JP4360237B2 - Image modifying device, image modifying method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for retouching (modifying) image data.

  If image retouching software that operates on a computer is used, various types of image processing can be performed on the image data, and the image data can be easily modified. In some cases, image processing is not necessarily performed on the entire image, but only on a part of the image. In such a case, the image is masked and the image processing is executed (patent). Reference 1).

  The mask is a gray-tone paint for hiding a specific area. An operator creates a mask by pasting a sheet of gray-tone color on the image and performing a cutting process on the sheet. The operation of creating the mask has been performed for each image processing.

JP 2000-132701 A

  In the above technique, an operator needs to perform a work of creating a mask for each image processing, and there is a problem that workability is poor. For example, the range of one mask may be applicable to a plurality of image processes. In such a case, the operator needs to create a mask for each image process.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve workability when applying a mask to image processing.

  As means for solving at least a part of the problems described above, the following configuration is adopted.

The image modification device of the present invention is:
In the image modification device for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing a plurality of types of image processing on the input image data,
Mask data setting means for setting mask data indicating a mask for hiding a predetermined area in the image with respect to the input image data;
Image processing setting means for sequentially setting, based on an operation command from an operator, a parameter that defines the type of image processing to be performed on the input image data and the degree of modification;
Each time an image processing setting is made by the image processing setting means, image processing is performed on the input image data based on the set type and parameter and the mask data set by the mask data setting means. And image processing means for obtaining modified image data.

  According to the image modifying apparatus having the above configuration, the mask data set by the mask data setting unit can be adapted to each of a plurality of types of image processing executed by the image processing unit. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability when the mask is applied to the image processing is excellent.

In the image modifying device having the above-described configuration,
Mask data registration means for registering the mask data set by the mask data setting means in a mask table;
Mask data selection means for selecting one mask data based on an operation command from an operator from among mask data registered in the mask table,
The image processing means includes
The mask data selected by the mask data selecting means can be used as the mask data set by the mask data setting means.

  According to this configuration, even when a plurality of pieces of mask data are to be multiplied with respect to one input image data, the mask data selection unit selects a desired mask from the mask table, thereby executing the image processing unit. Desired mask data can be applied to each of a plurality of types of image processing. Therefore, a plurality of mask data can be applied with good workability.

  In the configuration applicable to the plurality of mask data, the mask data registration unit is configured to register the mask data with a name determined based on an operation command from an operator, and the mask data selection unit The mask data can be selected based on a name input based on an operation command from an operator.

  According to this configuration, mask data can be managed by name.

In the configuration for managing the mask data with the above-mentioned name, a recording adding means for adding the type and parameter of the image processing and the name of the mask data to the recording file each time the image processing is executed by the image processing means. When the same image processing as the combination of the type of image processing and mask data already performed on the input image data is performed again by the image processing unit, the operation by the recording addition unit is prohibited, The image processing apparatus may be configured to include a recording correction unit that rewrites the parameter of the image processing determined from the type and mask data recorded in the recording file with the parameter value at the time of the re-execution.

  According to this configuration, the type, parameter, and mask data name for the image processing can be stored together in the recording file. With the recording file, the current modified image can be restored from the input image data.

  The image modifying apparatus capable of storing the recording file may include a display control means for displaying at least a type of the image processing stored in the recording file and a name of the mask data on a display device. .

  According to this configuration, the operator can visually confirm the contents of the recording file, particularly the name of the mask data.

  The image modifying device having the above-described configuration may include a mask data storage unit that stores the mask data in a nonvolatile storage unit.

  According to this configuration, the mask data can be kept even after the apparatus power is turned off, so that the mask data can be reused at any time.

The image retouching method of the present invention includes:
In the image modification method for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing a plurality of types of image processing on the input image data,
(A) a step of setting mask data indicating a mask for hiding a predetermined area in the image with respect to the input image data;
(B) a step of sequentially setting the type of image processing to be performed on the input image data and a parameter defining the degree of modification based on an operation command from an operator;
(C) Each time the setting for one image processing is performed in the step (b), the input image data is based on the set type and parameter and the mask data set in the step (b). And a step of performing image processing to obtain modified image data.

The computer program of the present invention is:
In a computer program for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing a plurality of types of image processing on the input image data,
(A) a function of setting mask data indicating a mask for hiding a predetermined area in the image with respect to the input image data;
(B) a function for sequentially setting a parameter for specifying the type of image processing to be executed on the input image data and a degree of modification based on an operation command from an operator;
(C) Each time the setting for one image processing is performed by the function (b), the input image data is based on the set type and parameter and the mask data set by the function (b). It is characterized in that the computer realizes the function of executing image processing and obtaining modified image data.

  The image modification method and the computer program of the present invention also have the effect of being excellent in workability when a mask is applied to image processing, like the image modification apparatus of the present invention.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable recording medium that records the computer program of the present invention. This recording medium has the same operation and effect as each computer program of the present invention.

  The present invention includes other aspects as follows. The 1st aspect is an aspect as a program supply apparatus which supplies the computer program of this invention via a communication path. In this first aspect, the above-described method and apparatus are realized by placing a computer program on a server or the like on a computer network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program. Can do.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples. This embodiment will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration:
B. Computer processing:
B-1. Overall processing:
B-2. Retouching process:
B-2-1. Mask setting process:
B-2-2. Image processing:
C. Action / Effect Other embodiments:

A. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of a computer system 10 to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied. The computer system 10 includes a so-called personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a computer), and includes a CRT display 12, a printer 13, and a digital camera 14 around the computer system 10. The computer includes a computer main body 16, a keyboard 18, and a mouse 20. The computer main body 16 is equipped with a CD drive 24 for reading the contents of the CD-ROM 22.

  The computer main body 16 includes a ROM 31, a RAM 32, a display image memory 33, a mouse interface 34, a keyboard interface 35, a CDC 36, an HDC 37, a CRTC 38, a printer interface 39, an input / output device interface 40, and a CPU 30. An I / O port 41 is provided. The ROM 31 is a read-only memory that stores various built-in programs and the like. The RAM 32 is a readable / writable memory for storing various data. The display image memory 33 is a memory that stores image data of an image to be displayed on the CRT display 12.

  The mouse interface 34 is an interface that manages data exchange with the mouse 20. The keyboard interface 35 is an interface that manages key input from the keyboard 18. The CDC 36 is a CD controller that controls the CD drive (CDD) 24. The HDC 37 is a hard disk controller that controls a hard disk drive (HDD) 42. The HDD 42 stores in advance computer programs and the like which will be described later.

  The CRTC 38 is a CRT controller that controls display of an image on the CRT display 12 based on display image data stored in the display image memory 33. The printer interface 39 is an interface that controls input / output of data to / from the printer 13. The input / output machine interface 40 is an interface for controlling input / output of data to / from an externally connected input / output device, in this embodiment, for example, a digital camera 14 connected by USB (Universal Serial Bus). The I / O port 41 has a serial output port, and is connected to a modem 44, and is connected to a public telephone line 46 via the modem 44. The computer main body 16 is connected to an external network via a modem 44 and can be connected to a specific server 47.

  In this computer system 10, the operating system is stored in the HDD 42, and when the computer main body 16 is turned on, it is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32 according to the loader written in the boot block of the HDD 42. Photo retouching software (computer program) for refining photographic images (color photographic images) taken by the digital camera 14 is stored in advance in the CD-ROM 22, and the CD drive 24 is activated by starting a predetermined installation program. To the computer main body 16. The installed computer program is stored in the HDD 42, and is loaded into a predetermined area of the RAM 32 when a predetermined activation command is received.

  Various components of the present invention are realized by the CPU 30 executing some modules (described later) of the computer program. As described above, this computer program is stored in the CD-ROM 22, but instead of this, another portable recording medium (portable recording medium) such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, or an IC card. It is good also as a structure stored in. The computer program described above can also be obtained by downloading program data provided via a network from a specific server 47 connected to an external network and transferring it to the RAM 32 or the HDD 42. . The network may be the Internet or a computer program obtained by downloading from a specific homepage. Alternatively, it may be a computer program supplied in the form of an email attachment.

  Next, the state of control processing according to the photo retouching software by the computer system 10 having the hardware configuration described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a state of control processing according to the photo retouching software 50 executed by the computer main body 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, according to the photo retouching software 50 operating in the computer main body 16, first, the input module 51 performs processing for taking in image data Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14. Next, the modification module 52 modifies image data (hereinafter referred to as input image data) Dpi captured by the input module 51. The modification module 52 rotates or trims (cuts out) the photographic image represented by the input image data Dpi, changes the brightness, contrast, saturation, etc. of the image, exposure correction, and cross filter. The image can be modified by applying effects such as Each of these image processing is sequentially executed as necessary by receiving an operation command from the operator. An image of the modification process by the modification module 52 is sent to the CRT display 12 via the display driver 60 and displayed.

  The modification module 52 includes a mask data setting unit 52a, an image processing setting unit 52b, and an image processing unit 52c. The image processing can be performed by masking the input image data Dpi by the function of each of the units 52a to 52c. This configuration corresponds to the main part of the present invention and will be described in detail later.

  According to the photo retouching software 50, the modified image data Dpo is sent to the printer 13 via the printer driver 62 and displayed by the printing module 53. Further, the modified image data Dpo is sent to the external device by the output module 54.

B. Computer processing:
B-1. Overall processing:
By executing the photo retouching software 50 by the CPU 30 of the computer main body 16, the input module 51, the modification module 52, the printing module 53, and the output module 54 described above are realized. The control process according to the photo retouching software 50 will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of this control process. This routine is started when an instruction to execute the photo retouching software 50 is given.

  As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU 30 first performs a process of displaying the application window WD on the CRT display 12 (step S100). FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial state of the application window WD. As shown in the figure, in the processing menu field MN on the left side of the application window WD, four types of buttons BT1, BT2, BT3, and BT4 of “input”, “modify”, “print”, and “output” are directed downward. The operator clicks these buttons BT1 to BT4 with the mouse 20 in order to modify and output the photographic image taken by the digital camera 14 on the screen of the CRT display 12. Can proceed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, after executing step 100, the CPU 30 takes in an operation command in which the buttons BT <b> 1 to BT <b> 4 are clicked with the mouse 20, and performs input processing, modification processing, printing processing corresponding to the operation command, The output process is executed in order (steps S200, S300, S400, S500).

  The input process executed in step S200 takes in image data (input image data) Dpi representing a photographic image from the digital camera 14, and corresponds to the input module 51 (FIG. 2) described above. This input image data Dpi import operation is performed in response to an operation command in which the “file” button BT11 provided on the menu bar BR1 of the application window WD shown in FIG. Specifically, “external device input” provided in a pull-down menu (not shown) opened from the “file” button BT11 is selected, then the digital camera 14 is selected as the input device, and then the file name is selected. The operation is performed in response to a series of operation commands from the mouse 20 such as selecting. The input image data Dpi thus captured is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 32, and is displayed in the work field FDW of the application window WD at the same time.

  It should be noted that instead of a configuration in which the input image data Dpi is directly captured from the digital camera 14, image data of a photographic image taken by the digital camera 14 is stored in the HDD 42 in advance, and the image data in the HDD 42 is read out. You can also In other words, image data representing a photographic image may be read each time using a digital camera, or may be prepared in advance in storage means such as the HDD 42 and read out from the storage means. Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which image data of a photographic image is taken in from outside via a network.

  The modification process executed in step S300 is to modify the input image data Dpi by executing image processing on the input image data Dpi. This modification processing is image processing that employs a so-called “modification parameter method”. That is, the image modification information is stored as a parameter separately from the original image. Various requirements of the present invention are realized by this modification processing, and details will be described later. The modified image data Dpo that has undergone the modification process is stored in a predetermined holder prepared in the HDD 42. This modification process corresponds to the modification module 52 (FIG. 2) described above.

  The printing process executed in step S400 outputs the modified image data Dpo created in step S300 to the printer driver as a print command. This printing process has a well-known configuration and will not be described in detail here, but a modified photographic image is printed from the printer 13. This printing process corresponds to the printing module 53 (FIG. 2) described above.

  The output process executed in step S500 is to output the modified image data Dpo created in step S300 to an external device. As a result, the modified image data Dpo representing the modified photographic image is output to a desired external device. This output process corresponds to the output module 54 (FIG. 2) described above.

B-2. Modification Process The modification process executed in step S300 will be described in detail below. This photo retouching software has a function that gives the image the effect of changing the environment in which the photo was taken (shooting environment), a function that gives the image the effect of changing the camera settings when the photo was taken (shooting), and Functions that give images the effect of work done in the dark room after shooting (dark room), functions that give the image effects such as unsharp masking and blurring (filter), brightness, contrast adjustment, red-eye correction, stain removal, etc. A function (tool) or the like for giving an effect of processing to an image is provided.

  FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing the routine of this modification process. When the processing shifts to this routine, as shown in the figure, the CPU 30 first performs processing for changing the application window WD displayed on the CRT display 12 for modification processing (step S310).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an application window WD for modification processing. As shown in the drawing, a plurality of buttons as activation switches for frequently used image processing are displayed on the toolbar BR2 of the application window WD for modification processing. A plurality of group tabs TB1 to TB6 are provided in the upper part of the toolbar BR2. In the first to fifth group tabs TB1 to TB5, the above-described modification processing functions of the photo retouching software 50, that is, the above-described “imaging environment”, “imaging”, “dark room”, “filter”, “ Each function of "Tool" corresponds. The sixth group tab TB6 corresponds to the “work note” function. The function of “Work Note” will be described later.

  The operator clicks a desired group tab from the first to sixth group tabs TB1 to TB6 by using the mouse 20, so that “imaging environment”, “imaging”, “dark room”, “filter”, “ A desired function can be selected from the functions of “tool” and “work note”. Each of these functions is not realized by a single modification process, but by a plurality of modification processes. For example, the function of “shooting environment” corresponding to the first group tab TB1 is realized by image processing of “lighting”, “flash light quantity”, “shooting time zone change”, and “weather conversion”. The “tool” function corresponding to group tab TB5 of 5 has various adjustments such as “brightness”, “contrast”, “color balance”, “hue / saturation / lightness”, “tone curve”, “histogram”, etc. Realized by processing. In other words, by selecting a desired group tab from the first to sixth group tabs TB1 to TB6 by clicking, the operator selects an image processing group that realizes the function.

  On the tool bar BR2, a plurality of image processing start switches included in the group as a result of the selection described above are displayed as buttons. That is, buttons for various modification processes that realize functions corresponding to the tab clicked from the first to sixth group tabs TB1 to TB6 are displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when TB1 of “shooting environment” which is the first group tab is selected, “light is applied”, “flash light amount”, “shooting time zone change”, “ “Change Season” and “Change Weather” buttons are displayed. Although not shown, for example, when TB5 of the “tool” that is the fifth group tab is selected, “brightness”, “contrast”, “color balance”, “hue / saturation / lightness” , Buttons such as “tone curve” and “histogram” are displayed.

  The operator can select the image processing corresponding to the button by clicking the button displayed on the toolbar BR2 with the mouse 20 while switching the group tabs TB1 to TB6 provided on the toolbar BR2. it can. Each image process is performed on the input image data Dpi captured in step S200. However, there is a case where it is desired to operate only on a part of the image instead of the entire image of the input image data Dpi. In such a case, the image processing is executed by masking the image.

  A mask setting field FDma for setting a mask is provided below the work field FDW. The mask setting field FDma includes a “mask setting” button BTm1, a darkness slider bar SBm1, and a color change button BTm2. The “mask setting” button BTm1 is a switch for displaying a “mask setting” window for executing a mask setting process. The slider bar SBm1 is for designating the transparency (darkness) of the display color of the mask when the mask is displayed in the application window WD. The color change button BTm2 is for designating the display color. The mask is a gray-tone paint for hiding a specific area, but when displayed on the screen, the transparency of the display color of the mask and its display color are displayed by the slider bar SBm1 and the color change button BTm2. Can be changed.

  Returning to FIG. 5, after executing step S <b> 310, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S <b> 320 to check whether the “mask setting” button BTm <b> 1 provided in the mask setting field FDma has been clicked using the mouse 20. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, a mask setting process is executed (step S321), and then the process proceeds to step S330. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S320 that the “set mask” button BTm1 has not been clicked, the process proceeds to step S330 without executing step S321.

B-2-1. Mask setting process:
Details of the mask setting process will be described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the mask setting process executed in step S321. As shown in the figure, when the process shifts to the mask setting process, the CPU 30 first performs a process of displaying a “mask setting” window WDm on the CRT display 12 (step S610).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a “mask setting” window WDm. As shown in the figure, the “mask setting” window WDm is provided with an operation field FDm1 and a work field FDm2. The operation field FDm1 includes a “layer operation” field FDm11 and a “mask creation” field FDm12. The “Create”, “Delete”, and “Duplicate” buttons BTm11, BTm12, and BTm13 are provided in the “layer operation” field FDm11.

  In the “Mask creation” field FDm12, tool buttons BTm14 to BT17 for specifying and editing a range and buttons “BTm18 to BT20” for “Add”, “Cut”, and “Cancel” are provided. . In addition, various tool buttons are provided.

  The illustrated state is a state immediately after the “mask setting” window WDm is displayed. In the work field FDm2, input image data Dpi is displayed. At this point, since there is no mask layer for creating a mask, the characters “no mask layer” are displayed on the image of the input image data Dpi. As described above, the mask is formed in the layer. A layer is a transparent sheet that allows you to perform color correction or paste a new image (text, clip, etc.) without changing the original image. A gray tone sheet is prepared as a mask layer for the mask. This mask layer can be created by the “Create” button BTm11.

  That is, returning to FIG. 8, after executing step S610, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the “create” button BTm11 has been clicked with the mouse 20 (step S620). Here, if a negative determination is made, the process of step S620 is repeated, and the process waits for the “Create” button BTm11 to be clicked. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S620 that the “create” button BTm11 has been clicked, the process proceeds to step S630. In step S630, CPU 30 displays a dialog box DBX1 of “Create new mask” and performs a process of inputting the name of the mask.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the “create new mask” dialog box DBX1. As shown in the drawing, a “name” input field FDm20 is provided in the “create new mask” dialog box DBX1. When an operator operates the mouse 20 and the keyboard 18 to input a mask name in the input field FDm20, and the “OK” button BTm30 is clicked, the CPU 30 captures the mask name. Here, it is assumed that the name of the mask “castle” is input.

  Returning to FIG. 8, after executing step S630, the CPU 30 creates a mask layer having the name set in step S630 (step S640), and displays the mask layer in the “mask setting” window WDm (step S650). ).

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a “mask setting” window WDm in a state where a mask layer is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, the processes in steps S620 to S650 are repeated twice to create a mask layer named “castle” and a mask layer named “empty”. As shown in the figure, the work field FDm2 is formed with two tabs TBm1 and TBm2. By switching between the tabs TBm1 and TBm2, the mask layer of “castle” and the mask layer of “empty” are displayed. The display can be switched with. Each mask layer has the same size as the input image data Dpi, and is a gray-tone sheet. For example, in the case of processing with 256 gradation 8-bit gray scale, at this time, all the pixels of the image have a value of 255.

  A mask display setting field FDmb is provided below the work field FDm2. The mask setting field FDmb includes a darkness slider bar SBm2 and a color change button BTm40. The slider bar SBm2 is for designating the transparency (darkness) of the display color of the mask when the mask is displayed in the “mask setting” window WDm. The color change button BTm40 is for designating the display color. By operating the slider bar SBm2 and the button BTm40, the display color and density of the “castle” mask layer and the “sky” mask layer can be adjusted. In FIG. 11, the mask layer is indicated by a hatched area. This is for the purpose of clarifying that it is a mask layer in the figure, and hatching is not actually displayed. In other drawings, the mask portion is hatched.

  When the mask layer is created in step S640 in FIG. 8, the mask is initially completely masked (the entire photo is covered) as shown in FIG. From here, it is necessary to create a mask shape by specifying a range and “cutting out” or adding / deleting the range using a pen or eraser. Steps S <b> 660 and S <b> 670 are processes for performing “cutout” by designating a range. Specifically, this is performed as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 11, “rectangle”, “ellipse”, “polyline”, and “contour” tools are prepared as range specification tools, which can be selected by each tool button BTm14 to BT17. It is. The “rectangular” tool draws a rectangle and specifies a range. The “ellipse” tool draws an ellipse and specifies a range. The “polyline” tool draws a polyline and specifies a range. The “contour” tool is used to specify the contour of the subject and select the subject while tracing.

  For the “rectangle”, “ellipse”, “polyline”, and “contour” tools, the area designated by the rectangle, ellipse or polyline drawn by the operation of the mouse 20 by the operator is designated as a range as it is. The As for the “contour” tool, the range is determined by automatically extracting the contour based on the point designated by the operation of the mouse 20 by the operator.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the range is specified using the “contour” tool. The operator first clicks an appropriate position on the contour in the image displayed in the “mask setting” window WDm. Then, a yellow circle CY indicating the start point is displayed at the clicked point, and the outline is extended each time the mouse 20 is moved. A thick line CL is displayed between the circle CY (or a handle described below). This line CL indicates the range to search for the outline. Within this range, the CPU 30 automatically determines the outline, and displays a purple outline LN and some green circles (handles) CG on the outline. The operator draws the predetermined range in this way with the help of the automatic extraction of the contour line. In the illustrated example, since the name of the mask is “castle”, the outline of the castle is drawn.

  In step S670 in FIG. 8, the CPU 30 performs “cutout” in the range specified in step S650. More specifically, in response to clicking of the “Cut” button BTm19 provided in the “Mask setting” window WDm by the mouse 20, a process of cutting out the range designated in Step S660 from the mask layer is performed. The mask layer thus “cut out” is the mask data MDT representing the mask.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a “mask setting” window WDm on which a mask layer (mask data MDT1) after being cut out is displayed. As shown in the drawing, in the “mask setting” window WDm, mask data (hatched portion in the figure) MDT1 of “castle” obtained by cutting out the castle portion is displayed.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing mask data MDT1 of “castle”. As shown in the figure, the mask data MDT1 is bitmap format image data in which a castle portion is represented in white and a portion other than the castle is represented in black.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing “empty” mask data MDT2. The “sky” mask data MDT2 is obtained by cutting out the “sky” portion by the same method as the method of cutting out the “castle” portion described above. As shown, the mask data MDT2 is the empty part is white, is the image data of the bitmap format portions other than the air is represented by black.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the mask data does not always have to be binary values of white and black, and is gray-scale data as described above, so that gradation can be applied. . As shown in FIG. 13, a “gradation” button BTm21 is provided in the operation field FDm1 of the “mask setting” window WDm. When this “gradation” button BTm21 is clicked, masking is performed by a tool option (not shown). A gradation can be applied to a layer. In the case of the sky, it is a trick to show a strong effect on the sky side and weaken the effect when it comes down. Therefore, the “sky” mask data MDT2 in FIG. 15 is more beautiful by applying gradation. Image processing can be performed.

  Returning to FIG. 8, after executing step S670, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S680, and performs the process of registering the mask data MDT obtained in steps S620 to S670 in the mask table TBLm.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the mask table TBLm. As shown in the figure, each item data DTm1 and DTm2 of “mask name” and “mask data” is provided in the mask table TBLm. The “mask name” item data DTm1 stores the name of the layer input in step S630, and the “mask data” item data DTm2 stores the mask data MDT input in step S670.

  Returning to FIG. 8, after executing step S680, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S690 and waits for the “execute” button BTm50 (see FIG. 13) of the “mask setting” window WDm to be clicked. If the “execute” button BTm50 is not clicked, the process returns to step S620 to repeat the process for the next mask creation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S690 that the “execute” button BTm50 has been clicked, the CPU 30 closes the “mask setting” window WDm (step S700).

  After execution of step S700, the CPU 30 performs processing for reflecting the created mask data MDT in the image displayed in the application window WD for modification processing (step S710). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an application window WD for modification processing after the reflection. As shown in the figure, input image data Dpi reflecting mask data MDT1 of “castle” is displayed in the work field FDW of the application window WD. Which one of the created masks MDT1 and MDT2 is displayed is determined by the mask data that is active when the “execute” button BTm50 is clicked in the “mask setting” window WDm. The mask data used for this display is hereinafter referred to as “the currently selected mask data”.

  As shown in the figure, the pull-up menu MNm is opened by clicking the downward-pointing triangular mark on the right end of the “mask setting” button BTm1. In the menu MNm, an option “do not use a mask” and an option for the name of the created mask are displayed. By clicking the option, the operator clicks the mask data to be superimposed on the input image data Dpi. Can be switched, or the display of the mask itself can be stopped.

  After execution of step S710, the CPU 30 exits to “return” and once ends the mask setting processing routine.

  According to the mask setting process with the above configuration, the mask data MDT created by the operator is registered in the mask table TBLm with the name specified by the operator. The mask table TBLm is stored in the RAM 32. This mask setting process corresponds to the mask data setting unit 52a (FIG. 2) described above. As described above, since the mask table TBLm is stored in the RAM 32, it is deleted at the end of this application program. In this embodiment, the mask data MDT is stored in a nonvolatile storage device such as the HDD 42. be able to. Such a configuration will be described next.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a “Save” button BTm60 is provided at the lower right of the work field FDm2 in the “Mask setting” window WDm. The operator clicks the tab TBm1 or TBm2 of the mask layer to be saved, and then clicks the “Save” button BTm60. Then, the “Save As” dialog box DBX2 is displayed.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the “Save As” dialog box DBX2. As shown in the figure, data input fields FDh1 and FDh2 for “storage location” and “file name” are provided. By operating the mouse 20 and the keyboard 18, the operator designates a storage location and a file name from the data input fields FDh1 and FDh2, and then clicks a “save” button BTh1. As a result, the mask data MDT is stored in the storage location with the file name. The type of file to be stored is an 8-bit bitmap format.

  The mask data stored as described above can be read later. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dialog box DBX3 of “Open file”. As shown in the figure, data input fields FDr1 and FDr2 for “file location” and “file name” are provided. By operating the mouse 20 and the keyboard 18, the operator designates the file location from the data entry fields FDr1 and FDr2, designates the mask file to be inputted, and then clicks the “Open” button BTr1. As a result, the mask data MDT stored as described above can be read and used. The read data MDT is read to the work field FDm2 in the “mask setting” window WDm.

  In addition to reading out the mask data MDT created by the operator as described above, some reference mask data is prepared in advance in this application program so as to read it out. You can also.

B-2-2. Image processing:
Returning to FIG. 5, when the mask setting process described above is completed, the process proceeds to step S330. In step S330, the CPU 30 takes in a click operation command using the mouse 20 from the worker, and determines whether or not a button for executing image processing is selected from the toolbar BR2. If it is determined that there is no selection, step S330 is repeatedly executed to wait for the selection.

  If it is determined in step S330 that any button provided on the toolbar BR2 has been selected, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S340. In step S340, the type of image processing instructed by the button selection is specified. For example, when the “color balance” button displayed by selecting the fifth group tab TB5 is clicked, the type of image processing is determined to be “color balance”.

  Thereafter, the CPU 30 performs processing for displaying the dialog box for image processing specified in step S340 (step S350).

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dialog box DBX4 for “color balance” displayed when the “color balance” button is clicked. As shown in the figure, the dialog box DBX4 is provided with a field FD11 for displaying an original image, a field FD12 for displaying a processed image, and a field FD13 for an operation system.

  The operation field FD13 is provided with slider bars SB1, SB2, and SB3 for adjusting “red”, “green”, and “blue”, respectively. The operator can adjust the color balance of “red”, “green”, and “blue” of the input image data Dpi by operating the slider bars SB1 to SB3. Is displayed in the field FD12. When the “execute” button BT12 is clicked, the adjustment values of the slider bars SB1 to SB3 at that time are stored in the RAM 32 as “color balance” parameters in steps S360 and S370.

  Here, as described above, “color balance” has been described as an example of the parameters acquired by the processing in steps S350 to S370. However, in other image processing, parameters related to the image processing can be obtained in the same manner. become. For example, in “CC” image processing, “hue” and “density” parameters that determine the effect of changing the color of a photograph are obtained. In “unsharp mask” image processing, the “radius” of the unsharp mask effect is obtained. "," Strength "and" threshold "parameters are obtained. Note that the processing in steps S330 to S370 corresponds to the image processing setting unit 52b (FIG. 2) described above.

  After execution of step S370, the CPU 30 determines the type of image processing specified in step S340, the parameters acquired in step S370, and the mask data MDT created in the mask setting process and currently selected (example in FIG. 20). Then, a process of executing image processing determined from the “castle data mask data MDT1) on the input image data Dpi is performed (step S380). Specifically, image processing determined by the above type and parameters is executed on an uncovered area defined by the mask data MDT1. When gradation is applied, the strength of image processing is determined by a ratio corresponding to the gradation. Note that this image processing is saved as a parameter separately from the original image as described above, and the input image data Dpi itself is not changed. Note that the processing in step S380 corresponds to the above-described image processing unit 52c (FIG. 2).

  After executing step S380, the CPU 30 displays the processed input image data Dpi obtained by the image processing in step S380 in the work field FDW of the application window WD (step S390).

  Thereafter, the CPU 30 advances the processing to step S392 in FIG. In step S392, the type of image processing specified in step S340, the parameter acquired in step S370, and the process of registering the mask data MDT created in the mask setting process and currently selected in the modification history file FL1. Do.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the modification history file FL1. The modification history file FL1 is a file for recording a history of image processing performed on the input image data Dpi, and records all image processing from capturing in step S200 to obtaining a current processed image. ing. As shown in the figure, the modification history file FL1 is composed of item data DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, and DT5 of “Modification No.”, “Type”, “Parameter”, “Mask Name”, and “How to Use Mask”. Is done. In the item data DT1 of “Modification No.”, a number incremented in order from 1 indicating the execution order of image processing is stored. The “type” item data DT2 stores the type of image processing specified in step S330. The parameter relating to the image processing acquired in step S360 is stored in the “parameter” item data DT3.

  The “mask name” item data DT4 stores the name of the mask data MDT that has been created in the mask setting process and is currently selected. In other words, in the above-described example, “castle” or “empty” or null data (blank) indicating that the mask is not used is stored.

  In the item data DT5 of “How to use mask”, when the mask data in the currently selected state is inverted and used, the data “inverted” is stored, and the mask data is used in the normal rotation. If so, null data (blank) is stored. As shown in FIG. 20, the dialog box DBX4 for image processing is provided with an “invert mask” button BT13. When the operator clicks this button BT13, the mask data is inverted. In this case, “inverted” is stored in the item data DT5 of “how to use the mask”.

  In the example of FIG. 21, the operator performs image processing on the input image data Dpi in the order of “color balance”, “contrast”, and “unsharp mask” using the mask data MDT1 of “castle”. Next, image processing is performed on the input image data Dpi in the order of “color balance”, “brightness”, and “tone curve” using the “sky” mask data MDT2. Furthermore, since the modified image is different from what the retouched image is imaged, the "unsharp mask" parameter for "castle" and the "tone curve" for "sky" are set so that the operator approaches the image. It has been readjusted. The illustrated example is a case where the image processing executed in step S380 is the tenth modification executed for the input image data Dpi. In step S392, the record indicating the tenth image processing is shown. Data, that is, modification No. Is "10", the type is "Tone curve", and the parameter data is "RGB point: (0,0), (102,106), (152,149), (230,221), (255,255)]" It is a thing at the time of being.

  Returning to FIG. 6, after executing step S <b> 392, the CPU 30 advances the process to step S <b> 394 in FIG. 6. In step S394, the work memo file FL2 is created based on the type of image processing specified in step S340, the parameters acquired in step S370, and the mask data MDT created in the mask setting process and currently selected. Perform the update process.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the work memo file FL2. The work memo file FL2 records the contents of the efficient image processing from taking the input image data Dpi in step S200 to obtaining the current processed image. , “Parameter”, “mask name” and “mask usage” item data DT11, DT12, DT13, DT14, DT15. Here, “efficiency” refers to setting each image processing parameter to an efficient value for the purpose of converting the image of the input image data Dpi into the current processed image. Preferably, it is set to the most appropriate value (optimization). Specifically, in this embodiment, each type of image processing is the same type of image processing (if the mask is set, the mask is the same while maintaining the execution order instructed by the operator. In addition, when the same type of image processing) is repeatedly performed and the parameter is changed, the parameter of the type of image processing is corrected to the latest changed parameter value. Has been made. The work memo file FL2 corresponds to the recording file of the original name.

  The contents of the work memo file FL2 shown in FIG. 22 are those when image processing is sequentially executed with the contents shown in the modification history file FL1 of FIG. As shown in the modification history file FL1 in FIG. 21, the executed image processing types are “color balance”, “contrast”, “unsharp mask” using mask data MDT1 of “castle”, “ Since it is “color balance”, “brightness”, and “tone curve” using the “sky” mask data MDT2, and each image processing is executed in this order, as shown in FIG. In the item data DT12 of “Type” of FL2, “Color Balance”, “Contrast”, “Unsharp Mask” for “Castle”, “Color Balance” for “Sky”, while maintaining this order, Data indicating “brightness” and “tone curve” is stored.

  Further, as shown in the modification history file FL1 in FIG. 21, with respect to the image processing of “unsharp mask” using the mask data of “castle”, the parameter is “radius: 1, the intensity is changed to 30 and the threshold value is 5 ”. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the parameter value after the change is“ unsharp mask ”using the“ castle ”mask data. It is stored in the item data DT13 of “parameter” for image processing (see record data of rank “03”).

  Similarly, with respect to the “tone curve” image processing using the “sky” mask data, as shown in the modification history file FL1 in FIG. 21, the parameter is “RGB point: (0 , 0), (102,106), (152,149), (230,221), (255,255) '', the parameter value after the change is “empty” mask data as shown in FIG. Is stored in the “parameter” item data DT13 for “tone curve” image processing using (see record data of rank “06”).

  In addition, "color balance" and "contrast" image processing using "castle" mask data, and "color balance" and "brightness" image processing using "sky" mask data are the first processing. Therefore, the parameter value at the time of the first processing is stored in the work memo file FL2.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing in detail the update processing of the work memo file FL2 in step S394. As shown in the figure, when the process shifts to this update process, the CPU 30 first creates a mask in the currently selected state created in the work memo file FL2 by the image processing type and mask setting process specified in step S340. It is determined whether or not a combination with data has already been registered (step S394a). If it is determined that the image has not yet been registered, the CPU 30 determines the type of image processing specified in step S340, the parameter acquired in step S370, and the mask that has been created by the mask setting process and is currently selected. New record data including the data MDT is added to the work memo file FL2 (step S394b). Specifically, a number incremented by a value 1 is stored in the item data DT11 of “ranking”, and the type of image processing specified in step S340 is stored in the item data DT12 of “type”. The parameter acquired in step S370 is stored in the item data DT13, and the name of the mask data MDT that is created in the mask setting process and is currently selected is stored in the item data DT14 of “mask name”. New record data in which the value corresponding to the “invert mask” button BT13 input in step S360 is added to the item data DT15 of “how to use mask” is added to the work memo file FL2.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S394a that it has already been registered, the CPU 30 determines the type of image processing specified in step S340 and the name of the mask data MDT that has been created in the mask setting process and is currently selected. Is selected, and the contents of the “parameter” item data DT13 of the record are rewritten with the parameters acquired in step S370 (step S394c). After executing step S394b or S394c, the process returns to “RETURN”, and the process proceeds to step S396 in FIG.

  In step S396, the contents of the modification history file FL1 obtained in step S392 and the work memo file FL2 obtained in step S394 are displayed in the work information display field WK of the application window WD. As shown in FIG. 7, the work information display field WK is provided with three tabs TB11, TB12, and TB13 of “history”, “work memo”, and “work note”. By switching the tabs TB11 to TB13, the display of the work information display field WK can be switched.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display in the work information display field WK when the contents of the modification history file FL1 are those shown in FIG. The figure shows a state in which the “history” tab TB11 is selected. In this work information display field WK, the content of the “type” item data DT2 of the modification history file FL1 is an item of “modification No.”. They are displayed from top to bottom in the order of the data DT1. From the second time on the same type, an indication “reset” is added.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display in the work information display field WK when the contents of the work memo file FL2 are those shown in FIG. The figure shows a state in which the “work memo” tab TB11 is selected. In this work information display field WK, the content of the “type” item data DT12 of the work memo file FL2 is the item data of “rank”. They are displayed from top to bottom in the order of DT11.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, the type displayed in the work information display field WK is clicked with the mouse 20 (in the illustrated example, the first “color balance” type is clicked). By clicking the arrow mark mk1 on the left side, as shown in FIG. 26B, the contents of the selected type of image processing parameter and the name of the mask data are displayed. That is, “red: 0, green: 0, blue: −5” is displayed as the content of the “color balance” parameter, and “castle” is displayed as the name of the mask data. Thereafter, the display of the parameter can be closed by clicking the arrow mark mk2.

  Note that instead of the configuration in which only the type of image processing is displayed first, the type of image processing and the name of the mask data MDT may be displayed. In short, any method may be used, but it is preferable that at least the type of image processing and the mask data be displayed at least.

  Further, a check box cb is provided on the left side of the type displayed in the work information display field WK. When the check box cb is clicked to turn it off, the input image data Dpi can be readjusted because the image processing has not been executed. That is, by temporarily turning off the effect of the image processing, it is possible to confirm how the image processing changes when the image processing is executed or not in the work procedure.

  The opacity (%) of image processing can be adjusted. Opacity is the strength of the effect of the modification. You can specify opacity in the range of 0 to 100% by entering a value in the box bx at the right end of the type display, or by clicking a downward-filling triangle mark and moving a slider bar (not shown). it can. When the value is 100%, the result of the image processing is kept as it is. When the opacity is lowered, the result of the image processing becomes thin according to the ratio, and at 0%, the image processing is not performed at all.

  Furthermore, a “set” button BT21 and a “delete” button BT22 are provided below the work information display field WK. Clicking the type displayed in the work information display field WK with the mouse 20 and clicking the “set” button BT21 displays an input dialog box corresponding to the selected type. For example, when the selected type is “color balance”, the dialog box DBX4 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. Note that the current setting contents are displayed in the parameter input field of the dialog box DBX4. For example, when the current setting is “red: 0, green: 0, blue: −5”, the slider bars SB1 to SB3 as shown in FIG. Although it is difficult to understand in the figure, the “blue” slider bar SB3 indicates the position of the value “−5”. The operator can change the current setting contents of the corresponding image processing from the dialog box as necessary.

  For this reason, it is possible to easily change the parameters of the previously executed image processing. In addition, it is possible to re-execute a series of image processing on the input image data with the changed parameters.

  The selected image processing can be deleted by clicking the type displayed in the work information display field WK with the mouse 20 and clicking the “delete” button BT22.

  Furthermore, a button BT23 for “collect in work notes” is provided above the work information display field WK in a state where the “work memo” tab TB11 is selected. Since the contents of the work memo file FL2 are “Procedure for creating a work for a certain purpose”, the contents of this work memo file FL2 are saved as “work notes” to create a work. It is possible to use the procedure. By clicking the button BT23 with the mouse 20, the contents of the work memo file FL2 displayed in the work information display field WK can be saved in the HDD 42 as a work note file. More specifically, when the button BT23 is clicked with the mouse 20, a dialog box (not shown) is opened. From this dialog box, "file name" and "title" can be input. Saved in. The “title” is stored in the work note file together with the contents stored in the work memo file FL2.

  Since the HDD 42 is a non-volatile memory, the contents of the work memo file FL2 can be stored in the form of a work note file even after the computer system 10 is powered off. Therefore, the efficient image modification work performed on the input image data can be used anytime when other image data is made into a work (modification work).

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the work information display field WK in a state where the tab “TB13” of “work note” is selected. As shown in the figure, five types of holders HD1 to HD5 of “user note”, “snap”, “flower”, “correction”, and “landscape” are prepared as work notes, and a plurality of holders HD1 to HD5 are provided. Each work note is memorized. For example, in the “Landscape” holder HD5, although not shown, “Clear distant view”, “Bluer the sea”, “Vibrant autumn leaves”, “Bluer blue sky”, “Snowscape image” Seven work notes with titles such as “On the street”, “Night view”, and “Making the sunset more impressive” are stored. The work notes stored in the holders HD2 to HD5 of “Correction”, “Landscape”, “Flower”, and “Snap” excluding “User Notes” are prepared in advance by this software.

  The “user note” holder HD1 is a storage location of the work note file which is saved by clicking the above-mentioned “combine work notes” button BT23. In other words, by clicking the button BT23 of “collect in work notes”, the work note file is stored in the “user note” holder HD1 prepared in the HDD. FIG. 25 shows a case in which a work note file whose “title” is “Clear Castle” input from the dialog box is registered in the holder HD1 of “user note” by the operator.

  It should be noted that a new work note can be added (imported) from the outside via a network or the like to the holders HD2 to HD5 of “correction”, “landscape”, “flower”, and “snap”. With this configuration, a new work note can be provided from the manufacturer of the photo retouching software. The work notes stored in the “user note” holder HD1 can be exported to the outside. With this configuration, a work note created by an operator can be provided to the outside.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an application window WD for modification processing in a state where the “work note” tab TB6 of the tool bar BR2 is selected. As described above, the arrangement of the image processing buttons displayed on the toolbar BR2 is switched by switching the tabs TB1 to TB6. However, when the tab TB6 of the “work note” is selected, the work information display field WK. The arrangement of the above buttons on the toolbar BR2 is also switched according to the work note selected from the above. The example shown in the figure is an example in the case where the work note with the title “Clear Castle” registered by the worker described above is selected. In this case, in the column of the toolbar BR2 in which the tab TB6 of the “work note” is selected, “color balance”, “contrast”, “unsharp mask”, “color balance”, “brightness”, “tone” The “Curve” button is displayed from left to right.

  The buttons from “Color Balance” to “Tone Curve” are determined from the registered contents of the work note file titled “Clear Castle”. As described above, the work note file of “Clip the Castle” is obtained by adding the title item to the contents of the work memo file FL2, so that the contents of the image processing displayed in FIG. 22 are registered. According to the contents of the registered image processing, the types of the “color balance”, “contrast”, “unsharp mask”, “color balance”, “brightness”, and “tone curve” buttons and their arrangement order Is fixed.

  That is, the arrangement of the buttons displayed on the tool bar BR2 follows the work note selected from the work information display field WK when the “work note” tab TB13 is clicked. Since the work notebook file stores work procedures for image processing, the types and order of the buttons are determined according to the contents of a plurality of image processing registered in the work note file.

  The operator selects a title of a desired work note from the work information display field WK in a state where the “work note” tab TB13 is selected, and thereby an image necessary for creating a desired work from the toolbar BR2. You can receive an offer of processing. The operator clicks the buttons displayed on the toolbar BR2 in order from left to right, and sequentially executes each image processing determined by the buttons. At this time, the above-described parameter input dialog box as illustrated in FIG. 20 is displayed. Note that the current settings are displayed in the parameter input field of this dialog box. For example, in the “Hue / Saturation / Brightness” dialog box, when the current setting content is “Red: 0, Green: 0, Blue: −5”, slider bars SB1 to SB1 as shown in FIG. The state is SB3. The operator can directly execute the image processing work registered in the work note by clicking the “execute” button BT12 without changing the value in the parameter input field. The operator can also adjust the value in the parameter input field of the dialog box as necessary.

  For this reason, the contents of a plurality of types of image processing registered as “work notes” can be executed on the input image data newly input by the input module 51.

  Returning to FIG. 6, after the execution of step S396, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the selection of the button provided in the tool bar BR2 is completed (step S398). Specifically, the CPU 30 determines whether or not an operation command other than the buttons provided on the toolbar BR2 has been received, and when the determination is affirmative, the selection of the button is completed, and the process returns to “return”. To proceed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S398 that the selection of the button has not been completed, the process returns to step S340 to execute the image processing corresponding to the newly selected button.

C. According to the computer system of this embodiment configured as described above, the mask data created by the mask setting process is applied to each of a plurality of types of image processing executed on the input image data Dpi. Can be made. Therefore, there is an effect that the workability when the mask is applied to the image processing is excellent. In particular, in this embodiment, the created mask data can be registered in the mask table TBLm and can be selected as appropriate. Therefore, when a plurality of mask data is to be applied to the input image data Dpi, a plurality of types of data can be obtained. Desired mask data can be applied to each image processing. Therefore, a plurality of mask data can be applied with good workability.

  In the prior art, the mask data indicating the mask is only reflected on the predetermined image processing and is limited on the spot. In other words, the mask data is not stored as a single unit. For this reason, once created mask data can be reused later or used in other image processing different from the original image processing. could not. On the other hand, in the present invention, as described above, one mask data can be used for a plurality of types of image processing, which is excellent in convenience.

  In this embodiment, the mask data stored in the mask table TBLm can be managed with the mask name, and the work memo file FL2 can be associated with the mask name.

  Further, in the work memo file FL2, what kind of image processing is performed in what order, what kind of masking is applied to Dpi on the input image data, and each kind of image processing is further performed. Finally, what parameters are being executed are recorded. For this reason, it is easy to refer to the contents of efficient image processing performed on the input image data. In particular, in this embodiment, since the contents of the work memo file FL2 can be displayed in the work information display field WK, the names of mask data and the like can be visually confirmed.

D. Other embodiments:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. is there.

(1) In the above embodiment, the input image data Dpi is taken with a digital camera, but instead, it is image data such as a silver halide photograph or a color gravure obtained using a color scanner or the like. Also good. Alternatively, it may be prepared in advance in a storage device such as the HDD 42. Or what was taken in from the outside via a network may be used. Further, it is not always necessary to use color image data, and can be applied to monochrome image data.

(2) In the above embodiment, the work note file including the contents of the work memo file FL2 is stored in the HDD 42. However, the work note file is stored in another nonvolatile memory away from the computer main body 16. You can also. It can also be placed on a server on a computer network. Similarly, the mask data may be stored in another nonvolatile memory separated from the computer main body 16 instead of the HDD 42. It can also be placed on a server on a computer network.

(3) In the previous embodiment, the start switch for image processing displayed on the tool bar BR2 is provided in the form of a button, but it can be replaced with a pull-down menu.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the hardware of the computer system 10 to which one Example of this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the mode of the control processing according to the photo retouch software 50 performed by the computer main body 16. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the routine of the said control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state of the application window WD. It is a flowchart which shows the routine of the first half part of the correction process. It is a flowchart which shows the routine of the latter half part of the correction process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the application window WD for a correction process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a mask setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the "mask setting" window WDm. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box DBX1 for “create new mask”. It is explanatory drawing which shows the "mask setting" window WDm of the state by which the mask layer was displayed. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that range specification is performed using the tool of "contour". It is explanatory drawing which shows the "mask setting" window WDm on which the mask data MDT1 after cutting was displayed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mask data MDT1 of "castle". It is explanatory drawing which shows the mask data MDT2 of "empty". It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of mask table TBLm. It is explanatory drawing which shows the application window WD for the correction process after reflection of mask data MDT1. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a “Save As” dialog box DBX2. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box DBX3 of “Open file”. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of dialog box DBX4 for "color balance". It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correction log | history file FL1. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the work memo file FL2. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the work memo file FL2 of step S394 in detail. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display of the work information display column WK in case the content of the modification history file FL1 is what is shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display of the work information display column WK in case the content of the work memo file FL2 is what is shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the change of the work information display column WK which shows the parameter and mask of a "work memo". It is explanatory drawing which shows the work information display column WK in the state as which the tab TB13 of "the work notebook" was selected. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an application window WD for modification processing in a state where a “work note” tab TB6 of the tool bar BR2 is selected.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Computer system 12 ... CRT display 13 ... Printer 14 ... Digital camera 16 ... Computer body 18 ... Keyboard 20 ... Mouse 30 ... CPU
31 ... ROM
32 ... RAM
33 ... Display image memory 34 ... Mouse interface 35 ... Keyboard interface 36 ... CDC
37 ... HDC
38 ... CRTC
39 ... Printer interface 40 ... I / O interface 41 ... I / O port 42 ... Hard disk drive (HDD)
44 ... modem 46 ... public telephone line 47 ... server 50 ... photo retouching software 51 ... input module 52 ... modification module 52a ... mask data setting unit 52b ... image processing Setting unit 52c ... Image processing unit 53 ... Print module 54 ... Output module 60 ... Display driver 62 ... Printer driver BR1 ... Menu bar BR2 ... Tool bar DBX1 ... "New DBX4 ... “Color balance” dialog box Dpi ... Input image data Dpo ... Modified image data FD11, FD12, FD13 ... Field FDW ... Work field FDma ... Mask setting field FDm1 ... Operation field FDm2 ... Work field field MN ... Processing menu field SB1, SB2, S B3 ... Slider bar TB6 ... Group tab of "Work notes" WD ... Application window WDm ... "Mask settings" window BTm11-BTm20 ... button FL1 ... Modification history file FL2 .. .Work memo file WK ... Work information display field

Claims (7)

In the image modification device for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing a plurality of types of image processing on the input image data,
Mask data setting means for setting mask data indicating a mask for hiding a predetermined area in the image with respect to the input image data;
Mask data registration means for registering the mask data set by the mask data setting means in a mask table;
Mask data selection means for selecting one mask data from the mask data registered in the mask table based on an operation command from an operator;
Image processing setting means for sequentially setting, based on an operation command from an operator, a parameter that defines the type of image processing to be performed on the input image data and the degree of modification;
Each time setting for one of the image processing by the image processing setting means is performed, the set types and parameters, and on the basis of the mask data selected by the mask data selection means, the image processing to the input image data And image processing means for obtaining modified image data .
The mask data registration means
The mask data is registered with a name determined based on an operation command from an operator,
The mask data selection means includes
The mask data is selected based on a name input based on an operation command from an operator.
further,
A recording addition unit that adds the type and parameter of the image processing and the name of the mask data to a recording file each time the image processing is performed by the image processing unit;
When the image processing unit performs again the same image processing as the combination of the type of image processing already performed on the input image data and the mask data, the operation by the recording addition unit is prohibited, and the re-processing is performed. An image correction apparatus comprising: a recording correction means for rewriting an image processing parameter determined from the type and mask data recorded in the recording file by a parameter value at the time of execution . The image modification device according to claim 1 ,
An image modifying apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying at least a type of image processing stored in the recording file and a name of mask data on a display device. The image modification device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An image modification device comprising mask data storage means for storing the mask data in a nonvolatile storage means. In a computer program for modifying the input image data by sequentially executing a plurality of types of image processing on the input image data,
(A) a function of setting mask data indicating a mask for hiding a predetermined area in the image with respect to the input image data;
(B) a function for sequentially setting a parameter for specifying the type of image processing to be executed on the input image data and a degree of modification based on an operation command from an operator;
(C) a function of registering the mask data set by the function (a) in a mask table;
(D) a function of selecting one mask data from mask data registered in the mask table based on an operation command from an operator;
( E ) Each time the setting for one image processing is performed by the function (b), the input image data is based on the set type and parameter and the mask data selected by the function ( d ). Is a computer program for causing a computer to perform a function of executing image processing and obtaining modified image data .
The function (c) is:
The mask data is registered with a name determined based on an operation command from an operator,
The function (d) is
The mask data is selected based on a name input based on an operation command from an operator.
further,
(F) a function of adding the type and parameter of the image processing and the name of the mask data to the recording file each time the image processing is executed by the function (e);
(G) When the same image processing as the combination of the type of image processing already performed on the input image data and the mask data is performed again by the function (e), the operation by the function (f) is prohibited. A computer program for causing a computer to realize the function of rewriting the image processing parameters determined from the type and mask data recorded in the recording file with the parameter values at the time of re-execution . The computer program according to claim 4 , further comprising:
(H) A computer program for causing a computer to realize a function of displaying at least a type of image processing stored in the recording file and a name of mask data on a display device. The computer program according to claim 4 or 5 , further comprising:
(I) A computer program for causing a computer to realize a function of storing the mask data in a nonvolatile storage means. A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to any one of claims 4 to 6 is recorded.

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