JP3235173B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hard copy image corresponding to an original image, such as a film printing apparatus combining a film scanner and a printer, a digital or analog copying machine, and a facsimile transmission apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming (printing).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A film scanner is a device that optically reads an original image (hereinafter, referred to as a "film image") from a photographic film (hereinafter, referred to as a "film") and outputs it as an image signal. (Image editing for extracting a part of an image).

In general, such a film scanner is used in combination with a color page printer, and a hard copy image corresponding to a film image is formed based on an image signal output from the film scanner.

Conventionally, in a film printing apparatus including a film scanner and a page printer, the image is automatically scaled (enlarged or reduced) according to the paper size at the time of trimming. That is, the film printing apparatus prints an image (trimmed image) corresponding to the trimming area specified by the operator (operator) on a sheet as large as possible.

At this time, the magnification in the main scanning direction for reading a film image is usually realized by signal processing (so-called electrical magnification) in which pixels are overlapped or thinned out. This is realized by changing the reading scanning speed for the image.

[0006]

By the way, a hard copy image obtained by electrical scaling becomes coarser (low-resolution image) as the scaling factor becomes larger. Further, in the magnification change by changing the scanning speed, if the scanning speed is extremely different from the speed at the same magnification, there is a possibility that the synchronization with the page printer side is generated and the hard copy image is disturbed.

Therefore, for example, when an extremely small trimming area is designated, the image quality of the hard copy image may not always meet the operator's expectation. However, there is a problem that unintended printing, that is, misprinting (also referred to as miscopying) cannot be avoided, for example, by changing the designation of the trimming area to a relatively large value.

The present invention, in performing the specified trimming region, the output state of the trimmed image allows users to predict, discontinuation of override or output of the trimming area when the output state is not intended as desired it is intended to provide an image processing apparatus which can avoid the useless output, such as misprints by.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for outputting an image corresponding to an original image, wherein a trimming area is designated to designate a trimming area for the original image. Operating means, a trimming area changing means for changing the size of the trimming area in accordance with the designation operation of the trimming area, and interlocking with the change of the trimming area, based on the output size and the size of the trimming area at that time. a scale factor calculation means sequentially calculates the magnification, based on the calculated magnification, image output control means for scaling and outputting the trimming region in the original image is calculated
When the scaled value falls outside the specified range, the
Set the trimming area inside the box as the output target
Trimming area setting means .

[0010]

[0011]

The operator can specify a trimming area of an arbitrary size for the original image by the trimming area specifying operation means. During the specified operation based on an output <br/> size that is pre-selected and the size of the trimming area of each time point, an image corresponding to the trimming region
Magnification for output in suitable equivalent size is calculated.

When the magnification is out of a predetermined range, for example, when a trimming area having a size that may cause deterioration of the quality of an output image due to excessive zooming is specified, the size falls within the predetermined range. The trimming area is automatically
Is set to

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

FIG. 2 shows a film printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention.
3 is a front view showing an overview of the film scanner 1A of FIG. 2, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a trolley 22 provided in the main body 11 of FIG.
6 is a front view of various film carriers FC, FIG. 6 is a front view of an operation panel OP, FIG. 7 is a front view of an internal panel IP, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a display example of a screen HG.

The film printing apparatus 1 comprises a film scanner 1A and a page printer 1B.
The page printer 1B has paper feeding means corresponding to one or a plurality of sizes of paper,
A full-color image can be printed by an electrophotographic process. Since the configuration of a printer having such a function is well known, a more detailed description of the page printer 1B is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 3, a film scanner 1A
Is a main body 11 in which an optical system for reading a film image and a control unit for processing image data are arranged.
And 640 × 4 for displaying the read image
Display device 1 having a screen HG having a pixel configuration of 00
Consists of two.

The main body 11 has an operation panel OP on its upper surface.
Is provided, and a film mounting portion 21 is provided on the upper portion. A trolley 22 is disposed in the film mounting unit 21 so as to be movable left and right, and a film carrier FC on which a film F is mounted is inserted into the trolley 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, the trolley 22 is provided with a carrier detection sensor 51 for detecting the presence or absence of the film carrier FC, and type detection sensors 52a and 52b for detecting the type of the film carrier FC. I have. Further, the main body 11 is provided with a position detection sensor 53 for detecting the position of the film carrier FC through a hole provided in the truck 22. As these sensors, for example, transmission type photo sensors are used.

As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d), a film F of 4 × 5 inches is mounted on a film carrier FC.
1 for film carrier FC1, film carrier FC2 for 6 cm size film F2, film carrier FC3 for 35 mm size continuous film F3, and film carrier FC4 for 35 mm size mount film F4. There are four types, and a type detection hole 55 for detecting the type and a position detection hole 56 for positioning each film F are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation panel OP includes a track ball 71 for moving a cursor displayed on the screen HG, an enter key 72 for inputting a button Z designated by the cursor, and a film image. An image input key 73 for reading and displaying on the screen HG, a print key 74 for instructing printing by the page printer 1B, and a stop key 75 for stopping reading or printing of an image are arranged.

On the other hand, inside the main body 11, an internal panel IP which can be operated by opening a cover (not shown) is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the internal panel IP includes a user choice key 81 for instructing the setting of the user choice mode, a service man key 82 for instructing the setting of the service man mode, a total check key 83 for instructing the display of the total number of prints, A trouble reset key 84 for canceling a trouble state, an initial key 85 for performing initial setting, a CPU reset key 86 for resetting a CPU, and a destination code key 87 representing destination.
Is provided.

Various buttons Z for operation are also displayed on the screen HG of the display device 12. The screen HG is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), it basically consists of a central image display area E1 and a surrounding operation display area E2.

In the image display area E1, blank is displayed in an initial state after the power is turned on, and after the film image is read by pressing (on) the image input key 73, the film image or the edited image is displayed. Is done. Various buttons Z and a display section Y are displayed in the operation display area E2. The functions of the button Z and the display unit Y shown in FIG. 8A are as follows.

That is, a submenu is displayed by the image adjustment button Z1, and image adjustment such as color balance can be set. The trimming mode is set by the trimming button Z2. The enlarged continuous shooting mode is set by the enlarged continuous shooting button Z3, and the output size can be set by a submenu. The reduced continuous shooting mode is set by the reduced continuous shooting button Z4. The output confirmation button Z5 displays a confirmation screen for confirming the relationship between the image to be printed and the paper. A submenu for setting the print paper size is displayed by the output size button Z6. With the reset button Z7, the set mode is released and initialized. The number of prints (the number of copies) is set by the number setting button Z8.

In the enlarged continuous shooting mode, one film image is enlarged and printed on a plurality of sheets, and in the reduced continuous shooting mode, the same plurality of film images or the trimmed image thereof is converted into one sheet. Print them side by side on paper.

The message display section Y1 displays the type of the film F mounted, the paper size, and other messages including a warning described below. The number display section Y2 displays the number of prints.

Further, buttons Z11 to Z14 of a submenu as shown in FIG. 8B may be displayed in an empty portion on the right side of the operation display area E2.
On the screen HG, the cursor C is displayed together with the image and the button Z.
U is displayed. The operator moves the cursor CU to an arbitrary position on the screen HG with the trackball 71 on the operation panel OP, and turns on the enter key 72 to specify the position, thereby inputting the button Z or specifying the area for the image. It can be carried out.

Although not shown, the optical system built in the main body 11 includes a lamp unit having a halogen lamp, a plurality of mirrors that move and scan in the sub-scanning direction, a fixed mirror, a lens, an optical filter, and , CCD for separating and reading film images into three colors of R, G, B
It is composed of a one-dimensional image sensor IS composed of an array.

FIG. 9 shows a control unit 20 of the film scanner 1A.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 0. The control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that controls the entire film scanner 1A, and a display controller (AGDC) 231 that controls an image displayed by the display device 12.

The CPU 201 has a CPU data bus 20
4, a program R storing a control program
OM 202, RAM 203 for temporarily storing variables and other data necessary for executing the program, input / output interface 210 for input / output of signals, communication port 211 for communication with page printer 1B, image sensor IS Image input unit 221 for performing input processing of the image signal read by the unit, and an input image memory 21 for storing image data input processed by the image input unit 221
2, and an image output unit 222 for editing image data for printing.

The input / output interface 210 is connected to the operation panel OP, the internal panel IP, the various sensors 50, drive circuits for motors, filters, lenses, and mirrors, lamp control circuits, and other circuits. .

The display controller 231 has a kanji ROM 232, a VRAM
A (video RAM) 240 and a display output unit 250 for performing an editing process for displaying image data stored in the VRAM 240 on the display device 12 are connected.

The VRAM 240 stores R, G,
A total of five image planes, ie, three image planes for the image data of each color B, and two character planes C1 and C2 for a moving display element such as a cursor and a trimming frame and a fixed display element such as a button Z. It has a plane. Each of these planes has a character plane C
The display priority is set in the order of 1, character plane C2, and image plane of each color. That is, when display elements corresponding to the respective planes overlap on the screen HG, a moving display element such as a cursor is preferentially displayed.

Each of the character planes C1 and C2 has a storage capacity of 3 bits for each pixel, so that the fixed display element and the movable display element have seven colors (including black corresponding to no display) by combining RGB. (8 colors) can be displayed. On the other hand, each image plane has a storage capacity of 8 bits for each pixel, so that an image is composed of 256 gradations of RGB for each color.
It is possible to display 6.77 million colors.

The image data stored in the input image memory 212 is transferred to and stored in the R, G, and B image planes of the VRAM 240 under the control of the display controller 231.
In response to a command from the CPU, a part of the image data is cut out, enlarged, or reduced.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the image processing unit 300 of the control unit 200 along the flow of data. The image processing unit 300 includes the image input unit 221, the image output unit 222, the display output unit 250, and the memory 307 described above.
It is composed of

An image input unit 221 includes an amplification conversion unit 301 and a position correction unit 30 for image signals for each of R, G, and B colors.
2. Look-up table 303, gamma correction unit 304
have.

The amplification conversion unit 301 includes a video amplifier 321 whose amplification factor is set by a voltage signal output from the DA converter 323, an AD converter 322 that performs quantization and converts the image data, and an AD converter 322. It has a DA converter 325 for applying a reference voltage, and a correction memory 324 for outputting data for shading correction to the DA converter 325 in synchronization with a pixel clock.

The DA converter 323 receives data on the amplification factor from the CPU 201 via the CPU data bus 204. As the data, the maximum value and the minimum value for each of the R, G, and B color components are extracted in advance based on a predetermined number of image data read by the preliminary scanning while the amplification factor is set to a predetermined value. , From its largest value,
An amplification factor such that the maximum value becomes a predetermined value is obtained, and the obtained amplification factor is set. The video amplifier 321 can correct differences in sensitivity and exposure conditions among R, G, and B colors due to differences in the type of film F.

The position correction unit 302 is provided with an image sensor I
The difference between the positions of R, G, and B of S is corrected. That is, in the image sensor IS, since the pixel columns for one line of each color of R, G, and B are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval from each other, the position of the image sensor IS is delayed by an amount corresponding to the interval. Perform alignment.

The lookup table 303 includes a CPU
Data is written from the CPU 201 via the data bus 204, and a normalization process is performed to make the amplitude of output data constant with respect to input data. By combining with the operation of the video amplifier 321 described above, it is possible to correct the difference between the type of the film F and the exposure condition without requiring a special memory. These corrections are not performed in the case of a positive film, and are not performed even in the case of a negative film when the balance between the maximum and minimum values of R, G, and B exceeds a predetermined range. , CPU 201.

The gamma correction unit 304 performs data correction processing, gamma correction processing, negative / positive inversion processing, and the like based on the difference between the negative and positive of the film F. The image data VD4 output from the gamma correction unit 304 is input to the image output unit 222 and the memory 307.

In the image output unit 222, the color adjustment unit 3
05, the feedback of the color adjustment processing using the color CRT and the correction processing for matching the output image data with the image forming characteristics of the page printer 1B are performed.
In addition, the scaling unit 306 performs an electrical scaling process in the main scanning direction of the image data and a moving process.

The memory 307 is a combination of the input image memory 212 and the VRAM 240 shown in FIG. 9 and a display controller 231 for transferring data between them. That is, the image data VD4 output from the image input unit 221 is first input to the input image memory 2
12 is stored. The image data stored in the input image memory 212 is held as it is until the next new image is read by the image sensor IS. Then, according to the contents of editing processing such as trimming, scaling, and moving,
Part or all of the image data stored in the input image memory 212 is scaled up or down to an appropriate
The image data VD7 is transferred to the display output unit 250 as needed.

In the display output section 250, the color adjustment section 3
In step 08, feedback of color adjustment processing using a color CRT and correction processing for adjusting output image data to display characteristics of the display device 12 are performed, and the synthesis unit 309 synthesizes image data of each plane of the VRAM 240. The processing is performed and the DA converter 31
The signal is converted into an analog signal by 0, and video signals of each color of R, G, and B are output to the display device 12.

FIG. 11 shows a scaling unit 3 of the image processing unit 300.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit 06, and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a timing chart showing a signal state at the time of enlargement processing by FIG.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a signal state at the time of reduction processing by the scaling unit 306.

The scaling unit 306 includes a memory 335 for writing the image data VD5 and reading the image data VD6, a write address counter 332 for generating an address at the time of writing to the memory 335, and a memory for reading from the memory 335. Read address counter 333 for generating an address, comparison unit 334, and clock control unit 33
Consists of one. Note that the image data VD6 is read from the memory 335 in synchronization with the pixel clock SYNC.

The clock control unit 331 has the reference clock S
A write clock WCK and a read clock RCK are generated based on CLK and magnification data (Mag Data) input from the CPU 201.

At the time of writing, the write address counter 332 sets "0" as an initial value to the write clock W
CK is counted, and the count value is output as an address. At the time of reading, the read address counter 333 counts the read clock RCK with the value of the movement data (Mov.Data) as an initial value, and outputs the count value as an address.

At the time of enlargement, as shown in FIG. 12, the period of the read clock RCK becomes longer in accordance with the magnification (magnification magnification), whereby the change of the address value at the time of reading becomes slow. Clock SYN
The same data is read out a plurality of times by C, and enlargement processing is performed. In the example of FIG. 12, the image is enlarged twice.

At the time of reduction, as shown in FIG. 13, the cycle of the write clock WCK becomes longer in accordance with the magnification (reduction magnification), whereby the change of the address value at the time of writing becomes slow, and the image data is thinned. And written to the memory 335. The pixel data S
Since the data is read by the YNC, a reduction process is performed. In the example of FIG. 13, the size is reduced by half.

Since the read address output from the read address counter 333 starts from the value of the moving data input thereto, the image moves left and right according to the value of the moving data. When the read address counter 333 performs a subtraction operation by the clock RCK, a mirror image of the original image is obtained.

Repeat data (Repeat Dat)
When a) is input, when the count value reaches the value of the repeat data, a re-count signal (Load) is output from the comparison unit 334, and the movement data is set as the initial value of the read address counter 333. , Restart counting from that value. Thus, the address from the value of the movement data to the value of the repeat data is repeatedly output, and the data stored at the address is repeatedly read from the memory 335. This operation is performed during reduced continuous shooting.

As a basic operation of the film scanner 1A configured as described above, when simply printing a film image, the print key 74 is turned on after the film F is mounted. As a result, the film image is read, and image information corresponding to the film image is output to the page printer 1B. In this case, the read image is not displayed.

When the output image is monitored before printing, or when image editing such as trimming, enlargement, reduction, or color adjustment is performed, the image input key 73 is turned on after the film F is mounted. I do. This allows
The reading of the film image is performed, and the read image is displayed on the screen HG of the display device 12. When the print key 74 is turned on after performing image editing setting operations while viewing the displayed image, the film image is read again, and the set editing process is performed on the read image data. Is printed.

In the film scanner 1A of the present embodiment, when the cursor CU is within the image display area E1, the same effect as when the trimming button Z2 is input occurs, and the trimming mode is set. That is, only by moving the cursor CU into the image display area E1, the trimming mode is automatically set and the trimming area can be designated, and the cursor CU is moved to the image display area E1.
When the button is moved out of the position 1 (that is, the operation display area E2), the trimming mode is released, and the buttons Z can be selected.

The cursor CU is moved to the image display area E1.
Is displayed in a shape for a trimming mode, such as a cross, when it is inside, and is displayed in an arrow shape for mode selection when it is in the operation display area E2. by this,
The operator can easily recognize whether or not the mode is the trimming mode.

Here, the procedure of the operation related to the trimming mode will be described. When the operator wants to trim an arbitrary area on the film image,
After the film image is displayed in the image display area E1 on the screen HG as described above, the trimming area is specified by specifying two points using the trackball 71 and the enter key 72.

That is, first, as shown in FIG. 14A, the cursor CU is moved to a point P1, which is one vertex of the trimming area, and the enter key 72 is turned on. Thereafter, when the cursor CU is moved, a rectangular trimming frame TF having the point P1 and the cursor position as diagonal points is displayed as shown in FIG. The trimming frame TF is deformed according to the movement of the cursor CU.

Then, the enter key 72 is turned on in a state where the trimming frame TF matches the area to be trimmed. This means that the area surrounded by the trimming frame TF has been designated as the trimming area.

Thereafter, when it is desired to change the position of the trimming area, the enter key 72 is turned on with the cursor CU displayed in the trimming frame TF. Then, the trimming frame TF can be moved. By operating the trackball 71 in this state, the trimming frame TF moves in conjunction with the cursor CU without being deformed. The operator appropriately moves the trimming frame TF, thereby determining the trimming area at an arbitrary position.

When the trimming area is determined, an output check button Z5 is input to check the trimmed image (trimmed image), and the output check mode is set.
Then, of the image data stored in the input image memory 212, data corresponding to the trimming area is transferred to the VRAM 240, and displayed on the screen HG.

At this time, for example, in the case of displaying a normal copy image, the designated output paper is displayed in white in the image display area E1 of the screen HG, and the trimmed image is arranged and displayed at the center of the paper. If the paper is a standard paper, the trimmed image is automatically scaled and displayed so as to be the largest in the paper. Therefore,
When the size of the trimming area is changed, the print magnification (magnification) M is automatically changed. When the paper size is changed, the print magnification M and the size of the trimmed image are automatically changed in conjunction therewith. If the output size of the trimmed image or the print magnification M is specified, the image is displayed in a size corresponding to the specified size.

In the film scanner 1A of the present embodiment, the film image read by the image sensor IS includes pixels of 4096 dots in the vertical (main scanning direction) and 6144 dots in the horizontal (sub-scanning direction) regardless of the type of the film. And the aspect ratio is 1: 1.5.
On the other hand, since the aspect ratio of the standard paper is 1: 1.41, 5792 at the center in the horizontal direction of the film image is used.
Only the portion corresponding to the dot is printed, and 172 dots in the horizontal direction at both ends are deleted.

The print magnification M is the same as that of the read film image without electric scaling, that is, when one pixel of the film image is printed in correspondence with one dot of the printer. . Therefore, for example, if the resolution of the page printer 1B is 400 dpi and a film image is printed at the same magnification, an image of about 25 × 36 cm is obtained regardless of the type (size) of the film.
The arrangement positions of the lenses and mirrors of the optical system are changed according to the type of film, and an image (film image) of the same size is always projected on the image sensor IS regardless of the type of film.

On the other hand, the magnification for display on the screen HG (display magnification: Mdisp) is the ratio of the number of pixels (dots) on the screen HG to the size (mm) on paper (dot / mm). ).

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the pixel configuration of the image display area E1 of the screen HG is 297 dots long and 4 pixels wide.
The display magnification ratio Mdi is set to 20 dots, with one pixel on the screen HG corresponding to 1 mm on the paper.
sp is determined. Therefore, the display magnification Mdisp
Is 1 ×, the image display area E1 has a length of 297 mm,
A 420 mm wide sheet will be displayed.
3T (T indicates that the paper is arranged in the vertical direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the paper coincides with the sub-scanning direction, in which case the longitudinal direction of the paper coincides with the horizontal direction of the screen HG). This means that the image is fully displayed in the image display area E1.

Therefore, when the output paper size is A3T, that is, when the display magnification Mdisp is the same size, the film image read at 4096 × 6144 dots is displayed on the screen HG at 297 × 420 dots. , The input image memory 212 to the VRAM 240
When transferring the image data to the
297 min.

For vertical paper other than A3T, the display magnification ratio Mdisp = (A3T paper size / selected paper size). For example, when displaying A1T paper in the image display area E1, the display magnification Mdisp
Is "1/2".

When the output paper is arranged in the horizontal direction, the standard paper of A4Y (Y indicates that the paper is arranged in the horizontal direction) is used as a reference. Therefore, the display magnification Mdisp
Is the same size, the vertical length 297 at the center of the image display area E1
Dot, 210 dots wide, 297 mm long, 210 m wide
The m-size A4Y standard paper is displayed. A4Y
For horizontal paper other than, the display magnification Mdisp
= (A4Y paper size / selected paper size).

Next, the control unit 2 when trimming is performed
An example of the process of 00 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a trimming editing screen G0 and confirmation screens G1 and G2. The coordinates in the image display area E1 on the screen HG are set such that the upper right end of the image display area E1 is defined as the origin (0, 0), and the coordinates in the lower direction (main scanning direction) and the left direction (sub scanning direction) become 1 It increases by "1" per dot. That is, the coordinates of the lower left corner of the image display area E1 are (296, 419).

A screen G0 for trimming editing shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the film image FI0 having the size of A3T displayed in the entire image display area E1, the trimming frame TF0 is set to the points TP1 (6, 133) and TP
2 (212, 311), and the trimmed image TI0 is determined. The number of dots on the screen HG of the trimmed image TI0 at this time is 206 × 178 dots. Also, A3T standard paper is specified as the output paper size.

When the output confirmation button Z5 is pressed to enter the output confirmation mode, a confirmation screen G1 as shown in FIG.
Is displayed. On the confirmation screen G1, the trimmed image TI0 is 1.44 (= 297/206) in both the vertical and horizontal directions.
The image is magnified twice and displayed as a trimmed image TI1 in the vertical direction of the image display area E1, and both sides of the image display area E1 other than the trimmed image TI1 are displayed as white paper.

The state displayed on the confirmation screen G1 faithfully represents the actual relationship between the paper and the image when the print key 74 is turned on and printing is performed. Can be easily checked whether or not a hard copy image can be obtained, and misprinting is prevented.

The trimming image TI to be printed
When the size 1 is directly designated, the trimmed image TI1 of the designated size is displayed at the center of the image display area E1 on the confirmation screen G1, and printing is performed in such a state.

When it is desired to change the size or position of the trimmed image TI1 while the confirmation screen G1 is displayed, the user turns on the enter key 72 to enter the re-trimming mode, and the original trimming mode shown in FIG. The image is displayed on the screen HG, and the trimming frame TF0 can be moved and changed on the screen HG. Thereafter, the confirmation screen G1 is displayed again in the output confirmation mode, and by repeating these, the size and position desired by the operator can be easily trimmed without errors.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 16A, two points TP1 (6,
133) and a point TP2 (212, 311) on the film image FI0 at the time of reading from the film, taking into account that 172 dots in the horizontal direction at both ends are deleted, and the point [83 (= 6 × 4096/29
7), 2006 (= 172 + 133 × 4096/29)
7)] and point [2924 (= 212 × 4096/29)
7), 4461 (= 172 + 311 × 4096/29)
7)]. Also, one dot on the screen HG is 4
00 dpi (about 16 dots / mm) page printer 1
B corresponds to about 16 dots. Therefore, FIG.
Two points (0, 82) (296, 338) of the trimmed image TI1 on the confirmation screen G1 shown in (b) are points (0, 131) when represented by dots on A3T paper.
2) This corresponds to (4752, 5408).

Therefore, such a trimmed image T
In order to print I1 on A3T paper, the scaling moving unit 306 of the image output unit 222 performs the following processing.
That is, the first 1311 lines (one line is one pixel row in the vertical direction of the film image) output “white” data, and the data of the 1312th line is the 2006th line of the image data VD5 of the read film image. Of 83
The data of .about.2924 dots are electrically scaled in the vertical direction (main scanning direction) by 1.67 [= 4752 / (2924-83)] times, and the data of lines 1313 to 5408 are vertically and horizontally converted. The image is scaled 1.67 times in the direction (main and sub scanning directions) and output, and "white" data is output from the 5409th line.

When the trimmed image TI0 is determined as shown in FIG. 16A and A4Y standard paper is designated as the output paper size, as shown in FIG. 16C in the confirmation screen G2, Enlarged cropped image T
I2 is displayed at the center of the A4Y paper area in the image display area E1.

Further, the film scanner 1A of this embodiment
In, the trimmed image TI0 can be freely moved within the range of the output paper, laid out at an arbitrary position on the paper and printed, and the layout state can be displayed on the screen HG. ing.

For example, after a trimmed image TI0 is determined as shown in FIG.
If the user wants to place 0 on the upper right of the output paper, for example, the output size of the trimmed image TI0 is specified, and
When the cursor CU is moved in the output confirmation mode to move the trimming frame TF0 to a desired position and the enter key 72 is turned on, a trimming image TI3 is displayed at that position as shown in a confirmation screen G3 of FIG. On the confirmation screen G3, the image display area E1 is equal to the A3T standard paper, and the trimmed image TI3 is displayed at the upper right of the same.

On the confirmation screen G3, the position of the cursor CU when the enter key 72 is turned on is displayed as a window WD in a vacant portion on the right side of the operation display area E2. At this time, in the window WD, the position of the cursor CU is converted into a coordinate position on the output sheet and displayed by a numerical value.

Therefore, since the position of the trimmed image TI3 can be accurately known not only intuitively but numerically, it is possible to precisely adjust the position of the trimmed image TI3 and further reduce the occurrence of misprints. It can be reliably prevented. In displaying the moved image and the position of the cursor CU, the display magnification M
Correction is performed in consideration of disp.

Next, based on the flowchart, the CPU 2
01 will be described. FIG. 18 shows a CPU
4 is a main flowchart showing a schematic operation of 201.

When the power is turned on and the program is started, first, initial settings for initializing the state of the memory and the like are performed (step # 1), and the screen H of the display device 12 is set.
An initial screen for setting a print mode is displayed on G (step # 2), and processing for shading correction in the image input unit 221 is performed (step # 3).

Next, it is checked whether or not the film image is being read (step # 4).
Image reading processing including movement control (sub-scanning control) of the image sensor IS and signal processing control by the image input unit 221 is performed (step # 5). If reading is not being performed, cursor input processing related to position designation by the cursor CU is performed. Is performed (step # 10).

Then, step # 5 or step # 10
Subsequently, a film carrier process (step ##) for detecting whether or not the film F is mounted and detecting the type of the film.
6), panel key input processing for accepting key operation on the operation panel OP (step # 7), communication processing with the page printer 1B (step # 8), and an optical system for focusing on the film F. After the adjustment AF process is sequentially performed, the process returns to step # 4.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts of the cursor input process. First, a cursor position detection process is executed (step # 20), and the cursor C at that time is detected.
The coordinate position of U on the screen HG is detected. Then, based on the detection result, the position of the cursor CU is changed to the image display area E1.
It is checked whether it is within (step # 21).

If YES in step # 21, the trimming mode is set (set), and the cursor CU is set to the shape for the trimming mode (step # 22, step # 23). If NO in step # 21, the trimming mode is released (reset), and the cursor CU is set to a mode selection shape (step # 24, step # 24).
25).

Next, the ON check of the enter key 72 is performed (step # 26). When the enter key 72 is turned on, a coordinate value (cursor pointer) corresponding to the position of the cursor CU at that time is fetched (step # 2).
7).

By checking the output confirmation flag, it is determined whether or not the output confirmation button Z5 has been turned on, that is, whether or not the output has been confirmed (step # 2).
8). If the output has not been confirmed (YES in step # 28), it is checked whether or not the trimming mode has been set (step # 29). If the trimming mode has been set, a trimming area setting process is executed (step # 30).
If not in the trimming mode, a mode setting process for setting an operation mode corresponding to the selection of each button Z described above is executed (step # 31).

If the output has been confirmed (NO in step # 28), it is checked whether or not the trimming mode has been set (step # 32). If the mode has been set in the trimming mode, retrimming for setting the trimming area again is performed. The process is executed (Step # 33).

If the mode is not the trimming mode, it is determined whether or not the position of the cursor CU when the enter key 72 is turned on, that is, the value of the acquired cursor pointer is within the image display area E1 (step # 34). Image display area E
If it is within 1, the cursor position display processing is performed (step # 35), and the image movement processing is performed (step # 36). If it is outside the image display area E1, a mode setting process is performed (step # 37).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the trimming area setting processing of FIG. First, it is checked whether or not the area setting flag is set (step # 4)
1).

If the answer is YES in step # 41, it means that the trimming area has already been set. In this case, the following processing relating to the movement of the trimming area is executed. That is, the pointer is detected (step # 4).
2) When the pointer corresponds to the inside of the trimming area, the enter key 72 turns on the trimming frame moving process for moving the trimming frame indicating the outline of the trimming area on the display screen HG in accordance with the operation of the trackball 71. It is repeatedly executed until it is done (steps # 43 to # 45).

When the enter key 72 is turned on, it means that the operation for moving the trimming frame has been completed. Therefore, according to the position of the trimming area, the moving amount of the trimming image to be printed at a predetermined position on the sheet is determined. It is set (step # 46).

On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step # 41, the following processing relating to the new setting of the trimming area is executed. That is, for a rectangle having a designated first point in the image display area E1 and a second point at the position of the cursor CU as a diagonal point, the print magnification M when this rectangle is used as a trimming area is calculated and printed. Magnification setting processing (step # 47) set as a condition, and trimming frame display processing (step # 4) for displaying a square as a trimming frame
8) and a trimming ratio display process (step # 49) for displaying the aspect ratio of the trimming frame is repeatedly executed until the enter key 72 is turned on. At this time, the trimming frame is deformed in response to the movement of the second point accompanying the cursor moving operation, and the print magnification M displayed in the window WD is displayed.
In addition, the aspect ratio of the trimming frame is changed.

Thereafter, when the enter key 72 is turned on to determine the second point, the area setting flag is set, and
The pointers at the four corners of the trimming frame at that time are captured (steps # 50 to # 52). And the above step #
Proceed to 46.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the magnification setting process of FIG. In this routine, first, the magnification for printing the image corresponding to the trimming frame being displayed to the full size of the specified size paper is calculated in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

That is, the lengths of the paper in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are Xpp and Ypp, respectively, and the XY coordinates of the four corners of the trimming frame are (Xo, Yo), (Xo, Y).
p), (Xp, Yo), and (Xp, Yp), the magnifications Mx and My in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction represented by Expressions (1) and (2) are calculated (Step # 61). , Step # 62).

Magnification in main scanning direction Mx = Xpp / | Xo−Xp | (1) Magnification in sub-scanning direction My = Ypp / | Yo−Yp | (2) Next, in order to print the entire trimmed image, In other words, in order to prevent partial loss of the trimmed image during printing, the two magnifications Mx and My are compared, and the smaller one of them is stored as a print magnification M in a predetermined register (step # 63). ~ 65).

Subsequently, the film F detected as described later is used.
It is checked whether or not the print magnification M is within a specified range for performing printing at a predetermined image quality level (steps # 66 to # 69).

That is, when the film size is 35 mm, the print magnification M is, for example, 0.125 to
It is checked whether or not the print magnification is within the range of 1.914. If the film size is 6 cm, it is checked whether or not the print magnification M is within the range of, for example, 0.23 to 5.06. When the film size is 4 × 5 inches, the print magnification M is, for example, 0.38 to 8.36.
Check if it is within the range.

If the print magnification M is within the specified range, this is set as print conditions (magnification data) for printing a trimmed image by changing the electrical magnification and the scanning speed, and at this time, a warning display described later is displayed. If so, the display is erased (that is, the warning is canceled) (step # 70). Then, the print magnification M is displayed in the window WD on the screen HG (step # 7).
2).

On the other hand, if the print magnification M is out of the specified range, the operator is notified, for example, by saying “magnification excess” in order to notify the operator that the trimming area is too small or too large in relation to the paper size. Is displayed in the message display section Y1 on the screen HG.
Is executed (step # 71).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 72.

In step # 71, the print magnification M is changed to a value closer to the print magnification M (value before change) among the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the specified range corresponding to the film size. The magnification M is set as a printing condition.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the trimming frame display processing of FIG. Referring to FIG. 14 as well, firstly, the presence or absence of movement of the cursor CU relating to the designation of the trimming area, more specifically, the presence / absence of movement of the cursor CU for designating the second point among the diagonal points of the trimming frame. Check (step # 81).

If the cursor CU has been moved, it is checked whether or not the above-mentioned warning display is required (step # 82). Here, first, when the warning display is not necessary (No in step # 82), it is checked whether the warning has just been released in step # 70 of the above-described magnification setting process. Yes (Step # 8)
5). That is, a warning is required before the cursor CU is moved, but it is checked whether the warning is unnecessary by the current movement of the cursor CU.

If the answer is no in step # 85, no warning has been issued even before the movement of the cursor CU. In this case, the trimming frame being displayed is deleted (step # 86). That is, in step # 86, the data (3 bits) of the pixel corresponding to the currently displayed trimming frame in the character plane C1 is set to “000”. Then, a trimming frame corresponding to the second point newly designated by the movement of the cursor CU is displayed (step # 8).
7). Note that the normal display color of the trimming frame is white (the pixel data of the character plane C1 is “111”).

On the other hand, if the warning display is required (YES in step # 82), it is checked whether or not the warning has started (step # 83). That is, a warning is not required before the movement of the cursor CU, but it is checked whether a warning is required by the current movement of the cursor CU.

If YES in step # 83, the display color of the trimming frame is set to a warning color, for example, red (pixel data of the character plane C1 is "100"). Go to # 87. On the other hand, if No in step # 83, the process proceeds to step # 86.

That is, when a warning is required due to the current movement of the cursor CU, the trimming frame (displayed in white) before the movement of the cursor CU is not erased, and the trimming corresponding to the position of the cursor CU after the movement is performed. The frame is newly displayed in red, and two trimming frames having different sizes and colors are simultaneously displayed. In addition, cursor C
If a warning is necessary after the movement of U before and after the movement, the trimming frame (displayed in red) before the movement is erased, and the trimming frame is newly displayed in red.

Therefore, for example, in the operation of moving the cursor CU to reduce the trimming area from the state where the trimming frame is displayed in white, the trimming frame becomes smaller in accordance with the movement of the cursor. When the color becomes, the color of the trimming frame changes from white to red. And if the cursor moves further,
A red trimming frame smaller than the white trimming frame corresponding to the upper limit is displayed.

Thus, the operator can determine whether or not the trimming area to be designated by himself is an appropriate size on the print magnification M by not only the presence or absence of the above-mentioned warning display but also the color of the trimming frame. Can be confirmed,
In addition, in the warning display state, a desired trimming area can be designated while recognizing a minimum or maximum trimming area (indicated by a white trimming frame) where the print magnification M falls within a specified range.

If the result of the determination in step # 85 is YES, two trimming frames are displayed. In this case, the warning has been issued and the warning has been canceled before the warning is issued. The white trimming frame continuously displayed up to the present is erased (step # 8)
8). Next, a setting is made to set the display color of the trimming frame to white in a normal state (step # 89), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 86 described above.

On the other hand, even when the cursor CU has not been moved (NO in step # 81), it is checked whether or not a warning display is required, and if the stop key 75 is turned on in a state where a warning is required. Changes the cursor position to the position before the warning (steps # 90-92), and then proceeds to step # 89 described above.

That is, also in the case of YES in step # 90, it is a case where two trimming frames of red and white are displayed on the screen HG. In such a case, when the stop key 75 is turned on, the step # 86
After erasing the red trimming frame in step # 87, the trimming frame corresponding to the cursor position changed in the previous step # 92 is displayed in white in step # 87.

Thus, the operator can set the minimum or maximum value within the specified range in a state where the white trimming frame corresponding to the upper or lower limit of the specified range and the red trimming frame outside the specified range are displayed. When the maximum trimming area is to be designated, it can be designated only by turning on the stop key 75.

Since the area of the trimming frame corresponding to the position of the cursor CU at the time when the enter key 72 is turned on is set as the trimming area to be printed as described above, it corresponds to the red trimming frame. The region may be a trimming region.

In such a case, since the print magnification is set to the upper limit or the lower limit of the specified range of the variable magnification as described above, if the trimming area is too small with respect to the paper, the trimmed image will not be printed. However, the image is not enlarged to the full size of the sheet but becomes a size corresponding to the upper limit (smaller than the sheet). On the other hand, when the trimming area is too large for the sheet, the trimming image is printed only to the full size of the sheet because the image is reduced to only the lower limit value, but a part of the trimmed image is not printed out of the sheet.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the mode setting process of FIG. It is determined which button Z is input by determining the area of the cursor pointer (steps # 141 and 142), and a mode corresponding to each button Z is set and necessary processing is performed (step # 143). 172).

In the image adjustment submenu processing (step # 144), image density setting or color balance adjustment is performed. In the trimming frame default setting process (step # 147), a default value of the trimming frame is set, and in the trimming region setting process (step # 148), a trimming region is set. In the reduced continuous shooting mode reset processing (step # 152), the other incompatible mode is reset, and the enlarged continuous shooting submenu processing (step # 152) is performed.
In 153), the size of the enlarged continuous shooting is designated. In the enlarged continuous shooting mode reset process (step # 156), the other incompatible mode is reset, and in the reduced continuous shooting submenu process (step # 157), the output mode is designated.

Output confirmation mode processing (step # 162)
Then, the relationship between the image to be printed and the paper is displayed on the screen HG. Output size submenu processing (Step # 1)
In step 65), the size of the output paper is set. In the all flag reset processing (step # 169), all the currently set modes are reset, and in the initial screen display processing (step # 170), the initial screen is displayed. In the user setting process (step # 172), a working environment such as an initial mode at the time of reset or a mode memory is set in accordance with a designation by a user. If the button Z is not input, the process returns without performing the process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the film carrier process of FIG. The output of the carrier detection sensor 51 is detected (step # 181), and the film carrier F is detected.
The attachment / detachment state of C is determined (step # 182), and the following processing is performed.

When the film carrier FC is pulled out from the trolley 22, after resetting the carrier set flag and initializing the screen HG, the film carrier reset processing of the contents set in advance in the user setting mode is performed (step S1). # 183-185).

When a new film carrier FC is loaded, a carrier set flag is set, and a film size detection process for adjusting an optical system according to the film size is executed. A film carrier setting process including setting is performed (steps # 186 to # 188). If there is no change in the attachment / detachment state, the process returns without performing the processing.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the film size detecting process of FIG. Here, the film size is detected based on the on / off state of the type detection sensors 52a and 52b (step # 191), and the image sensor IS
The optical system for reading (such as a lens and a mirror) is moved to a predetermined position corresponding to the film size so as to project an image of a fixed size on the image (steps # 192 to # 19).
5).

In the above embodiment, the trackball 7
1 and the enter key 72 are used as the trimming area designating means A of the present invention, and the control unit 200 is used as the trimming area changing means B1, magnification calculating means B2, and trimming area setting means B
3, and the output control unit B4, their respective corresponding.

According to the above-described embodiment, the operator can easily know whether or not the size of the trimming area is appropriate based on the color of the trimming frame, thereby preventing erroneous printing. In addition, the minimum or maximum trimming area where the print magnification M falls within the specified range can be easily specified.

In the above embodiment, the print magnification M
Has been described as being set to a value within a specified range in which a predetermined image quality can be obtained, but it is assumed that the print magnification M is allowed up to the limit value of the capabilities of the optical system and the magnification circuit, and that the print magnification M is out of the specified range. When this happens, only a warning notifying that may be given. In this case, if there is a warning, the operator may allow the image quality to be reduced and continue printing as it is in order to give priority to the trimming area range and the size of the print image, or the size of the trimming area in order to give priority to image quality. The user has to select whether to change the print quality or to stop printing.

In the above-described embodiment, the apparatus configured to specify the trimming area on the screen HG is exemplified. However, it is also possible to specify the trimming area by inputting a numerical value using a numeric keypad or the like. Absent. Further, it is possible to notify that the print magnification M is out of the specified range by a warning sound. Further, the magnification in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction may be performed by electric magnification or optical magnification.

In the above embodiment, the configuration of the control unit 200, the operation timing, the processing content, the content and sequence of the flowchart, the configuration of the screen HG, the display color of the trimming frame TF at the time of normal operation and at the time of warning, and the other components of the film scanner 1A The configuration and the like can be variously changed in addition to the above.

In the above embodiment, the film printing apparatus 1 has been described as an example. However, a digital or analog copying machine in which a scanner section for reading a document and an image forming section for performing an electrophotographic process are integrated, The present invention can be applied to an image transmission system including the facsimile apparatus.

[0135]

According to the present invention, a trimming area is designated.
Can eliminate unnecessary output due to improper
The minimum or minimum magnification to achieve the specified image quality without excessive zooming
You can easily specify the maximum trimming area,
Operability related to rimming can be improved.

[0136]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a film printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of a film scanner according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a minecart provided in a main body of the film scanner.

FIG. 5 is a front view of various film carriers.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an operation panel.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the internal panel.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the film scanner.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an image processing unit of the control unit along a data flow.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit of a scaling unit of the image processing unit.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a signal state at the time of enlargement processing by the variable magnification moving unit.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a signal state at the time of reduction processing by the variable magnification moving unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a procedure for specifying a trimming frame.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a pixel configuration of an image display area on a screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a trimming editing screen and a confirmation screen.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the confirmation screen.

FIG. 18 is a main flowchart showing a schematic operation of a CPU.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a cursor input process of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a cursor input process of FIG. 18;

21 is a flowchart of a trimming area setting process of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a magnification setting process of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a trimming frame display process of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a mode setting process of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a mode setting process of FIG. 20;

26 is a flowchart of the film carrier process of FIG.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a film size detection process of FIG. 26;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 film printing apparatus (image processing apparatus) 71 trackball (trimming area specifying operation means) 72 Enter key (trimming area specifying operation means) 200 control unit (trimming area changing means, magnification calculating means, the trimming area setting means, output control Means) Y1 Message display (warning means) F Film (original image)

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Keiji Kusumoto Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (56) References JP-A-1-296770 (JP, A) 3-11475 (JP, A) JP-A-61-140270 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/38-1/393 H04N 1/04 107 H04N 5/253 H04N 5/91

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for outputting an image corresponding to an original image, comprising: a trimming area designating operation means for designating a trimming area for the original image; Trimming area changing means for changing the size of the area; magnification calculating means for sequentially calculating the magnification based on the output size and the size of the trimming area at the time in conjunction with the change of the trimming area; and the calculated magnification. Output control means for scaling and outputting the image of the trimming area in the original image based on the image, and trimming the magnification to be within the predetermined range when the calculated magnification is out of the predetermined range. Trimming area setting means for setting an area as an output target.