one selected from the first image data as the reference image data from the image database;
A method for setting image processing conditions in an image processing apparatus. The image processing condition setting method according to claim 5,
In the reference image selection step, a thumbnail image of an image represented by the first image data is presented, and the reference image data is selected based on the thumbnail image.
An image processing condition setting method in an image processing apparatus. The image processing condition setting method according to claim 5, wherein:
A fine adjustment processing step that enables fine adjustment of the processing conditions for the second image data based on the processing condition data acquired in the processing condition acquisition step;
Further comprising
In the fine adjustment processing step, a fine adjustment range is set based on the processing condition contents described in the processing condition data.
An image processing condition setting method in an image processing apparatus.   A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to function as the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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