JP2009078565A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an optimum image process according to a subject when image data photographed by, for example, a digital camera are printed by a printer. <P>SOLUTION: Image data are captured (step s1), and a determination is made whether an automatic selection mode is set or not (step s2). If a manual selection mode is set, the content of the setting selected by a user is determined (step s3), and an image process following a user's instruction is performed, and hence printing process are performed(steps s7, s8). On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic selection mode is set, it is determined whether an image file has photographing mode information set by a camera or not (step s4). If yes, an image process corresponding to the photographing mode information is performed and hence a printing process are performed (steps s7, s8). If the image file has no photographing mode information, a photographing mode is determined from the photographing parameters for a camera and from information about subject characteristics included in actual image data (step s6). Using the result of the determination, an image process is performed and hence a printing process are performed (steps s7, s8). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print image data processing method and printer for performing image processing for obtaining an appropriate print result according to a subject when printing image data photographed by a digital camera or the like, and a recording medium on which a print image data processing program is recorded. About.

  With the widespread use of digital cameras and printers, it has become possible for users to easily print captured images themselves. Recently, due to the high performance of these digital cameras and printers, printed images have become so high in quality that they are not so different from those taken with an optical camera.

  However, even though these devices are easier to handle than before, it is not easy for any user to use. For example, when an image captured by a digital camera is printed, the image data is usually captured on a personal computer (PC), processed, and printed by a printer connected to the PC. However, in order to perform printing, it is necessary to perform various operations and settings necessary for printing on a personal computer or a printer. However, these operations and settings often find it difficult for users who are unfamiliar with handling this type of device. Also, such image data can be subjected to various image processing such as color correction and contour correction. However, it is not easy to perform operations and settings for appropriately performing such processing. It is difficult to obtain the desired print result.

  Therefore, the present invention subjects the image data captured by a digital camera or the like to the subject by performing an optimum image processing according to the type of subject (for example, person, landscape, close-up, night view, moving object, etc.) with a very simple operation. The purpose is to obtain an optimum printing result according to the print job.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a print image data processing method of the present invention reads an image file containing image data photographed by a camera, performs image processing, and outputs it as printable image data. The image processing mode can be selected based on the type of subject, the image processing can be performed on the image data in the image file based on the selected image processing mode, and the image processed image data can be printed. Output as data.

  The printer of the present invention reads an image file containing image data taken by a camera, acquires the image data, processes the image data, obtains printable image data, and prints using the image data Selected by the image data acquisition unit that reads the image file and acquires the image data, the image processing mode selection unit that selects the image processing mode based on the type of the subject, and the image processing mode selection unit. The image processing unit performs image processing on the image data in the image file based on the image processing mode, and the print processing unit prints the image data processed by the image processing unit.

  Further, the recording medium on which the print image data processing program of the present invention is recorded records a print image data processing program that reads an image file containing image data photographed by a camera, performs image processing, and outputs the image data as printable image data. The print image processing program includes a procedure for reading the image file, a procedure for selecting an image processing mode based on the type of the subject, and the image file based on the image processing mode selected thereby. And a procedure of performing image processing on the image data therein and outputting as printable data.

  In each of these inventions, the image processing mode can be selected by a user's instruction, and what kind of image processing mode is selected can be arbitrarily selected by the user according to the type of subject, and an automatic selection instruction is also possible. When the user instructs an image mode according to the type of subject, the image processing mode is selected according to the user's instruction, and the image processing according to the selected image processing mode is performed and output as printable data. When the user instructs automatic selection, the image processing mode is automatically selected based on the information indicating the type of subject existing in the image file, and the image processing according to the selected image processing mode is performed for printing. Output as possible data. Note that the printer of the present invention has an image processing mode setting unit that allows the user to select what image processing mode to use.

  The information suggesting the type of the subject includes shooting mode information corresponding to the type of subject set at the time of shooting in order to obtain an appropriate subject image, shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, and the image data. Is information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the.

  In addition, the automatic selection processing of the image processing mode when the image processing mode is automatically selected is to check whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file. Is present, the image processing mode is selected based on the shooting mode information. If the shooting mode information does not exist, the shooting parameters in the image file and the subject included in the image data in the image file are selected. Processing for selecting an image processing mode is performed using information representing the feature.

  As described above, the present invention selects an image processing mode based on the type of subject, and performs image processing on the image data in the image file based on the selected image processing mode. As a result, optimal image processing according to the type of subject is performed, and an optimum print result is obtained for the subject.

  In addition, the image processing mode can be selected by a user instruction. For example, when the user has alternatively designated the operation unit prepared for the subject type (specifically, the operation button corresponding to the subject type such as “person” or “landscape”), the user instruction An image processing mode corresponding to the selected image processing mode is selected, image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode, and data is output as printable data. In addition, when the user instructs an operation unit (for example, an operation button called “automatic”) for automatic selection, the image processing mode is based on information suggesting the type of subject existing in the image file. Is automatically selected, image processing is performed in the selected image processing mode, and output as printable data. In this way, the user can easily select an image processing mode simply by instructing an operation button or the like, whereby optimum image data processing corresponding to the subject can be performed.

  Note that the information suggesting the type of subject includes shooting mode information corresponding to the type of subject set at the time of shooting in order to obtain an appropriate subject image, shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, and the image data. This is information representing the characteristics of the subject obtained by scanning. The shooting mode set according to the type of subject here refers to, for example, a person shooting mode when shooting a person and a landscape shooting mode when shooting a landscape. This is a shooting mode, and such a shooting mode is often provided in a normal camera. Use the shooting mode prepared according to the type of subject, the shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, and the information representing the characteristics of the subject obtained by scanning the image to select the image processing mode corresponding to it. By doing so, the image processing mode for the subject can be optimized.

  That is, when the image processing mode is automatically selected according to a user instruction, it is checked whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file. When the image processing mode is selected based on the shooting mode information and there is no shooting mode information, image processing is performed using shooting parameters in the image file and information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the image data in the image file. The mode is selected.

  As described above, when shooting mode information is present in an image file, the image processing mode is selected based on the shooting mode, so that the optimum image processing mode corresponding to the subject can be automatically selected. In addition, even when there is no shooting mode in the image file, the image processing mode can be selected based on shooting parameters (focal length, exposure, etc.) and information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the image data. The optimum image processing mode according to the subject can be automatically selected.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The contents described in this embodiment are the description of the print image data processing method and printer of the present invention, and the specifics of the print image data processing program in the recording medium recording the print image data processing program of the present invention. This also includes a typical processing procedure.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer used in the embodiment of the present invention. Assume that the printer used in this embodiment is a printer having a function of directly reading image data captured by a digital camera or the like and performing image processing, and printing using the image processed image data. In other words, in the past, image data was read into a PC, processed, and then printed using a printer connected to the PC. Recently, however, the image data processing function of a personal computer is available. By installing a memory card containing an image file imported by a digital camera or the like into the printer itself, the card is loaded into the card insertion section of the printer, and the printer reads the image file. Printers that perform printing after acquiring data and processing the image data as image data to be printed have been developed and put into practical use. In the embodiment of the present invention, an example using this type of printer (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer) will be described.

  The photo printer shown in FIG. 1 can be roughly divided into an image data acquisition unit 2 for acquiring image data from an image file stored in the memory card 1, and image processing based on the type of subject in response to a user instruction. An image processing mode selection unit 3 that selects a mode, an image processing unit 4 that performs image processing on the image data based on the image processing mode selected by the image processing mode selection unit 3, and the image processing unit 4 performs processing. The print processing unit 5 receives image data and performs the same print processing operation as that of a conventional printer. Note that specific processing performed by the above-described image processing mode selection unit 3 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the photo printer used in this embodiment. The external configuration is not particularly different from that of a general printer. In the case of this photo printer, the memory card shown in FIG. A card insertion unit 11 into which 1 is inserted is provided, and an image processing mode setting unit 12 capable of setting what kind of image processing is performed is provided. In addition, a paper feed unit 14 and a discharge unit 15 for the paper 13 are provided. In addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photo printer used in this embodiment has components corresponding to various functions of the photo printer. FIG. 1 and FIG. Then, only the components directly related to the present invention are shown, and the other components are not shown.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the image processing mode setting unit 12 taken out depending on the type of subject such as “person”, “landscape”, “close-up”, “moving object”, “night view”, and the like. An operation button corresponding to a subject is provided as an instruction unit for setting the image processing mode. As the operation buttons corresponding to the subject, a person button B1, a landscape button B2, a close-up button B3, a moving body button B4, a night view button B5, and the like are prepared. An automatic selection button B0 is also provided for automatically selecting an image processing mode regardless of the subject. In addition, after selecting one of these various operation buttons, a print button Bs for giving a print start instruction is provided.

  Next, the operation of such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the memory card 1 photographed with a digital camera or the like is inserted into the card insertion portion 11 of the photo printer. As a result, the photo printer reads the image file and acquires the image data (step s1). Then, it is determined whether or not the automatic setting mode is set (step s2). Whether or not the automatic selection mode is selected is determined based on whether or not the automatic selection button B0 of the image processing mode setting unit 12 is pressed by the user. That is, it is determined that the automatic selection mode is the automatic selection mode if the user presses the automatic selection button B0, and the manual selection mode if the user does not press the automatic selection button B0.

  If it is assumed that the automatic selection button B0 has not been pressed by the user, the manual selection mode is determined, and it is determined what manual setting is made (step s3). That is, it is determined which of the person button B1, the landscape button B2, the close-up button B3, the moving object button B4, and the night view button B5 is pressed. Then, image processing according to the set mode is performed (step ss7).

  For example, if the person button B1 is currently pressed, image processing mainly using a person is performed. Specifically, image processing is performed to make the skin color appear more beautiful, or the background that is not in focus is blurred. Also, if the landscape button B1 is pressed, image processing is performed so that the blue sky and the green of the trees are displayed more clearly, and if the night view button B5 is pressed, the surrounding darkness and light Optimal image processing according to the type of each subject is performed, such as performing image processing for making the contrast more clear.

  Thus, image processing corresponding to each subject is performed, and print processing is performed using the image data subjected to the image processing (step s8). Thereby, an optimum printing result can be obtained for each subject.

  By the way, if it is determined in the above-described step s2 whether or not it is the automatic selection mode, that is, if the automatic selection button B0 is pressed by the user, it is determined as the automatic selection mode, and step Processes s4, s5, and s6 are performed. In this automatic selection mode, an image processing mode is automatically selected based on information suggesting the type of subject existing in the image file, and image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode, and output as printable data.

  Note that the information suggesting the type of subject here is the shooting mode information corresponding to the type of subject set on the camera side at the time of shooting in order to obtain an appropriate subject image, or shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, and the above-mentioned information This is information representing the characteristics of a subject obtained by scanning image data. The shooting mode corresponding to the type of subject set on the camera side is a shooting mode set when shooting with the camera, and the camera can be set according to the subject to be shot. There are many things.

  For example, when shooting a person, set the portrait shooting mode provided on the camera to shoot, and when shooting a landscape, set the landscape shooting mode to shoot. If you want to shoot, set the night view shooting mode and shoot. If you want to shoot a moving object, set the moving shadow mode and shoot. In this case, you can set the shooting mode for each subject, such as setting the close-up shooting mode and shooting. For example, it is possible to perform optimal shooting for the subject. In the data captured by the camera having such a function, information on the captured mode in which the captured image data was captured is contained in an image file such as JPEG, and is acquired.

  The automatic setting mode process will be described below.

  First, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side is included in the image file read from the memory card 1 (step s4). If the shooting mode information set on the camera side is included, The shooting mode information is acquired (step s5), and image processing according to the shooting mode information is performed (step s7). For example, if the image data of the image file acquired in step s1 includes person shooting mode information as shooting mode information set on the camera side, it is acquired and the image corresponding to the person shooting mode is acquired. Processing is performed, and the image-processed data is printed. As a result, image processing such as processing that makes the skin color appear more beautiful or blurring a portion that is not in focus is performed, and printing processing is performed using the image data that has undergone such image processing.

  In step s4, if the image file does not contain the shooting mode information set on the camera side, the camera shooting parameters stored in the image file and the subject included in the actual image data are included. The shooting mode is determined from the information representing the characteristics of the image (step s6), and image processing is performed using the determination result (step s7).

  The camera shooting parameters referred to here are data such as the camera focal length, shutter speed, exposure value, flash ON / OFF, and the like when the image is captured, and such information includes images such as JPEG. Exists in the file. The information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the actual image data means that the image data to be processed is scanned and what kind of color is present in the image data, and is generally dark or bright. And the like, and what kind of shooting mode is determined. For example, if the focal length is far and there are many blue colors or green in the image data, it is determined that the image is a landscape shooting mode and the skin color is large and the focal length is relatively If it is short, it is determined that the mode is the person shooting mode because the shooting is based on a person.

  When the shooting mode is determined in this manner, as described above, image processing corresponding to the shooting mode is performed and printing processing is performed (steps s7 and s8).

  By the way, when the user operates various buttons in the image processing mode setting unit 12 and processing is performed according to the buttons, the operated buttons are lit or blinked to indicate which button is being operated. You may make it make it. Furthermore, when the automatic selection button is operated, the image processing mode is automatically selected on the system side. However, in order to inform the user which image processing mode is selected, the button is lit or blinked. You can also

  For example, if the automatic selection button B0 is pressed by the user, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side is included in the image file read from the memory card 1, and the shooting mode information is included. For example, a series of processes (steps s4, s5, and s7) are performed such that the shooting mode information is acquired and image processing corresponding to the shooting mode information is performed. At this time, if the shooting mode set on the camera side is the person shooting mode, the person button B1 of the image processing mode setting unit 12 is turned on or blinked together with the automatic selection button B0, and the user is notified of the person. Indicates that suitable image processing has been performed. Thereby, even when the user designates automatic selection, it can be shown to the user whether image processing suitable for the subject is performed, and a sense of security can be given to the user.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a photo printer having an image data processing function is used has been described. However, this can also be applied to a case where printing is conventionally performed by a printer that is generally used. is there. In this case, since image data processing is performed by a PC or the like, the PC may be provided with a function for performing the image processing described so far.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the type of subject is “person”, “landscape”, “close-up”, “moving object”, “night view”, and an example in which image processing modes corresponding to these are prepared has been described. The types of subjects can be set in addition to these, and an image processing mode corresponding to each subject can be prepared.

  The print image data processing program for performing the processing of the present invention described above can be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, an optical disk, or a hard disk, and the present invention includes the recording medium. Further, the processing program may be obtained from a network.

[The invention's effect]
As described above, according to the present invention, the image processing mode based on the type of subject is selected, and image processing is performed on the image data in the image file based on the selected image processing mode. As a result, optimal image processing according to the type of subject is performed, and an optimum print result is obtained for the subject.

  In addition, the image processing mode can be selected by a user instruction. For example, when the user alternatively indicates an operation unit prepared for the type of subject (specifically, an operation button corresponding to the type of subject such as “person” or “landscape”), A corresponding image processing mode is selected, image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode, and data is output as printable data. In addition, when the user instructs an operation unit (for example, an operation button called “automatic”) for automatic selection, information indicating the type of subject existing in the image file (a suitable subject image is obtained). Image processing mode based on the shooting mode information corresponding to the type of the subject set on the camera side during shooting or information on the shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure and the characteristics of the subject obtained by scanning the image data) Is automatically selected, image processing is performed in the selected image processing mode, and output as printable data. As described above, the user can easily select the optimum image processing mode for the subject simply by instructing the operation button or the like, thereby performing the optimum image data processing corresponding to the subject.

  When the image processing mode is automatically selected according to the user instruction, it is checked whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file. When the image processing mode is selected based on the shooting mode information and there is no shooting mode information, image processing is performed using shooting parameters in the image file and information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the image data in the image file. The mode is selected. As described above, when shooting mode information is present in an image file, the image processing mode is selected based on the shooting mode, so that the optimum image processing mode corresponding to the subject can be automatically selected. In addition, even when there is no shooting mode in the image file, the image processing mode can be selected based on shooting parameters (focal length, exposure, etc.) and information representing the characteristics of the subject included in the image data. The optimum image processing mode according to the subject can be automatically selected.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photo printer used in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a photo printer used in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the image processing mode setting part shown by FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process sequence of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Memory card 2 Image data acquisition part 3 Image mode selection part 4 Image data processing part 5 Print processing part 11 Memory card insertion part 12 Image processing mode setting part

Claims (12)

  In a print image data processing method that reads an image file containing image data captured by a camera, processes the image, and outputs it as printable image data, an image processing mode based on the type of subject is selected and selected A print image data processing method for performing image processing on the image data in the image file based on the image processing mode and outputting the image processed image data as printable data.   The image processing mode can be selected by an instruction from the user, and what image processing mode is to be selected can be arbitrarily selected by the user according to the type of subject, and an automatic selection instruction is also possible. When an image mode is instructed according to the type of subject, an image processing mode according to the user's instruction is selected, image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode, and output as printable data. When selection is instructed, an image processing mode is automatically selected based on information suggesting the type of subject existing in the image file, and image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode and output as printable data. The print image data processing method according to claim 1, wherein:   The information suggesting the type of subject is included in the image data and shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, or shooting mode information corresponding to the type of subject set on the camera side in order to obtain an appropriate subject image. The print image data processing method according to claim 2, wherein the print image data processing method is information representing characteristics of a subject to be printed.   When the image processing mode is automatically selected, the automatic selection processing of the image processing mode checks whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file, and the shooting mode information exists. To select an image processing mode based on the shooting mode information, and if the shooting mode information does not exist, the shooting parameters in the image file and the characteristics of the subject included in the image data in the image file are selected. 4. The print image data processing method according to claim 3, wherein an image processing mode is selected using the information to be represented.   In a printer that reads an image file containing image data photographed by a camera, acquires the image data, processes the image data, obtains printable image data, and prints using the image data, the image file An image data acquisition unit that acquires image data by reading image data, an image processing mode selection unit that selects an image processing mode based on the type of the subject, and the image based on the image processing mode selected by the image processing mode selection unit A printer comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data in a file; and a print processing unit that prints image data processed by the image processing unit.   An image processing mode setting unit that enables selection of the image processing mode according to a user's instruction, and what image processing mode is selected can be arbitrarily selected by the user according to the type of subject and automatically selected When the user instructs an image mode according to the type of subject, an image processing mode is selected according to the user's instruction, and image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode and printing is performed. When the data is output as possible data and the user instructs automatic selection, the image processing mode is automatically selected based on the information indicating the type of subject existing in the image file, and the image according to the selected image processing mode is selected. 6. The printer according to claim 5, wherein the printer performs processing and outputs the data as printable data.   The information suggesting the type of subject is included in the image data and shooting parameters such as focal length and exposure, or shooting mode information corresponding to the type of subject set on the camera side in order to obtain an appropriate subject image. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the printer is information indicating characteristics of a subject to be recorded.   When the image processing mode is automatically selected, the automatic selection processing of the image processing mode checks whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file, and the shooting mode information exists. To select an image processing mode based on the shooting mode information, and if the shooting mode information does not exist, the shooting parameters in the image file and the characteristics of the subject included in the image data in the image file are selected. The printer according to claim 7, wherein an image processing mode is selected using information to be expressed.   A recording medium storing a print image data processing program for reading an image file containing image data photographed by a camera, performing image processing, and outputting the image data as printable image data, wherein the print image processing program stores the image file , A procedure for selecting an image processing mode based on the type of the subject, and image processing is performed on the image data in the image file based on the image processing mode selected thereby, and output as printable data A recording medium on which a print image data processing program is recorded.    The image processing mode can be selected by an instruction from the user, and what image processing mode is to be selected can be arbitrarily selected by the user according to the type of subject, and an automatic selection instruction is also possible. When an image mode is instructed according to the type of subject, an image processing mode according to the user's instruction is selected, image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode, and output as printable data. When selection is instructed, an image processing mode is automatically selected based on information suggesting the type of subject existing in the image file, and image processing is performed according to the selected image processing mode and output as printable data. 10. A recording medium on which the print image data processing program according to claim 9 is recorded.   The information suggesting the type of subject is included in the image data corresponding to the type of subject that is set on the camera side at the time of photographing to obtain an appropriate subject image, or photographing parameters such as focal length and exposure, and the image data. 11. A recording medium recording a print image data processing program according to claim 10, wherein the recording medium is information representing characteristics of a subject to be recorded.   When the image processing mode is automatically selected, the automatic selection processing of the image processing mode checks whether or not the shooting mode information set on the camera side exists in the image file, and the shooting mode information exists. To select an image processing mode based on the shooting mode information, and if the shooting mode information does not exist, the shooting parameters in the image file and the characteristics of the subject included in the image data in the image file are selected. 12. The recording medium on which the print image data processing program is recorded according to claim 11, wherein the image processing mode is selected using the information to be displayed.

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