JP4250498B2 - Image processing service method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing service in which an input image recorded on an image input medium is output to an output medium such as a photosensitive material such as photographic paper or a storage medium such as a CD and supplied to a customer.

  Currently, a photo processing service is provided at a lab store or the like that outputs an image recorded on an image input medium, which is deposited from a customer, to an output medium such as photographic paper and supplies the image to the customer. In such services, images shot on photographic films (hereinafter referred to as films) such as negative films and reversal films are baked onto photosensitive materials (printing paper) by directly projecting the image of the film onto the photosensitive material. The so-called direct exposure printing (analog exposure printing) is the mainstream. On the other hand, in recent years, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read and the read image is converted into a digital signal, and then subjected to various image processing to obtain image data for recording. Digital photo printers, which are image forming devices that expose photosensitive materials with modulated recording light and output them as photographic prints, have been put to practical use. Photo processing that provides image processing services using such digital photo printers The number of contractors is also increasing.

  A digital photo printer basically has a scanner (image input means) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film, and an image that is processed by the image data read by the scanner into image data for output. In accordance with image processing apparatus (image processing means) and image data output from the image processing apparatus, for example, a photosensitive material is exposed by light beam scanning to record a latent image, and development processing is performed. Image output means such as a printer / processor.

A digital photo printer photoelectrically reads an image taken on a film and uses the image as digital image data to perform image processing and exposure of a photosensitive material. Therefore, not only the image photographed on the film, taken with a digital camera or the like, from an image stored in a storage medium such as a smart media ^TM, compact ^TM Flash (image data), is possible to create a print it can. Further, according to such a digital photo printer, not only an image is output as a photographic print, but also the image data is recorded and stored in a storage medium for image data such as CD (CD-R), FD, and MO. You can also.

  In such an image processing service using a digital photo printer, a photo processor performs various image processing on the image data stored by the customer in order to supply a better image to the client who is the client. A recorded image is created. The types of image processing include general image processing (color reproducibility optimization processing, tone control, facial color) that is performed on all image data (frames) in order to output an image of input image data more clearly. In addition to improved reproducibility, hypertone processing, hyper sharpness processing, etc., image quality deterioration correction image processing specialized for correcting defective phenomena that are confirmed in specific image data (frames) and deteriorate image quality, That is, there is special processing.

  This special processing includes image processing such as scratch removal, aberration correction, and red-eye correction. Among them, the red eye correction process is performed to correct the red eye phenomenon. The red-eye phenomenon is a phenomenon in which a person's eyes (pupil) turn red due to the effect of strobe lighting at the time of shooting. In an image that includes a person such as a portrait, the most important factor that affects image quality The red eye phenomenon becomes a serious problem because it affects the finish.

  In conventional photo printers that directly expose and print from film, red-eye correction is very difficult, but if digital image processing such as a digital photo printer is used, red-eye correction is performed by processing image data. Red eye correction has been proposed in the image processing service as described above.

  As an apparatus used in such an image processing service, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus capable of providing an image with a corrected red-eye phenomenon to a customer during simultaneous printing. The image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 automatically detects a red-eyed pupil by automatic extraction using image analysis, etc., and corrects the red eye by color-converting the pupil (its image data). Thus, the red-eye correction process can be automatically performed.

By using such an image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if an image deposited from a customer is input, an image in which the red-eye phenomenon is automatically corrected can be output. As a result, it is possible to automatically output an image in which the red-eye phenomenon is corrected at the time of simultaneous printing and provide it to the customer.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-175699

  However, the red-eye correction process is a special process (image quality deterioration correction image process) that takes a lot of processing time and labor in image processing. Note that the red-eye correction process can be performed fully automatically in the above-described image processing apparatus in the case of a typical red eye in which both eyes of the face of the person facing the front are red eyes. The subject that contains red eyes is a profile of only one eye with red eyes, a person who has red eyes with uneven sizes and faces diagonally, or an animal with red eyes. Since there are various sizes and numbers of red-eye subjects included in the image, it is not possible to completely correct all the red eyes existing in all the frame images by the automatic red-eye correction processing. For this reason, the red-eye correction process is currently performed manually or semi-automatically. Therefore, if a photo processor performs special processing such as red-eye correction processing in addition to normal image processing as an image processing service, the customer's dissatisfaction with red eye can be resolved, but the productivity of photo processing is reduced. The result is. For this reason, when performing a special process, the photo processor needs to bear the cost increase associated with the decrease in productivity or add to the customer's price.

  In addition, in such a conventional image processing service method, even if red eyes are present in the input image recorded on the input medium provided by the customer, the customer prints the output image in which the red eye is corrected, etc. Therefore, even if the customer obtains an output image with red-eye correction recorded on an output medium such as a print, the input image recorded on the input medium and the output image output are output. It is difficult to grasp the difference. For this reason, the customer cannot grasp the characteristics of the input image possessed by the customer and the characteristics of the image processing service used by the customer.

  The effect of the special processing of the image processing service performed by the photo processor until the productivity of the photo processing is lowered cannot be informed to the customer. For this reason, the image processing service of the special processing of the photo processor is not properly evaluated, so that the photo processor cannot obtain a valid evaluation and can be differentiated from other photo processors. It is not possible to receive the opposite evaluation, especially when adding the cost increase due to special processing to the customer price, and the opportunity to receive reprint orders for the same input image or new print orders from the same customer. There was a problem of missing.

  In addition, the customer imagined that the image processing service provided by the photo processor would not have grasped the characteristics of the input image he had and the characteristics of the image processing service he used. Since an output image different from the image, that is, an output image different from the image output from the previous photo processor is obtained, there is a disadvantage that the desired output image cannot be obtained for the customer.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to inform the customer of the contents of special processing such as red-eye correction processing applied to the input image by a photo processor, and an image including special processing. It is possible to inform the customer of the superiority of processing, allowing the customer to recognize an output image with increased added value, and obtaining a price equivalent to the added value. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing service method that allows a photo processor to receive a legitimate evaluation.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention acquires digital image data of an input image recorded on an image input medium, and the digital image data of the acquired input image includes special processing corresponding to the input image. An image processing service method for generating digital image data of an output image by performing image processing, and supplying a storage medium on which the output image based on the digital image data of the output image is recorded to a customer, recorded on the storage medium In the header or footer of the digital image data of the output image, special processing information related to the special processing is recorded and supplied to the customer, and the output image is an output image obtained by performing the special processing on the same input image, and Hisage image processing service wherein said is obtained by the output image not subjected to special treatment and one output images side by side It is intended to.

The special process preferably includes at least a red-eye correction process.
Moreover, it is preferable that the content of the special process is selected according to a customer's request, and a price paid by the customer is set according to the content of the special process.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an output medium recorded in an output form indicating that an output image is an image subjected to special processing such as red-eye correction can be supplied to a customer. For example, special processing information such as red-eye correction is recorded in association with the corresponding output image, and an output medium on which the output image is recorded, for example, an index print or header on which a photographic print of the output image and special processing information are recorded CD-R and other storage media with special processing information recorded on the footer and footer. Also, an output medium on which both the specially processed output image and the same image that has not been specially processed are output is supplied to the customer. Photo prints of both specially processed output images and unprocessed images can be provided to the customer.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it becomes possible for the photo processor to inform the customer of the superiority of image processing including special processing performed by itself, and to allow the customer to recognize an output image with increased added value, thereby adding value. It is possible to obtain the equivalent price, and the image processing service that performs special processing and the photo processor that performs this can receive a legitimate evaluation, and further, it can be differentiated from other photo processors. , Can expand the opportunity to receive orders. The customer can also grasp the characteristics of his / her own image.

  Further, according to the present invention, the special processing includes red-eye processing, and an image processing service method capable of recording or displaying the most important person in a portrait including a person in a preferable state in which red eyes are not generated. It becomes possible to notify the customer of a certain point, and the customer can also know which image of his own image is an image with red eyes.

Hereinafter, an image processing service method and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an image processing service method according to the present invention.
In the image processing service method of the present invention shown in the figure, an image input medium 4 (hereinafter referred to as input medium 4) such as a film or storage medium (recording medium) on which an input image is recorded, which is owned by the customer 2. In a form that can be recognized as a specially processed output image by generating an output image by performing image processing including special processing on the image. This is a service for recording on a photographic paper or a storage medium (recording medium) and returning it to the customer. Such services are performed as follows.

First, the customer 2 deposits an input medium (image input medium) 4 on which an image (input image) is recorded with a photo processor 6. The input medium is a film such as a negative film or a reversal film, a recording medium, or the like, on which photographic images that are a plurality of input images are recorded.
When the customer 2 deposits the input medium in the photo processor 6, the customer 2 can select the content (type) of image processing including special processing performed by the photo processor 6.

As this selection content, for example, normal print processing or normal processing media (only normal image processing (first image processing) is performed on all of a plurality of frames of a photographic image and output to an output medium such as photographic paper or recording media ( In the following, in addition to normal image processing and normal image processing, special processing (second image processing) is performed only on images of specific frames, and premium print and premium processing media (hereinafter referred to as output processing media) are output to the output medium. The customer 2 can select a print form or an output form (hereinafter, represented by a print form) of either the normal print or the premium print.
Here, the premium print is a form in which, in addition to the first image processing, red-eye correction processing, which is the second image processing, is performed, the premium print is a good image with fewer defects than a normal print. It is a print form having a feature that it can be output but takes a long processing time.

Note that the selected content is not limited to the above-described print form, and all of a plurality of frames of the photographic image are subjected to normal image processing and special processing, and an output image in which special processing is necessary and special processing is actually performed. Only a premium print may be selected and a print form to be output to an output medium may be selected.
Here, contents such as the type and degree of normal image processing described above are determined by default, but may be selectable by the customer. On the other hand, it is preferable that the content such as the type and degree of special processing can be selected by the customer, but it may be determined by default.

  The time required for image processing differs between the premium print and the normal print, and the price paid by the customer 2 to the processor 4 is set to a different price according to the costs of the normal print and the premium print. For example, the price of one type of special processing premium print is set to a price that is +1 yen higher than that of a normal print, for example. The customer 2 can select the type of print after confirming the fee presented by the photo processor 6.

In response to the request of the customer 2, the photo processor 6 processes the image using the digital photo printer 10 (see FIG. 2) to generate an output image, and records the output image on the output medium (print) 8. Then, it is supplied to the customer 2 in exchange for the price. At this time, when the customer 2 has selected the premium print, the information related to the special processing performed on the input image (hereinafter referred to as special processing information) together with the output image is also the output medium on which the output image is recorded. 8 or recorded on a separate output medium in association with the image and supplied to the customer 2. Here, recording special processing information in association with an image means whether or not each frame image recorded on the output medium 8 has undergone special processing or what special processing has been performed. Is recorded so that the customer 2 can judge. At this time, information related to normal image processing (hereinafter referred to as image processing information) may be recorded in addition to the special processing information.
In the present invention, as long as it can be recognized that the output image has been specially processed, it is not limited to the output medium on which the output image is recorded or the special processing information recorded on the other output medium. Regarding the frame image, both the specially processed output image and the non-specialized image may be recorded on an output medium such as a print (printing paper) or a recording medium and delivered to the customer.

  In such an image processing service, a photo processor performs image processing and output to an output medium using a digital photo printer. Hereinafter, the digital photo printer 10 which is an example of the digital photo printer used in the present invention will be described, and the image processing service of the present invention will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a digital photo printer 10 as an image forming apparatus for carrying out the image processing service method according to the present invention. The digital photo printer 10 shown in FIG. 2 performs first image processing and, if necessary, second image processing such as red-eye correction processing on an image optically photographed by a normal camera or digital camera. A recorded image is generated, and the recorded image and image processing information, which is information of image processing performed on the image, are associated with each other, recorded on an output medium, and output. The image input unit 12 and the image processing unit 14 And an image output means 16 and a reception means 18.

The image input unit 12 includes a scanner 20 and an image data reading unit 22. The scanner 20 photoelectrically reads an image taken on a (photo) film by a normal camera.
In the present invention, the scanner 20 is basically a known film scanner. For example, while the film is conveyed continuously or intermittently frame by frame, reading light is incident on the film at a predetermined reading position. The projection light carrying the image transmitted through the film is imaged on a CCD sensor or the like, read photoelectrically, converted into digital image data, and output to the image processing means 14.

  In the illustrated example, the scanner 20 performs fine scanning for reading an image with high resolution to obtain output image data for one frame (one image), fine scanning reading conditions, and processing conditions in the image processing unit 14. In order to determine, image scanning is performed twice, that is, pre-scanning that reads an image at a low resolution prior to fine scanning. The scanner 20 outputs pre-scan image data (hereinafter referred to as pre-scan data) to an image analysis unit 24 of the image processing unit 14 described later, and fine scan image data to an image processing unit 28.

The image data reading unit 22 reads image data from a recording medium (storage medium) that stores image data of an image taken by a digital camera, and supplies the image data to the image processing unit 28 of the image processing unit 14. Alternatively, image data may be read directly from a digital camera.
In the present invention, the recording media supported by the image data reading unit 22 are not limited, and CD-R, MO, FD, Zip ^™ , SmartMedia ^™ , xD-Picture Card ^™ , Compact ^™ Flash, PC card, etc. If the data (image file) can be stored, all the various media can be used.

In the present invention, the image data reading unit 22 may be configured integrally with the image processing unit 14 instead of the image input unit 12.
Alternatively, the image data reading unit 22 and an image analysis unit 24 and an image processing unit 28 of the image processing unit 14 described later are integrally configured, and both units correspond only to image data from the image data reading unit 22. As another example, the image analysis unit 24 and the image processing unit 28 corresponding to the image data from the scanner 20 may be provided separately.

  The accepting means 18 is a part that selects the contents of the image processing performed in the image processing apparatus 14, here, whether or not to perform red-eye processing as a special processing, according to the customer's wishes. The content selected by the accepting unit 20 is sent to a red-eye processing unit 32 of the image processing unit 14 described later, and whether or not to perform red-eye correction processing is set. The contents of the image processing selected by the accepting means 20 include normal printing that performs only normal image processing (first image processing) and red-eye correction processing (second image processing) in addition to normal image processing. There are premium prints, and either normal prints or premium prints (whether or not to perform red-eye correction processing in addition to normal image processing) can be selected according to the customer's wishes.

  The accepting unit 18 also selects the type of output medium that outputs an image on which image processing including special processing has been performed, and the type of output form (information output form) when the image data and special processing information are output in association with each other. It is also a part to choose. These selection contents selected by the receiving unit 18 are sent to an integration unit 36 of the image output unit 16 described later, and the type of output medium and information output form output from the image output unit 16 is set.

The image processing unit 14 receives the image data from the scanner 20 and the image data reading unit 22, performs the first image processing or the first image processing and the second image processing, and the image data is processed and recorded. It forms image data, and includes an image analysis unit 24, an image processing unit 28, and a red-eye correction unit 32.
The image processing unit 28 is a part that performs the first image processing in the present invention on the input image, and the red-eye processing unit 32 is a part that performs the second image processing means in the present invention. Both are completely independent parts each having a CPU, a main memory and the like, and are preferably specialized according to the image processing to be performed.

In the illustrated example, the image analysis unit 24 and the image processing unit 28 process both the image data supplied from the scanner 20 and the image data supplied from the image data reading unit 22.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes a unit corresponding to the image data supplied from the scanner 20 and a unit corresponding to the image data supplied from the image data reading unit 22 independently. Also good. Furthermore, the image analysis unit 24, the image processing unit 28, and the red-eye processing unit 32 may be configured as completely separate bodies.

The image analysis unit 24 analyzes the image data (image file) supplied from the scanner 20 or the image data reading unit 22, and requires a frame (image) that may have red eyes, that is, red-eye processing. The frame is extracted.
Note that the selection of a frame to be subjected to red-eye processing (a frame to be processed by the second image processing means) is not limited to a method based on data analysis, and may be performed according to an input instruction by an operator or the like, such as image data The analysis and the input instruction may be used together, or the analysis of the image data and the input instruction may be selected.

  When processing the image data supplied from the scanner 20, pre-scan data is supplied to the image analysis unit 24. The image analysis unit 24 performs image analysis of pre-scan data such as density histogram creation and face extraction for each frame, extracts frames that require red-eye processing, and extracts results, that is, information on frames for which red-eye processing is performed. Is sent to the scanner 20 and the red-eye processing unit 32.

  Image data (image file) taken with a digital camera is usually in the Exif format. When the image data reading unit 22 finishes reading data from the medium, the image analysis unit 24 analyzes the data read by the image data reading unit 22 and uses, for example, Exif data to select a frame that requires red-eye processing. The extracted result, that is, the information of the frame to be subjected to the red-eye process is sent to the image data reading unit 22 and the red-eye processing unit 32.

The image processing unit 28 performs normal image processing, which is predetermined first image processing, on all supplied frames (image data), and performs red-eye processing downstream in the image data transfer direction (hereinafter simply referred to as downstream). It supplies to the part 32.
The image processing performed by the image processing unit 28 is not limited, and includes gradation correction, color / density correction, electronic scaling processing, sharpness processing, dodging processing (dynamic range compression while maintaining intermediate gradation), and the like. Various image processing normally performed in various image processing apparatuses are illustrated. Also, each image processing method may be a known method using image data fetching into a memory, LUT (look-up table), MTX calculation, various processes using various filters, and the like.

The red-eye processing unit 32 is a part that performs special image processing, which is second image processing, on an image that has been subjected to normal image processing in the image processing unit 28 as necessary. When the red-eye processing is performed as the special image processing, the red-eye processing is performed only on the frames for which the image analysis unit 24 determines that the red-eye processing is necessary, and no processing is performed on the frames for which the red-eye processing is unnecessary. Instead, the data is output to the integration unit 36 of the image output means 16 described later.
Specifically, in the red-eye processing unit 32, when the image data of each frame supplied from the image processing unit 28 is a frame for which red-eye processing is determined to be unnecessary by the image analysis unit 24, The red-eye processing unit 32 outputs an image to the integration unit 36 without performing any processing. On the other hand, if this frame is determined to require red-eye processing, red-eye correction processing in the image is performed.

Note that the method of red-eye processing by the red-eye processing unit 32 is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used.
As an example, from the image data sent to the red-eye processing unit 32, red-eye in the image is automatically detected by image analysis (red-eye detection), and further, the correction (red-eye correction) is automatically performed by image processing. An automatic red-eye correction processing method is exemplified.

There are no particular limitations on the red-eye detection method, and various known methods can be used.
As an example, a method of performing face extraction and detecting pupils and / or red eyes from the extracted face is exemplified.

  The face extraction may be performed by a known method, for example, a face detection method by edge detection or shape pattern detection; a face detection method by hue extraction or skin color extraction; a candidate area is extracted, and the candidate area is divided into small areas Then, the feature quantity for each area is collated with a preset face area pattern, and the face area is extracted from the accuracy (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-137788); A method of extracting the face area by evaluating the accuracy from the degree of overlap of the candidate areas (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-149018); extracting the face candidate areas and setting the density of each candidate area to a value corresponding to a predetermined threshold value In some cases, a method for extracting a body region by extracting a body region and evaluating the accuracy using the density and saturation contrast of the face and body region (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-148980); Example Indicated.

A method for detecting red eyes from the extracted face area may be performed by a known method.
For example, pupil detection using edge detection, shape pattern detection, position information, hue information, etc. to detect red eyes from hue, etc .; eye detection using edge detection, shape pattern detection, position information, etc. , A method of extracting a low luminance region from the luminance histogram of the eye image data, extracting the pupil region by contracting the extracted low luminance region, and detecting a red eye from a hue or the like; The image feature amount z using the hue or the like is obtained for each pixel, the xyz three-dimensional space is set, the xy plane is divided from the mountain distribution of the z value, and shape information and statistical image features are divided for each divided region. Examples include a method for detecting red eyes from an amount or the like (see JP 2000-76427 A).
In the present invention, detection of red eyes is not limited to being automatically detected by the image analysis unit 24, but may be performed by connecting a monitor to the image processing device 14 and inputting instructions by an operator or the like. The input instruction may be used in combination, or the analysis of the image data and the input instruction may be selectable.

Further, the detected red-eye correction method is not limited and may be performed by a known method.
For example, a method of correcting red eyes by color conversion or saturation reduction of detected red eyes; a method of correcting the saturation or lightness of all other pixels so as to be close to pixels of the minimum brightness in the detected red eye region -76427)); and the like.
In the present invention, the red-eye information is not limited to being automatically performed by the red-eye processing unit 32, and may be performed by an input instruction by an operator using photo retouching software or the like, and image analysis and input instruction are used in combination. It may be possible to select an analysis of image data or an input instruction.

In the present invention, the special processing which is the second image processing performed by the red-eye processing unit which is the second image processing means is not limited to the red-eye processing as shown in the illustrated example, and the processing amount is large. Since it takes time, various special image processing contents are performed which are more expensive than normal printing. As described above, of the contents of these special processes, which special process is performed is selected by the accepting unit 18 according to the desire of the customer 2.
Examples of the special processing include distortion correction, peripheral light reduction correction, and an erasure process that processes image defects caused by film damage or attached foreign matter. Any of these image processing may be performed by a known method. For example, in the case of scratch removal processing, image reading is performed in the infrared (IR) region, a spot where a scratch (image defect) is generated is detected from the obtained image (IR image), interpolation using peripheral pixels, etc. Thus, the scratch removal process (image defect correction process) may be performed. In addition, by analyzing the amount of scratches, the location where the scratches have occurred, whether or not the scratches overlap the main subject, etc., it is determined whether or not to perform scratch removal processing (processing by the second image processing means). You may do it.

  The image output unit 16 includes a processing information extraction unit 34, an integration unit 36, a printer 38, and a media recording unit 40. The processing information extraction unit 34 is connected to the image processing unit 28 that performs the first image processing and the red-eye processing unit 32 that performs the second image processing of the image processing unit 14. This is a part for extracting and storing image processing information for each frame, which is information as to whether or not the image processing has been performed.

  The integration unit 36 controls the operations of the printer 38 and the media recording unit 40, organizes and integrates image data and special processing information, associates the image with the special processing information, and associates the printer 38 and the media recording unit. 40 and output from the printer 38 and the media recording unit 40. The integration unit 36 includes an image supplied from the red-eye processing unit 32 and subjected to only the first image processing, or an image subjected to the first image processing and the second image processing, and a processing information extraction unit 34. The supplied special processing information for each frame is recorded and supplied to the printer 38 and / or the media recording unit 40.

  The integration unit 36 stores in advance information on the type of the output medium desired by the customer and the output form of the output medium, which are set by the receiving means 18. In the image processing unit 28 and the red-eye processing unit 32, the output image data of each frame subjected to the first image processing and the second image processing, and special processing information (image processing information stored in each frame image). May be included). Further, the integration unit 36 supplies the image data of each frame and information on special processing performed on the image of each frame to the printer and the recording unit 40, and the image image data of each frame and its special processing information are provided. It is also a part that controls the operations of the printer 38 and the media recording unit 40 so that the output is associated with the output medium desired by the customer 2.

  The printer 38 performs image recording according to the image data supplied from the integration unit 36 and image processing information associated with the image data, and a photographic print (hard copy) as an output medium on which an image of the image data is reproduced. Is output. The operation of the printer 38 is controlled by the integration unit 36, and the print is output in accordance with the output information form set in the receiving unit 18. In the present invention, the printer 38 (image recording means) is not limited. For example, a photosensitive material (photographic paper) is exposed imagewise with a light beam modulated in accordance with image data supplied from the image processing means 14, subjected to wet development processing and output as a print (photo) printer, Various color printers such as inkjet printers and electrophotographic printers can be used.

  In the illustrated example, the processing information extraction unit 34 and the integration unit 36 are integrated with the image output unit 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing information extraction unit 34 and the integration unit 36 may be configured separately from the image output unit 16.

The media recording unit 40 is a part that records the digital image data supplied from the integration unit 36 and special processing information associated with the image data on a recording medium (storage medium) that can be recorded or stored.
In the present invention, the media supported by the media recording unit 40 is not limited, and image data (CD-R, MO, FD, Zip ^™ , SmartMedia ^™ , xD-Picture Card ^™ , Compact ^™ Flash, PC card, etc.) If the image file) can be stored, all the various media can be used.

  In the present invention, the image input means 12 and the printer 38 may be configured integrally, and the image processing means 14 may be configured as an adapter or an attachment so that it can be connected to or detached from the printer 38. It may be.

Hereinafter, a print output operation performed using the digital photo printer 10 of the illustrated example will be described.
First, the receiving means 18 selects either a normal print, a premium print, or a print form that the customer desires to output. This selection photofinisher operator, depending on the customer's desired, connected to the receiving unit 18, by operating the key board or a mouse, not shown, is performed by inputting the receiving unit 18. According to the present invention, this selection is the customer himself may be performed by operating the key board or a mouse (not shown) connected to the receiving unit 18.
In the present invention, not only the user selects a normal print or a premium print, but also the special processing in the premium print and the processing contents and special processing of the normal image processing according to the customer's request. Further, details about image processing conditions for normal image processing may be set.

At this time, the receiving means 18 selects the type of output medium and the information output form, and the selected content is sent to the integration unit 36 of the output device 16. This selection is determined according to the customer's wish if there is a customer's wish. If there is no customer's wish, the type of output medium and information output form desired by the trader is selected.
Hereinafter, the case where the customer selects the premium print will be described in detail.

In the digital photo printer 10, when processing a film image read by the scanner 20, when an instruction to start reading is issued, the pre-scan is performed as described above, and the pre-scan data is analyzed by the image processing means 14. Send to part 24.
As described above, the image analysis unit 24 performs image analysis for each frame, extracts frames that require red-eye processing, and supplies the extraction result, that is, information on the frames for which red-eye processing is performed, to the red-eye processing unit 32.
Also, the prescan data is used to set the reading conditions for the main scan, the image processing performed in the image processing unit 28, and the image processing conditions. Specifically, the image analysis unit 24 creates density histograms from the pre-scan data, and image features such as predetermined frequency percentage points of density histograms such as average density, highlight (lowest density), and shadow (highest density). The amount is calculated. In addition to the density histogram and the image feature amount, the image analysis unit 24 performs image processing performed in the image processing unit 28 and the image processing in response to an instruction for image processing to be performed on the output print selected by the receiving apparatus. Set the contents.

On the other hand, when the image data reading unit 22 processes the image data read from the medium, when the medium is loaded into the image data reading unit 22 and a reading instruction is issued, the image data reading unit 22 stores the image data. Read all image data.
When the reading of the predetermined data is finished, the image data reading unit 22 outputs a signal to the image analysis unit 24. In response to this, the image analysis unit 24 goes to the image data reading unit 22 to view the data, and performs the analysis of the Exif information of the image data (image file) read by the image data reading unit 22 as described above. Thus, a frame requiring red-eye processing is extracted, and the extraction result, that is, information on the frame to be subjected to red-eye processing is supplied to the red-eye processing unit 32.
Similarly to the scanner, various image feature amounts are calculated from the prescan data. In addition to the density histogram and the image feature amount, the image analysis unit 24 performs image processing performed in the image processing unit 28 and the image processing in response to an instruction for image processing to be performed on the output print selected by the receiving apparatus. Set the contents.

The following operations are the same for both the image data from the scanner 20 and the image data from the image data reading unit 22, and therefore the description will be given collectively.
Prior to the processing of image data for output described below, a test image may be created by using pre-scan data or image data obtained by thinning out image data read from a medium, and verification by an operator may be performed. Good.

  The image processing unit 28 performs normal image processing (first image processing) in the order in which the image data is supplied, and outputs it to the red-eye processing unit 32. For example, when the second frame and the sixth frame are frames for which red-eye processing (second image processing), which is special processing, is performed, the red-eye processing unit 32 performs red-eye processing only for these frames. In these image processes, information regarding what image processing, especially red-eye processing has been performed for each frame is extracted and stored in the processing information extraction unit 34. At this time, the image of the processed image data may be displayed on a monitor or the like, and the operator may test and adjust the image processing conditions.

The image data subjected to the first image processing and the second image processing is sent to the integration unit 36 and stored in a memory (not shown) in the integration unit 36.
As described above, the image data output from the red-eye processing unit 32 and the image processing information for each frame output from the processing information extraction unit 34 are sent to the integration unit 36, and the integration unit 36 receives the printer 38 and the media. It is sent to the recording unit 40. The integration unit 36 stores the type of output medium selected by the receiving unit 18 and the type of information output form. The printer 38 and the media recording unit 40 are controlled by the integration unit 36, and each image and image processing information made to each image are associated with each other according to the type of output medium selected and the type of information output form. And output from the printer 38 and the media recording unit 40.

Examples of the output medium on which the image and special processing information formed on the image output from the image output means 16 are recorded include prints and various media described above. Hereinafter, each of the information recorded on these output media will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a recording form of a comment on an index print, which is a first embodiment of an information outputting form of an image and special processing information to an output medium.
In the index print 52 shown in FIG. 3, for example, a mark 54 representing an eye as shown in the figure and a comment character 56 “red-eye correction exists” are printed as special processing information next to the frame number of the frame subjected to red-eye processing. Thus, it is possible to determine which frame is an image that has been subjected to red-eye correction processing. By looking at the index print 52, the customer 2 can know which frame image has red eyes, and which frame image of the output image he / she obtained is an image with red eye correction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a recording method of special processing information in which comment characters are printed on the back side of the print, which is a second embodiment of the information output mode of the image and special processing information to the output medium. is there. In the present embodiment, on the surface 64 (back surface) opposite to the surface 62 (front surface) on which the image is recorded, for example, a mark 68 representing an eye as shown in the figure, and a comment character “with red-eye correction”. 66 is printed. As a result, the customer can confirm that the image (print) of this frame is an image (print) corrected for blush.

  FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the information output form of the image and the special processing information to the output medium. The image 72 after the normal image processing and the red-eye correction processing before the red-eye correction processing are performed on one print. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a recording method of special processing information in which images 74 after image processing including image are recorded side by side. In the present embodiment, two types of images, that is, an image 72 before image processing (image that has not been subjected to premium processing) and an image 74 after red-eye correction processing and normal image processing in the same frame, are included in one print. They are recorded side by side. As a result, the customer can know what special processing has been performed by the photo processor since the image of this frame has been specially processed.

  FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the information output form of the image and special processing information to the output medium, in addition to the red-eye correction process and the image print 84 after the normal image processing, in addition to the red-eye correction. It is a figure which shows the method of outputting the print 82 of the image after normal image processing which is not provided and providing it to a customer. In the present embodiment, an image before red-eye correction processing in the same frame (an image after normal image processing without red-eye correction processing) and an image after red-eye correction processing and normal image processing are output as separate prints. And provide to customers. As a result, the customer can know what special processing has been performed by the photo processor because the image of this frame has been specially processed.

  Similarly, when supplying a recording medium to a customer, as a fifth embodiment, there is a method of changing the file name of the image data. For example, a comment “(with red-eye correction)” is added to the head of the file name of the image data. As a result, the customer can know what kind of image data he / she has and what kind of special processing has been performed by the photo processor. Such information is not limited to the file name portion of the image data, and for example, information for identifying whether or not the red-eye process has been performed may be recorded in the header portion of the image data.

  The form to be output to the recording medium is set by the receiving means 18 as described above. This setting is set according to the customer's wish if there is a customer's wish. Even if it is not desired by the customer, it is set according to the desire of the photo processor and the recording medium is output so that the special processing information can be notified to the customer. According to the present invention, by associating the image with the special processing information and recording it on the output medium in this way, the photo processor can inform the customer what special processing has been performed on the stored image. Is possible.

In the image processing service method according to the present embodiment, a processing company deposits an image input medium on which an input image is recorded from a customer, performs special image processing on the input image recorded on the image input medium deposited from the customer, and outputs it. Supplying media to customers.
The image processing service method of the present invention is not limited to this, and is an image processing service method in which, for example, a processor performs special image processing on an input image prepared by the processor itself and supplies an output medium to a customer. Also good.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various improvements and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the digital photo printer 10 of the illustrated example includes a processing information extraction unit 34 and an integration unit 36 in the image output unit 16, and images of each frame and special processing information made on the images of each frame. Are automatically associated and recorded on the output medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operator confirms the special processing information, and the operator himself operates the printer and the media recording unit. Thus, the output medium may be output so as to obtain a desired output form in which the image and the special processing information are associated with each other.

Further, for example, in the illustrated example, the second image processing unit (red-eye processing unit 32) is located downstream of the first image processing unit (image processing unit 28), but the present invention is not limited to this. The second image processing unit may be arranged upstream of the first image processing unit, and a plurality of different special processes may be performed upstream and / or downstream of the first image processing unit. A second image processing means may be arranged.
Further, the present invention is not limited to outputting processed image data to a printer (image recording means). For example, processed image data is output to a CD-R or DVD. Also good.

It is a figure explaining one Embodiment of the image processing service method by this invention. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing an example of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure explaining 1st Embodiment of the information output form to the output medium of the image of this invention, and image processing information. It is a figure explaining 2nd Embodiment of the information output form to the output medium of the image of this invention, and image processing information. It is a figure explaining 3rd Embodiment of the information output form to the output medium of the image of this invention, and image processing information. It is a figure explaining 4th Embodiment of the information output form to the output medium of the image of this invention, and image processing information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Customer 4 Input medium 6 Photo processor 8 Output medium 10 Digital photo printer 12 Image input means 14 Image processing means 16 Image output means 18 Acceptance means 20 Scanner 22 Image data reading part 24 Image analysis part 28 Image processing part 32 Red eye process 34 Processing information extraction unit 36 Integration unit 38 Printer 40 Media recording unit

Claims (3)

The digital image data of the input image recorded on the image input medium is acquired, and the digital image data of the output image is obtained by subjecting the acquired digital image data of the input image to image processing including special processing according to the input image. An image processing service method for creating and supplying to a customer a storage medium on which an output image based on digital image data of the output image is recorded,
Special processing information related to the special processing is recorded in the header or footer of the digital image data of the output image recorded in the storage medium ,
The output image supplied to the customer is an output image obtained by arranging the output image subjected to the special processing and the output image not subjected to the special processing for the same input image. Image processing service method. The image processing service method according to claim 1, wherein the special processing includes at least red-eye correction processing. The image processing service method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the content of the special processing is selected according to a customer's request, and a price paid by the customer is set according to the content of the special processing.

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