JPH11194866A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which enables a person, who is not familiar with color balance and density correction, to smoothly verify an image. SOLUTION: At the time of verifying operation, an operator selects an item 252 of image correction in a function menu 250 to display a correction content selection screen 260 where correction content items described in a natural language are listed. Further, an object frame image can be corrected under correction conditions made to correspond to a desired selected correction content item by selecting the correction content item on the correction content selection screen 260.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that creates image data to be recorded on a recording material based on image data recorded on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a frame image recorded on a photographic film is photoelectrically read by a reading sensor such as a CCD, and image processing such as enlargement / reduction and various corrections is performed on digital image data obtained by the reading. A technique of printing an image on a recording material using a laser beam modulated based on image-processed digital image data is known.

As described above, in the technique of digitally reading a frame image using a reading sensor such as a CCD, the frame image is preliminarily read (so-called pre-scan) and the density of the frame image is read in order to realize accurate image reading. Reading conditions (for example, the amount of light applied to a frame image and CC
D) and the frame image is read again under the determined reading conditions (so-called fine scan). In addition, before, after, or during the execution of the fine scan, verification work of image processing conditions for image data of each frame image is performed.

In this verification work, a verification image based on digital image data of each frame image is displayed on a display, and an operator visually checks the verification image to determine whether the density, color balance, and the like are appropriate. Is determined, and if it is not appropriate, the image processing conditions for each frame image are determined by correcting conditions relating to density, color balance, and the like.

At the time of such a verification operation, as shown in FIG. 15, a C color correction unit 49 for performing a cyan color correction.
0, M color correction unit 49 for performing magenta color correction
2. A Y color correction unit 494 for performing yellow color correction and a density correction unit 496 for performing density correction of the entire image are displayed next to the test image 498. By operating the parameter value adjusting unit (the numerical value increasing unit where the upward arrow is displayed or the numerical value decreasing unit where the downward arrow is displayed) with a mouse or the like, the correction of the density and the color balance is instructed.

[0006]

However, a considerable amount of knowledge and experience was required to perform the above-described correction for each color of CMY, the density correction of the entire image, and the like. For this reason, there has been a long-awaited need to devise a verification screen or the like so that even an operator with little knowledge or experience can smoothly perform a verification operation on a frame image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an image processing apparatus capable of smoothly executing an image verification operation even by a person who is not familiar with color balance and density correction. The purpose is to provide.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 creates image data recorded on a recording material based on image data recorded on a recording medium. An image processing apparatus, comprising: an information display unit for displaying information; an image based on the recorded image data; and a correction content associated with at least predetermined correction conditions relating to color balance and density and described in a natural language. A display control unit that causes the information display unit to display a correction content selection unit for selecting an item; and a correction content item that is associated with the selected correction content item when the correction content item is selected by the correction content selection unit. Image correction means for correcting an image displayed on the information display means on the basis of correction conditions.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect,
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction content item is settable.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect,
3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correction content items can be set in multiple stages according to multiple-stage correction conditions.

An image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention uses an image (output) recorded on a recording material from image data recorded on a recording medium such as a photographic film or a CD-R (recordable write-once compact disc). An image processing apparatus that creates data of an image.

In such an image processing apparatus, the display control means includes a correction content selection unit for selecting an image based on the image data recorded on the recording medium and a correction content item described in a natural language. The information is displayed on the information display means (display).

The above correction items include, for example, "clear", "bright", "bright", etc. Each of these correction items includes at least a predetermined correction condition relating to color balance and density. Are associated. In addition, as the correction condition, in addition to the color balance and the density, the degree of focusing, contrast, and the like can be adopted.

The operator only has to select a desired correction content item from a correction content selection section displayed on the information display means, and individually instructs correction for each color of CMY, density correction of the entire image, and the like as in the related art. There is no need to do it. That is, when the correction content item is selected by the operator, the image displayed on the information display means is corrected by the image correction means in accordance with the correction conditions associated with the selected correction content item.

In this way, even a person who is not familiar with color balance and density correction can accurately give an image correction instruction by selecting a correction content item described in a natural language.

The correction items such as "clear", "bright" and "bright" can be set (that is, can be added, changed or deleted) as described in claim 2. It is desirable. For example, a correction content item “in sepia tone” may be added in association with a correction condition that lowers the C color density by two levels and increases the Y color density by five levels.
A variety of image correction instructions can be realized by configuring various settings such as changing correction conditions associated with existing correction content items and deleting existing correction content items. can do.

Further, as described in claim 3, it is desirable that the correction content items can be set in multiple stages according to the multiple-stage correction conditions. For example, as a correction content item,
"Slightly clear", "Clear", "Pretty clear"
By setting the three steps, if the operator wants to correct the image sharply, one of the three steps can be selected according to the sharpness of the image. Therefore, fine correction of the image according to the operator's desire Instructions can be realized.

[0018]

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Schematic Configuration of Entire System] First, a digital laboratory system according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a digital laboratory system 10 according to this embodiment.
2 is shown, and FIG. 2 shows an external view of the digital laboratory system 10. As shown in FIG.
The lab system 10 includes a line CCD scanner 14,
The image processing unit 16 includes an image processing unit 16, a laser printer unit 18, and a processor unit 20. The line CCD scanner 14 and the image processing unit 16 are integrated as an input unit 26 shown in FIG. The processor 18 and the processor unit 20 are integrated as an output unit 28 shown in FIG.

The line CCD scanner 14 is for reading a frame image recorded on a photographic film such as a negative film or a reversal film.
5 size photographic film, 110 size photographic film, and a photographic film having a transparent magnetic layer (IX)
240 size photographic film: so-called APS film),
Frame images of photographic films of 120 size and 220 size (Broni size) can be read.
The line CCD scanner 14 reads the frame image to be read by the line CCD, and outputs image data.

The image processing section 16 stores image data (scanned image data) output from the line CCD scanner 14.
Is input, image data obtained by photographing with a digital camera, image data obtained by reading a document other than a frame image (for example, a reflection document, etc.) with a scanner, image data generated by a computer, etc. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as file image data.) It is also possible to externally input (for example, input via a storage medium such as a memory card, or input from another information processing device via a communication line). It is configured as follows.

The image processing section 16 performs image processing such as various corrections on the input image data and outputs the image data to the laser printer section 18 as recording image data. Also,
The image processing unit 16 outputs image data on which image processing has been performed to an external device as an image file (for example, outputs the image data to a storage medium such as a memory card, or transmits the image data to another information processing device via a communication line). It is also possible.

The laser printer section 18 is provided with R, G, and B laser light sources, and irradiates a photographic paper with laser light modulated in accordance with recording image data input from the image processing section 16 to perform scanning exposure. To record an image on photographic paper. Further, the processor unit 20 performs each process of color development, bleach-fix, washing, and drying on the photographic paper on which the image is recorded by the scanning exposure by the laser printer unit 18. Thus, an image is formed on the printing paper.

[Configuration of Line CCD Scanner] Next, the configuration of the line CCD scanner 14 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of an optical system of the line CCD scanner 14. The optical system includes a halogen lamp, a metal halide lamp, or the like, and includes a light source 30 that irradiates light to the photographic film 22. Diffusion boxes 36 are arranged in order.

The photographic film 22 includes a light diffusion box 36.
The frame image is conveyed by a film carrier 38 (see FIG. 5 and not shown in FIG. 3) arranged on the light emission side of the frame so that the screen of the frame image is perpendicular to the optical axis. Note that FIG. 3 shows the long photographic film 22, but a dedicated film carrier is prepared for each slide film (reversal film) or APS film held in a slide holder for each frame. (The film carrier for the APS film has a magnetic head for reading information magnetically recorded on the magnetic layer), and these photographic films can be transported.

Between the light source 30 and the light diffusion box 36, C (cyan), M (magenta) and Y (yellow) dimming filters 114C, 114M and 114Y are arranged along the optical axis of the emitted light. A lens unit 40 that is provided in order and forms an image of light transmitted through the frame image along the optical axis on a side opposite to the light source 30 across the photographic film 22.
Line CCDs 116 are arranged in order. Although FIG. 3 shows only a single lens as the lens unit 40, the lens unit 40 may actually be a zoom lens composed of a plurality of lenses.

The line CCD 116 is provided with three sensing units in which a large number of CCD cells are arranged in a row and an electronic shutter mechanism is provided in parallel with one another at intervals. , G, B color separation filters are attached to each other (a so-called 3-line color CCD). Line CCD 116
Are arranged such that the light receiving surface of each sensing unit coincides with the imaging point position of the lens unit 40.

In the vicinity of each sensing section, a transfer section is provided corresponding to each sensing section, and electric charges accumulated in each CCD cell of each sensing section are sequentially transferred via the corresponding transfer section. Will be transferred. Although not shown, a shutter is provided between the line CCD 116 and the lens unit 40.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of an electric system of the line CCD scanner 14. Line CCD scanner 1
4 includes a microprocessor 46 for controlling the entire line CCD scanner 14. The microprocessor 46 has a RAM 64 (for example, SRA
M), ROM 66 (for example, RO whose storage contents can be rewritten)
M), a motor driver 48 is connected, and a filter drive motor 54 is connected to the motor driver 48. The filter drive motor 54 can slide the dimming filters 114C, 114M, and 114Y independently of each other.

The microprocessor 46 turns on and off the light source 30 in conjunction with turning on and off a power switch (not shown). The microprocessor 46 includes a line CCD 1
When the frame image is read (photometric) by the filter driving motor 54, the dimming filter 114C,
114M and 114Y are independently slid, and the amount of light incident on the line CCD 116 is adjusted for each component color light.

The motor driver 48 includes a zoom drive motor 70 for changing the zoom magnification of the lens unit 40 by relatively moving the positions of a plurality of lenses of the lens unit 40, and moving the entire lens unit 40. Is connected to a lens drive motor 106 for moving the image forming point position of the lens unit 40 along the optical axis. The microprocessor 46 controls the zoom drive motor 7 according to the size of the frame image and whether or not to perform trimming.
By 0, the zoom magnification of the lens unit 40 is changed to a desired magnification.

On the other hand, a timing generator 74 is connected to the line CCD 116. The timing generator 74 generates various timing signals (clock signals) for operating the line CCD 116, an A / D converter 82 described later, and the like. The signal output terminal of the line CCD 116 is connected to an A / D converter 82 via an amplifier 76. The signal output from the line CCD 116 is amplified by the amplifier 76 and converted to digital data by the A / D converter 82. Is done.

The output terminal of the A / D converter 82 is connected to an interface (I / F) circuit 90 via a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 88. The CDS 88 samples the feedthrough data indicating the level of the feedthrough signal and the pixel data indicating the level of the pixel signal, and subtracts the feedthrough data from the pixel data for each pixel. Then, the calculation result (pixel data accurately corresponding to the amount of charge stored in each CCD cell) is expressed by I /
The data is sequentially output to the image processing unit 16 as scan image data via the F circuit 90.

The line CCD 116 outputs R, G,
Since the photometric signals of B are output in parallel, the amplifier 76, A
Three signal processing systems including a / D converter 82 and a CDS 88 are also provided, and the I / F circuit 90 outputs R, G, and B image data as scan image data in parallel.

The motor driver 48 is connected to a shutter drive motor 92 for opening and closing the shutter.
The dark output of the line CCD 116 is corrected by the image processing unit 16 at the subsequent stage, but the dark output level is set by the microprocessor 4 when the frame image is not read.
6 can be obtained by closing the shutter.

[Configuration of Image Processing Unit] Next, the image processing unit 16
Will be described with reference to FIG. Image processing unit 1
Reference numeral 6 is provided with a line scanner correction unit 122 corresponding to the line CCD scanner 14. The line scanner correction unit 122 includes a dark correction circuit 124, a defective pixel correction unit 128, and a light correction circuit 13 corresponding to R, G, and B image data output in parallel from the line CCD scanner 14.
There are provided three signal processing systems composed of 0s.

The dark correction circuit 124 includes a line CCD 116
In the state where the light incident side is shielded from light by the shutter, data input from the line CCD scanner 14 (data representing the dark output level of each cell of the sensing unit of the line CCD 116) is stored for each cell, and CCD
From the scanned image data input from the scanner 14,
The correction is performed by reducing the dark output level of the cell corresponding to each pixel.

Also, the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the line CCD 116 vary from cell to cell. Defective pixel correction unit 12
In the bright correction circuit 130 at the subsequent stage of 8, the line CCD 116 reads the adjustment frame image with the line CCD 116 in a state where the frame image for adjustment with a constant density is set on the line CCD scanner 14. The gain is determined for each cell based on the image data of the adjustment frame image input from 14 (the density variation of each pixel represented by this image data is caused by the variation of the photoelectric conversion characteristics of each cell). Every line CCD scanner 14
The image data of the frame image to be read which is input from is corrected for each pixel according to the gain determined for each cell.

On the other hand, if the density of a specific pixel is significantly different from the density of other pixels in the image data of the frame image for adjustment, the cell corresponding to the specific pixel in the line CCD 116 has some abnormalities. The specific pixel can be determined as a defective pixel. The defective pixel correction unit 128 stores the address of the defective pixel based on the image data of the adjustment frame image, and stores the defective pixel data in the image data of the frame image to be read input from the line CCD scanner 14. Generates new data by interpolating from the data of surrounding pixels.

Since three lines (CCD cell rows) are arranged in the line CCD 116 at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the photographic film 22 is conveyed, the line CCD scanner 14 outputs R, G, and B lines. There is a time difference in the timing at which the output of the image data of each component color is started.
The line scanner correction unit 122 delays the output timing of the image data with a different delay time for each component color so that the R, G, and B image data of the same pixel is simultaneously output on the frame image.

The output terminal of the line scanner correction unit 122 is connected to the input terminal of the selector 132.
Are output to the selector 132. The input terminal of the selector 132 is also connected to the data output terminal of the input / output controller 134. From the input / output controller 134, externally input file image data is input to the selector 132. Selector 1
The output terminals of the 32 are connected to the input / output controller 134 and the data input terminals of the image processor units 136A and 136B, respectively. The selector 132 can selectively output the input image data to each of the input / output controller 134 and the image processors 136A and 136B.

The image processor section 136A includes a memory controller 138, an image processor 140, and three frame memories 142A, 142B, 142C. Frame memories 142A, 142B, 142C
Has a capacity capable of storing image data of one frame image of one frame, and the image data input from the selector 132 is stored in any of the three frame memories 142. The memory controller 138 The address at which the image data is stored in the frame memory 142 is controlled so that the data of each pixel of the input image data is stored in the storage area of the frame memory 142 in a fixed order.

The image processor 140 takes in the image data stored in the frame memory 142, performs gradation conversion, color conversion, hypertone processing for compressing the gradation of an ultra-low frequency luminance component of the image, and sharpness while suppressing graininess. Various image processing such as hyper sharpness processing for emphasizing is performed. Note that the processing conditions of the above image processing are automatically calculated by an auto setup engine 144 (described later), and the image processing is performed according to the calculated processing conditions. The image processor 140 is connected to the input / output controller 134, and the image data subjected to the image processing is temporarily stored in the frame memory 142 and then output to the input / output controller 134 at a predetermined timing. Note that the image processor unit 136B has the same configuration as the above-described image processor unit 136A, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, each frame image is read twice by the line CCD scanner 14 at different resolutions. In the first reading at a relatively low resolution (hereinafter, referred to as pre-scan), even when the density of the frame image is extremely low (for example, a negative image overexposed on a negative film), the saturation of the accumulated charge in the line CCD 116 is not caused. The frame image is read under the reading conditions determined so as not to occur (light amounts of the light irradiating the photographic film in each of the R, G, and B wavelength ranges, and the charge storage time of the CCD). The image data (pre-scan image data) obtained by the pre-scan is input from the selector 132 to the input / output controller 134, and further output to the auto setup engine 144 connected to the input / output controller 134.

The auto set-up engine 144 uses C
PU 146, RAM 148 (for example, DRAM), ROM
150 (for example, a rewritable ROM) and an input / output port 152, which are connected to each other via a bus 154.

The auto setup engine 144 generates a line C based on pre-scan image data of a plurality of frame images input from the input / output controller 134.
Image processing conditions for image data (fine scan image data) obtained by the second relatively high resolution reading by the CD scanner 14 (hereinafter referred to as fine scan) are calculated, and the calculated processing conditions are stored in an image processor. Image processor 140 of unit 136
Output to In the calculation of the processing conditions of this image processing, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of frame images of similar scenes based on the exposure amount at the time of shooting, the type of light source for shooting, and other feature amounts. Are determined, the processing conditions for the image processing on the fine scan image data of these frame images are the same or similar.

The optimum processing conditions for image processing also vary depending on whether the image data after image processing is used for recording an image on photographic paper in the laser printer unit 18 or output to the outside. Since the image processing unit 16 is provided with two image processor units 136A and 136B, for example, when the image data is used for recording an image on photographic paper and is output to the outside, the auto setup engine 144 is used. Calculates the optimal processing conditions for each application, and calculates the image processor units 136A and 136A.
Output to B. Thereby, the image processor unit 13
6A and 136B, the same fine scan image data is subjected to image processing under different processing conditions.

Further, the auto setup engine 144
Calculates an image recording parameter that defines a gray balance and the like when recording an image on photographic paper by the laser printer unit 18 based on the pre-scan image data of the frame image input from the input / output controller 134, The image data is output simultaneously when the image data for recording (described later) is output to the printer unit 18. Auto setup engine 1
Reference numeral 44 also calculates the image processing conditions for file image data input from the outside in the same manner as described above.

The input / output controller 134 is an I / F circuit 1
It is connected to the laser printer section 18 via 56.
When the image data after image processing is used for recording an image on photographic paper, the image data processed by the image processor 136 is transferred from the input / output controller 134 via the I / F circuit 156 to the recording image. The data is output to the laser printer unit 18 as data. The auto setup engine 144 is connected to a personal computer 158. When the image data after the image processing is output to the outside as an image file, the image data processed by the image processor unit 136 is sent from the input / output controller 134 to the auto setup engine 144.
Is output to the personal computer 158 via the.

The personal computer 158 has a CPU
160, memory 162, display 164, keyboard 166 (see also FIG. 2), mouse 177, hard disk 168, CD-ROM driver 170, transport control unit 1
72, expansion slot 174, and image compression / decompression unit 17
6 are connected to each other via a bus 178. The transport control unit 172 is connected to the film carrier 38 and
Of the photographic film 22 is controlled. When an APS film is set on the film carrier 38, information (for example, image recording size) read from the magnetic layer of the APS film by the film carrier 38 is input.

A driver (not shown) for reading / writing data from / to a storage medium such as a memory card.
A communication control device for communicating with another information processing device is connected to the personal computer 158 via the expansion slot 174. When image data for output to the outside is input from the input / output controller 134, the image data is output to the outside (the driver, the communication control device, or the like) as an image file via the expansion slot 174. When file image data is input from outside via the expansion slot 174, the input file image data
4 to the input / output controller 134. In this case, the input / output controller 134 outputs the input file image data to the selector 132.

The image processing section 16 outputs prescanned image data and the like to the personal computer 158,
A frame image read by the line CCD scanner 14 is displayed on the display 164, an image obtained by recording on a photographic paper is estimated and displayed on the display 164, and the operator can correct the image via the keyboard 166. When instructed, this can be reflected in the processing conditions of image processing.

In the above description, the line CCD scanner 1
4, an example is described in which each frame image is read twice at different resolutions, but each frame image may be read only once at a high resolution.

[Screen Display During Verification Operation] The microcomputer 158 of this embodiment converts the frame image read by the pre-scan into 12 frames during the verification operation as shown in FIG.
A film monitor image 202 displayed frame by frame, and a test image 2 sequentially displayed by a predetermined number of frames (for example, 4 frames) as a target of the verification work in the film monitor image 202.
04 and a print preview image 20 as a final output image obtained by inserting a character string 214 and a template created by the operator in advance into the frame image that has been subjected to the verification work and combining them.
6 are displayed on the display 164. Of course, two or more of the three types of images can be simultaneously displayed on the display 164.

The film monitor image 202 including 12 frame images includes a frame 208 indicating a range corresponding to the four frame images of the test image 204 and a frame image of one print preview image 206. A frame 210 indicating the corresponding frame image is displayed. These border lines 20
8 and 210, the operator can easily grasp which of the film monitor images 202 four frames of the test image 204 and one frame of the print preview image 206 correspond to.

Further, a frame 212 indicating a frame image corresponding to one frame image of the print preview image 206 is displayed on the test image 204 including four frame images. With this frame line 212, the operator can easily grasp which one of the print preview images 206 corresponds to the test image 204.

Next, the test image 204 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of the test image 204 displaying one frame image.

As shown in FIG. 7, a target frame image 230 is displayed at the center of the verification image 204, and a magnification for designating a print magnification or an image trimming magnification is displayed on the right side of the frame image 230. A designation unit 238, a C color correction unit 240 for performing cyan color correction, an M color correction unit 242 for performing magenta color correction, a Y color correction unit 244 for performing yellow color correction, and the entire image A density correction unit 246 for performing the density correction of the image and a number designation unit 248 for designating the number of prints are provided.

The right parameter value adjusting section (the numerical value increasing section in which an upward arrow is displayed and the numerical value decreasing section in which a downward arrow is displayed) in each of these correction sections and the instruction section are connected to the mouse 17.
By performing the following operations in step 7, various corrections and instructions can be performed.

For example, when the operator wants to lower the density of the entire image, the operator clicks the numerical value reduction unit 246B of the density correction unit 246 with the mouse 177. With one click, the density value displayed on the screen (for example, the density value “1”) is reduced by one, and when the density value becomes an appropriate value, the click of the mouse 177 is stopped. The density of the entire image can be set to an appropriate value.

In the frame image 230, an area setting frame 232 indicating an image area to be printed out is displayed by four enlargement / reduction handles 232A, 232A,
32B, 232C, and 232D (hereinafter, these four are collectively referred to as enlargement / reduction handles 232x) can be set by moving the mouse 177. At this time, the area setting frame 232 can be set while keeping the aspect ratio (= aspect ratio) constant.

The aspect ratio of the area setting frame 232 can be set according to the print size (one of the C, H, and P sizes). The rotation center of the frame image described above can be set to the center point of the area setting frame 232 or any other point in addition to the center point of the frame image 230.

By the way, as shown in FIG.
At the top of the screen where 4 is displayed, a function menu 250 for instructing various processes such as the end of the verification work, printing, input device operation, image correction, and output device operation is displayed. The operator selects the image correction item 2
When 52 is selected with the mouse 177, a correction content selection screen 260 in which the image correction content is described in a natural language is displayed below the image correction item 252.

In the example of the correction content selection screen 260 shown in FIG. 7, "clear", "soft", "smooth",
A total of five correction content items, “bright” and “old-fashioned”, are set. Each correction content item includes a color balance for correcting the correction content, a density of the entire image, contrast, and focusing. Are registered (= for example, stored in the hard disk 168 in FIG. 5).

For example, for "clear", a correction condition for increasing the contrast and enhancing the degree of focusing so that the edges of the image are emphasized is given. For "soft", the focusing condition is adjusted. Correction conditions for weakening the degree of are registered. "Smoothly"
For, the correction condition that enhances the saturation of each of the CMY colors, and for “bright”, the correction condition that enhances the saturation of each of the CMY colors and lowers the density of the entire image,
Each is registered. Further, with respect to “old-fashioned”, correction conditions are registered such that the C-color density is low, the Y-color density is high, the contrast is shallow, and the degree of focusing is weak so as to have a sepia tone. .

[Operation of First Embodiment] Next, as an operation of the first embodiment, a control routine (FIGS. 8 and 9) relating to reading of a frame image and image processing executed by the CPU 160 of the personal computer 158 will be described. explain. Note that the film 22 on which the image to be read is recorded may be an APS film or another film such as a 135 film.

When the operator inserts the film 22 into the insertion slot 38A of the film carrier 38 (see FIG. 2) and gives a predetermined processing start instruction, the control routine of FIG.
Execution is started by 160.

In step 302 of FIG.
Is loaded into the film carrier 38, and in the next step 304, the pre-scan is started sequentially from the first frame.
Then, in the next step 306, reading conditions at the time of fine scanning for each frame image are set from the image data of each frame image obtained by the prescan. In this way, for each frame image of the film 22, pre-scan,
The setting of the reading conditions at the time of the fine scan is executed.

When the setting of the reading conditions at the time of prescan and fine scan for all frame images is completed,
Proceeding to step 310, the prescan is stopped.

In the next step 312, a subroutine of the test control process of FIG. 9 is executed. In this test control process, first, the image data of the frame image that was last pre-scanned is read from the frame memory 142 (step 340), and the frame image based on the read image data is read as the frame image of the test image 204 of FIG. The image is displayed in the image display area 230 (step 342). Then, a message prompting the start of the test is displayed on the display 164 (step 344), and the operator is subjected to the test process.

In the verification process, when the operator operates the enlargement / reduction handle 232x, the enlargement, reduction, or movement of the area setting frame 232 is performed according to the operation (step 348).

When the operator operates the magnification specifying section 238 in the test processing, an image enlarged or reduced according to the operation is displayed in the frame image display area 230 (step 352). Here, for example, the area setting frame 232 may be enlarged or reduced in accordance with the above operation. Even if the display magnification of the image is changed in this way, since the area setting frame 232 is fixed, the operator can change the image area in the area setting frame 232 even when the image is enlarged or reduced according to the display magnification. It can be easily confirmed.

In the test processing, for example, when the operator wants to further increase the density of the C color relative to the Y color or the M color, the numerical value of the C color correction unit 240 displayed on the test image 204 in FIG. The increasing part 240A is clicked with the mouse 177. As described above, when the operator inputs the correction conditions of the color balance and the density of the entire image, correction is performed on the frame image to be tested based on the input correction conditions (step 356), and the corrected frame image is displayed. It is displayed on the test image 204 and the print preview image 206 (see FIG. 6) (step 358), and the process returns to step 346.
As described above, every time the correction conditions of the color balance and the density of the entire image are input in the verification processing, the print preview image 206 refers to the final output image of the frame image corrected based on the input correction conditions. be able to. On the other hand, the original image of the frame image to be tested can be referred to from the film monitor image 202 by displaying the film monitor image 202 as necessary.

When the operator selects the item 252 for image correction in the function menu 250 in the verification process, a correction content selection screen 260 is displayed below the item 252 for image correction as shown in FIG. Step 362).

Here, when one of the correction content items on the correction content selection screen 260 is selected by the operator, the frame image to be verified is displayed on the basis of the correction condition associated with the selected correction content item. The correction is performed (step 368), and the corrected frame image is displayed on the test image 204 and the print preview image 206 (see FIG. 6) (step 370), and the process returns to step 346.

Note that the operator can also cancel the image correction by operating a cancel key (not shown) on the keyboard 166. When the stop of the image correction is instructed in this way, an affirmative determination is made in step 366, and the process returns to step 346 without performing the image correction.

Thereafter, the enlargement / reduction handle 232x, the magnification designation section 238, and various input sections 240 to 24 for image correction conditions are provided.
6. Image correction item 2 in function menu 250
Each time any one of 52 is operated, the image operation corresponding to each key as described above is performed.

When the desired image operation and the input of the correction condition are completed, the operator instructs completion of the verification of the target frame image by a predetermined operation. At this point, the operator can instruct to print the frame image for which the verification has been completed after the completion of the fine scan described later.

When the completion of the test is instructed by the operator, the routine returns from the subroutine of FIG. 9 to the main routine of FIG. In the next step 314 in the main routine of FIG. 8, a fine scan is performed on the frame image for which the verification work has been completed. In this manner, the fine scan is executed in the reverse frame order to the prescan while rewinding the film 22.

If the operator instructs to print a frame image, after the fine scan of the target frame image is completed, an image based on the digital image data obtained by the fine scan is output to the output of FIG. The printout is performed by the unit 28.

In the next step 316, it is determined whether or not the verification work and the fine scan have been completed for all the frames. If the verification operation and the fine scan have not been completed for all frames, the process returns to step 312 to shift to the verification operation for the next frame image.

In this manner, the verification work and the fine scan are performed one frame at a time, and when the verification work and the fine scan have been completed for all the frames, the control routine of FIG. 8 ends. Since the fine scan is performed while rewinding the film 22, the rewinding of the film 22 is completed when the fine scan of all frames is completed, and the film 22 is discharged from the film carrier 38.

In the first embodiment described above, the operator selects the image correction item 252 in the function menu 250 during the verification operation, and the correction content selection screen in which the correction content items described in the natural language are listed. 26
0 can be displayed. Further, if a desired correction content item is selected from the correction content selection screen 260, the target frame image can be corrected based on the correction conditions associated with the selected correction content item.
In this way, the correction of the frame image can be instructed simply by selecting the correction content item described in the natural language, so that even a person who is not familiar with color balance, density correction, etc. can accurately perform the correction instruction of the frame image, The test process can be performed smoothly.

The correction content items on the correction content selection screen 260 may be set in multiple stages according to the multiple-stage correction conditions. For example, as shown in the correction content selection screen 260A in FIG. 10, three types of correction content items are set for each of four types of correction content items of “clear”, “soft”, “bright”, and “bright”. May be.

For example, by setting three levels of “slightly sharp”, “clear”, and “pretty sharp” as correction content items, when the operator wants to correct the image sharply, the degree of sharpness can be reduced. Since one of the three stages can be selected accordingly, a fine frame image correction instruction according to the operator's wish can be realized.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which pre-scanning and fine scanning are performed twice for each frame image, but fine scanning is performed for each frame image at high resolution from the beginning. The number of readings may be one. For example, when only fine scan is performed, an image in which pixels are thinned out or an image in which gradation is limited may be displayed as the test image 204.

The number of frames displayed in the test image 204 is not limited to one as shown in FIG. 7, but two or more frame images may be displayed in the test image 204 at the same time.

[Second Embodiment] Next, as a second embodiment, an example in which a new correction content item is additionally registered on the correction content selection screen 260 will be described. Note that the configuration and the like of the entire system are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11A shows a registration screen 270 for additionally registering correction content items. The registration screen 270 includes a name input field 271 for inputting a name of a correction content item to be additionally registered, a C color correction value input field 272 for inputting a C color correction value, and a M color correction value. , A Y color correction value input field 274 for inputting a Y color correction value, and a density correction value input field 27 for inputting a density correction value of the entire image.
5, a contrast correction value input field 276 for inputting a contrast correction value, a focus correction value input field 277 for inputting a degree of focus correction value, and an input completion instruction section 278 for instructing input completion. , And a cancel instruction unit 279 for instructing cancellation of registration.

The registration screen 270 is displayed on the display 164 when a new registration process (FIG. 12) described later is executed. At this time, the C color correction value input field 272, the M color correction value input field 273, the Y color correction value input field 274, the density correction value input field 275, the contrast correction value input field 276, and the focusing correction value input field 277 are displayed. Displays "± 0" as a default value.

Next, as a function of the second embodiment, a new registration process of a correction content item will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This new registration processing is performed on the correction content selection screen 2
When 60 is displayed, the operator operates the keyboard 16.
6 is pressed, the CPU of the personal computer 158 is pressed.
Execution is started by 160.

At step 402 in FIG. 12, the registration screen 270 shown in FIG.
In the next step 404, the process waits for the operator to input the item name of the correction content item and the correction condition.

For example, when the operator wishes to additionally register a new correction content item “in sepia tone”, the operator enters the item name “Sepia in the name input box 271 on the registration screen 270 as shown in FIG. Key, change the C color correction value input field 272 from the default value “± 0” to “−2”, and change the Y color correction value input field 274 from the default value “± 0” to “+5” I do. Then, input completion is instructed by instructing the input completion instructing section 278 with the mouse 177.

When the input of the item name of the new correction content item and the correction condition is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step 410, where the new correction content item is registered in association with the input correction condition (for example, , Stored in the hard disk 168 in FIG. 5). Then, in the next step 412, a message indicating registration completion is displayed on display 164, and the process is terminated.

Thus, when the operator selects the image correction item 252 of the function menu 250 during the verification work, the correction content item “separate tone” is added as shown in FIG. 11B. The correction content selection screen 260B is displayed.

If the operator wants to cancel the new registration process before completing the input of the item name of the correction content item and the correction condition, the operator instructs the cancel instruction unit 279 to use the mouse 17.
It suffices to indicate at 7. When the cancel instructing unit 279 is instructed, it is determined to be canceled in Step 406, and Step 4 is executed.
In step 08, a message indicating that the new registration process has been stopped is displayed on the display 164, and the process ends.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
Since desired additional correction content items can be freely registered, it is possible to realize a variety of frame image correction instructions.

[Third Embodiment] Next, as a third embodiment, an example of updating or deleting an already registered correction content item will be described. Note that the configuration of the entire system
The description is omitted because it is similar to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an update / deletion screen 280 for updating or deleting a correction content item. The update / deletion screen 280 includes an item name display field 281 displaying the correction content item name to be updated or deleted, a C color correction value input field 282 for inputting a C color correction value, and M
M color correction value input field 28 for inputting a color correction value of a color
3, a Y color correction value input field 284 for inputting a Y color correction value, a density correction value input field 285 for inputting a density correction value of the entire image, and a contrast correction for inputting a contrast correction value A value input field 286, a focus correction value input field 287 for inputting a correction value of the degree of focus, an update instruction section 288 for instructing update, a delete instruction section 289 for instructing deletion, and A cancel instruction unit 290 for instructing cancellation of deletion is provided.

When the update / delete screen 280 is displayed, the C color correction value input field 282 and the M color correction value input field 282
3, Y color correction value input field 284, density correction value input field 28
5, various correction values registered in association with the target correction content item at that time are displayed in the contrast correction value input field 286 and the focusing correction value input field 287.

Next, as an operation of the third embodiment, a process of updating / deleting a correction content item will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This update / deletion process is performed while the operator presses a predetermined key on the keyboard 166 while the correction content selection screen 260 is displayed.
Use mouse 177 to select the item to be updated or deleted
When the selection is made, the execution is started by the CPU 160 of the personal computer 158.

In step 422 of FIG. 14, the update / delete screen 280 shown in FIG.
At the next steps 424 and 430, the process waits for a deletion instruction or an update instruction from the operator.

For example, when the operator wants to delete the correction content item “in sepia tone”, the operator designates the deletion instruction section 289 on the update / deletion screen 280 with the mouse 1
Instruct at 77. When deletion is instructed in this manner, the process proceeds to step 426, where the registered content relating to the target correction content item is deleted from the hard disk 168 of FIG. 5, and a message indicating completion of deletion is displayed on the display 164 in the next step 428. , And the process ends. Thus, when the operator selects the item 252 of the image correction of the function menu 250 during the verification work, the correction content selection screen 260 displays the correction content item "Sepia Tone".
Disappears.

On the other hand, for example, when the operator wants to correct the correction condition for the correction content item “Sepia Tone”,
In the update / deletion screen 280 of FIG. 13, the operator enters the C color correction value input field 282 and the M color correction value input field 28
3, Y color correction value input field 284, density correction value input field 28
5. Correct desired correction conditions in the contrast correction value input field 286 and the focusing correction value input field 287. Then, an update is instructed by instructing the update instructing unit 288 with the mouse 177.

When the correction condition is corrected and an update instruction is issued in this way, the process proceeds to step 436, where the correction condition associated with the target correction content item is updated with the corrected correction condition. Then, the next step 438
Displays a message indicating the completion of the update on the display 164, and ends the processing. In this way, it is possible to correct the correction condition for the already registered correction content item to a desired condition.

If the operator wants to cancel the update / deletion process before completing the update / deletion, he / she can point the cancel instruction unit 290 with the mouse 177. When the cancel instructing unit 290 is instructed, it is regarded as canceled in step 432, the process proceeds to step 434, a message indicating that the update / deletion process has been canceled is displayed on the display 164, and the process ends.

As described above, in the third embodiment,
The correction condition for the already registered correction content item can be corrected to a desired condition, and the already registered correction content item can be deleted. For this reason, it is possible to implement various frame image correction instructions.

In the first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the verification operation is performed on digital image data obtained by reading a frame image recorded on the film 22. For the case where the verification work is performed on the digital image data obtained by reading the image recorded on the recording medium, and the case where the verification work is performed on the digital image data input from an external image processing device or the like, The present invention is applicable and can achieve the same effects. The image data to be tested may include analog image information in addition to digital image data. For example, the present invention is also applicable to an analog image processing apparatus that irradiates light to a frame image recorded on a film and sets exposure conditions and the like of the frame image based on the transmitted light amount or the reflected light amount, and similarly. The effect of can be obtained.

[0109]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the operator selects a desired correction content item from the correction content selection section displayed on the information display means, the selected correction content is selected. Since the image is corrected according to the correction conditions associated with the content items, even a person who is not familiar with color balance and density correction can select a correction content item described in a natural language to issue an image correction instruction. Can be performed accurately.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since various settings can be freely made for the correction content items, it is possible to realize various kinds of image correction instructions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the correction content items can be set in multiple stages according to the multi-stage correction conditions, it is possible to realize a fine image correction instruction in accordance with the operator's desire. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a digital laboratory system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a digital laboratory system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an optical system of the line CCD scanner.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electric system of the line CCD scanner.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processing unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a film monitor image, a verification image, and a print preview image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a test image on which a correction content selection screen is displayed.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control routine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a test control process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a correction content selection screen when a multi-level correction content item is registered.

11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction content item registration screen, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a correction content selection screen in which a correction content item “in sepia tone” is newly registered.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control routine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correction content item update / deletion screen.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control routine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen at the time of a conventional test.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Digital laboratory system 22 Film 158 Personal computer 160 CPU 164 Display 204 Test image 230 Frame image display area 260 Correction content selection screen 270 Registration screen 280 Update / Delete screen

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/46 H04N 1/46 Z

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for creating image data to be recorded on a recording material based on image data recorded on a recording medium, comprising: an information display unit for displaying information; and the recorded image data. Display control means for displaying, on the information display means, an image based on the information and at least a correction content selection unit for selecting a correction content item described in a natural language that is associated with a predetermined correction condition relating to at least color balance and density. And an image correction unit that corrects an image displayed on the information display unit based on a correction condition associated with the selected correction content item when a correction content item is selected by the correction content selection unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction content item can be set. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the correction content item can be set in multiple stages according to a multiple-stage correction condition.