JP4240298B2 - Reprinted print processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reprint print processing system for reprinting a photographed image from a photographed image source as a photographic print.

  In conventional reprints, the client enters the reprint number for each frame number specifying the photographed image on the order form and submits it to the DP shop. The operator inputs the reprint number for each image frame to the photographic printer. A reprinted print was produced. In this extra print processing procedure, the operation for inputting the extra number of prints takes time and the work efficiency is poor. Further, when the client enters the number of extra prints on the order form, a problem frequently occurs that the relationship between the photographed image and the extra print number is wrong.

  In order to solve such a problem, when creating an index print with a reprint number entry column for each image frame and reprinting the photo, the reprint requester enters the reprint number in the reprint number entry column of the index print. When it is completed and submitted to the DP shop, through this index print, the reprint number printed in the reprint number entry column is read by the image reading means, and the reprint number information from this image reading means is analyzed by the analysis unit, There has been proposed a photographic printing apparatus that outputs a reprinted print according to the information on the number of reprinted sheets (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, an order number entry field is provided on the front side of the index print along with the photographed image, and a bar code indicating the image processing conditions used for producing the index print is recorded on the back side of the index print. A photographic printing apparatus that obtains the order quantity and image processing conditions has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-131850 A (paragraph number 0009-0011, FIG. 5)

JP 2001-235802 (paragraph number 0040, pages 064-0066, FIG. 5)

  By using the index print also as an order form, the relationship between the shot image frame to be ordered and the number of extra prints is less likely to be mistaken, and the number of extra prints is read by a scanner as specified in Patent Document 1, and the number is calculated by a computer. Therefore, the burden on the operator was expected to be significantly reduced compared to manually entering the number of extra prints. However, the index print format is not uniform and there are many types. Therefore, if the operator does not specify the extra number entry area, it is impossible to recognize the extra number in a form associated with the frame number for specifying the photographed image.

In view of the above situation, the object of the present invention is to automatically specify the number of images to be printed, without imposing a burden on the operator, even for an index print with a number-of-prints entry column existing in various forms. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reprint print processing system that recognizes a form associated with a number and outputs a reprint print.

In order to solve the above problems, a reprint print processing system according to the present invention includes the index print layout in which a plurality of photographed frame image areas and a reprint number entry area corresponding to each photographed frame image are arranged in various layouts. An operation input unit that inputs a layout type to be identified, and a read recognition unit that reads the number of extra prints linked to the frame number of the captured frame image from the scanned image of the index print based on a reading pattern defined by the layout type; An image input unit that inputs frame image data from the print image source of the photographed frame image; a reprint information management unit that creates reprint information that links the frame image data input from the image input unit and the number of reprints; Based on the reprint information Together comprised printing device for outputting come widening printing, when the duplicate printing information in the reprint information management unit is created to display the print initial screen to the monitor, in the print initial screen, divided by the frame number The number of extra prints is displayed in the printed frame, and from this initial print screen to the pre-judge screen that enables execution of extra print and individual manual color correction of the shot frame image that is the subject of extra print. It is possible to select either of the following transitions.

According to this configuration, when the number of extra prints is read from the index print in which the number of extra prints is entered, first, the layout type of the index print to be processed is input, and based on the read pattern defined by this layout type, that is, In response to the information indicating which area of the scanned image has a reprint number to be recognized, the reprint number linked to the frame number of the photographed frame image is read from the scanned image of the index print. Will be quick and accurate despite being automatically processed. The frame number and the number of reprints of the photographed frame image recognized in this way are further linked with the frame image data input from the image input unit, and a photograph print of the photographed frame image as ordered is output with the number of orders. After the reprint information is created, the number of reprints is displayed in the frame defined by the frame number on the initial print screen. From this initial print screen, the reprint print is executed and the pre-judge screen is displayed to switch to the manual color. Correction is possible.

In the present invention, the read pattern describes the position of the additional number entry area for each captured frame image from the reference point for each index print having a different layout, and is stored in the read pattern table so as to be searchable and extractable. Yes. As a result, only an area where data that must be recognized exists can be set as a recognition target area for each photographed frame image. Such a description file is also prepared for each index print having a different layout and stored in a memory such as a reading pattern table so as to be searchable and extractable.

  Furthermore, if an operation screen generating unit for displaying on the monitor an operation screen for correcting the additional information created by the additional information management unit based on an input command from the operation input unit is provided, The color correction information can be displayed together with the corresponding captured image frame, and those values can be changed if necessary. Such an operation screen is known as a pre-judge print (PJP) screen in a photo printing apparatus commonly called a minilab, and is used by an operator to set the number of prints and color correction values during simultaneous printing. In the present invention, since the number of prints of the current reprint and the previous color correction value are displayed on such an operation screen during reprint printing, the reprint print work is not a special work but a normal simultaneous print work. It can be done easily at a short interval.

Even for index prints with columns for entering the number of prints that exist in various forms, by setting an area for recognizing the information necessary for reprint order through the reading pattern, a frame that automatically specifies the number of prints to be printed and the shot image. Numbers are related to each other and displayed on the operation screen, so that the operator can perform the extra print processing while recognizing the number of extra prints in a form associated with the frame number for specifying the photographed image without burden. be able to.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments using the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing a photographic printing apparatus employing a reprint printing processing system according to the present invention. This photographic printing apparatus is a printing station 1B as a photographic printer for performing exposure processing and development processing on photographic paper P. FIG. And an operation station 1A that processes photographed image data captured from the developed photographic film 2a, the digital camera memory card 2b, the hard disk 2c, etc., and generates / transfers print data used in the print station 1B. Has been.

  This photo printing apparatus is also called a digital minilab. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the printing station 1B pulls out the roll-shaped printing paper P stored in the two printing paper magazines 11 and prints it with the sheet cutter 12. The back printing unit 13 prints print processing information such as color correction information and a frame number on the back surface of the photographic paper P, and the exposure unit 14 prints the printed paper P. The photographed image is exposed on the surface of the paper P, and the exposed photographic paper P is sent to a processing tank unit 15 having a plurality of development processing tanks for development processing. After drying, the photographic paper P, that is, the photographic prints P, sent to the sorter 17 from the transverse feed conveyor 16 at the upper part of the apparatus is collected in a plurality of trays 17a of the sorter 17 in a state of being sorted in order units (FIG. 1). reference). Note that an index print PX that lists a plurality of reduced photographed frame images, which will be described in detail later, is a post-processing tank unit that is exposed by the exposure unit 14 to the appropriately cut photographic paper P in the same manner as the photographic print P. As a result of the development processing at 15, the image is output to the transverse feed conveyor 16 and is collected together with the photographic prints P on the tray 17 a.

  A photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is laid to transport the photographic paper P at a transport speed in accordance with various processes for the photographic paper P described above. The photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is composed of a plurality of nipping and transporting roller pairs including a chucker type photographic paper transport unit 18a disposed before and after the exposure unit 14 in the photographic paper transport direction.

  The exposure unit 14 applies R (red), G (green), and B (blue) to the photographic paper P conveyed in the sub-scanning direction based on print data from the operation station 1A along the main scanning direction. A line exposure head for irradiating laser beams of the three primary colors is provided. The processing tank unit 15 includes a color developing tank 15a for storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing tank 15b for storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a stabilizing tank 15c for storing a stable processing liquid.

  At the upper position of the desk-like console of the operation station 1A, there are a film scanner 20 for acquiring photographed image data from photographed image frames of the photographic film 2a, and various image recording media 2b used for a digital camera or the like. A media reader 21 that acquires captured image data from a semiconductor memory, a CD-R, and the like, and a hard disk 22 that stores the captured image data once captured through the film scanner 20 and the media reader 21 are arranged. In the embodiment, the media reader 21 and the hard disk 22 are incorporated in a general-purpose personal computer that functions as the controller 3 of the photo printing apparatus. The film scanner 20, the media reader 21, and the hard disk 22 constitute an image input unit of this photographic printing apparatus together with a communication unit that receives image data transmitted through a network. The general-purpose personal computer is also connected with a monitor 23 for displaying various types of information, a keyboard 24 and a mouse 25 used as an operation input unit for performing various settings and adjustments, and a flatbed scanner 26.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the index print PX is divided into a plurality of types in which the size, number, layout, and the like of the captured frame image area 91 are different. In the case shown in FIG. 3A, five shot frame image areas 91 are set in a horizontal row and five columns in a vertical row, and the number of extra prints with a frame number attached below each shot frame image area 91 is entered. An area 92 is arranged, and an area 90 for a frame image source ID for identifying a photographed frame image shown in the index print PX is prepared at the lower end of the index print PX along with the store name / logo of the DP shop. Yes. In the case shown in FIG. 3 (b), seven shot frame image areas 91 are set in a horizontal row and four in a vertical column, and here again, a reprint with a frame number attached below each shot frame image area 91 A number entry area 92 is arranged, and an area 90 for a frame image source ID for identifying a photographed frame image shown on the index print PX is prepared at the lower end of the index print PX along with the store name and logo of the DP shop. ing. As described above, the layout differs depending on the type of the index print PX. However, if only the layout type of the index print PX is specified, the positions of the photographed frame image area 91, the additional number of sheets entry area 92, and the frame image source ID area 90 in the index print PX. Therefore, it is easy to read numbers and symbols recorded in these areas by, for example, an OCR function or a mark sheet recognition function.

  The controller 3 includes a CPU as a core member, and a functional unit for performing various processes on input data is implemented by hardware and / or software. The functional unit particularly related to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the image data of the shot frame image transferred from the image input unit such as the film scanner 20, the media reader 21, and the hard disk 22 is temporarily stored for various processing. Working memory 30, an operation screen generation unit that generates various operation screens including a PJP screen generation function that generates a pre-judge print screen (hereinafter simply referred to as a PJP screen) including pre-judge image data from the captured frame image data. 31. Video memos of various image data constituting the operation screen and image data of other display items The video controller 32 that converts the image captured in the video memory and converts the image developed in the video memory into a video signal by the video controller and sends the video signal to the monitor 23. Image processing unit 33 for performing various image processing such as sharpness and trimming, final image data processed by the image processing unit 33 based on commands such as color correction and the number of prints specified in pre-judge work, etc. Is transferred to the exposure unit 14 of the print station 1B as image data for printing, and is read by the flatbed scanner 26 that functions as an order information input unit for inputting reprint order information such as reprint frame number and reprint number. Additional frame number from signal Reading recognition unit 35 for obtaining a character or code representing and the number of prints, duplicate printing information managing unit 36 generates and manages the commands related to reprint the print based on the order information acquired by the reading recognition unit 35 and the like.

  Note that the print management unit 34 generates index print data for creating an index print PX of a specified type by using one-frame captured frame image data developed in the working memory 30. It also has a function of instructing the processing unit 33.

  In the read recognition unit 35, the index print PX as shown in FIG. 3 is used as a reprint order form, and the OCR function is used to read the contents entered in the photographed frame image area 91 and the reprint number entry area 92 by OCR processing. In addition, the mark sheet analysis function is implemented in a form in which the contents entered by the mark sheet method are read by the mark sheet analysis process. Of course, both functions and other recognition functions may be implemented if necessary. In order to facilitate such read recognition, the read recognition unit 35 stores a read pattern that defines a shot frame image area 91 and a reprint number entry area 92 in each type of index print PX. A table 37 is attached.

  As an example of the reading pattern, as shown in FIG. 5, the area other than the area that needs to be read in the index print PX having a specific layout is masked, and the reading attribute value (frame number or frame number source ID) is set in the area outside the mask. Etc.), and by superimposing such mask data on the read data read by the flatbed scanner 26, it is possible to select only the areas that have to be subjected to OCR processing or mark sheet analysis processing. It is also possible to associate with the item content such as the frame number assigned to. Even if there is an index print PX with various layouts, it is possible to reliably obtain additional print order information simply by reading out and using mask data corresponding to the type of the index print PX used as the additional print order form. be able to. As another example of the reading pattern, a coordinate value that can define an area that needs to be read, such as the position of the additional number writing area for each captured frame image from the reference point (for example, the upper left corner) for each index print PX is described. Script data is also proposed.

  The reprint information management unit 36 includes a frame number-reprint number link unit 36a that links the reprint print number acquired by the read recognition unit 35 with a frame number using the read pattern data described above. Further, when the image data of the shot frame images displayed as a list on the index print PX is stored in the built-in hard disk 22 or an image server accessible via the network, the frame image source ID area 90 of the index print PX is used. An image data capturing unit 36b that captures the corresponding image data using the frame image source ID that is the read address data such as the location code for identifying the corresponding image data is also provided.

The number of prints entry region 92 and the print time partitioned by the frame number units lower, which is divided and photographed frame picture image area 91 that displays a list of the photographic frame images on the index print PX shown in FIG. 6 A color correction information recording area 93 for recording color correction information applied to the image data is arranged. Further, a frame image source ID area 90 is also arranged at the bottom. In the case of adopting a system in which the index print PX additionally provided with the color correction information recording area 93 in which such color correction information is recorded can be used as an order form, the read pattern is the color correction information. It is assumed that the position of the recording area 93 can also be defined, and the reprint information management unit 36 is provided with a frame number-color correction information link unit 36c that links the color correction information acquired by the reading recognition unit 35 with the frame number. become.

First, a typical example of the simultaneous printing process by the photo printing apparatus will be described.
Assuming that the photographed image source to be processed is the developed 135 photographic film 2a, it is used by the operation screen generator 31 and a PJP screen as shown in FIG. On this PJP screen, simulated images 70 for six captured frame images are displayed, and in the frame area 71 on the upper side of each simulated image 70, a number indicating a frame number for specifying the corresponding frame image is displayed. The lower correction information frame 72 indicates “Y” corresponding to yellow, “M” corresponding to magenta, “C” corresponding to cyan, and “D” to indicate density correction information. "Is displayed, and a numerical value indicating the number of prints is displayed in the lower print number frame 73. When a plurality of simulated images 70 are displayed in this way, the simulated image is in a selected state by giving a conspicuous hue to a selection frame 74 surrounding one of the simulated images 70. It is clearly stated. In the lower area of the monitor screen, a frame 75 indicating the order number and the type of image media is displayed.

  When the simulated image 70 is displayed on the monitor 23, for example, when the yellow key as the operation key set on the keyboard 24 is operated, the correction information frame 72 corresponding to the simulated image 70 in the selected state is displayed. The operator recognizes that the yellow component is selected for correction by highlighting the “Y” character, inverting the character, or blinking, and press the plus key in this state. In such a case, image processing is performed in which the yellow component is increased stepwise by the number of times the button is pressed. Similarly, when the minus key is pressed, the yellow component is decreased stepwise by the number of times the button is pressed. When the neutral key is pressed, a process for returning to the state before correction is performed.

  Normally, “1” is automatically set in the number-of-prints frame 73. However, for a shot frame image that cannot be printed, by operating the operation key of the keyboard 24 to which non-printing is assigned, The character “pass” indicating non-printing is set in the print number frame 73.

  When the pre-judgment work for all the frame images, that is, in order units, is completed, the photo print process is started. At this time, the index print data for producing a predetermined type of index print PX is also simulated image data. And is output together with the photo print P.

  When the customer who has received the photographic print P, the index print PX, and the negative film 2a wants to reprint at a later date, the index print PX and the image source in which the reprint number is entered in the reprint number entry area 92 having the desired frame number. It is only necessary to submit the negative film 2a to the DP shop. If the image data is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-R at the time of the first printing, the corresponding CD-R can be submitted instead of the negative film 2a. Furthermore, when the image data used for printing at the time of the first printing is temporarily stored in the DP shop hard disk 22 or an external image server, the frame image source ID that defines the storage location is the index print PX. Therefore, it is only necessary to submit an index print PX in which the number of extra prints is entered.

  A typical example of the extra print processing executed in the DP shop that has received the index print PX in which the extra print number is entered from the customer and the image source will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that a CD-R which is the image recording medium 2b is submitted as an image source.

  First, the received index print PX is placed on the flat bed scanner 26 and the layout type of the index print PX is input using the keyboard 24 or the mouse 25. The reading recognition unit 35 reads a reading pattern determined based on the input layout type from the reading pattern table 37, thereby setting a recognition area for each frame number, and scanning data sent from the flat bed scanner 26. Character recognition. When character recognition for each frame number, that is, the number of extra prints, is recognized, the extra print number and frame number entered in the frame number-print extra number link section 36a are linked. Further, the image data of each shot frame image read from the CD-R inserted in the media reader 21 is transferred to the working memory 30 in a form linked to the frame number. That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 9, the frame number to be reprinted, its number of reprints and the frame number, and its image data are linked. As a result, the frame number to be reprinted, its reprint number and its image Frames will be linked, and preparation for reprinting will be completed.

  At this stage, the reprint print initial screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the monitor 23. In particular, a frame divided by frame numbers is arranged in a large area on the lower right side, and the frame number and the reprint are in the frame. The number of sheets is displayed. As a result, the operator can confirm the frame number to be reprinted and the number of reprints. The number of extra prints is displayed as a number, but the letter “pass” is displayed in the frame of the frame number that is not the subject of extra print. Although no frame image is displayed on this screen, a thumbnail image may be displayed in each frame. If necessary, on this screen, the operator can check the number of extra prints while looking at the index print PX which is an order form for this extra print, and can correct the extra print number. It is possible to execute reprint printing immediately from the reprint initial screen. In this case, the image data linked to the frame number to be reprinted is converted into print data by the image processing unit 33 and printed together with the reprint number. Sent to station 1B.

  When pre-judge printing is performed also in reprint printing, the pre-judge print button is operated to shift from this re-printing initial screen to the PJP screen shown in FIG. On the reprinted PJP screen, only the frame image that is the target of reprinting in the reprinted print initial screen is displayed in the form of a simulated image 70 in which the print state is pseudo-displayed. Is done. Through this PJP screen, it is possible to perform individual manual color correction of a shot frame image that is to be reprinted.

  If the index print PX, which is an order form for extra prints, is of a type that also records color correction information as shown in FIG. 6, it is recognized by the read recognition unit 35 in the same manner as the extra print number. Since the color correction information is linked to the corresponding frame number by the frame number-color correction information link unit 36c, the correction information frame 72 corresponding to each frame number is set based on the color correction information on the PJP screen for reprint printing. Is given. As a result, the operator can easily understand the color correction information at the time of the previous printing.

  When the pre-judgment work for all the reprint target frame images is completed, the print management unit 34 creates commands such as color correction and the number of prints specified through the operation screen, and the final image data processed by the image processing unit 33 Is transferred to the exposure unit 14 of the print station 1B as image data for printing, and a reprinted print P is produced. At that time, index print data for creating a predetermined type of index print PX is also created, but in order to prepare for the next reprint print order, this index print PX is a frame image that has not been subjected to reprint print this time. It is convenient to include.

In this reprint printing process, the recording medium (CD-R) 2b is used as the image source. However, when the image source is the negative film (piece negative) 2a, the shot frame image is transferred to the working memory 30 through the film scanner 20. When the image source is image data stored in the hard disk 2c, the image data is recorded in the frame image source ID area 90 of the index print PX and is operated based on the frame image source ID recognized by the read recognition unit 35. Image data is transferred from the hard disk 2c to the working memory 30 by the extracting unit 36b. In any case, as described above, the frame image, the number of extra prints, and the image data are linked, so the extra print operation is surely and easy. Can be done.

  When using an index print as a reprint order in a reprint process in a photo printing device installed at a DP shop, etc., even if there are several types of index prints with a number of printed sheets, the reprint is performed through the reading pattern. By setting the area for recognizing information necessary for ordering, the number of extra prints and the frame number that identifies the shot image are automatically related and displayed on the operation screen, so the extra print job is simplified. The

FIG. 1 is an external view of a photographic printing apparatus employing a reprint printing processing system according to the present invention. Schematic diagram showing the schematic internal structure of a printing station of a photographic printing apparatus Plan view showing index prints of two types (FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 3 (B)) having an additional order entry area Schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the controller of the photo printing device Explanatory drawing of mask data showing reading pattern Plan view showing an index print having an additional order entry area and a color correction recording area Monitor screen showing an example of PJP screen Explanatory drawing which shows typically the process sequence of the extra print processing system by this invention Explanatory drawing showing the link status of frame number, number of extra prints and image data Monitor screen showing the extra print setting screen

Explanation of symbols

3 Controller 24 Keyboard (Operation input part)
31 Operation screen generation unit 34 Print management unit 35 Reading recognition unit 36 Additional information management unit 36a Frame number-printing number link unit 36b Image data extraction unit 36c Frame number-color correction information link unit 37 Reading pattern table 90 frame image source ID area 91 Shooting frame image area 92 Reprinted number entry area 93 Color correction recording area

Claims (3)

An operation input unit for inputting a layout type for identifying the layout of the index print in which a plurality of photographed frame image areas and a reprint number entry area corresponding to each photographed frame image are arranged in various layouts, and depending on the layout type Based on a prescribed reading pattern, a reading recognition unit that reads the number of extra prints linked to the frame number of the captured frame image from the scanned image of the index print, and frame image data from the print image source of the captured frame image are input. An image input unit; a reprint information management unit that creates reprint information that links the frame image data input from the image input unit and the number of reprints; and a printing apparatus that outputs a reprint print based on the reprint information. ,
When the reprint information is created by the reprint information management unit, an initial print screen is displayed on the monitor, and on this initial print screen, the number of reprints is displayed in a frame divided by frame numbers. From this initial print screen, it is possible to select either the execution of reprint printing or the transition to the pre-judge screen that enables individual manual color correction of the shot frame image to be reprinted. A special reprint printing system.   The index print is provided with a color correction information recording area in which color correction information applied at the time of shooting image printing is recorded, and the read pattern records color correction information for each shot frame image from the color correction information recording area. The reprint print processing system according to claim 1, wherein region information for reading the image is included, and the reprint information includes the color correction information. The read pattern describes the position of a reprint number entry area for each photographed frame image from a reference point for each index print having a different layout, and is stored in the read pattern table so as to be searchable and extractable. The extra print processing system according to claim 1.

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