JPH11331570A - Image processing method and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To output a print high in commercial value by acquiring the customer information on the supplied image data and setting an image processing condition in response to the customer information. SOLUTION: The customer information is inputted to a customer information acquiring part 80 by an operator via a mouse, etc., when a print request is received. A setup part 82 reads the pre-scan data out of a pre-scan memory 52 to produce a density histogram and to calculate the image feature value. Then the part 82 sets the main scan reading conditions including the value of a variable aperture, the image sensor store time, etc., and also the image processes and their conditions of a pre-scan processing part 56 and a main scan processing part 58 in consideration of the customer information supplied from the part 80. Furthermore, the part 82 sets the image processes and their conditions of both parts 56 and 58 as necessary by the instructions of the operator in addition to the density histogram and the image feature value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of image processing suitably used for digital photo printers and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, an image photographed on a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a film) such as a negative film or a reversal film is printed on a photosensitive material (photographic paper) by projecting an image of the film onto the photosensitive material. Surface-exposing the photosensitive material,
So-called direct exposure (analog exposure) is the mainstream.

On the other hand, in recent years, a printing apparatus using digital exposure, that is, an image recorded on a film is photoelectrically read, the read image is converted into a digital signal, and then various image processing is performed. 2. Description of the Related Art Digital photo printers have been put to practical use, in which image data (latent images) are recorded by scanning and exposing a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data, and the resulting images are printed.

In a digital photo printer, exposure conditions at the time of printing can be determined by image data processing using an image as digital image data, so that image skipping and blurring caused by backlight, strobe photography, and the like can be corrected, and sharpness can be reduced. By suitably performing (sharpening) processing, correction of color or density feria, etc., it is possible to obtain high-quality prints that cannot be obtained by conventional direct exposure. Further, synthesis of a plurality of images, image division, and synthesis of characters can also be performed by image data processing, and a print that has been freely edited / processed according to the intended use can be output. Moreover,
According to a digital photo printer, not only can an image be output as a print (photo), but also image data can be supplied to a computer or the like or stored on a recording medium such as a floppy disk. It can be used for various purposes other than photography.

[0005] Such a digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on the film by reading light incident on the film and reading the projected light. An image processing apparatus that performs predetermined image processing on image data read by a scanner or image data supplied from a digital camera or the like and sets image data for image recording, that is, an exposure condition, and an image output from the image processing apparatus. According to the image data, a printer (image recording device) that scans and exposes the photosensitive material by, for example, light beam scanning to record a latent image, and develops the photosensitive material exposed by the printer to reproduce an image And a processor (developing device) for performing (finished) printing.

[0006]

By the way, not only the output of a print by such a digital photo printer but also the image reproduced in the print is suitable for a customer (a print requester). preferable.

In a conventional direct exposure photo printer, the finish adjustment (image processing) of an image is performed by adjusting the amount of exposure light, inserting a color filter, or the like. It is difficult to respond appropriately. On the other hand, if it is a digital photo printer,
By the above-described processing of the image data, image processing with a higher degree of freedom can be performed, so that it is possible to output suitable images corresponding to various customers in accordance with various customers. A print with high commercial value can be output.

It is an object of the present invention to read an original photoelectrically or receive image data from an image data supply source, perform image processing on the obtained image data, and obtain image data for output by image processing. An image processing method capable of performing a finishing process suitable for a customer, enabling a print having higher commercial value to be output in a digital photo printer or the like, and an image processing apparatus that implements the image processing method. To provide.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to the present invention receives image data from an image data supply source, performs image processing on the image data, and generates image data for output. In doing so, there is provided an image processing method characterized by acquiring customer information regarding the supplied image data and setting image processing conditions according to the customer information.

[0010] An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus which receives image data from an image data supply source, performs image processing on the image data, and generates output image data. Information acquisition means for acquiring customer information on image data supplied from a source,
An image processing apparatus comprising: a condition setting unit configured to set image processing conditions for image processing to be performed on the image data in accordance with customer information acquired by the information acquisition unit.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the customer information is at least one of a customer occupation, a customer gender, and a customer age.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing method and an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a digital photo printer used in an image processing method and an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The digital photo printer (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG.
Basically, a scanner 12 that photoelectrically reads an image captured on a film F, an image processing device 14 that performs image processing of the read image data, and operation and control of the entire photo printer 10, and an image processing device 14 And a printer 16 for exposing a photosensitive material (photographic paper) to an image with a light beam modulated in accordance with the image data output from the printer, developing the processed material, and outputting it as a (finished) print. The image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting (setting) various conditions, selecting and instructing processing, and instructing color / density correction, and the like. A display 20 for displaying an image read at 12, various operation instructions, a condition setting / registration screen, and the like is connected.

The scanner 12 is a device for photoelectrically reading an image photographed on a film F or the like one frame at a time.
A variable aperture 24, a diffusion box 28 for making the reading light incident on the film F uniform in the surface direction of the film F, an imaging lens unit 32, R (red), G (green), and B
An image sensor 34 having a line CCD sensor corresponding to each image reading of (blue), an amplifier 36,
An A / D (analog / digital) converter 38 is provided.

In the photo printer 10, the type and size of a film such as a new photographic system (Advanced Photo System) or a 135 size negative (or reversal) film, the form of a film such as strips and slides, etc. are selected. In addition, a dedicated carrier that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared, and by changing the carrier, it is possible to cope with various films and processes. An image (frame) photographed on a film and provided for printing is conveyed to a predetermined reading position by this carrier. When the image captured on the film F is read by such a scanner 12, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and the light amount of which is adjusted by the variable aperture 24 is transferred by the carrier 30 to a predetermined reading position. By entering the F and transmitting the light, projection light carrying an image photographed on the film F is obtained.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2A, while the film 30 is positioned at a predetermined reading position, the carrier 30 moves in the direction in which the line CCD sensor of the image sensor 34 extends (main scanning direction). The film F
Pairs of transport rollers 30a and 30b, which are arranged so as to sandwich the reading position in the sub-scanning direction and transport in the same longitudinal direction.
And a mask 40 that has a slit 40a that extends in the main scanning direction and that corresponds to the reading position and regulates the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape. The film F receives the reading light while being transported in the sub-scanning direction while being positioned at the reading position by the carrier 30. As a result, the film F is two-dimensionally slit-scanned by the slit 40a extending in the main scanning direction.
The image of each frame photographed on the film F is read.

Reference numeral 44 in the figure denotes a code reader for optically reading a bar code such as a DX code, an extended DX code, and an FNS code optically recorded on a film. Various types of information read by the code reader 44 are sent to a predetermined portion such as the image processing device 14 as needed. Also, as is well known, a magnetic recording medium is formed on the film of the new photographic system, and various information such as a film type, a photographing date, whether or not strobe light is emitted at the time of photographing, and a title are recorded therein. . A magnetic head for recording information necessary for the magnetic recording medium and reading the magnetically recorded information is arranged on a carrier corresponding to the new photographic system. Various kinds of information read by the magnetic head are sent to a predetermined portion such as the image processing device 14 as needed.

As described above, the reading light is transmitted through the film F held by the carrier 30 and becomes projection light for carrying an image. The projection light is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32. Imaged. FIG. 2 (B)
The image sensor 34 includes a line CCD sensor 34R for reading an R image, a line CCD sensor 34G for reading a G image, and a line CCD sensor 34B for reading a B image. Color CCD sensor for each line CC
The D sensor extends in the main scanning direction as described above.
The projection light of the film F is separated into three primary colors of R, G and B by the image sensor 34 and read photoelectrically. The output signal of the image sensor 34 is
The digital signal is amplified by the A / D converter 38, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, and sent to the image processing device 14.

In the scanner 12 according to the present invention,
The image captured on the film F is read by two image readings: a pre-scan for reading at a low resolution, and a subsequent main scan for obtaining image data for output. The pre-scan is performed under pre-scan reading conditions set in advance so that the image of all the films targeted by the scanner 12 can be read without saturation of the image sensor 34. Using the image data (pre-scan data) obtained by this pre-scan, the reading conditions of the main scan for each frame are set such that the image sensor 34 is saturated at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame). Is set. Accordingly, the output signal differs in pixel density and signal intensity between the pre-scan and the main scan.

In the present invention, image reading by a scanner serving as an image data supply source is not limited to such slit scanning exposure, and the entire surface of one frame is read at a time.
Surface exposure may be used. In this case, for example, using an area CCD sensor, providing means for inserting R, G, and B color filters between the light source and the film F, inserting a color filter, and reading an image with the area CCD sensor. Are sequentially performed by the R, G, and B color filters, so that the image captured on the film F is separated into three primary colors and read. As an image data supply source, in addition to a scanner for reading such a film, an image reading device for reading an image of a reflection original, an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, a LAN (Local A
Communication means such as a rea Network) and a computer communication network, and a medium (recording medium) such as a memory card and an MO (magneto-optical recording medium) are also preferably exemplified.

As described above, the digital signal output from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14 (hereinafter, referred to as the processing device 14). FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the processing device 14. The processing device 14 includes a data processing unit 48, L
og converter 50, prescan (frame) memory 5
2. It has a main scan (frame) memory 54, a pre-scan processing unit 56, a main scan processing unit 58, and a condition setting unit 60. FIG. 3 mainly shows parts related to image processing. The processing device 14 includes a CPU that controls and manages the entire photo printer 10 including the processing device 14, and a photo printer 10. A memory and the like for storing information necessary for the operation of the
The operation system 18 and the display 20 are provided with the CPU or the like (CP
(U bus).

The R, G, and B digital signals output from the scanner 12 are subjected to predetermined data processing such as darkness correction, defective pixel correction, and shading correction in a data processing unit 48, and are then Log-converted. The image data is converted by the device 50 into digital image data (density data).

The image data processed by the Log converter 50 is stored in a pre-scan memory 52 in pre-scan data.
Image data obtained by main scan (main scan data)
Are respectively stored (stored) in the main scan memory 54. The pre-scan data and the main scan data are
The data is basically the same except that the pixel density is different. The pre-scan data stored in the pre-scan memory 52 is processed by a pre-scan processing unit 56 having an image processing unit 62 and an image data conversion unit 64 to be image data for display on the display 20, and The main scan data stored in the scan memory 54 is processed by a main scan processing unit 58 having an image processing unit 66 and an image data conversion unit 68, and becomes image data for recording by the printer 16. The processing conditions in the pre-scan processing section 56 and the main scan processing section 58 are set by a condition setting section 60 described later.

A processing unit 62 of the prescan processing unit 56;
The processing unit 66 of the main scan processing unit 58 is a unit that performs various types of image processing on an image (image data) according to processing conditions set by a condition setting unit 60 described later. The processing unit 62 and the processing unit 66 have different resolutions.
Since the same processing is basically performed with the same configuration, the specific configuration is shown in the processing unit 66 and will be described as a representative.

The processing section 66 (processing section 62) includes an LUT (lookup table) processing section 70, an MTX (matrix) calculation processing section 72, a processing block 74, and an image synthesizing section 7.
6 and an overlay memory 78.

The LUT processing section 70 performs each of gradation adjustment, color balance (gray balance) adjustment, and density adjustment.
The image data is processed by a UT (or an LUT obtained by cascading or synthesizing these), and the above-described image processing is performed. The MTX operation processing unit 72 performs saturation adjustment of the image or further performs light source type correction by the MTX operation.

The processing block 74 performs various types of image processing other than the above-described correction. In the illustrated example, as an example, electronic scaling processing and dodging processing (direct compression by image dynamic range compression holding an intermediate gradation). (Dodging effect in exposure), sharpness processing, and soft focus processing. These processes may be performed by various known methods. For example, a method of performing the electronic scaling process by a known interpolation operation is exemplified. The dodging process generates blurred image data obtained by blurring the original image from the luminance signal of the original image (the image to be processed), and compresses the blurred image data into a compressed LU.
An example is a method in which processing is performed at T to generate image data for compression processing in which the density is increased in the low-density portion and the density is decreased in the high-density portion, and the original image (data) is processed using the processing image data. Is done. The sharpness (sharpening process) process separates the original image into low-frequency components and medium- and high-frequency components, converts the middle- and high-frequency components into luminance images, separates them into middle-frequency components and high-frequency components, An example is a method of combining the high frequency component and the high frequency component after processing them with the respective sharpness correction coefficients, and then combining the low frequency component with the previously separated low frequency component. The sharpness intensity is adjusted by the sharpness correction coefficient. The soft focus processing is exemplified by a method in which blurred image data in which an original image is blurred is generated, and the original image data and the blurred image data are weighted and added at a certain mixture ratio. In this processing method, the soft focus intensity can be increased by increasing the weight of the blurred image data.

In the processing block 74, not all the above image processing is performed on all the images. For example, the soft focus processing is basically performed when an order is received from a customer (a print requester). For example, the processing to be performed is appropriately selected in accordance with the state of the image, an instruction input by an operator in response to a request from a customer, and customer information to be described later.

The image synthesizing unit 76 includes an LUT processing unit 70, M
This is a part that combines the image stored in the overlay memory 78 with the image processed by the TX operation processing unit 72 and the processing block 74. The image synthesizing method is not particularly limited, and is performed by a known method such as replacement of pixels. The supply of the image to the overlay memory 78 is performed by the condition setting unit 18 (setup unit 82) according to customer information and the like described later. In addition, image synthesis in the image synthesis unit 76 also includes:
This is not essential for all images, but is performed as needed.

It should be noted that the image processing performed by the processing section 66 (processing section 62) is not limited to the above-described processing, and other than this, for example, aberrations (chromatic aberrations due to red-eye correction, camera lens characteristics, etc.) Various known image processing such as correction of distortion, correction of a decrease in peripheral light amount, and the like may be performed.

The image data conversion unit 64 of the prescan processing unit 56 thins out the image data processed by the processing unit 62 as necessary, and similarly performs 3D (three-dimensional)-
The data is converted using an LUT or the like, and is converted into image data corresponding to the display on the display 20 and displayed on the display 20. Image data converter 68 of main scan processor 58
Converts the image data processed by the processing unit 66 using, for example, a 3D-LUT, and converts the converted image data into image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16.
6 The processing conditions in both data conversion units are set by the condition setting unit 60.

The condition setting section 60 sets the main scanning reading conditions and various processing conditions in the pre-scan processing section 56 and the main scan processing section 58. The condition setting unit 60 includes a customer information acquisition unit 80, a setup unit 82, a key correction unit 84, and a parameter integration unit 86.

The customer information acquisition unit 80 is a unit that acquires information of a customer (usually, a print requester) regarding image data to be processed and supplies the information to the setup unit 82. There is no particular limitation on customer information (hereinafter referred to as customer information), and various types of information on the customer are exemplified. The customer occupation, customer gender, customer age, and the like are preferably exemplified.

The method for acquiring customer information in the customer information acquiring section 80 is not particularly limited, and various information acquiring means can be used. For example, when a request for print creation is received, a method of listening to customer information with a verbal answer, transmitting this to the operator, and inputting the information using the mouse 18b or the like is exemplified. When a customer card is created according to a customer, customer information may be described in the customer card, and the operator may input the customer information while looking at the customer card when creating a print. If customers and their past print requests are stored in a database, the customer information is recorded in the database, and the operator inputs the customer name at the time of print creation and obtains the customer information from the database. Is also good. At this time, the customer name is converted into an ID and recorded on a customer card or the like, and the ID and various information are stored in association with each other.
Customer information may be acquired from a database. further,
Using a magnetic recording medium formed on the film of the new photo system, a camera corresponding to the new photo system is provided with a function for magnetically recording photographer information, and the photographer information is recorded on the magnetic recording medium of the film. The magnetic information is read by the carrier 30 at the time of printing to obtain the photographer information,
This may be used as customer information. In addition, a method of recording photographer information in an IC cartridge equipped with an IC memory can be used.

The setup section 82 mainly uses the prescan data to set the main scan reading conditions, the image processing to be performed in the prescan processing section 56 and the main scan processing section 58, and the image processing conditions. Here, the setup unit 82 sets the image processing conditions as
The setting is made in consideration of the customer information supplied from the customer information acquisition unit 80.

More specifically, the setup section 82 reads out pre-scan data from the pre-scan memory 52, creates a density histogram from the pre-scan data, and calculates average density, highlight (lowest density) and shadow (highest density). The image feature amount such as a predetermined frequency% point of the density histogram is calculated. Next, as described above, the image sensor 34 is set at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image.
The reading conditions for the main scan, for example, the aperture value of the variable aperture 24, the accumulation time of the image sensor 34 (line CCD sensor), and the like are set so that the output is saturated.

The set-up section 82 further performs image processing performed by the pre-scan processing section 56 and the main scan processing section 58 in response to an operator's instruction given as needed, in addition to the density histogram and image feature quantity. , And its image processing conditions are set. here,
In the processing device 14 according to the present invention, the setup unit 82 stores various types of images to be combined with the print assistance for setting image processing conditions and prints according to the customer information,
According to the customer information supplied from the customer information acquisition unit 80,
If there is the corresponding setting auxiliary information or the like, the image processing to be performed and the image processing conditions are set accordingly.

For example, if the film F is a reversal film and the customer information indicates that the occupation is a professional photographer, the setup unit 82 faithfully reproduces the original (the image photographed on the film F). like,
The image processing conditions in the processing section 66 are set. On the other hand, even if the film F is a reversal film, if the occupation does not acquire customer information that is a professional photographer,
The setup unit 82 normally adjusts the color / density of the image, and furthermore, sets image processing conditions in the processing unit 66 so as to remedy shooting failures such as over (excessive exposure), under (underexposure), and backlight. Set. If customer information is obtained indicating that the occupation is related to a construction site, apply dodging processing (image dynamic range compression) strongly to obtain an image without overexposure or blackening. The above-mentioned compression LUT is set.

In general, men prefer a three-dimensional face finish with shading, and women prefer a soft face finish without strong shadows. Therefore, if the gender of the customer is acquired as the customer information, and it is found from the instruction of the operator or the extraction of the face region or the like that the scene is a person-up scene such as an ID photograph, the setup unit 82
In the case of a male, the facial region is extracted, the gradation of the region is raised, and the sharpness is increased so as to give details, while in the case of a female, the facial region is similarly extracted. , Lay down the gradation of the area (soften)
At the same time, the image processing conditions in the processing unit 66 are set so that the sharpness is weakened or the soft focus is weakened so that spots, wrinkles, freckles, etc. are not conspicuous. This image processing can be suitably used even in a self-system for an ID photograph or the like. This will be described in detail later.

The method for extracting the face region is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. Specifically, the operator indicates one point in the main part using the mouse 18b or the like,
Examples of the method include a method of extracting a main part from color continuity and the like, a method of extracting the main part using the mouse 18b, and a method of automatically extracting the main part using a known automatic extraction algorithm. Examples of the automatic extraction algorithm of the main part include a method of extracting a specific color, a method of extracting a specific shape pattern, and a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-138470.
A plurality of different principal part (principal part) extraction methods, such as a method of removing a region estimated as a background, are evaluated in advance and weights are determined. The principal part is extracted by each extraction method, and the extracted principal part is determined. An example is a method of weighting with a given weight, and determining and extracting a main part according to the result. In addition to the above, JP-A-4-346333 and JP-A-5-158164.
Nos. 5-165120, 6-160993, 8-184925, 9-101579, and 9-1
The principal part extracting method disclosed in each gazette such as 38471 can also be suitably used.

When the age and gender are obtained as the customer information, and the customer is a woman who is 30 years old or more, the setup section 82 reduces the sharpness so that spots, wrinkles, freckles, etc. are not conspicuous. The image processing conditions in the processing unit 66 are set so as to apply the soft focus or to apply the soft focus very weakly. Similarly, if the customer is a female 15-18 years old, the print (image)
An image to be synthesized is supplied to the overlay memory 78 so as to synthesize various characters popular with women of this age, and an instruction to synthesize the image is issued to the image synthesizing unit 76.

The setting of the image processing conditions according to the customer information may be performed in all the image processings, or when the operator instructs for each one of the films or the like. May be performed only on the frame designated by the operator. These are preferably made selectable as modes.

The key correction section 84 is provided in accordance with keys for adjusting the density (brightness), color, contrast, sharpness, saturation and the like set on the keyboard 18a, and various instructions input with the mouse 18b. , The amount of adjustment of the image processing condition (for example, the correction amount of the LUT of the LUT processing unit 70) is calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 86. The parameter integration unit 86 receives the image processing conditions set by the setup unit 82, and receives a predetermined portion (the LUT processing unit 7) of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58.
0, MTX calculation processing section 72, processing block 74, image synthesizing section 76, image data conversion section 68, etc.), and furthermore, the image set for each part according to the adjustment amount calculated by key correction section 84. Correct (adjust) the processing conditions or reset the image processing conditions.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by describing the operation of the scanner 12 and the processing device 14. The operator requested to make a print of the film F loads the carrier 30 corresponding to the film F into the scanner 12, sets the film F at a predetermined position of the carrier 30, and uses the keyboard 18a or the like to make a print size or the like. After inputting necessary instructions and inputting customer information using a customer card or the like, the user instructs to start printing. As a result, the scanner 12 is set according to the pre-scanning reading conditions.
0 conveys the film F in the sub-scanning direction at a speed corresponding to the pre-scan, and the pre-scan is started. At a predetermined reading position, the film F is slit-scanned and the projection light is transmitted to the image sensor 34 as described above. After forming an image, the image photographed on the film F is decomposed into R, G, and B and read photoelectrically. In parallel, the input customer information is sent to the customer information acquisition unit 80 of the condition setting unit 60, and is supplied to the setup unit 82 from here.

The pre-scan and the main scan are
The prescan and the main scan may be performed one frame at a time, or continuously for all frames or for a predetermined plurality of frames. In the following example, for simplicity, 1
The description will be given by taking the image reading of a frame as an example.

The output signal of the image sensor 34 by the pre-scan is amplified by the amplifier 36, and is output by the A / D converter 3
8 and converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is
The data is sent to the processing device 14, subjected to predetermined data processing by the data processing unit 48, converted into digital image data by the Log converter 50, and stored in the prescan memory 52.

When the prescan data is stored in the prescan memory 52, the setup section 82 of the condition setting section 60 reads the data. The setup unit 82 creates a density histogram of the image from the pre-scan data, calculates image features such as highlights and shadows, and sets the scanning conditions for the main scan as described above and supplies it to the scanner 12. I do.

Further, the setup unit 82 performs image processing performed by the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58 in consideration of the density histogram and the calculated image feature amount, as well as instructions from the operator as required. And its image processing conditions are set. Here, when the customer information is supplied from the customer information acquisition unit 80 and the setup unit 82 has the setting auxiliary information corresponding to the customer condition, the setup unit 82 sets the image processing to be performed and the image processing condition according to the information. For example, if the film F is a reversal film and the customer information indicates that the occupation is a professional photographer, the setup unit 82 faithfully converts the image (original image) captured on the film F as described above. The image processing conditions are set so that the image is reproduced. The image processing conditions set by the setup unit 82 are supplied to the parameter integrating unit 86, and the parameter integrating unit 86 transmits the received image processing conditions to predetermined portions (hardware) of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58. Set.

When performing the test, the pre-scan data is read out from the pre-scan memory 52 by the processing section 62, processed by the processing section 62, and processed by the image data conversion section 64.
And displayed on the display 20 as a simulation image. The operator operates the display 20
Perform the test by looking at the display, and use the keyboard 1 if necessary.
The color, density, gradation, etc. are adjusted using 8a or the like. The input of this adjustment is sent to the key correction unit 74, which calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the adjustment input and sends it to the parameter integration unit 86. Parameter integration unit 86
Corrects the LUT, MTX and the like of the processing units 62 and 66 according to the correction amount sent. Therefore, according to this correction, that is, the adjustment input by the operator, the display 2
The image displayed at 0 also changes.

When the operator determines that the image of the frame is proper (OK), the operator instructs the start of printing using the keyboard 18a or the like. Thus, the image processing conditions are determined, the scanner 12 is set according to the reading conditions of the main scan, the carrier 30 transports the film F at a speed corresponding to the main scan, and the main scan is started. If the verification is not performed, the image processing conditions are determined at the time when the setting of the image processing conditions in the main scan processing unit 58 by the parameter integration unit 86 is completed, and the main scan is started.

The main scan is performed in the same manner as the pre-scan except that the sub-scanning conveyance speed of the film F, the aperture value of the variable aperture 24, and the like are set as the pre-scanning conditions. Is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, processed by the data processing unit 48 of the processing device 14, converted into the main scan data by the Log converter 50, and processed by the main scan memory 54.
Sent to

The main scan data is stored in the main scan memory 54.
The main scan data is read out and image-processed under the image processing conditions determined by the processing unit 66,
Further, the image data is converted by the image data conversion unit 68 into image data for output, and output to the printer 16.

As described above, the image (image data) processed by the processing device 14 is transmitted to the display 20 or the printer 1.
6 is output. The printer 16 prints a latent image by exposing a photosensitive material (photographic paper) in accordance with the supplied image data, and performs a predetermined process on the exposed photosensitive material and outputs it as a print. And a processor (developing device). In a printer, for example, after cutting a photosensitive material into a predetermined length corresponding to a print, a back print is recorded, and then three types of light beams of R exposure, G exposure, and B exposure according to the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the photosensitive material. Is modulated in accordance with the image data output from the processing device 14 and is deflected in the main scanning direction, and the photosensitive material is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. A latent image is recorded by dimensional scanning exposure and supplied to a processor. The processor that has received the photosensitive material performs a predetermined wet development process such as color development, bleach-fixing, and washing with water, and forms a print by drying, and sorts and accumulates it into a predetermined unit such as one film.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual view of a self-system (automatic photographing and developing and printing apparatus) for utilizing an ID photograph of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the self-system 90
2, a photographing unit 96 having a monitor 94, an input unit 96, and a lighting device (not shown), and a developing unit 98.

The photographer (ie, the creator of the ID photograph, etc.)
Is input by the photographing unit 96 using the input unit 96 to input necessary instructions such as print size, number of prints, gender, age (customer information), and the like, and then photographed by the camera 92. Also, the photographed image is displayed on a monitor 94 as necessary.
It is configured to be able to confirm. The film on which an image has been captured by the camera 92 is sent to the development processing unit 98. The development processing unit 98 includes the scanner 1 of the photo printer 10 described above.
2. In addition to the functions of the image processing unit 14 and the printer 16,
It has a film developing function, applies a developing process to the undeveloped film sent from the camera 92, reads an image of the film with a scanner, and sets image processing conditions in the same manner as the photo printer 10 described above. The image data is subjected to image processing to produce image data for output. According to the image data, the photosensitive material is subjected to scanning exposure and development processing, and output as a print, that is, an identification photograph.

As described above, men generally prefer a shaded three-dimensional face finish, and women prefer a soft finish without strong shadows on the face. Such an image finish can be dealt with by changing the lighting of the photographing unit 96 according to the obtained gender information. However, a system capable of realizing such a finished image by switching the lighting is expensive and causes an increase in device cost. On the other hand, if the self-system 90 uses the present invention, as described above, such a request can be suitably satisfied by image processing.

That is, when the input is of male, the gender male is obtained as the customer information in the input section 96, and the development processing section 98 extracts the face area as described above, and In addition to raising the gradation, the sharpness is increased to give more detail. On the other hand, when the gender is female, the face region is similarly extracted, and the gradation of the region is laid down, and spots, wrinkles, and freckles are caused. To make the sharpness weaker so that the etc. are not noticeable,
Alternatively, the image processing conditions are set so that the soft focus is applied very weakly, the image data is processed, and a print is output. It is preferable that the lighting at this time is, for example, about halfway between the male appropriate condition and the female appropriate condition.

Although the image processing method and the image processing apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you can do it.

[0059]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a high-quality, high-value-added image can be reproduced by digital image processing, in which a finished image corresponding to a customer who has requested printing is reproduced. The print can be output by a simple operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital photo printer utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a conceptual diagram of a carrier set in the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
Are conceptual diagrams of an image sensor arranged in the digital photo printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a self-system for an ID photograph using the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 (Digital) Photo Printer 12 Scanner 14 (Image) Processing Device 16 Printer 18 Operation System 20 Display 22 Light Source 24 Variable Aperture 28 Diffusion Box 30 Carrier 32 Imaging Lens Unit 34 Image Sensor 36 Amplifier 38 A / D Converter 40 Mask 44 Code reader 48 Data processing unit 50 Log converter 52 Prescan (frame) memory 54 Main scan (frame) memory 56 Prescan processing unit 58 Main scan processing unit 60 Processing condition setting unit 62, 66 (Image data) processing unit 64, 68 image data conversion unit 70 LUT processing unit 72 MTX calculation processing unit 74 processing block 76 image synthesis unit 78 overlay memory 80 customer information acquisition unit 82 setup unit 84 key correction unit 86 parameter integration unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] When receiving image data from an image data supply source and performing image processing on the image data to obtain image data for output, information of the customer regarding the supplied image data is acquired, and the customer information is acquired. An image processing condition is set according to the information of the image processing. 2. An image processing apparatus which receives image data from an image data supply source, and performs image processing on the image data to generate image data for output. An information acquisition unit for acquiring customer information, and a condition setting unit for setting image processing conditions for image processing to be applied to the image data in accordance with the customer information acquired by the information acquisition unit. Image processing device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the customer information is at least one of a customer occupation, a customer gender, and a customer age.