JPH09181905A - Image processor and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect an appropriate compensation on an image processor and a picture processing system by selecting whether a pictorial hard copy is to be outputted or not after a simulation image is started to be displayed on a monitor and outputting the pictorial hard copy after the compensation is collected. SOLUTION: The specification of the color reproduction of the pictorial hard copy of a photograph picture itself is decided while the simulation picture simulating the pictorial hard copy of the photographic image itself is displayed on the monitor 310. A display picture for selection is displayed on the monitor 310 and the selection of the simulation picture is recognized with input by an operation input part 390. When an operator supplies data to a compensation collection part 380, the specification of a decided image processing is transmitted to an image processing execution part and the image processing is executed in accordance with the content of the decided picture processing for obtaining an output image from the input image stored in an input image memory.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 3-72349 discloses a printing apparatus for developing a film and printing a film image on a photographic paper. Information on the film length of a DX code of a Patrone before developing the film. The standard development fee and the standard print fee are calculated based on the above, and after the total amount of money is invested, it takes the development process, and after the processing is completed, the fee is calculated again and the excess or deficiency is settled. Since then
A print processing device for delivering a developed film and a print is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-219195 discloses a printing apparatus for developing a film with a magnetic recording layer and printing a film image on photographic paper. Calculate the development fee and print fee based on the shooting size, the number of frames and the film length, and after the necessary money is put in, it takes the development process,
A print processing device is disclosed which delivers the developed film and print when the processing is completed.

[0004]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-72349
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-219195 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-219195 disclose collection of a consideration for an image processing apparatus, but do not disclose collection of a consideration for an image processing apparatus.

On the other hand, "instruction input means for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor are provided, and while displaying an image on the monitor, in response to an input from the instruction input means, As a problem peculiar to "the image processing device or the image processing system that performs the image processing of the photographic image or outputs the pictorial hard copy", since it is the image processing for the photographic image, the instruction input and the image processing related to the image processing are performed. There is a point that it takes time. In consideration of that point, there is no known example showing how to collect a consideration. In addition, there is no publicly known example showing what is sufficiently suitable for the operator in view of the fact that it takes time to input an instruction regarding image processing and the image processing itself.

An object of the present invention is to collect an appropriate price for an image processing apparatus or image processing system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing system which are sufficiently suitable for the operator.

[0007]

The object of the present invention is achieved by all the matters necessary for specifying the invention described in each of the claims. It goes without saying that one or a plurality of members may also serve as a plurality of different means. Hereinafter, matters common to the present application and each claim will be described. However, description overlapping with the description of the cited item will be omitted.

[Common Items] The electronic image may be an analog image based on an analog signal, but a digital image based on a digital signal is preferable because it can be stored in a memory.

The image reading means may read a photographic image of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material by an image pickup by a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD image pickup device or an image pickup by an image pickup tube. The image may be read by imaging using a scanning method of scanning, or by stopping the document and imaging using a flat sensor or the like. The image reading means includes an image pickup means for picking up a photographic image of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material developed by the developing processing means, and an A / D for digitizing an analog signal obtained by the image pickup means.
And a D converter.

Examples of the image pickup include an image pickup by a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD image pickup device and an image pickup by a pickup tube. Further, as a method of capturing an image by a scanning method in which the conveyance is sub-scanning, an image is captured by a CCD line sensor provided so as to be in close contact with the photo original, or the other end of the fiber is arranged so that one end is arranged in an array and is in close contact with the photo original. Examples include image pickup by an image pickup device provided in the above, image pickup by forming an image of a photographic document on a CCD line sensor by a lens optical system, and image pickup by a photoelectric conversion device by main scanning a laser beam.

Image processing includes color reproduction processing of photographic images, image processing, character composition processing, noise removal, restoration processing, sharpening processing and the like. And what is the content of image processing?
The type of image processing performed on a photographic image, the specifications of the image processing, and the like.

The reduced image is an image obtained by reducing the number of pixels of the input image to a number of pixels smaller than the number of pixels of the input image. It is called a reduced image because it has a smaller number of pixels and a smaller data capacity than the input image. The pixel number reduction process is a process of reducing the number of pixels for the same screen area from the original image.Methods for reducing the number of pixels include a thinning process for thinning out pixels for each of a plurality of pixels, and a process for reducing a pixel count for a plurality of pixels. Examples include averaging processing for calculating an average value, resampling processing and interpolation averaging processing that are often used when the number of pixels is not divided into an integer. In addition, as an example of the pixel number reduction processing, an image of about 3000 × 2000 pixels with a pixel number of about 6 million is reduced to a pixel number of 1/10 in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, that is, a pixel number of 1/100. An example of the processing is to reduce the number of pixels into an image of about 300 × 200 pixels and about 60,000 pixels. The number of pixels of the reduced image is preferably 10,000 pixels or more (particularly 50,000 pixels or more), which is less than or equal to the number of pixels of the display image on the monitor, and when the number of pixels is less than or equal to the number of pixels of the display image on the monitor, the number of pixels is reduced again. It can be displayed on the monitor with the same number of pixels from the reduced image without processing.
With 10,000 pixels or more (in particular, 50,000 pixels or more), the operator can roughly judge the suitability of the contents of the image processing. Further, the number of pixels of the reduced image is 1/10 or less (especially 1/5) of the number of pixels of the input image.
0 or less, more preferably 1/100 or less) is preferable from the viewpoint of efficiency of arithmetic processing.

In the present application, the pictorial copy means
A pictorial image having a light and shade in image density, and a pictorial hard copy is a photo image having a light and shade in image density created based on an electronic image. For pictorial copying, a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for printing from an electronic image, a print obtained by an electrophotographic method using a laser beam or a light-emitting element array, or a print obtained by an inkjet method from an electronic image, or an electronic image Examples include a pictorial hard copy such as a print obtained by exposure to light and development, and a print obtained by printing and exposure from a photographic original. As the pictorial hard copy, a print obtained by exposing and developing a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for printing from an electronic image is preferable from the viewpoint of gradation characteristics, color reproducibility and MTF.

The image output specifications include the type of device used for image output, the type of recording medium for pictorial hard copy, the number and size of pictorial hard copy, and the like.

Examples of the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material include a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for photographing and a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for printing. As a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for photographing, a color negative film,
Examples include color reversal films and films called monochrome films. Further, the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for printing is preferably photographic paper such as monochrome photographic paper and color photographic paper, but is not limited to this.
Photographic film for printing may be used.

The target for collecting the consideration may be set uniquely to the image processing apparatus, or may be appropriately set by the occupant of the image processing apparatus. Further, the target for collecting the consideration may be the image processing operation of this image processing apparatus, or the image processing such as the output operation of an electronic image (for example, recording on a photo CD or outputting to a printer). The operation may be other than the operation. Further, some or all of these operations may be performed. Further, as a means of collecting the consideration, the balance of the amount of money invested by the user is stored, and the amount of money subtracted from the stored balance is re-stored as the balance, and when the change is refunded, the stored balance Even if the money is refunded, the consideration may be actually collected from the money inserted by the user, and when the change is refunded, the remaining money may be refunded.

[Explanation of Claim 1] "Has an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for image processing and a monitor. While displaying a photographic image on the monitor, a photograph is received according to an input from the instruction input unit. An image processing device that applies image processing to an image and outputs a pictorial hard copy to an image output device ”is a simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy that is output by performing image processing on a photographic image. If the fee is collected without displaying, the fee can be collected without fail, but it is difficult for a general user to judge whether or not to pay the fee, which is a source of shyness. Further, after outputting the pictorial hard copy, it is easy for the operator to judge whether or not to pay the consideration after viewing the actual pictorial hard copy, but after outputting the pictorial hard copy, However, there are many cases where you do not pay the consideration, and even if you show the actual picture of the pictorial hard copy, even if you set up a mechanism that you can not take out the pictorial hard copy until you pay the consideration, the output picto Real hard copy remains as garbage, and there are many problems. Also, like the usual collection of consideration at a photo shop, after collecting a pictorial hard copy, you collect the consideration and then look at the pictorial hard copy and then receive the pictorial hard copy, or the pictorial hard copy. Let me decide whether to output the copy again,
It is easy for the operator to recreate a pictorial hard copy in the case of redoing, but as in the case of redoing, the pictorial hard copy that is output remains as dust, and there are many problems as in the case of redoing. is there.

"Has an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for image processing and a monitor, performs image processing on a photographic image according to an input from the instruction input unit, and outputs a pictorial hard copy to an image output device. In the image processing device, after starting to display a simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy output by performing image processing on a photographic image on the monitor, select whether to output the pictorial hard copy. An image processing apparatus, which, when it is selected to output the pictorial hard copy, causes the image output apparatus to output the pictorial hard copy after collecting a consideration. Displays a simulation image simulating a pictorial hard copy output by subjecting a photographic image to image processing on the monitor and makes it possible to select whether or not to output a pictorial hard copy. Judgment is easy and hard to be shunned. In addition, it will not happen that the consideration cannot be collected after the pictorial hard copy is output.

The image processing apparatus is particularly useful for an image processing apparatus for an unspecified number of operators, which is used by an unspecified number of operators such as a store, an amusement park, and a public facility. This is because an unspecified number of operators may hit the device if the device does not function as intended. In particular, when a scanner or an image output device (especially one having an exposure optical system or one having a development processing unit) is attached to this image processing device, the scanner and the image output device are particularly vulnerable to vibrations, and therefore these vibrations Because it will be adversely affected by.

A method of selecting whether or not to output the pictorial hard copy after starting to display a simulation image for simulating a pictorial hard copy output by performing image processing on a photographic image on the monitor. (1) “Display the simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy that is output after determining the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image and then performing the image processing of the determined content to the photographic image. start,
After that, a method of selecting whether to output the pictorial hard copy or (2) "a plurality of pictorial hard images that are output by performing image processing on a photographic image with different contents of image processing applied to the photographic image" A "simulation image for simulating copy" is started to be displayed on the monitor, and thereafter, which of the pictorial hard copies is to be output or not to be output at all is selected. "

[Explanation of Claim 2] "The image processing according to claim 1, characterized in that the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image is determined and the specification of the image output is determined before the compensation is collected. apparatus. ) Determines all the information needed to obtain that pictorial hard copy, allows you to take that image away, and decides on the content of the image processing for other photographic images, or other information until the image processing is complete. You can do that.

[Explanation of Claim 3] [Simulation image for simulating a pictorial hard copy which is output by determining the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image and then performing the image processing of the determined content on the photographic image] The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein display on the monitor is started. ], It is determined whether or not a pictorial hard copy is to be output after the specification for image processing of the photographic image is determined. Therefore, the specification for image output can be easily determined.

[Explanation of Claim 4] When the image processing apparatus collects the value, if the value is collected before the specification of the image processing is determined, the value can be collected without fail. However, for general users, the image processing is performed. It is difficult to decide whether or not to pay the consideration before deciding the content of, and it becomes a source of shyness. In addition, after performing the image processing of the decided contents on the photographic image,
When the fee is collected, there may be a case where the fee cannot be collected after the “image processing of the determined contents is performed on the photographic image” which uses a large amount of hardware resources is used.

“Has an instruction input section for inputting an instruction regarding image processing and a monitor, and performs image processing for a photographic image to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy according to an input from the instruction input section. In the image processing apparatus for determining the content, determine the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image,
After starting to display on the monitor a simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy that is output by performing image processing on the photographic image, select whether or not to perform image processing of the determined contents on the photographic image, and decide. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that, when it is selected to perform image processing of the specified content on a photographic image, after the price is collected, the image processing of the determined content is applied to the photographic image. Determines the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image, and starts paying the price after displaying a simulation image simulating a pictorial hard copy output by performing the image processing on the photographic image on the monitor. Since it will be judged whether or not
It is easy for general users to make decisions, and it is difficult for them to be shunned. In addition, there is no possibility that the fee cannot be collected after performing “image processing of determined contents on a photographic image” that makes large use of hardware resources.

Even if the process of deducting the consideration from the stored "remaining amount of the amount of money invested by the user" is performed, the fee is collected from the "remaining amount of money of the amount invested by the user" actually held. May be collected.

[Explanation of Claim 5] "The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specifications of the image output are determined before the consideration is collected. , The image output specifications are also determined before the price is collected. Therefore, it is possible to collect the price according to the image output specifications. Since the specifications of the photographic image are also determined, the photographic image can be separated from the operator, and the determination of the image processing specifications of other photographic images can be made.
Other things can be done until the image processing is complete. Further, since the specifications for image processing the photographic image have been determined, the specifications for image output can be easily determined.

[Explanation of Claim 6] To improve the image quality of the pictorial hard copy output image, the number of pixels of the original photographic image is increased so that the pictorial hard copy output image has a large number of pixels. However, that would increase the image processing time. Further, when determining the content of the image processing, if the processing time required for performing the image processing in the middle on the photographic image is long, it is frustrating that the operator cannot do anything during that time.

"A photographic image is subjected to image processing based on a reduced image obtained by subjecting the photographic image to pixel reduction processing, and a simulation image for simulating a pictorial hard copy that is output is displayed on the monitor and applied to the photographic image. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the content of the image processing is determined, and when the image processing of the determined content is selected to be applied to the photographic image, the image processing of the determined content is applied to the original photographic image. Item 5. The image processing device according to item 5. ], The calculation load of the reduced image obtained by reducing the number of pixels of the photographic image is smaller than that of the photographic image. Therefore, the processing time required to determine the content of the image processing performed on the photographic image based on the reduced image can be shortened. . After that, since the image processing of the determined contents is performed on the original photographic image, the image quality of the pictorial real hard copy output image can be improved. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the waiting time for the operator while improving the image quality of the pictorial hard copy output image.

[Explanation of Claim 7] In order to improve the image quality of the pictorial hard copy output image, the number of pixels of the original photographic image is increased so that the pictorial hard copy output image has a large number of pixels. However, that would increase the image processing time. Further, when determining the content of the image processing, if the processing time required for performing the image processing in the middle on the photographic image is long, it is frustrating that the operator cannot do anything during that time.

[After obtaining a reduced image obtained by subjecting a photographic image to pixel number reduction processing, while displaying an image on a monitor based on the reduced image, image processing to be performed on the photographic image in response to an input from an instruction input unit is performed. An image processing apparatus for determining contents, and then subjecting the photographic image to image processing of the determined contents to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy. ], The calculation load of the reduced image obtained by reducing the number of pixels of the photographic image is smaller than that of the original photographic image. Therefore, based on the reduced image, the time for displaying the image and the content of the image processing to be performed on the photographic image are determined. The processing time required for the determination can be shortened. After that, the image processing of the decided contents is applied to the original photo image to obtain the output image for pictorial hard copy.
It is possible to further shorten the waiting time of the operator while maintaining the quality of the output image for pictorial hard copy to be good.

[Explanation of Claim 8] "Before the image processing of the determined contents is performed on the photographic image to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy, the image output specifications are set according to the input from the instruction input section. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the determination is made.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. ], The operator can take the photograph image away, and move on to the determination of image processing specifications for other photograph images, or until the image processing is completed.
You can do other things.

[Explanation of Claim 9] "After the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image is determined, the specification of the image output is determined in accordance with the input from the instruction input unit. The image processing device according to item 1. ], The specification of image output can be easily determined because the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image is determined.

[Explanation of Claim 10] Since an unspecified operator operates in an image processing apparatus compatible with an unspecified number of operators, some operations may be performed in front of the apparatus while the operation is being performed. There are also cases where the operator is gone. On the other hand, in the case of an unspecified multi-operator compatible image processing device, we want as many operators as possible to operate it, but if there is no operator in front of the device for some reason, other people can operate Therefore, as many operators as possible cannot be operated.

[Instruction input means for inputting an instruction relating to image processing on a photographic image and a monitor, and the instruction input means while displaying a photographic image or a simulation image simulating a pictorial hard copy on the monitor. In the photographic image processing apparatus for an unspecified large number of operators, which has a control means for determining the content of image processing for a photographic image or the specification of image output according to the input from An image processing apparatus, characterized in that termination control is performed when not performed. By this, since the end control is performed when the input of the input means is not performed for a predetermined time or more, when the operator disappears from the front of the device for some reason during the operation, It can prevent the device from becoming permanently inoperable to others.

The end control is a control for ending the operation of the operator up to now so that a third person can operate it. As this end control, it is preferable to erase the memory of the operator's photographic image up to now in order to protect privacy and secure a memory capacity.

[Explanation of Claim 11] In an image processing apparatus compatible with an unspecified number of operators, an operator who is worried in front of the apparatus may operate it because the procedure and contents of the image processing are unknown. However, if the user always tries to display the image processing procedure and contents, it is difficult to display other information, and some operators find it annoying. Further, if the end control is suddenly performed without displaying anything, the operator who is not able to operate becomes dissatisfied.

"When the input means does not perform input for a second predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time, the display means controls to display advice to the operator. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10. ”, The display means controls the display of advice to the operator when no input is made by the input means for a second predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time. It is possible to display advice to an operator who is worried in front of the device without making a used operator feel bothered. Also, like the help key function of general PC software,
An operator who does not know the location or operation of the help key cannot operate without seeing the advice image. Also,
Since the advice image is displayed and the end control is performed after a lapse of a predetermined time, the operator who does not know the operation is not frustrated.

When displaying the advice image, it is preferable to display that the termination control is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[Explanation of Claim 12] In the device corresponding to a specific operator, the input mandatory items are not provided, and the previously set condition is used or a pictorial hard copy is output under a predetermined condition. Then, it is very convenient because you don't need to input each one, and usually you do that. However, “there is an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor. While displaying an image on the monitor, the photographic image is processed according to the input from the instruction input unit. Image processing device for an unspecified number of operators having a control means for outputting a pictorial hard copy ”, an input essential item for outputting a pictorial hard copy Regarding matters that need to be specified and that are determined according to the input), you can use the previously set conditions without inputting them, as in the case of a device corresponding to a specific operator, or under predetermined conditions. If you output a pictorial hard copy, processing will be performed on the photographic image under the condition that the operator does not recognize,
It causes trouble.

“Has an instruction input means for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor. While displaying an image on the monitor, the photographic image is displayed as an image in response to an input from the instruction input means. In an unspecified multi-operator type image processing apparatus having a control means for processing and outputting a pictorial hard copy, mandatory input items for pictorial hard copy output are preset, and the input is made by the instruction input means. An image processing apparatus which outputs a pictorial hard copy after inputting all required items. ], The operator can recognize and input the required input items for the output of the pictorial hard copy, so that the above-mentioned trouble can be prevented.

It is to be noted that the essential input items include specifications for image output and consent to collect the price. The image output specifications include the type of device used for image output, the type of recording medium for pictorial hardcopy, the number and size of pictorial hardcopy, etc., and have a great influence on the impression of pictorial hardcopy output. Since it is given, it is preferable to make it an indispensable input item so that the operator can recognize and input the image output specification. Further, it is preferable that the consent to collect the consideration is an input essential item in order to make the operator recognize that the consideration is collected. In particular, when there are a plurality of different amounts of consideration, it is preferable to display the amount of consideration on a monitor and then ask for consent to collect the consideration.

In order to input each required input item, direct input from the instruction input means, display of a plurality of options and selection by the instruction input means, display of recommended input contents, Whether or not to accept the recommended input content may be selected by the instruction input means, or another method may be used.

As the image to be displayed on the monitor, a photographic image itself, a pictorial hard copy obtained by subjecting the photographic image to the image processing of the content determined up to now, or an image processing of the content to be selected from now on is used. A simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy obtained by subjecting a photographic image to the image processing with the content determined in 1.

[Explanation of Claim 13] When at least a part of the required input items can be input in an arbitrary order, it is particularly easy to forget to input a part of the required input items that can be input in the arbitrary order.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least a part of the input essential items can be input in an arbitrary order. ], Even if the input mandatory items can be input in any order, since the pictorial hard copy is output after all the input mandatory items are input by the instruction input means, before outputting the pictorial hard copy. Since it is always input, let the operator recognize the required input items for pictorial hardcopy output,
It is possible to prevent the trouble that the processing is performed on the photographic image under the condition that the operator does not recognize.

[Explanation of Claim 14] "At least a part of the required input items is input according to a predetermined procedure, the flow of the operation and the progress of the current operation are displayed, and the input regarding the input required items is performed. The image processing device according to claim 12, which is executed. ]
It is possible to display the flow of operations and the progress of the current operation, execute the input regarding the required input items, prevent the operator from getting lost in the operation, and perform the input regarding the required input items without confusion.

[Explanation of Claim 15] In the case of a system corresponding to a specific operator, even if the processing is slow, it is only necessary to do other things during the processing, but an image for an unspecified large number of operators is provided. In the processing system, as fast as possible processing is desired in order to have as many operators as possible to operate. Therefore, based on the reduced image obtained by subjecting the photographic image to pixel number reduction processing, while displaying the image, an instruction for processing the photographic image is input, and the content of the image processing to be executed on the photographic image is determined according to the input, It has been found that performing the image processing having the determined contents on the photographic image is useful for speeding up the calculation. However, if this processing is performed by one arithmetic element, processing of different arithmetic contents will be performed by one arithmetic element, not only waste of arithmetic device resources will occur, but also the image processing of the decided contents will be performed in the photograph. Until it finishes executing on the image, it becomes impossible to display the image or input the instruction for the processing of the photographic image, or it becomes a slow calculation due to time sharing etc. and the image is displayed or the input of the instruction for the processing of the photographic image becomes slow. There's a problem.

"An image for an unspecified multi-operator that allows an operator to input an instruction for processing a photographic image while displaying the image, and subject the photographic image to image processing in response to the input to obtain a pictorial hardcopy output image The processing system has an instruction input means for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor for displaying the image, and displays the image on the monitor based on the reduced image obtained by subjecting the photographic image to the pixel number reduction processing. An image processing content determining device that determines the content of image processing performed on a photographic image; and an image processing content that is determined by the image processing content determining device by an arithmetic element different from the image processing content determining device. And an image processing execution device that obtains an output image for pictorial hard copy by applying the image processing system to the photographic image. Beam. ], Processing of different calculation contents can be performed by an appropriate device, and by the time the image processing of the determined contents is completed on the photographic image,
With respect to another photographic image, it is possible to promptly display the image or input an instruction for processing the photographic image.

[Explanation of Claim 16] Since the work of determining the content of the image processing in the image processing content determination device involves the process of selection and operation by the operator, it takes a long time for one photographic image, and Since the image processing execution device that executes image processing on the photographic image performs a large amount of calculation, it is preferable that it is a calculation element having a high calculation speed. Therefore, it has been found that the time taken for one photographic image is longer in the image processing content determination device than in the image processing execution device, and it is easy to waste the image processing execution device, which is preferably a hardware resource with a high calculation speed. .

The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of the image processing content determining devices are provided for the image processing executing device. Since there are a plurality of image processing content determination devices for the image processing execution device, it is possible to balance this imbalance and reduce waste of the image processing execution device, which is preferably a hardware resource with a high calculation speed. it can.

[Explanation of Claim 17] When transmitting image information, if the volume of the image information is large, a considerable time is required for transmission.

“A photographic image input device that obtains a photographic image of an electronic image and inputs the obtained photographic image to a reduced image creation device and the image processing execution device, and a photographic image input from the photographic image input device into pixels A reduced image creation device that performs a number reduction process to obtain a reduced image, and sends the resulting reduced image to the image processing content determination device, wherein the image processing content determination device transmits the reduced image created by the reduced image creation device. The image is received from the photographic image input device according to the image processing content transmitted from the image processing content determination device, and the image processing execution device transmits the determined image processing content to the image processing execution device. 16. A photographic image into which an image has been input is subjected to image processing to obtain a pictorial real hardcopy output image.
7. The image processing system according to 6. ”, The content to be transmitted is not a“ photo image ”itself or an“ output image for pictorial hard copy obtained by performing image processing on the photo image ”, but a“ reduced image by reducing the pixel number of the photo image ” Since the content of the decided image processing ”, the amount of image information to be sent is considerably smaller than that of the“ photo image ”itself or the“ output image for pictorial hard copy obtained by performing image processing on the photo image ”. The time required for can be shortened.

For example, a photographic image and a pictorial hard copy output image are three-primary color images (approximately 27) of approximately 3000 × 2000 pixels and 12-bit gradation with approximately 6 million pixels.
MB), the number of pixels in each of the vertical and horizontal directions is reduced to 1/10, that is, the number of pixels is reduced to 1/100, and approximately 3
00 × 200 pixels, 12-bit gradation 3 with 60,000 pixels
When the reduced image of the primary color image (approximately 0.27 MB) is used, the volume of image information to be transmitted becomes approximately 1/100. For example, if this is sent using "INS Net 64 (NTT service name)" that can send 8 kilobytes of data per second, it will take about one hour to send a photo image and pictorial hardcopy output image. However, it takes about 35 seconds for a reduced image.

Furthermore, "when a reduced image is transmitted, the reduced image is image-compressed and transmitted, and when the transmitted reduced image is received, the transmitted" image-compressed reduced image "is reproduced. ] Is preferable. As a result, even if irreversible image compression is performed, the image processing content determination device only determines the content of the image processing, and thus does not perform irreversible image compression on the photographic image itself to be image-processed. This is because there is no adverse effect on the image quality of the output image for real hard copy. Then, it is possible to further increase the transmission speed by performing image compression.

For example, when the data amount is further compressed to 1/10 from the reduced image by the image compression in the above example, the data amount becomes about 0.027 MB, and "INS Net 64 (N
TT service name) ”takes about 3.5 seconds, excluding compression and playback time. Further, as long as the amount of data is compressed to 1/10, there is no deterioration in image quality that affects the determination of the content of image processing.

[Explanation of Claim 18] "The image processing system according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, wherein the transmission is performed by a line. By this, since only the image processing content determination device can be provided at a place apart from the photographic image input device, the reduced image creation device, and the image processing execution device, the content of image processing can be determined at various places. In addition, since the reduced image is transmitted at that time, the communication load can be reduced.

For example, if there is an entire system, the installation area is required, but if only the image processing content determining device is compact, only the image processing content determining device is placed in the photo shop and another image input device is installed. The reduced image creation device and the image processing execution device can be placed in the lab.

[0058]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described as embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, in the embodiment, there is a definitive expression for terms and the like, but is a preferred example of the present invention,
It does not limit the meaning or technical scope of the terms of the present invention.

Embodiment 1 The image processing system of this embodiment is a long silver halide color negative of J135 standard for photographing in which a plurality of frames are recorded in the longitudinal direction photographed by an operator who is an unspecified number of end users. The system automatically loads the film by simply setting the silver halide color negative photographic photosensitive film storage container (hereinafter referred to as "Patrone") containing the photographic photosensitive film (hereinafter referred to as "film") to the predetermined position of the system. Feed-out film development process to capture and obtain an input image, reflection document set on a reflection document scanner to capture an input image, and a photo document set to a predetermined position to capture an input image The image recording medium is read to obtain an input image, the operator inputs the image while displaying the image on the monitor, and image processing is performed according to the input. Of the specified specifications, and the image processing of the determined specifications is applied to the input image,
A photographic paper supplied from a magazine containing photographic paper (hereinafter referred to as photographic paper), which is a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material for printing, wound in a roll, is scanned and exposed to paper for photographic processing, and is sorted into prints. Or a system for recording on an image recording medium. Hereinafter, the device of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

In the image processing system of this embodiment, as shown in the overall block diagram of FIG. 1, the overall block diagram of FIG. 2, and the explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of image information in FIG.
The cartridge is set at a predetermined position by inserting the cartridge from 11, and the film feeding portion 610 for feeding the film accommodated in the cartridge from the cartridge and the fed film are subjected to the dip development processing to make a photographic original. The film development processing unit 10, the photo original sending unit 630 for sending out the photo original from the photo original container set by the operator, the photo originals are picked up to obtain an input image, and the photo original is wound up. A transparent original scanner 400 which is housed in the photographic original container supplied from the container supplying unit 620 to form a photographic original container, a photographic original container supplying unit 620 which supplies the photographic original container to the transparent original scanner 400, and an operator set the same. The reflected original document is imaged on a monitor 910 and a reflective original scanner 800 that captures an input image by capturing the reflected original. Shows while, instruction input to the operator section 9
90, the content of the image processing is determined according to the input, and the image processing of the determined content is performed by the transparent original scanner 400.
Image processing unit A for applying the input image from the output image output
To C, a paper supply unit 290 that supplies the printing paper to the exposure unit 200 from magazines 670 and 690 that store the printing paper wound in a roll shape, and a printing paper that is supplied with the output image from the image processing unit 300. An exposure section 200 for exposing, a paper development processing section 40 for dip-developing the photographic paper exposed by the exposure section 200 for printing, and a print obtained by the dip development processing by the paper development processing section 40 may be post-processed in some cases. The post-processing unit 500, the photographic document container supplied from the transparent document scanner 400, and the sorter 7 that sorts the prints supplied from the post-processing unit 500 for each end user.
00 and an overall control unit 300 that controls the entire system based on the instruction input by the instruction input unit 390.

This image processing system also includes a film development processing section 10, a part of the photographic original container supply section 620, a transparent original scanner 400, a paper supply section 290, an exposure section 200, a paper development processing section 40, and a solid processing agent. Supply unit 8
0 and a solid processing agent guiding part 90, and a magazine 670,
Device main body 6 capable of setting 690 and solid processing agent container 90
60, a film sending unit 610, and a photographic document sending unit 630
And an outer frame 600 having a part of the photo document container supply unit 620 and surrounding the apparatus main body, a sorter 700, an overall control unit 300 installed on the outer frame 600, and a reflective document scanner 800 on the sorter 700. And image processing units A to C and a line connecting them. Each of the above-mentioned units is connected by a control line, and an image line is connected among the transparent original scanner 400, the exposure unit 200, the overall control unit 300, and the image processing units A to C. Lines in FIG. 1 indicate the image line and the control line. The image line and the control line are surrounded by a protective shield, and the apparatus main body and the image processing unit A
It is tied between ~ C.

In this system, the transparent original scanner 4
00, reflection original scanner 800, recording medium drive 94
In an input system that obtains an input image such as 0, the characteristics of each device are corrected, and the input image is converted into a B, G, and R image of a predetermined standard with a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 3000 × 2000 pixels). ing. Then, the image processing unit
Contents of image processing such as color reproduction processing, image processing processing, character image synthesis processing, etc., by obtaining a reduced image (for example, 300 × 200 pixels) obtained by reducing the number of pixels of the input image that is the G and R image. An image converted according to the above is obtained as a simulation image. The display image displayed on the monitor of the image processing unit or the overall control unit is a simulation image in the same color space as the color space of the input image converted into the color space of the monitor. Further, the image processing execution unit of the image processing unit converts the input image according to the content of the image processing determined by the size as it is, and obtains the output image. Then, the output system converts the output image into the color space of the output system. In this embodiment, all of the input image, the output image, the reduced image, the simulation image, and the display image are digital images.

When an input image is obtained from the transparent original scanner 400 or the reflective original scanner 800, the overall control unit 300 specifies an image processing unit for image processing. The input image is sent on the image line to the specified image processing units A to C,
The output image obtained by image processing in the image processing units A to C is sent to the exposure unit 200 by an image line. The exposure unit 200 corrects the influence of the characteristics of the exposure unit 200 from the output image sent, obtains an exposure signal, and exposes the printing paper.

As shown in the block diagram of the overall control unit of FIG. 3, the overall control unit 300 includes an image input I / F 320 for receiving the input image transmitted from the transparent original scanner 400 and the reflective original scanner 800, and an image input. An input image memory 331 that stores the input image received by the I / F, and a reduction image is obtained by performing a pixel number reduction process from the input image stored in the input image memory 331, and a simulation image is created from the obtained reduction image. Then, the image processing control unit 333 that controls the display control unit 373 according to the input from the instruction input unit 390 to control the image processing in the present apparatus, and the image processing control unit 33.
3, a simulation image memory 371 that stores the reduced image and the simulation image created in step 3, a display control unit 373 that creates a display image from the simulation image stored in the simulation image memory 371, and displays it on the monitor 310; A monitor 310 that displays a display image in response to a signal from the unit 373;
The instruction input unit 390 for inputting instructions regarding image processing, image output, and various processing, and the input image memory 331 when the input image transmitted to the image processing unit is not stored due to a reception trouble of the image processing unit or the like. An image output I / F 325 for transmitting the input image stored in the device, a control I / F 350 for inputting / outputting control information from another device, and a control I / F
It has an overall control unit 363 for controlling other devices and this device through 350, and a control image memory 361 for storing various instruction screens for the operator.

It should be noted that, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the image processing of the contents determined by the image processing controller 333 is applied to the input image stored in the input image memory 931 so that the overall controller 300 can perform the image processing. And an output image memory 937 that stores the output image obtained by the image processing execution unit 935. The image processing control unit 333 further includes an instruction input unit. The content of image processing may be determined according to the input from 390, and the image output I / F 925 may further transmit the output image stored in the output image memory 937.

Next, the procedure for setting the cartridge, collecting the film developing fee, and developing the film will be described with reference to FIG. 5, which is a film developing start flow chart.

First, when film development is selected by the operator's input and started, in step S201, the overall control unit 3
00 is a film development processing unit 10 or a film delivery unit 610.
Based on the status information such as the above, it is determined whether or not it is possible to set the cartridge, send out the film, develop the film, image it, and send it to the sorter. Then, if possible, S2
03, the monitor 310 of the overall control unit 300 displays that the cartridge can be inserted.
In step 202, a screen indicating that the patrone cannot be set is displayed on the monitor 310 of the overall control unit 300.

In S204, the monitor 3 of the overall control unit 300
When the display 10 indicates that the cartridge can be inserted, if the cartridge is inserted and set in the film feeding unit 610, the control that the cartridge is inserted and set from the film feeding unit 610 is carried out through the I / F 350. Informed to the department 363. Then, in step S205, the overall control unit 363 displays a screen for instructing the operator to pay the film development fee and input the order name on the monitor 310.
To be displayed.

Then, in S206, if the film developing fee can be collected, that is, if the operator puts money in excess of the film developing fee into the consideration collecting unit 380, S
Proceeding to step 209, the consideration collection unit 380 collects the film development fee, and the film development fee cannot be collected, that is, if the operator only inputs money less than the film development fee into the consideration collection unit 380. Go to S207,
If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to S206, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S208 to return the cartridge from the insertion port or a return port (not shown). As a result, if the film development fee cannot be collected within a predetermined time after the screen for instructing the operator to pay the film development fee is displayed, the patrone set at the predetermined position will be returned. .

Then, the procedure proceeds to S209, and the consideration collecting unit 38.
After 0 collects the film development fee, the delivery of the film is started in S210. Then, in S211, if the operator inputs the order name in the instruction input unit 390, S2
If the operator has not entered the order name in the instruction input section 390, the process proceeds to S14. In S212, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, S2
Returning to step 11, if the predetermined time has elapsed, S213
Then, a temporary order name (for example, set time of the patrone, etc.) is attached, and the overall control unit 363 associates the film taken out from the patrone with the order name, and S214
Proceed to. In S214, the overall control unit 363 associates the film extracted from the cartridge with the order name,
finish.

As shown in FIG. 6, the consideration collecting unit 380 is capable of inserting a bill through the bill insertion slot 381, inserting a coin through the coin insertion slot 382, and is charged more than the amount for collecting the film development fee. And the overall control unit 36
The film development fee is collected from the film development fee collection signal from 3. Then, a change signal indicating the presence or absence of change is transmitted to the overall control unit 363. The change is returned from the change return port 384.

Then, after the film is taken out from the cartridge of the film sending unit 610 and the leading edge of the film reaches the transparent original scanner 400 through the film developing processing unit 10, the transparent original scanner 400 starts to capture a photographic original. The fact that image capturing has been started from the document scanner 400 is notified to the overall control unit 363, and an input image is obtained from the captured image.

Next, the procedure for setting the reflection original, collecting the reflection original reading fee, and imaging the reflection original will be described. First, the reading of the reflection original by the reflection original scanner 800 is started by being selected by the input of the instruction input unit 390. Then, a reflection original scanner 80 is provided to the operator.
A screen for instructing to set to 0 is displayed on the overall control unit 30.
No. 0 monitor 310 is displayed. When the reflection original is set on the reflection original scanner 800, the fact that the reflection original is set is transmitted to the overall control unit 363 through the control I / F 350. Then, the overall control unit 363 causes the monitor 310 to display a screen for instructing the operator to pay the document reading fee and input the order name.

Then, if the document reading fee can be collected, that is, if the operator puts more money than the document reading fee into the consideration collecting unit 380, the consideration collecting unit 380 collects the document reading fee, If the film developing fee cannot be collected even after the lapse of a predetermined time, that is, if the operator has invested only money less than the document reading fee into the consideration collecting unit 380, the end control is performed.

Then, the consideration collecting unit 380 collects the document reading fee. If the operator has not entered the order name in the instruction input unit 390 even after a lapse of a predetermined time, a temporary order name (for example, set time) is added, and the overall control unit 363 sets the reflection original and the order name. Are captured in association with each other to obtain an input image.

Then, when an instruction to end the photographing of the photo original is input from the instruction input unit 390, the change is returned to the change return port 384. Further, when the change signal from the consideration collecting unit 380 indicates a change, the overall control unit 363 instructs the display control unit 373 to display a screen for instructing the operator to receive the change on the monitor 310, and the monitor 31.
0 displays a screen instructing the operator to receive the change, and proceeds to the next process. If there is no change, the next process is performed. In addition, by pressing the balance return button 383 at any time, the balance is returned to the change return port 384.

Next, a procedure for the overall control unit 363 to specify the image processing unit that processes the obtained input image will be described. The overall control unit 363 requests each image processing unit A to C to transmit its own status information through the control I / F 350. Then, each image processing unit controls the status information by controlling the I / F.
This is transmitted to the overall control unit 363 through 350. Here, the status information includes information on whether the image processing unit can be used or not, and if it is currently being used, information on how later the image processing unit can be used by another worker. is there. If any of the image processing units can be used, the overall control unit 363 identifies one of the image processing units, and under the control of the overall control unit 363, the monitor 310 is identified. A screen for displaying to the processing unit together with the order name and instructing the operator is displayed. Further, the specified image processing unit is notified that the image processing unit has been specified, and under the control of the overall control unit 363, the monitor 910 of the specified image processing unit displays that the image processing unit itself has been specified together with the order name. Then, the screen for instructing the operator is displayed. If none of the image processing units can be used, the overall control unit 363
Specifies the image processing unit that can be used by another worker in the shortest time, and under the control of the overall control unit 363, the time during which the monitor 310 can be used by the specified image processing unit for the image processing unit. A screen is displayed along with the order name so as to go backward, and a screen for instructing the operator is displayed. Further, it notifies the specified image processing unit that the next operator has been set. Also,
When the specified image processing unit becomes available, the monitor 910 of the specified image processing unit displays, together with the order name, the operator of the specified image processing unit under the control of the overall control unit 363. Display the screen to instruct.
If none of the image processing units can be used and the extent to which another worker can use the image processing unit is unknown, the order from the overall control unit 363 causes the monitor 310 to wait for a while. And a screen for instructing the operator. Then, the above-described routine is repeated every predetermined time until the image processing unit can be specified.

In order to guide the operator, a color is assigned to each image processing unit, a guide line for each color to each image processing unit is provided on the floor, and the monitor 310 is specified by the control of the overall control unit 363. The color of the specified image processing unit may be displayed, and the monitor 910 of the specified image processing unit may also display the color so that the guide line of the color of the specified image processing unit is illuminated.

Then, when the state information indicating that the image capturing is completed is transmitted from the transparent original scanner 400 to the overall control section 363 through the control I / F 350, the transparent original scanner 400 transmits the input image under the control of the overall control section 363. Then, the specified image processing unit receives the image. At the same time, under the control of the overall control unit 363, the specified image processing unit receives the order information and obtains the order information. The same applies to the case of the reflection original scanner 800.

Next, the overall control unit 363 controls the flow of outputting the output image obtained by the image processing by the image processing unit by the exposure unit 200, the paper development processing unit 40, the post-processing unit 500, and the sorter 700. Will be explained. First, the image processing units A to C notify the general control unit 363 of the output image transmission preparation state, order information, and image output specifications (size and number). Then, the order is set to the next order of the image output currently waiting for exposure. And when the order of exposure comes,
The overall control unit 363 controls the paper supply unit 290 to supply photographic printing paper according to the image output specifications (size and number), and controls the exposure unit 200 to receive the output image and the exposure unit. 200 exposes the output image on photographic paper. Then, the overall control unit 363 stores the correspondence between the exposed printing paper, the order name, and the image output specifications. Further, the overall control unit 363 controls the post-processing unit 500 to perform post-processing according to the image output specifications (size and number) based on the correspondence between the stored printing paper and the image output specifications. . Then, the overall control unit 363 specifies the sorter bin for each order, and stores the exposed printing paper in the specific sorter bin based on the correspondence between the stored printing paper and the order name.
The sorter 700 is controlled. Then, when the image processing unit notifies the general control unit 363 of the end of image output, the general control unit 363 corresponds to the order in order to have the order's print and the photographic document container 510 (if any) taken out. The sorter 700 is controlled so that the sorter bin can be removed.

FIG. 6 shows an outer frame 600 for accommodating the apparatus main body 660 of the image processing system of this embodiment and the overall control section 30.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a main body portion including 0 and a sorter 700. The outer frame body 600 has a shape surrounding the apparatus body 660, and the apparatus body 660 can be installed therein.
In front of the apparatus main body 660, there is a door 650 having a handle 651 on its front surface. The door 650 has a structure that can be detached from the main body outer frame body 600. When the door 650 is removed, the device main body 660 shown in FIG. 7 can be pulled out from the main body outer frame body 600. Further, the main body outer frame body 600 can be provided with the overall control section 300 on the upper surface thereof. In the overall control unit 300, in addition to the monitor 310,
Various control units shown in FIG. 4, a memory, a process execution unit, and an electrical component unit such as an I / F are housed. In addition, the main body outer frame 600
There is a film feeding section 610 on the front right side of the upper surface of the main body outer frame body 600, and a photo original feeding section 630 on the left side of the upper surface front side of the main body outer frame 600.
And a photo original container supply unit 620. The film feeding section 610 has an insertion opening 611 for inserting a cartridge.
Then, the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material for photographing taken out by the film sending section 610 is sent to the film developing processing section 10 so as to be subjected to immersion development processing to make a photographic original.

The sorter 700 has a plurality of bins 711-71.
There are six. Also, each bottle has a lid 711-7 with a handle.
16 and guide lights 731-736 on each lid.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus main body 660. The L-width magazine 670 accommodates roll photographic paper having a width of 89 mm. 210m for A4 width magazine 690
An m-width roll printing paper is stored. The printing paper cut by the cutter 291 of the paper supply unit 290 and exposed by the exposure unit 200 is developed by the paper developing unit 4, passed through the post-processing unit 500, and passed to the sorter 700. The film F taken out by the film sending section 610 is sent to the film development processing section 10, and is subjected to immersion development processing in the film development processing section 10 to be a photographic original. Film development processing unit 1
The photographic original obtained by immersion development processing at 0 is sent to the transparent original scanner 400. At this time, the film F is conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed by perforation conveyance without using a leader.

The transparent original scanner 400 takes an image of the photographic original sent from the film development processing unit 10, and then winds it up on the photographic original container supplied from the photographic original container supplying unit 620. And when all the frames of the photographic manuscript are taken,
The photographic document is wound up and accommodated in a photographic document container to form a photographic document container, which is then sent to the sorter 700.

Further, the photographic document taken out from the photographic document container containing the photographic document set in the photographic document sending section 630 by the operator is temporarily wound around a temporary winding section (not shown) in the transparent document scanner 400. Taken. Then, the photographic originals wound around the temporary winding section are sequentially sent,
An image is picked up by the transparent original scanner 400, and is taken up by the photographic original container supplied from the photographic original container supply unit 620 to form a photographic original container and is sent to the sorter 700.
The photo original container from which the photo original is taken out by the photo original sending unit 630 is accommodated in a discharge box (not shown).

A film development processing section 10 including a plurality of processing steps and a paper development processing section 4 including a plurality of processing steps.
0 is provided in parallel so that the film development processing unit 10 is on the front side. The transparent original scanner 400 is provided above the film development processing unit 10 on the drying unit side, and above the paper development processing unit from the development process side to the exposure unit 200.
A paper supply unit 290, magazines 670 and 690, and a post-processing unit 500 are provided. The magazine 670 and the magazine 690 are provided in parallel with each other, which will be described later.
Further, the film development processing section 10 and the paper development processing section 4
Between 0 and 0, each processing step and processing solution are circulated for each processing step of the film development processing section 10 and the paper development processing section 40 in order to dissolve the solid processing agent and supply the processing agent component to each processing step. Auxiliary tank 2 of the film development processing section 10
0 and an auxiliary tank 50 for the paper development processing section 40 are provided. Further, the solid processing agent supply unit 80 for supplying the solid processing agent from the solid processing agent storage container 70 to the auxiliary tanks 20 and 50 includes the film development processing unit 10 and the paper development processing unit 4.
It is provided above the auxiliary tanks 20 and 50 between 0 and 0. Then, the solid processing agent supplied from the solid processing agent supply unit 80 is guided to the auxiliary tanks 20, 50 of the corresponding processing step by the solid processing agent guiding unit 90.

In the film development processing section 10, the first development processing tank 1A, the second development processing tank 1B, the bleaching processing tank 1C, and the fixing processing of the four processing steps of the development processing step, the bleaching processing step, the fixing processing step, and the water washing processing step are performed. The treatment tank 1D, the first water washing tank 1E, the second water washing tank 1F, and the third water washing tank 1G, and seven drying tanks 1H are arranged in this order, and the film is conveyed in this order at a predetermined conveying speed on a predetermined conveying path. Meanwhile, the immersion development processing is performed.

Further, as shown in the schematic sectional view of the photographic paper transporting path of the apparatus main body 660 of FIG. 9, the paper developing processing section 40 has a developing processing step, a bleach-fixing processing step and a water washing step. The tank 4P, the bleach-fixing processing tank 4Q, the first water washing tank 4R, the second water washing tank 4S, the third water washing tank 4T and the drying section 4U are arranged in this order, and the printing paper is arranged in this order by a predetermined conveying path. Immersion development processing is carried out while being carried at the carrying speed of.

Further, the magazine 670 and the magazine 690
Holds the photographic printing paper P in a roll around a winding shaft 675 so as to be rotatable. A handle 673 for exchange is provided on the upper part of the magazine so that it can be pulled out. A feed roller pair 677 is provided to feed the photographic paper to the entrance of the magazine while blocking light.

The printing paper sent from the magazine 670 is sent to the exposure section 200 by the feeding roller group 295 of the paper supply section 290. The exposure unit 20 from the magazine 670
In the paper supply unit 290 up to 0, there is a cutter 291 for cutting the printing paper into a predetermined length. This cutter 291
FIG. 10 shows a cutting pattern of the photographic paper by the method. As shown in FIG. 10, the cutter 2 provided in front of the exposure unit 200
8 sent out from L width size magazine 670 at 91
325 mm (for 5 sheets of 65 mm (large business card size)) 275 mm (55 mm (business card size))
5 sheets), 254 mm (panoramic size), 158 m
m (high-definition size), 127 mm (L size), etc., cut to an appropriate length, and 210 mm (A
(4 sizes) -cut to 105 mm (for two postcard sizes).

Returning to FIG. 9, the photographic printing paper P is exposed by the exposure section 200, and the exposed photographic printing paper is sent to the paper developing processing section 4, where the developing processing tank 4P, the bleach-fixing tank 4Q and the first stabilizing processing tank are provided. 4R, the second stabilizing treatment tank 4S, and the third stabilizing treatment tank 4T, the printing paper passage detection portion 551 for detecting the passage of the printing paper dried by the drying portion 4U, and the exposure portion 200 for the exposure for setting the reference exposure condition. The density at a predetermined position of the printed print is measured by the density measuring unit 501. And roller 559, A
A postcard size print that is cut into 5 sizes is cut into two postcard size prints with a predetermined width (cutting the photographic paper into a predetermined width), a predetermined width cutter 563, 325 mm (6
5 mm (5 large business cards) / 275 mm (55
mm (business card size 5 sheets) L width photographic paper 65 m
Cut to m (large business card size) / 55 mm (business card size) (Cut photographic paper to a specified length) Cutter 57
1 to supply to the sorter 700.

Next, the image processing units A to C will be described. As shown in the block diagram of the image processing unit in FIG. 8, the image processing units A to C receive the image input I / F 920 for receiving the input image transmitted from the transparent original scanner 400 and the image input I / F 920. An input image memory 931 for storing an input image, and a reduced image by reducing the number of pixels from the input image stored in the input image memory to obtain a reduced image, create a simulation image from the reduced image, and input to the instruction input unit 990. An image processing control unit 933 that determines the content of image processing according to the above, and controls the entire image processing unit.
And a simulation image memory 971 that stores the reduced image and the simulation image created by the image processing control unit 933, and a display image is created from the reduced image and the simulation image stored in the simulation image memory 971 and displayed on the monitor. A display control unit 973,
A monitor 910 that displays a display image, an instruction input unit 990 that inputs an instruction relating to the display image, image processing, and image output, and an image processing for the input image stored in the input image memory 931 by a signal from the display control unit 973. Control unit 93
The image processing execution unit 935 that performs the image processing of the content determined in 3 to obtain the output image, the output image memory 937 that stores the output image obtained by the image processing execution unit 935, and the output that is stored in the output image memory 937. An image output I / F 925 that transmits an image, a control I / F 950 that inputs control information from another device to the image processing control unit 933, and outputs control information from the image processing control unit 933 to another device, An instruction image memory 961 that stores various instruction screens for the operator, and a consideration collection unit 980 that collects the consideration in response to a control signal from the image processing control unit 933 and collects the consideration or returns a signal indicating that the consideration cannot be made. Have. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, the consideration collecting unit 980 can insert a bill from the bill insertion slot 981 and a coin from the coin insertion slot 982, and if the amount of money required for collecting the film development fee is more than an amount, the image It collects the consideration of the amount of money designated by the consideration collection control signal from the processing control unit 933. And
If there is a change at the end, the change signal is transmitted to the image processing control unit 933, and the change is returned to the change return port 984.
Further, the image processing control unit 933 sends the change signal to the consideration collecting unit 9
When received from 80, the display control unit 973 is instructed to display on the monitor 910 a screen instructing the operator to receive the change, and the monitor 910 displays a screen instructing the operator to receive the change. , Move to the next processing. If there is no change, the next process is performed.

The image processing execution units of the image processing units A to C and the overall control unit 363 of the overall control unit 300 may be replaceable by replacing the program with the same CPU.

In the image processing in the image processing units A to C, first, when the overall control unit 300 requests the status information, the image processing control unit 933 determines whether the image processing unit can be used and the current information. If it is in use, the image processing unit notifies the overall control unit 300 of state information, which is information on how soon the image processing unit can be used by another worker. Then, when the image processing unit is notified of the identification, the image processing control unit 93
3 is set to have been specified by the image processing unit. When the information specified by the image processing unit is set, thereafter, the overall control unit 3
When the transmission of the status information is requested from 00, it is transmitted that the main image processing unit is in use and it is unknown to what degree another worker can be used later. When the overall control unit 300 is informed to receive the input image from the image input I / F 920, the image processing control unit 933 causes the image input I / F 920 to receive the input image and
The input image memory 931 is controlled to store the input image received by 920. At the same time, control I / F95
The order information is received and transmitted from 0 to the image processing control unit 933, and the image processing control unit 933 sets the order information.

The consideration collecting unit 980, as shown in FIG.
Banknotes can be inserted from the banknote insertion slot 981 and the coin insertion slot 9
A coin can be inserted from 82, and the price is collected by the price collection signal from the image processing control unit 933. If there is change, a change signal is transmitted to the image processing control unit 933,
The change is returned to the change return port 984. Then, the image processing control unit 933 transmits the decided image processing specifications to the image processing execution unit 935, and in order to obtain the output image from the input image stored in the input image memory, in accordance with the decided image processing contents, the image processing is executed. To execute. Then, the output image is stored in the output image memory 937. Then, the image processing control unit 933 notifies the overall control unit 300 of the image output preparation state, the order information, and the image output specifications (size and number). Then, when instructed to transmit the output image from the overall control unit 300, the image processing control unit 933 causes the output image memory 937 to transmit the output image from the image output I / F.

Note that the image processing unit is the transparent original scanner 4
The index print digital image in which the images of a plurality of frames of the photographic original imaged at 00 are arranged is created and always transmitted as an output image. By doing so, the index print digital image is also exposed on the photographic paper by the exposure unit 200 and is developed to be a print, so that the index print is always created.

Hereinafter, the image processing flow by the image processing units A to C will be shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 11 and 12, and the image processing / image output flow will be described. Roughly speaking, this image processing / image output flow is one of a combination of preset multiple types of image processing and character composition positions after the specification of the color reproduction of pictorial hard copy of the photographic image itself is determined. To determine the specifications of the selected type of image processing, then determine the specifications of the character combining process that combines the character images at the selected character combining positions, and determine the image output specifications. Then, color reproduction processing according to the color reproduction specifications determined for the input image stored in the input image memory, and image processing with the determined specifications for the selected type of image processing,
This is a flow for starting character output processing for image output by performing character synthesis processing of the determined specifications and recording on an image recording medium. Here, image processing refers to image processing other than character combining processing for combining arbitrary characters (including symbols and numbers).

First, in S1, the specifications for color reproduction of a pictorial hard copy of the photographic image itself are determined. This determines the color reproduction specification of the pictorial hard copy of the photographic image itself while displaying the simulation image simulating the pictorial hard copy of the photographic image itself on the monitor 310 from the input image which is the photographic image. First, reduce the number of pixels in the input image to create a reduced image,
A simulation image of color reproduction of a plurality of specifications is created from this reduced image. Then, the display image creation unit 323 creates a display image for selection in which the created simulation images are arranged, and displays it on the monitor 910. Then, after the display image for selection is displayed on the monitor 310, if it is confirmed that any one of the simulation images is selected by the operation input unit 390 by the operator, the color reproduction of the selected simulation image is confirmed. Determine the specifications as the specifications for color reproduction. Then, the color reproduction specifications determined in S2 are registered. Since this color reproduction specification is always selected, it corresponds to the essential input item in the present invention. This is because, particularly when an image obtained by picking up a silver halide negative color photographic film is used as the input image, the impression of the output image or the pictorial hard copy is completely different depending on the color reproduction specifications.

In S3, a selection is made as to which type of image processing is to be performed among a plurality of preset types of image processing, or whether image processing is not performed. If you perform image processing after the character synthesis process that synthesizes arbitrary characters (including symbols and numbers), it is likely that it will not match the image, and when it does not match the image,
If you try again, the character synthesizing process that synthesizes arbitrary characters (including symbols and numbers) is highly arbitrary, so it takes extra time for the operator to redo characters and the productivity is poor. .. Therefore, when image processing is performed, the image processing is performed before the character synthesizing process for synthesizing arbitrary characters (including symbols and numbers). As image processing, a process of synthesizing a second image on a photographic image, such as a balloon synthesizing process, a process of synthesizing a cut-out photographic image, such as a rim image synthesizing process or rim image blurring synthesizing process, Cut out a photographic image Partial image color reproduction that changes the specifications of color reproduction within the photographic image classification range by dividing the photographic image by blurring the outlines of the cut photographic image, blurring processing, spot effect processing, watermark character processing, etc. There are specification change processing, trimming processing, monochrome processing, and the like.

Hereinafter, each image processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 will be described. Note that the original image is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, the speech bubble synthesizing process is a process of synthesizing a single-color (for example, white) image (speech image) I22 of a predetermined shape with a photographic image I21. It is used as a pre-process for synthesizing images. Therefore, when this balloon synthesizing process is selected as the image processing, the character image synthesizing position during the character image synthesizing process is set to the position on this balloon image I22.

The edge image synthesizing process is, as shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, photographic images I31, I41, I5 cut into edge images I32, I42, I52 in a predetermined shape.
This is a process of combining 1 at a predetermined position. As the edge image, a single color (FIGS. 15 and 16), woodgrain or design image tone (FIG. 1)
7) etc. are mentioned.

The partial image color reproduction specification changing process is shown in FIG.
As shown in (watermark character processing) and FIG. 19 (spot effect processing), this is processing for dividing the photographic images I61, I71 and changing the color reproduction specifications of the photographic images within the dividing ranges I62, I72. As shown in FIG. 19, when the shape of the break range is a simple shape (almost any shape of an oval, an ellipse, a circle, a rectangle, or a regular polygon), a photographic image goes from the break range to the break range. It is preferable to perform processing so that the ratio of changing the color reproduction specification is increased, and blurring processing is performed so that the vicinity of the boundary of the delimitation range of the photographic image becomes familiar.
Note that, as shown in FIG. 18, watermark character processing is performed by setting this delimitation range as a character image. That is, the watermark character process is a process of dividing a photographic image in the form of a character image and changing the color reproduction specification of the photographic image within the dividing range, and it is preferable that the blurring process is not performed.

The trimming process is a process of cutting the photographic image I81 in the cut-out range I82 of the print shape as shown in FIG. Note that the pixel number increasing process is a process of converting into an image having a larger number of pixels than the number of pixels of the original image, and the interpolation process is general.

The blurring process is a process of cutting the photographic image I91 in the cutting range I92 and blurring the contour of the cut photographic image as shown in FIG. To blur the outline of a photographic image, a range I9 inside the cutout range I92 is used.
The color reproduction specifications of the photographic image in 3 are maintained, and the ratio of the color reproduction specifications of the photographic image is increased from the color reproduction specifications outside the cut range toward the inner range I93 from the cut range I92. To do. Further, as an application of this, there is edge image blur combining processing. The edge image blurriness combining process is a process of combining a photographic image cut into a predetermined shape on the edge image at a predetermined position, in the vicinity of the boundary between the photographic image and the edge image, from the photographic image to the edge image. Is a process for reducing the ratio of reproducing the edge image and increasing the ratio of reproducing the edge image so as to blur the vicinity of the boundary of the photographic image to the edge image.

The monochrome processing is processing for changing the color reproduction specification from a color image to a monochrome image.

This selection is performed by first displaying on the monitor 310 a screen instructing to input which type of image processing is selected from a plurality of types of image processing as shown in FIG. When one of the existing types of image processing is selected by the operation of the joystick 391 by the operator, the selected type of image processing is determined, the process proceeds to S4, and the image processing specifications are determined. . In addition,
An example of each type of image processing is shown on the panel board 690 so that the operator can easily select it. Further, if it is selected by the operator's operation of the joystick 391 that the image processing is not performed, the process proceeds to S6. When another image processing is selected, another type of image processing is displayed.

At S4, the image processing specifications are determined. In the following description, it is assumed that, as the type of image processing, synthesizing a photographic image in which a cutout range of a predetermined shape is cut out at a predetermined position of a heart-shaped forehead image is selected. First, which frame image is to be combined with the frame image is selected. The image data of the forehead image is the RO attached to the image memory 930.
It is stored in a ROM card that is pluggably inserted into the M replacement board 939. This makes it possible to easily change the available forehead image. R
On the OM card, the frame image data is about 300
It is stored as data of both 0 pixel × about 2000 pixels of b, g, and r digital images and about 300 pixels × about 200 pixels of b, g, and r simulated images. The display image creating unit 924 creates a display image indicating an instruction for the operator to select the forehead image from the data of the simulation image of the forehead image data, and displays it on the monitor 910. When any one of the forehead images is selected by the operation of the joystick 991 by the operator, the forehead image is set.
The position of the photographic image in the cutout range and the shape of the cutout range to be combined with the forehead image are preset for each forehead image.

Next, the orientation of the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image is selected. First, the display image creation unit 924 creates a display image showing four photo images in which the directions of the photo images are up, down, left, and right, and gives an instruction to select the direction of the photo image, and the monitor image is created. 910. When the orientation of the photographic image is selected by the operator's operation of the joystick 991, the orientation is set.

Next, the position and size of the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image are selected. First, the display image creation unit 924
From the data of the simulation image of the selected forehead image data, as shown in FIG. 23, a display image showing an instruction for the operator to select the position and size of the cutout range of the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image is created. Then, it is displayed on the monitor 910. By operating the joystick 991 and its buttons, the operator selects the position and size of the cutout range of the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image by the operation shown in FIG. Move the joystick 991, move the cursor on the screen to the "large" or "small" box on the screen, and press the button on the joystick 991 to set the size of the cutout range of the photo image to be combined with the forehead image. Adjust. Also, move the joystick 991 to move the cursor on the screen to the range display mark (Fig.
In 3, the position of the cutout range of the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image is adjusted by moving the joystick 991 while moving it into the heart-shaped mark indicated by the dotted line) and pressing the button of the joystick 991. Then, move the joystick 991, move the cursor on the screen to the "fixed" box on the screen, and press the button on the joystick 991 to select the position and size of the photo image to be combined with the forehead image. Ends.

Then, in S5, the information on the position and size of the cutout range of the selected forehead image and the photographic image to be combined with the forehead image is registered, and the process proceeds to S6.

In S6, whether character synthesizing processing is performed, or
Select whether or not to do it. When the image processing unit 924 does not select the image processing, it does not display the simulation image of the photographic image.
Whether to perform character composition processing for the operator while displaying the simulation image of the image processed image on the photographic image,
Alternatively, a display image indicating an instruction to select whether or not to perform is created and displayed on the monitor 910. When the operator operates the joystick 991 to select the character synthesizing process, the process proceeds to S7. If it is selected not to perform the character synthesizing process, the process proceeds to S9.

At S7, the specifications of the character synthesizing process are determined. This apparatus displays a simulation image that simulates a composite image of an original photo image for which character composition processing is performed and a character image of an input character on the monitor 910,
Determine the specifications for character composition processing. First, the display image creation unit 924 creates a display image that displays an original photo image for which character synthesis processing is performed and an explanatory text that explains the procedure of the character synthesis processing, and an input location indicating a character input location on the photo image. The display image is displayed on the monitor 910 while blinking and displaying the cursor at the first input position. FIG. 24 shows an example of the image displayed on the monitor 910. In FIG. 24, the first input location is the upper left character input location, and the original image on which the character synthesis processing is performed is the simulation image that is the synthesis processing of the photographic image and the forehead image in S6. When a character is input from the character input unit 980, the character input is displayed at the character input position currently displayed on the monitor 910 by the cursor,
The entered characters are temporarily stored. When the number of input characters exceeds the preset number of characters, the size of characters and the interval between characters are reduced according to the number of input characters so that the characters do not run off from the character input location.
When the number of input characters reaches the preset maximum number of characters, the input of characters is prohibited. Then, when the button of the joystick 991 is pressed, the character temporarily stored in the character input position where the cursor is currently displayed is registered, and the cursor displayed on the monitor 910 is moved to another character input position. , Accept the input of the character at the character input location. When the joystick 991 is tilted to the back and the button of the joystick 991 is pressed, the character at the character input position where the cursor is currently displayed is deleted. When the joystick 991 is tilted to the right and the button on the joystick 991 is pressed, the monitor 9
The color of the character displayed in 10 changes. Then, tilt the joystick 991 to the left to move the joystick 99.
When the button 1 is pressed, the process proceeds to S8. As a result, the operator does not input a character at a certain character insertion position, so that the character can be prevented from being input at a character insertion position that does not match the image of the operator.

In S8, the specification of the combining process of the character image of the character displayed on the monitor 910 is registered, and the process proceeds to S9. If there is a character input part where no character is input, the character image combining process of the character input part is not registered. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary execution of the character image synthesizing process.

At S9, the image output specification is selected. Note that it may be selected not to output an image here. First,
While the display image creation unit 924 displays the simulation image of the image that has been subjected to the image processing of the content that has been determined so far, the description according to the procedure for determining the specification of the image output and the print according to the specification of the image output. A display image for displaying the price is created and displayed on the monitor 910. This monitor 91
An example of the image displayed at 0 is shown in FIG. In Figure 25, print size and print price are 80 yen / sheet for L size print and 100 yen / card for postcard size print.
400 yen / sheet for A4 size prints, 400 yen / set for 5 business card size prints, 5 large business card size prints
The set is 500 yen / sheet, which is given as an example. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the price is different depending on whether the image processing and the character combination processing are performed, the case where only the image processing is performed, the case where only the character combination processing is performed, and the case where neither the image processing nor the character combination processing is performed. Can be set to. For example, in the case of image processing only and in the case of only character composition processing, L size prints are 50 yen / sheet, and postcard size prints are 60 yen /
240 yen / sheet for A4 size prints, 240 yen / set for 5 business card size prints, 5 large business card size prints
The set is 300 yen / sheet, and if neither image processing nor character composition processing is performed, L size print is 30 yen / sheet, postcard size print is 40 yen / sheet, A4 size print is 160 yen / sheet, business card size A set of 5 prints costs 160 yen /
A set of 5 large business card prints is 200 yen / sheet. These charges can be changed and set by replacing the ROM card of the ROM replacement board inside the image processing unit that can be opened only by the key. The size and number of image outputs are selected according to the input from the operation input unit 390. In the example shown in the figure, when the joystick of the operation input section 390 is moved left or right, the blinking display position of the image output size moves accordingly, and when the joystick is moved left or right and the button is pressed, the blinking image output size is set. When the joystick is moved back and forth, the displayed number increases or decreases, and when the button is pressed after moving the joystick back and forth, the number displayed is set.

Then, in response to an input from the operation input unit 390, the decision work can be ended or the user can choose not to print. That is, by moving the joystick to the left and pointing to "rule" and then pressing the button, the work for determining the specifications of the image output is ended, and the process proceeds to S10. Further, by moving the joystick to the right and pointing to "not print" and pressing the button, it is possible to select not to print out, and the process proceeds to S10.

Here, as shown in FIG. 26, depending on the status of the output system (for example, in FIG. 26, when the printing paper in the L size magazine 670 is exhausted), the portion indicating the size that cannot be output is darkened and cannot be output. Indicates that.

In S10, if no image is output or no image output specification is selected, the process proceeds to S16, and if not, the process proceeds to S11. In addition, in this S10, by selecting "redo", the state of jumping to S9 is set.

In step S11, the image processing control unit 933 calculates the basis and price of the price based on the determined image output specifications, and based on the balance information from the consideration collecting unit 980, the remaining balance up to now. And calculate the balance after collecting the payment. If the remaining amount after the payment is collected is negative, it is set as a shortage and it is determined that the payment for the image output of the determined specifications cannot be collected. If it cannot be collected, the process proceeds to S12. Moreover, if it can be collected, the process proceeds to S13.

In S12, as shown in FIG. 27, the balance, the basis of the price, and the shortage amount of the remaining amount with respect to the price are displayed, and a screen for instructing to insert the shortage amount is displayed.

In step S13, the determined image output specifications are transmitted to the overall control unit 300, and the overall control unit determines the determined specifications based on the amount of image output waiting for exposure and the determined image output specifications. Calculate the time until the image output ends,
It is transmitted to the image processing control unit 933. Then, the monitor 91
As shown in FIG. 28, 0 is the time until the image output of the received determined specifications is completed, that is, the time until the last print enters the sorter bin, the remaining balance up to now, the basis of the price, and the price. Display the balance after collecting
Proceed to.

In S14, the image processing control section 933 controls the consideration collecting section 980 to collect the price. And
Proceed to S15.

In S15, the contents of the decided image processing are transmitted to the image processing execution unit 935, and the image processing execution unit 935 is executed.
Starts the image processing of the determined contents on the input image to obtain the output image, and at the same time, starts the image output of the obtained output image together with the specifications of the image output. Tell. Then, the process proceeds to S16.

At S16, whether to record on the recording medium or not is selected. As shown in FIG. 29, the display image creation unit 924 displays a simulation image of an image in which the content of the image processing set up to now is applied to the photographic image,
A display image indicating an instruction for the operator to select whether to record on the recording medium is created and displayed on the monitor 910. When recording on the recording medium is selected by the operation of the joystick 991 by the operator, the process proceeds to S17.
When not recording is selected, the process ends.

In S17, it is judged whether or not the fee for recording on the recording medium can be collected, and if it cannot be collected, S1
Proceed to 8. If it can be collected, the process proceeds to S19.

In S18, the shortage of the remaining amount with respect to the price is displayed, and a screen for instructing to insert the shortage is displayed.
Return to S17.

In S19, the output image is recorded on the recording medium. If the instruction to obtain the output image has not been issued yet, the content of the determined image processing is transmitted to the image processing execution unit 935, and the image processing execution unit 935 performs the image processing of the determined content on the input image and outputs it. Start getting images,
At the same time, the recording medium drive 940 is instructed to record the obtained output image on the recording medium. Then, the process ends.

From the start to the end of the above flow, the operation of the instruction input section 990 is used as the starting point, and FIG.
The end control flow shown in FIG. Instruction input section 9
When the operation of 90 is performed, the process always returns to the start, proceeds to S101, and starts time counting. Then, in S102,
When the first predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S103, and an appropriate advice image according to the progress status of the above-described flow is selected. Then, in S104, the selected advice image is displayed on the monitor 910. In this advice image,
A display indicating that the remaining time until the second predetermined time and the end control is performed when the second predetermined time is reached is displayed. Then, when the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time has elapsed,
Proceed to S106, the end control is performed. As termination control,
Input image memory 931 and simulation image memory 9
71, the input image, the reduced image, the simulation image, and the output image stored in the output image memory 937 may be cleared, and the state information may be changed so that the main image processing unit can be used. By clearing the input image, reduced image, simulation image, and output image, not only the operator can fully use the memory capacity next time, but also the privacy of the previous operator can be maintained.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image information of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, the image processing unit is an image processing content determination device that only determines the content of image processing from the reduced image. The image processing execution apparatus is different from the first embodiment in that it is also an image processing execution apparatus that transmits the driven reduced image to the image processing unit and performs the image processing of the content determined by the image processing unit on the input image. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

First, as shown in the block diagram of the overall control unit 300 of FIG. 32, the overall control unit 300 has an image input I / F 320 for receiving the input image transmitted from the transparent original scanner 400 or the reflective original scanner 800. , Image input I
Image memory 33 for storing the input image received by / F
1 and the input image stored in the input image memory to reduce the number of pixels to obtain a reduced image, create a simulation image from the obtained reduced image, and display control unit 390 in response to an input from the instruction input unit 390. An image processing control unit 333 for controlling the image processing in the present apparatus, a simulation image memory 371 for storing the reduced image and the simulation image created by the image processing control unit 333, and a storage in the simulation image memory 371. A display image is created from the displayed simulation image, and the monitor 310
A display control unit 373 for displaying the image, a monitor 310 for displaying a display image by a signal from the display control unit 373,
An instruction input unit 390 that inputs an instruction regarding a display image, image processing, image output, and various processing, a control I / F 350 that inputs and outputs control information from another device, and a control I / F 35.
Overall control unit 36 for controlling other devices and this device through 0
3 and the control image memory 361 for storing various instruction screens for the operator, as well as the input image memory 3
An image processing execution unit 335 that performs image processing from the input image stored in 31 to obtain an output image, and an image processing execution unit 335.
The output image memory 337 for storing the output image obtained by the above and the reduced image obtained by the image processing control unit 333, and the reduced image stored in the output image memory 337 for the image processing unit A
To C, the image output I for transmitting the output image to the exposure unit 200
/ F325 and a recording medium drive 340 for reading an input image recorded on the recording medium and recording an output image on the recording medium.

Next, the image processing units A to C will be described. As shown in the block diagram of the image processing units A to C in FIG. 33, the image processing units A to C have an image input I / F 920 for receiving the reduced image transmitted from the overall control unit 300 and an image input I / F 920. An input image memory 931 for storing the reduced image received by the user and a reduced image stored in the input image memory 931; or a content of image processing is determined according to an input of the instruction input unit 990. Image processing control unit 9 for controlling the entire image processing unit
33 and a simulation image memory 97 for storing the simulation image created by the image processing control unit 933.
1 and a display control unit 973 that creates a display image from the simulation images stored in the simulation image memory 971 and displays it on the monitor, and a display control unit 973.
A monitor 910 displaying a display image according to a signal from the monitor 910.
And an instruction input unit 990 for inputting an instruction regarding a display image, image processing, and image output, and a control I / O for transmitting the content of the decided image processing and inputting / outputting control information with another device.
F950, a control image memory 961 that stores various instruction screens for the operator, and a control signal from the image processing control unit 933 to collect a consideration, collect the consideration, or return a signal indicating that the consideration cannot be returned. It has a collection unit 980. Then, as in the first embodiment, the input image memory 93
An image processing execution unit 935 that executes image processing from the input image stored in 1; and an output image memory 937 that stores an output image that has been image processed by the image processing execution unit 935,
It does not have an image output I / F 925 that transmits the output image stored in the output image memory 937.

Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, the overall control unit 300 and the image processing units A to C are connected by a line, and when the reduced image is transmitted, compression processing is performed and the received compressed reduced image is displayed. It differs from the second embodiment in that it is reproduced. Hereinafter, only the differences will be described.

Image output I / F 325 of overall control unit 300
In addition to the transmission unit for transmitting the output image, there is a line transmission unit 324. As shown in FIG.
Signal processing unit 32 for transmitting the reduced image to the line 24
3 is attached. The signal processing unit 323 includes a block dividing unit 326 for dividing into 8 × 8 pixels, a cosine converting unit 327 for performing cosine conversion for each 8 × 8 pixel divided by the block dividing unit 326, and a cosine conversion by the cosine converting unit 327. Unit 328 for quantizing the converted signal
And a coding unit 329 for coding and outputting the signal quantized by the quantizing unit 328, and the line transmitting unit 234.
Transmits the signal output from the signal processing unit 324 to the image processing units A to C via the line.

Further, the image input I / F of the image processing units A to C
A line receiving unit 926 is provided in 920, and a signal processing unit 927 is attached to the line receiving unit 926 as shown in FIG. The line receiving unit 926 controls the entire control unit 30 through the line.
The reduced image subjected to the compression processing is received from 0, and the received reduced image subjected to the compression processing is sent to the signal processing unit 927. The signal processing unit 927 decodes the transmitted signal by the decoding unit 92.
1, an inverse quantization unit 922 that inversely quantizes the signal decoded by the decoding unit 921, an inverse cosine transform unit 923 that performs inverse cosine transform of the signal inversely quantized by the inverse quantization unit 922,
8 × 8 inverse cosine transformed by the inverse cosine transform unit 923
A reproduction unit 92 that reproduces an original reduced image from a signal for each pixel
4, the compressed reduced image is reproduced and sent to the input image memory 931.

Embodiment 4 As an extension of Embodiment 3, the present invention can be applied to the following system. For example, if a user requests a lab to digitally process a photo manuscript to obtain a print via a nearest photo shop, the user will see the simulation image for instructions such as the hue after a few days or hours. However, it is a system performed at the photo shop. The outline will be described below.

The user requests the lab via the nearest photo shop to obtain a print by digitally processing a photo original. At that time, the order bag in which the order name is described in advance is digitally processed, the designation of the frame to obtain the print is indicated, and the photographic original is inserted. The order bag is then sent to the lab. Then, the user receives the stub in which the order name is described in advance.

An image processing order acceptance machine and a film scanner are installed in the laboratory, and photo originals corresponding to the order name are accepted from the order bag sent to the laboratory by the image processing order acceptance machine.
The photo original is conveyed to the film scanner and the order name is sent to the signal processing device. A photographic original that has been received and processed is picked up by a film scanner, and an image pickup signal is sent to a signal processing device. With the signal processor installed in this lab, first,
The order name and the image pickup signal are associated with each other, the influence of the film scanner is corrected on the image pickup signal, and the image is converted into an image of B, G, and R having a predetermined number of pixels of a predetermined standard as the input image. Correlate the order name. Then, the input image is subjected to pixel number reduction processing to obtain a reduced image. Then, the reduced image and the order name are sent to the image transmitting device, and the input image and the order name are sent to the recording device. The recording device installed in this lab records the input image and the order name. Further, the image transmitting apparatus installed in this laboratory compresses the reduced image as in the third embodiment, and transmits the compressed image together with the order name to the image processing content determining apparatus of the photo shop at another place via the line.

This image processing content determination device is installed in a photo shop, reproduces a compressed reduced image by the same structure and the same processing procedure as the image processing unit of the third embodiment, and based on this reduced image. , Determine the contents of image processing and specifications of image output. However, a large-capacity recording device is attached to the input image memory to record the reduced image and the order name as a pair.

Then, when the user visits the photo shop,
When the user inputs the order name to the image processing content determination device based on the stub in which the order name is described in advance, the compressed reduced image is reproduced by the same processing procedure as the image processing unit of the third embodiment. Then, the contents of the image processing and the specifications of the image output are determined based on the reduced image. Note that the consideration is collected at this time as in the third embodiment. Then, the determined contents of the image processing, the specifications of the image output, and the order name are transmitted to the receiving device in the laboratory through the line.

Then, the receiving device installed in this laboratory stores the received image processing contents, image output specifications and order name, reads the input image of the order name from the recording device, and performs the image processing contents. The specification of image output, the order name, and the input image of the order name are sent to the image processing execution device. The image processing execution device installed in this laboratory obtains an output image from an input image according to the contents of the image processing. Then, the image processing execution device sends the output image, the specifications of the image output, and the order name to the digital printer processor. Then, the digital printer processor installed in this lab performs correction of the effect peculiar to the digital printer processor on the output image,
A photographic printing paper according to the image output specifications is exposed, developed, and cut to obtain a print. Then, the prints are sorted by order name, and the correspondence between the sorting bin and the order name is displayed. Then, the lab worker inserts the print corresponding to the order name into the order bag corresponding to the order name. Then, return the order bag to the photo shop.

Then, the user receives the order bag returned to the photo shop in exchange for the stub in which the order name is described in advance.

[0142]

As can be seen from the above description, the present invention has an excellent effect which the prior art does not have, or an effect which solves a problem which has not been recognized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an image processing system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of information / data regarding an image according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an overall control unit 300 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a film development start flow chart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main body of the image processing system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a device body 660 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of image processing units A to C according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a printing paper conveyance path of the apparatus main body 660 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a cutting pattern of the printing paper by the cutter 291 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (No. 1) of the image processing flow according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the image processing flow of the first embodiment (No. 2).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (original image).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (image subjected to speech bubble synthesis processing).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (an image that has been subjected to edge image combination processing to attach an elliptical frame).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (an image that has been subjected to edge image combination processing to put a frame).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (an image subjected to heart-shaped edge image synthesis processing).

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (image subjected to watermark character processing).

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (image subjected to spot effect processing).

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (trimmed image).

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of image processing (blurred image).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when selecting a type of image processing.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when determining specifications of image processing.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the specification of the character synthesizing process is determined.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when deciding image output specifications.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when deciding image output specifications when image output of some print sizes cannot be performed.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the remaining amount is insufficient for the consideration for image output.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when collecting a fee for image output.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when selecting whether or not to record an output image on a recording medium.

FIG. 30 is a termination control flowchart.

FIG. 31 is a conceptual diagram showing a flow of information / data regarding an image according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of the overall control unit 300 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of image processing units A to C according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a line transmission unit 324 and a signal processing unit 323 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a line receiving unit 926 and a signal processing unit 927 according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Film Development Processing Section 20 Auxiliary Tank of Film Development Processing Section 40 Paper Development Processing Section 50 Auxiliary Tank of Paper Development Processing Section 70 Solid Processing Agent Container 80 Solid Processing Agent Supplying Section 90 Solid Processing Agent Inducing Section 200 Exposure Section Housing 300 Image Processing unit 310 Monitor 390 Instruction input unit 400 Transparent manuscript scanner 600 Main body outer frame 610 Film sending unit 611 Insertion port 620 Photo manuscript container supply unit 630 Photo manuscript sending unit 660 Machine body 700 Sorter F film

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Maki Shimamura 1 Konica Stock Company, Sakura Town, Hino City, Tokyo (72) Inventor Keimi Ishihara 1 Konica Stock Company, Sakura City, Hino City, Tokyo (72) Invention Kazunori Hashimoto 1st Sakura-cho, Hino City, Tokyo Konica Stock Association In-house

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An instruction input unit for inputting an instruction for image processing, and a monitor. Image processing is performed on a photographic image according to an input from the instruction input unit, and a pictorial hard copy is made on an image output device. In an image processing apparatus for outputting, after displaying a simulation image simulating a pictorial hard copy output by performing image processing on a photographic image on the monitor, selecting whether to output the pictorial hard copy Then, when it is selected to output the pictorial hard copy, the image processing apparatus causes the image output device to output the pictorial hard copy after collecting the price. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content of image processing to be applied to the photographic image is determined and the specification of the image output is determined before collecting the consideration. 3. After deciding the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image, the photographic image is subjected to the image processing of the determined content to start displaying a simulation image simulating a pictorial hard copy on the monitor. The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. An image processing, which has an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding image processing and a monitor, and which is applied to a photographic image in order to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy according to an input from the instruction input unit. In the image processing apparatus for determining the content of, determine the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image,
After starting to display on the monitor a simulation image that simulates a pictorial hard copy that is output by performing image processing on the photographic image, select whether or not to perform image processing of the determined contents on the photographic image, and decide. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that, when it is selected to perform image processing of the specified content on a photographic image, after the price is collected, the image processing of the determined content is applied to the photographic image. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the specification of image output is determined before the consideration is collected. 6. A simulation image for simulating a pictorial hard copy, which is output by performing image processing on a photographic image based on a reduced image obtained by subjecting the photographic image to pixel number reduction processing, is displayed on the monitor, and a photographic image is displayed. 5. The content of the image processing to be applied is determined, and when it is selected to apply the image processing of the determined content to the photographic image, the image processing of the determined content is applied to the original photographic image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5. 7. An image process for obtaining a reduced image by reducing the number of pixels of a photographic image, and then displaying the image on a monitor based on the reduced image and performing the photographic image according to an input from an operation input unit. The image processing apparatus which determines the contents of the above, and then performs the image processing of the determined contents on the photographic image to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy. 8. The image output specification is determined according to the input from the instruction input unit before the image processing of the determined content is performed on the photographic image to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy. The image processing device according to claim 7. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein after determining the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image, the image output specification is determined according to the input from the instruction input unit. . 10. An image for a photographic image, comprising an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for the photographic image and a monitor, and displaying the image on the monitor, according to an input from the instruction input unit. In an unspecified multi-operator compatible image processing apparatus having control means for determining processing contents or image output specifications, termination control is performed when input from the instruction input means has not been performed for a predetermined time or more. A characteristic image processing device. 11. The control means displays the advice to the operator when no input is made by the input means for a second predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10. 12. A photographic image is provided with an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor, and the photographic image is displayed in response to an input from the instruction input unit while displaying the image on the monitor. In an unspecified multi-operator compatible image processing apparatus having a control means for performing image processing and outputting a pictorial hard copy, mandatory input items for pictorial hard copy output are preset, and the instruction input means is used to An image processing apparatus, which outputs a pictorial hard copy after inputting all required input items. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least a part of the input essential items can be input in an arbitrary order. 14. At least a part of the required input items is input according to a predetermined procedure, and the flow of the operation and the progress status of the current operation are displayed, and the input related to the required input items is executed. Claim 12 or Claim 13
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 15. An unspecified multi-operator type that allows a user to input an instruction for processing a photographic image while displaying the image, and subject the photographic image to image processing according to the input to obtain an output image for pictorial hard copy. The image processing system has an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction regarding image processing for a photographic image and a monitor for displaying the image, and displays the image on the monitor based on a reduced image obtained by reducing the number of pixels of the photographic image. However, the image processing content determination device for determining the content of the image processing to be applied to the photographic image, and the image processing content determined by the image processing content determination device by a different arithmetic element from the image processing content determination device, the image And an image processing execution device that obtains an output image for pictorial hard copy by applying processing to the photographic image. Tem. 16. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of the image processing content determination devices are provided for the image processing execution device. 17. A photographic image input device that obtains a photographic image of an electronic image and inputs the obtained photographic image to a reduced image creating device and the image processing execution device, and a photographic image input from the photographic image input device. Pixel reduction processing to obtain a reduced image,
The image processing content determining apparatus includes a reduced image creating apparatus that transmits the obtained reduced image, and the image processing content determining apparatus receives the reduced image transmitted from the reduced image creating apparatus, and performs the determined image processing. The contents are transmitted to the image processing execution device, and the image processing execution device, by the contents of the image processing transmitted from the image processing content determination device, a photographic image to which a photographic image is input from the photographic image input device, 16. A process for performing a process to obtain a pictorial hard copy output image.
7. The image processing system according to 6. 18. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein the transmission is performed by a line.