JP4159766B2 - Image processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing method, and more particularly to an image processing method that performs optimal image processing for a shooting scene by using shooting information, shooting position information, and the like of a camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, images shot on a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as film) such as a negative film or a reversal film are printed on a photosensitive material (photographic paper) by projecting the film image onto the photosensitive material and exposing the photosensitive material to a surface. The so-called direct exposure (analog exposure) was the mainstream.
[0003]
In contrast, in recent years, a printing apparatus using digital exposure, that is, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read, and the read image is converted into a digital signal. A digital photo printer that prints (finished) images by scanning and exposing the photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data to record the image (latent image) is put into practical use. It was done.
[0004]
This digital photo printer basically has a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film, and image processing that processes the read image to output image data (exposure conditions). An image input device having a device, a printer (image recording device) that scans and exposes a photosensitive material in accordance with image data output from the image input device, and records a latent image, and develops the exposed photosensitive material And an image output device having a processor (developing device) for printing.
[0005]
In digital photo printers, the exposure conditions during printing can be determined by processing the image data as digital image data, so correction of image skipping and blurring caused by backlighting, flash photography, etc., sharpness (sharpening) ) Processing, color or density feria correction, etc. can be suitably performed to obtain a high-quality print that could not be obtained by conventional direct exposure.
[0006]
By the way, in recent years, it has a global positioning system (GPS) function that determines the current position based on a camera that records various shooting information on a photographic film at the time of shooting, and a signal from an artificial satellite. Cameras with a built-in GPS function that can record the date and time and shooting location when shooting are being developed.
By performing the above digital image processing using these shooting information and position information, it is possible to perform image processing suitable for the shot image, and to obtain a higher quality image.
[0007]
In recent years, various image processing software for performing digital image processing, such as image processing software “Photoshop” manufactured by Adobe, has been developed and marketed. By performing digital image processing using these image processing software, it is possible to perform image correction such as smoothing and sharpening, or to perform various image processing such as density adjustment and color gradation correction. Even if the image is unsuccessful, the image quality can be improved and the image can be finished as desired.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described image processing software manually executes various image processing such as image correction such as smoothing and sharpening, density adjustment, color gradation correction, and the like, for each shooting scene (frame). In addition, the type of image processing and the degree of correction must be determined by trial and error, which is difficult for beginners in particular.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and is optimal for each scene and subject so that a high-quality image can be obtained by performing optimal image processing on the shooting scene and subject. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method that accumulates various image processing conditions and enables anyone to use them.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention acquires digital image data of a shooting scene of a subject shot by a camera and is attached to each shooting scene acquired or input by the camera when shooting the subject. Based on the shooting position information or the shooting position information and shooting information attached to each shooting scene, and the shooting position information and shooting information attached to each shooting scene. A database in which the subject in the shooting scene is estimated, and the image processing content corresponding to the estimated subject in the shooting scene and the image processing content including image processing conditions corresponding to various subjects are stored in advance. To select image processing content optimized for the subject in the shooting scene, and select the selected subject. The image processing content optimized for the subject is automatically set as it is, or after being modified, and finally set as the image processing content optimized for the subject, and is optimized for the set subject. The processed image processing content is applied to the digital image dataAt the time, in the database, in addition to the registered information, the output order is given according to the usage frequency, and the output order is updated.An image processing method characterized by the above is provided.
[0011]
  Further, the image processing content optimized for the finally set subject is registered and stored in the database, and the image processing content corresponding to the estimated subject in the shooting scene is selected. It is preferable to be provided for.
  Further, an image based on the digital image data on which the image processing content optimized for the selected subject is performed is displayed on a monitor, and the optimum for the selected subject is displayed based on the displayed image. It is preferable that the processed image processing content is finally set as the image processing content optimized for the subject after the corrected image processing content is corrected.
  In addition, in the database, subject information related to the subject in the shooting scene and information on image processing content optimized for the subject are registered, stored, and information on the image processing content registered in the database. Are preferably the type of image processing applied to the digital image data, the image processing conditions, and / or the image processing parameters.
  Also, in the databaseThe registered information isFurthermore, for display output control of a monitor that displays the digital image data that has been subjected to image processing content optimized for the subject.UsedIt is preferable.
  Further, in the database, in addition to the information on the image processing contents, information related to photographing including photographing techniques for photographing the subject is also registered and accumulated, and can be used for selection.preferable.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An image processing method according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.
The present invention estimates the subject in the shooting scene using the shooting information of the camera including GPS information acquired by the camera at the time of shooting the subject, and optimizes according to the shooting scene including the estimated subject. Image processing content is determined with reference to a database, image processing optimized for each shooting scene is performed, and image processing conditions optimized for each shooting scene are registered and stored in the database, It is to share processing know-how.
[0013]
First, the image processing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments. In the present embodiment, subject scene estimation (specification) is performed based on shooting information (camera information) of a camera including GPS information acquired using a camera that can use GPS using an artificial satellite, and according to the subject scene. Color and gradation control. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a digital photo printer to which an image processing apparatus that implements the image processing method of the present invention is applied.
A digital photo printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 basically executes a scanner (image reading device) 12 that photoelectrically reads an image taken on a (photo) film F, and the image processing method of the present invention. Image processing of the read image data (image information), various data processing, operation and control of the entire digital photo printer 10, and the like, and modulation according to the image data output from the image processing device 14 And a printer 16 that exposes the photosensitive material to an image with the light beam and develops it to produce a photographic print.
[0015]
Note that the output image data processed by the image processing method of the present invention output from the image processing device 14 is not limited to that output to the printer 16 for output as a photographic print, and various image data recording It may be output for recording (and reproduction) on the medium (image recording medium) 25, or distributed via a communication means such as the Internet via the slot 27, for example, net transfer It may be a service (and playback).
[0016]
Further, the image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting various conditions input and settings, process selection and instructions, color / density correction instructions, and the like, and a scanner 12. Are connected to an image display device (display monitor, hereinafter simply referred to as a monitor) 20 that displays the image read in step 1, various operation instructions, various condition setting / registration screens, and the like.
The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads a color image photographed on the film F, and includes a light source 22, a variable aperture 24, and a diffusion box 28 that makes reading light incident on the film F uniform in the surface direction of the film F. , An imaging lens unit 32, a CCD sensor 34 which is a photosensor for reading a photographed image of a film, an amplifier 36, and an A / D (analog / digital) converter 37. Further, the scanner 12 It is comprised from the carrier 30 for exclusive use with which the main body can be mounted | worn.
[0017]
For the carrier 30, for example, a special carrier corresponding to a long film such as a 24-size 135-size film or a new photographic system film (APS cartridge) is prepared, and the film F is placed at a predetermined reading position. While the image sensor is being held, the longitudinal direction of the film F is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the extending direction (main scanning direction) of the line CCD sensor of the CCD sensor 34, and the reading position is sandwiched in the sub-scanning direction. A pair of transport rollers arranged, a mask having a slit extending in the main scanning direction, which corresponds to the reading position, which restricts the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape, and a magnetic reading / writing device Have.
The film F is held by the carrier 30 and the reading light is incident on the film F while being transported in the sub-scanning direction. Thereby, the film F is two-dimensionally slit-scanned by the slit extending in the main scanning direction, and the image of each frame photographed on the film F is read.
[0018]
The CCD sensor 34 is a line sensor having three line CCD sensors that respectively read an R image, a G image, and a B image, and the line sensor extends in the main scanning direction. The projection light of the film F is separated into the three primary colors R, G and B by this CCD sensor and is read photoelectrically.
Reading light emitted from the light source 22, adjusted in light quantity by the variable aperture 24 and made uniform through the diffusion box 28 is incident on the film F being conveyed while being held at a predetermined reading position by the carrier 30 and is transmitted therethrough. The projection light carrying the image photographed on the film F is obtained.
The projection light of the film F is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32, is read photoelectrically by the CCD sensor 34, and the output signal is amplified by the amplifier 36 and A / D converted. The digital image data is converted by the device 37 and sent to the image processing apparatus 14 as input image data.
[0019]
For example, in the case of the film F of the new photographic system (APS), as is well known, the image of the photographic scene on the back surface (non-emulsifier surface) side of the film F, that is, the image recording area of each frame in which the photographic image is recorded. Magnetic recording layers are formed in the upper and lower areas, and the cartridge ID, film type, and shooting information, for example, shooting date and time such as shooting date and shooting time, GPS such as shooting position (camera position), shooting direction, and shooting magnification Information, data, and other additional information based on the photographing information are recorded.
[0020]
These recorded information are simultaneously read by the magnetic reading / writing device in the scanner 12 when the image of the film F is read by the scanner 12. That is, while the film (cartridge) of the new photographic system APS is set on the carrier 30 corresponding thereto, and the film F is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the carrier 30 and read by the CCD sensor 34, the magnetic reading / writing device The magnetically recorded information is read, and various information including shooting information is sent to the image processing device 14. In some cases, necessary information such as additional information based on photographing information is recorded on the magnetic recording layer by the magnetic reading / writing device.
[0021]
Also, when the film cartridge has an IC memory attached, data of shooting information such as a cartridge ID, film type, shooting date, shooting position, shooting (camera) direction, and shooting magnification is recorded in the mounted IC memory. If so, the information can be read. In addition, necessary information is recorded in the IC memory according to circumstances.
Needless to say, the acquisition method and recording method of shooting information and additional information based thereon are not limited to reading and recording from the magnetic recording layer of the APS film or the IC memory of the film cartridge with IC memory.
[0022]
The scanner 12 constituting the digital photo printer 10 is not limited to the one using the above-described slit scanning, and may be a CCD area sensor using surface exposure that reads the entire surface of one frame image at a time. In that case, R, G, and B color filters are provided between the variable aperture 24 and the diffusion box 28 shown in FIG. Projection light carrying an image of this frame photographed on the film F may be obtained by entering and transmitting one frame. In this case, it is necessary to sequentially perform the color filter for R, G, and B three times.
[0023]
Further, reading of an image by the CCD sensor in the scanner 12 is performed by performing a pre-scan for reading an image at a low resolution in order to determine image processing conditions and the like prior to fine scanning for reading an image to output a photographic print. After the processing conditions are determined and the operator (or user) confirms and adjusts them on the monitor 20, a fine scan for reading an image at a high resolution is performed. Therefore, the scan is performed twice: a pre-scan and a fine scan. Therefore, when a CCD area sensor using surface exposure is provided with R, G, and B color filters, it is necessary to scan three times using the R, G, and B color filters. A scan will be performed. In the case of using a line CCD sensor, since only two times are required, it is advantageous for rapid processing.
In pre-scanning, all images on film F are captured by pre-scanning at once and fine processing is performed after setting image processing conditions. However, pre-scanning and fine scanning are sequentially performed on film F frame by frame. You may go.
[0024]
Further, in the present invention, in addition to the scanner 12 that photoelectrically reads an image shot on a film such as a negative or a reversal, an image reading device that reads an image of a reflected original, or communication means such as computer communication (something via a modem) Image capturing devices such as digital cameras and digital video cameras, built-in memory, image recording media for digital cameras such as PC cards and smart media, and general-purpose images such as FD (flexible disks) and MO (magneto-optical recording media) Various image data supply sources such as a recording medium can be used, and these can be connected to the image processing device 14 directly or via a driving device thereof. The image processing device 14 is connected to these image data supply sources. Can receive digital image data, its photographing information and additional information. Note that these image data supply sources also function as output destinations of processed image data by the image processing method of the present invention.
[0025]
In particular, in the photo printer 10 shown in FIG. 1, a card memory such as a PCMCIA (PC card), an ATA card, a compact flash (registered trademark) card or the like on which digital image data obtained by photographing with a digital camera or the like is recorded or smart Image recording medium 25 for digital cameras such as media, and general-purpose image recording media such as FD (flexible disc), CD-R (recordable compact disc), MO (magnetic optical disc), DVD (digital versatile disc) and Zip A drive device 26 is connected to the image processing device 14 for reading out and acquiring image data from 25 and recording and outputting processed image data on the image recording medium 25. In addition, it is directly connected to various image data supply sources such as (personal) computers, digital cameras, scanners of other digital photo printers, image processing apparatuses, etc. via a cable (for example, RS232C), or a communication network such as the Internet. The image processing device 14 is provided with a slot 27 and the like for acquiring digital image data and photographing information and additional information which are attached information thereof and distributing processed image data.
[0026]
In the illustrated example, input signals (digital image data and attached information (shooting information and additional information)) are input to the image processing device 14 from various image data supply sources such as the scanner 12 and the drive device 26. In the following description, a case where digital image data is mainly supplied from the scanner 12 to the image processing apparatus 14 will be described as a representative example.
[0027]
The image processing device 14 is a block diagram of the image processing device 14 that performs predetermined image processing on the image data read by the scanner 12 and sent to the image processing device 14 as digital data, and outputs it to the printer 16 or the monitor 20. It is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a data processing unit 38, a prescan memory 40, a fine scan memory 42, a prescan image processing unit 44, a fine scan image processing unit 46, a condition setting unit 48, and a captured image determination. The unit 62 is configured.
[0028]
The data processing unit 38 performs log conversion, DC offset correction, dark correction, shading correction, and the like on the R, G, and B digital image data (input image data signal) output from the scanner 12 to perform processed prescans. The (image) data is stored (stored) in the pre-scan memory 40, and the processed fine scan (image) data is stored in the fine scan memory 42, respectively. The A / D conversion may be performed by the data processing unit 38 instead of the scanner 12.
The prescan memory 40 and the fine scan memory 42 store the digital image data processed by the data processing unit 38. If necessary, the prescan image processing unit 44 or the image processing unit 44 outputs the processed image. Called by the fine scan image processing unit 46.
[0029]
The pre-scan image processing unit 44 includes an image processing unit 50 and an image data conversion unit 52. The image processing unit 50 is a conventional technique such as color balance adjustment, contrast correction, brightness correction, sharpness processing, dodging processing, and the like. In addition to the image processing as described above, correction processing for aberrations such as distortion aberration, lateral chromatic aberration, peripheral light amount reduction, and image blur based on the aberration characteristics of the photographing lens is performed.
The image data conversion unit 52 converts the image data that has been subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 50 into image data corresponding to the display on the monitor 20 using a 3D (three-dimensional) LUT or the like.
[0030]
The fine scan image processing unit 46 includes an image processing unit 54 and an image data conversion unit 58.
The image processing unit 54 performs an LUT (look-up table) on the fine scan image data that does not perform color balance adjustment, contrast correction (gradation processing), brightness correction, and the like under the image processing conditions determined in the pre-scan image data. In addition, the saturation correction is performed by a known method by MTX calculation (not shown), sharpness processing, dodging processing, and the like are performed according to an operator instruction, image data, and the like. Correction of distortion aberration and lateral chromatic aberration due to characteristics and electronic scaling processing for enlarging and reducing the image according to the output size of the photographic print are performed.
[0031]
Further, the image processing unit 54 performs image processing according to the estimated subject in the shooting scene and the estimated shooting situation. Examples of such image processing include density or color gradation control, geometric distortion correction, sharpness enhancement, or smoothing processing, which is limited to the entire screen of a single frame shooting scene image or a specified subject area. These image processes may be performed not only by the image processing unit 54 but also by the image processing unit 50 of the pre-scan image processing unit 44.
The image data conversion unit 58 converts the processed image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 54 into image data to be printed out from the printer 16 using a 3DLUT or the like.
[0032]
Here, the processed image data subjected to the image processing is printed out from the printer 16, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is recorded on the image recording medium 25 by the image data conversion unit 58. Image data (for example, format conversion according to medium output) and output to the drive device 26, or image data for distribution via a communication network such as the Internet, communication means, or the like (For example, format conversion according to the net output) may be performed and output to the slot 27. Thus, also in the present invention, the processed image data can be used not only for print output but also for recording and reproduction on various image recording media, various net distribution (transfer) services and reproduction.
[0033]
In the condition setting unit 48, pre-scan image data is read from the pre-scan memory 40 and used to determine image processing conditions.
Specifically, density histograms are created from pre-scan image data, and image feature quantities such as average density, LATD (large area transmission density), highlight (lowest density), and shadow (highest density) are calculated. In addition, according to an instruction given by an operator as necessary, the above-described table (LUT) such as gray balance adjustment and matrix calculation for performing saturation correction are performed to determine image processing conditions. The determined image processing conditions are further adjusted by the operation system 18 having the keyboard 18a and the mouse 18b, and the image processing conditions are reset.
In the present embodiment, the condition setting unit 48 can reset the image processing conditions and set the correction conditions according to information such as the estimated subject and the estimated shooting situation.
[0034]
In addition, when an operator selects additional information related to shooting information such as shooting date / time data and shooting position, a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b are used to specify items according to the user's wishes. The monitor 20 is for an operator to check and verify whether or not the image processing of the pre-scan image data is appropriate, and is connected to the image processing device 14 via the image data conversion unit 52.
FIG. 2 mainly shows parts related to image processing. In addition to this, the image processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire digital photo printer 10 including the image processing apparatus 14, digital A memory for storing information necessary for the operation of the photo printer 10, a means for determining the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 at the time of fine scanning, the accumulation time of the CCD sensor 34, and the like are arranged.
[0035]
The captured image determination unit 62 includes a subject estimation unit 62a and a database unit 62b. The subject estimation unit 62a estimates a subject in the shooting scene and estimates a shooting situation based on shooting position information and shooting information attached to each shooting scene. The database unit 62b also stores an image processing database in which image processing conditions to be referred to are set in order to set the optimal image processing content for the estimated subject or the shooting situation of the shooting scene, and the subject in the shooting scene. A map database used for estimation, a photographed image (accumulated image) database that stores photographed images of famous mountains, sightseeing spots, and famous photography spots that are the main subjects, or a weather database that records the weather in each region, It includes information such as an event database that records event information.
In particular, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that image processing contents by a veteran operator are accumulated and stored in the image processing database for each specific subject or shooting scene in the laboratory.
[0036]
Note that the database unit 62b is not limited to the built-in image capturing unit 62 of the image processing device 14 as described above, and may be connected to the image processing device 14 as an external storage device. In addition, the number is not limited to one, and may be configured by a plurality of storage devices. Furthermore, the number is not limited to that provided in the photo printer 10, and communication such as the Internet It may be a database that can be connected or searched via means.
[0037]
The digital photo printer to which the image processing apparatus for carrying out the image processing method of the present invention is applied is basically configured as described above. Hereinafter, the operation and the image processing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0038]
First, the camera 66 capable of using GPS information captures a subject and records GPS information and various types of shooting information (S100). For example, in the case of an APS (New Photo System) camera, magnetic recording layers are formed in the upper and lower areas of the image recording area of each frame of the APS-compatible film F, and camera information such as GPS information and shooting information is provided here. To be recorded. In addition, if a direction indicator for a direction finder is added, the recorded latitude, longitude and altitude, as well as the shooting azimuth for the horizontal and vertical planes, as well as camera information such as the shooting magnification at the time of shooting will be recorded. Can do.
The recorded camera information is read by a magnetic reading / writing device provided on the carrier 30 of the scanner 12, and sent from the scanner 12 to the captured image determination unit 62 through a different path from the image data (S102).
[0039]
The subject estimation unit 62a of the photographed image determination unit 62 searches the map database in the database unit 62b from the GPS information (shooting position information) and the photographed information of the camera information that has been sent, The subject in the shooting scene is estimated (S104). The subject estimation unit 62a estimates the subject and the shooting point as follows.
[0040]
For example, when the photographed subject is a mountain, in order to identify what mountain the mountain is and at which point, the map is identified by referring to the map database from the obtained photographing position and direction. . By using GPS capable of accurately knowing the position based on signals from a plurality of artificial satellites, the photographed position, that is, the longitude, latitude, and altitude can be obtained. The positioning accuracy regarding the position of longitude, latitude and altitude is within 100 m, and there is no problem in practical use. Since the azimuth can be measured accurately by using the direction indicator for the direction detector, By comparing an object that is within a predetermined angle of view on a map that is determined depending on the object that has been photographed, it is possible to identify the object to be photographed and the photographing point as the object on the map database. Note that the shooting location includes not only the position of the subject in the captured image, that is, the shooting location (position), but also the shooting position such as the position of the photographer or camera, that is, the shooting position. May be included. By doing so, not only the subject in the photographed image but also information relating to the photographing position itself can be added to the photographed image as additional information.
[0041]
In this way, when the shooting position is estimated, for example, when it is estimated that the subject is Mt. Fuji, or when the shooting time is determined to be summer according to the shooting information, an image processing condition suitable for it is obtained from the image processing database. Selected. For example, the density / color is d1 to d2, the contrast is c1, the sharpness is such a parameter, and so on. Alternatively, the operator may perform a verification by looking at the monitor 20, and may further add a correction process.
The final image processing conditions are set by the condition setting unit 48, and the image processing conditions are sent to the image processing units 50 and 54, and image processing corresponding to the estimated subject is performed (S106). The image processing conditions that have been corrected and finally set by the operator are registered and stored in the image processing database of the database unit 62b (S108). As described above, it is desirable that the image processing contents have various know-how depending on the situation of the shooting scene and the shooting medium. As described above, it is desirable that image processing contents by experienced operators be registered in the image database and shared.
[0042]
In selecting the image processing contents, not only the subject and the shooting situation (shooting time) are taken into consideration in this way, but, for example, when the subject size is large, the sharpness enhancement coefficient is k1, and the subject size is small. In this case, the sharpness enhancement coefficient may be changed according to the size of the subject, such as k3. Alternatively, it is preferable to store various detailed know-how regarding image processing in the image processing database such as changing the coefficient of smoothing processing according to the number of pixels of the digital camera. As described above, when the image processing know-how is stored in a database, even an inexperienced operator can obtain the same image as an experienced operator by using these know-how.
[0043]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, the know-how of image processing by an experienced operator is made into a database and this know-how is to be shared. However, this embodiment does not necessarily require an operation by the operator, All processes from estimation to selection of image processing contents can be performed fully automatically.
[0044]
Similarly to the first embodiment, the image processing method of the present embodiment is also performed by the image processing apparatus 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
However, in this embodiment, the map database of the database unit 62b is assumed to include 3D map information, and further, the data on the material, color, etc. of each component is also stored in a database. As a result, when the subject is specified, the material and the color of the subject can be known, so that it is possible to automatically perform optimum image processing suitable for the subject.
[0045]
Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, a subject is photographed by a camera that can use GPS information, and GPS information and various types of photographing information are recorded. The captured image data and camera information such as GPS information are sent to the captured image determination unit 62 in the image processing apparatus 14. The subject estimation unit 62a estimates a constituent (subject) in a shooting scene using GPS information, 3D map information, or an image feature amount in addition.
[0046]
At this time, since the materials, colors, and the like are stored in a database for each constituent, the accuracy in estimating the constituent can be improved by using the image feature amount supplementarily. For example, even if the camera direction indicator (compass) is inaccurate and misaligned, the actual color of the building shown in the shot frame is compared with the color information extracted from the image features. Certainly, it can be estimated that the building, and the photographing area can be corrected (finely adjusted) with high accuracy.
[0047]
When the constituents in the shooting scene are estimated, the image processing is performed by referring to the color and material information from the database for each constituent and applying the optimized image processing parameters. For example, if the ground is soil, sand, asphalt, grassland, etc., what is the material of the wall of the building, what kind of plant if it is forest, etc. The color most suitable for reproducing these is set, the sharpness setting is switched, and the optimum processing parameter is applied to this. Further, each processing parameter may be switched using other shooting information such as a shooting magnification.
[0048]
In the case of the present embodiment, since information on the color, material, etc. for the subject (a constituent in the scene) is in the database as described above, processing parameters are automatically set by using this information, Can be processed.
Of course, even in this case, it is of course possible for the operator to see and correct it. It is preferable that the modified processing parameter is registered in a database to share the data.
[0049]
As in the above-described embodiments, the image processing conditions are stored in a database, and by using this, it is possible to perform high-quality image processing, for example, performed by an experienced operator, and obtain a high-quality image. Is possible.
At this time, when a general user prints out using a home printer at home, the user can access the database of the lab store (photo shop) and use various know-how accumulated in the database. It may be. At this time, since the optimization parameter is applied for each subject area, even an amateur can easily perform image processing and improve image quality.
In addition, the data to be registered in the database is not limited to one optimal type, and a plurality of recommended parameters may be prepared and selected from them. The registered information may be used not only for image processing but also for controlling scanner input and monitor display output (by type such as CRT and liquid crystal).
[0050]
In addition, as another example in which image processing conditions are stored in a database and image processing is performed using the database, for example, in a photo club, each image processing content (such image processing in the case of such a subject) If you apply, the best subject information and processing parameter information set based on your own experience that you have obtained such a good result, etc., and create your own database, You may make it use this with the friend. At this time, not only image processing but also information related to the shooting technique according to the subject is registered, and if the camera has a GPS function and a communication function, it communicates with the database at the time of shooting and It is also possible to refer to recommended points and shooting techniques of club members according to the subject.
[0051]
In addition, on the database side, according to the use frequency (reference or adoption rate) of the registered information, an output rank as reference data may be attached to each registered data, and this may be constantly updated. Furthermore, you may make it contact each registrant regularly about the utilization frequency condition of each data. In this way, especially for enthusiasts, it can be seen how useful the registered experience information is, and the enjoyment of photography increases.
[0052]
As described above, according to each embodiment, it is possible to apply image processing parameters that are optimal for each subject area, and improve image quality. Also, by accumulating such optimal image processing content for each subject, creating a database and sharing it, anyone can use high-quality image processing techniques and obtain high-quality images. it can.
[0053]
The image processing method of the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course it is good.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to apply image processing parameters that are optimum for each subject area, and it is possible to obtain a high-quality image by performing optimum image processing for a shooting scene or subject. At the same time, it is possible to share image processing know-how by registering optimal image processing content for each subject in the database.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a digital photo printer to which an image processing apparatus that performs an image processing method of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image processing apparatus for implementing the image processing method of the present invention used in the digital photo printer of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 (Digital) Photo Printer
12 Scanner
14 Image processing device
16 Printer
18 Operation system
18a keyboard
18b mouse
20 Monitor
22 Light source
24 Variable aperture
25 Image recording media
26 Drive device
27 slots
28 Diffusion box
30 career
32 Imaging lens unit
34 CCD sensor
36 amplifiers
37 A / D (analog / digital) converter
40 Pre-scan (frame) memory
42 main scan (frame) memory
44 Pre-scan image processing unit
46 Scanned image processing unit
48 Condition setting section
50, 54 (image) processing unit
52, 58 Image data converter
62 Captured image determination unit
62a Subject estimation unit
62b Database section
66 Camera

Claims (6)

Acquires digital image data of a shooting scene of a subject photographed by the camera, and is attached to each photographing scene, or photographing position information attached to each photographing scene obtained or input by the camera at the time of photographing the subject. Get shooting position information and shooting information,
Based on the shooting position information attached to each shooting scene, or the shooting position information and shooting information attached to each shooting scene, the subject in the shooting scene is estimated,
The image processing content corresponding to the estimated subject in the shooting scene is optimized for the subject in the shooting scene from a database in which image processing content including image processing conditions corresponding to various subjects is stored in advance. Select as the processed image processing content,
The image processing content optimized for the selected subject is automatically set as it is or after being corrected, and finally set as the image processing content optimized for the subject,
When performing the image processing content optimized for the set subject on the digital image data ,
An image processing method characterized in that, in the database, in addition to registered information, an output order is assigned according to its use frequency, and the output order is updated .   The image processing content optimized for the finally set subject is registered and stored in the database, and is used for selecting the image processing content corresponding to the estimated subject in the shooting scene. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image processing method is performed.   An image based on the digital image data on which the image processing content optimized for the selected subject has been performed is displayed on a monitor, and is optimized for the selected subject based on the displayed image 3. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein after the image processing content is corrected, the image processing content is finally set as the image processing content optimized for the subject. In the database, subject information related to the subject in the shooting scene and information of image processing content optimized for the subject are registered and accumulated,
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the information on the image processing content registered in the database is a type of image processing to be performed on the digital image data, an image processing condition, and / or an image processing parameter. . Information registered in the database, to be et al., Claims 1 to 4 optimized image processing contents with respect to the object is used to display output control of the monitor to display the digital image data has been performed An image processing method according to any one of the above.   6. The database according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein information relating to photographing including photographing technique for photographing the subject is registered and accumulated in addition to information on the content of the image processing, and is used for selection. An image processing method described in 1.

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