JP2006127146A - Image processor and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor and an image processing program, allowing even a general user to easily and accurately set a position of center coordinates being a reference of correction. <P>SOLUTION: A photograph print system 1 performs the setting of the center coordinates that are the reference position of various kinds of correction such as peripheral light intensity correction, chromatic aberration correction or distortion correction by use of an area setting part 33 and a center coordinate setting part 34. The area setting part 33 sets an area in accordance with an image portion wherein distortion designated by the user appears. The center coordinate setting part 34 sets a center position of the area set in the area setting part 33 as the center coordinates. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for performing correction by setting a center coordinate serving as a reference for correction on a display screen displaying an image including distortion.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a photographic printing apparatus that performs photographic printing based on digital image data obtained by photographing with a device such as a digital camera or digital image data formed by reading an image photographed on a photographic film with a film scanner ( Digital minilab) is widely used.

  In such a photographic printing apparatus, it is possible to provide a high-quality photographic print by appropriately correcting distortion included in the image data, for example, insufficient amount of peripheral light due to lens characteristics, chromatic aberration, distortion, and the like. It has become.

Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that performs image processing for realizing high-quality photographic prints. In this image processing apparatus, it is possible to prevent image loss by changing the correction method between the central portion and the peripheral portion of the image. Specifically, the correction of the peripheral portion is performed by moving the position of the center coordinate serving as a correction reference (see paragraph [0082]).
JP-A-8-256295 (published October 1, 1996)

  However, the conventional image processing apparatus has the following problems.

  That is, in the image processing apparatus disclosed in the above publication, the user himself / herself moves the center coordinates to an appropriate position while performing correction while viewing the image displayed on the screen. However, accurately setting the position of the center coordinates while viewing such an image requires skilled skills and is not easy for everyone. For this reason, a general user needs to perform correction while repeatedly searching for an appropriate position by repeatedly setting the position of the center coordinate several times.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program capable of easily and accurately setting the position of a center coordinate serving as a correction reference even for a general user.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first invention is an image processing apparatus that performs correction around a center coordinate set for an image displayed based on image data, and includes a display unit, a region setting unit, A center coordinate setting unit and an image processing unit are provided. The display unit has a display screen for displaying an image. The area setting unit sets an area designated on the display screen. The center coordinate setting unit sets the center coordinates of this region based on the region set by the region setting unit. The image processing unit performs correction around the center coordinates set by the center coordinate setting unit.

  Here, the center coordinates serving as a reference for appropriately correcting the distortion included in the image are set by setting the distortion portion as a region.

  Normally, a distortion portion caused by lens aberration or the like included in such an image is generated around a certain point, and thus correction is performed by setting a center coordinate serving as a reference for correction on the display screen. If the center coordinates are not set accurately, appropriate correction cannot be performed. However, it is very difficult to set the center coordinates accurately without error while looking at the image displayed on the display screen because it requires skilled skills.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, first, when a user designates an area in which a distortion that needs to be corrected is viewed while viewing an image displayed on the screen of the display unit, the area setting unit sets the center coordinate as the area. Set as the area to find. Next, the center coordinate setting unit obtains the center position of the region set by the region setting unit, and sets this as the center coordinate. Then, the image processing unit performs correction around the position set as the center coordinate.

  This allows the user to set the center coordinates based on an area that can be easily specified while looking at the distorted portion, so that the error is less than that of an image processing apparatus that directly specifies the center coordinates on the display screen for correction. The center coordinates can be set with high accuracy without any problem. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate correction on the displayed image. In addition, since accurate center coordinates can be easily set, it is not necessary to set the center coordinates again and again, and correction can be performed more efficiently than in the past.

  In the present invention, the center of the region is first set using a figure such as a circle or an ellipse whose center position is known in advance, and the figure is moved according to the distortion portion to be corrected, thereby simultaneously An image processing apparatus for setting the center coordinates is also included.

  An image processing apparatus according to a second invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the area setting unit uses a center coordinate to represent an area surrounded by a plurality of points or lines designated on the display screen. Set as desired area.

  Here, an area including a plurality of points or lines designated on the display screen by the user as an outline is set as an area for obtaining center coordinates. For example, when the user designates only three points along the contour of the distorted portion on the display screen, the region is set by a circle or an ellipse including these three points as the contour.

  As a result, the user can set the center coordinates with high accuracy by a simpler operation, and as a result, can correct the image appropriately.

  An image processing device according to a third invention is the image processing device according to the first invention, wherein a circle or an ellipse movable on the display screen is displayed on the display unit, and the region setting unit is An area designated by a circle or an ellipse is set as an area for obtaining the center coordinates.

  Here, a figure (circle or ellipse) for designating an area for obtaining the center coordinates is displayed in advance on the display screen.

  As a result, the user can efficiently set the area for obtaining the center coordinates simply by moving the figure so as to surround the distorted portion included in the image and designating the position.

  Note that some distortions appearing in an image are formed concentrically around a certain point. In the present invention, the center coordinates can be set particularly accurately by selecting a figure (circle, ellipse) that fits the range of the distortion for the concentrically formed distortion and setting the region. Can do. In addition, for a graphic designating an area, the user may select either a circle or an ellipse according to the range of distortion that appears in the image.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, further comprising a figure size changing unit that changes the size of a circle or an ellipse displayed on the display screen.

  Here, it is possible to change the size of the figure (circle, ellipse) displayed on the display screen.

  As a result, the size of the figure can be changed in accordance with the size of the distortion region appearing in the image, so that the region for obtaining the center coordinates can be specified more accurately.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fifth invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the image processing unit performs peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoid correction. At least one correction is performed.

  Here, the image processing unit performs at least one correction of peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoidal correction with reference to the center coordinates obtained from the region set by the region setting unit.

  As a result, all corrections can be properly performed based on the center coordinates set accurately without error.

  The correction based on the set center coordinates is not limited to one type at a time. The same type of correction may be performed in a plurality of stages, or different types of corrections may be combined. You may go.

  An image processing apparatus according to a sixth invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the display unit is corrected by the image processing unit using a plurality of correction parameters. Multiple images are displayed.

  Here, a plurality of images in which distortion generation portions are corrected using different correction parameters in the image processing unit are displayed on the display unit.

  Thereby, the user can select and print the most ideal image by comparing a plurality of images with different correction parameters displayed on the display unit.

  An image processing program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an image processing program for performing correction around a center coordinate set for an image displayed on a display screen based on image data. The computer executes the image processing method including the steps. In the first step, an image is displayed on the display screen. In the second step, an area designated by the user on the display screen is set. In the third step, the center coordinates of this area are set based on the area set in the second step. In the fourth step, correction is performed around the center coordinates set in the third step.

  Here, the center coordinates serving as a reference for appropriately correcting the distortion included in the image are set by setting the distortion portion as a region.

  Normally, a distortion portion caused by lens aberration or the like included in such an image is generated around a certain point, and thus correction is performed by setting a center coordinate serving as a reference for correction on the display screen. If the center coordinates are not set accurately, appropriate correction cannot be performed. However, it is very difficult to set the center coordinates accurately without error while looking at the image displayed on the display screen because it requires skilled skills.

  In the image processing program of the present invention, first, when a user specifies a region where distortion that seems to be corrected is viewed while viewing the image displayed on the display screen, this region is set as a region for obtaining the center coordinates. To do. Next, the center position of the set area is obtained and set as the center coordinates. And it correct | amends centering on the position set as a center coordinate.

  As a result, the center coordinates are set based on an area that can be easily specified by the user, and compared with an image processing apparatus that performs correction by specifying the center coordinates directly on a conventional display screen, it is highly accurate with no error. The center coordinates can be set. Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate correction on the displayed image. In addition, since accurate center coordinates can be easily set, it is not necessary to set the center coordinates again and again, and correction can be performed more efficiently than in the past.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, high-precision center coordinates can be set without error as compared with an image processing apparatus that performs correction by directly specifying center coordinates on a conventional display screen. Can do.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the second invention, it is possible to set the center coordinates with high accuracy by a simpler operation, and as a result, it is possible to perform appropriate correction on the image.

  According to the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently set the area for obtaining the center coordinates.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth invention, it is possible to specify the region for obtaining the center coordinates more accurately.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to appropriately perform all corrections based on the center coordinates set accurately without error.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the sixth invention, the user can compare a plurality of images with different correction parameters displayed on the display unit and select and print the most ideal image.

  According to the image processing program according to the seventh aspect of the invention, compared to a conventional image processing apparatus that performs correction by directly specifying the center coordinates on the display screen, the center coordinates can be set with high accuracy without error. Can do.

  An image processing apparatus and an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  It should be noted that “upstream side” and “downstream side” appearing in the following description indicate an upstream side and a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the photographic paper P.

[Configuration of the entire photo print system 1]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a photographic print system 1 called a so-called digital minilab.

  The photo print system 1 includes an operation station 2 and a print station 3.

  The operation station 2 captures image data from a medium such as a memory card 2b on which the developed photographic film 2a or digital image data photographed by a digital camera or the like is stored, creates print data, and connects via the cable 4 To the print station 3 that has been sent.

  The print station 3 performs exposure processing and development processing on the photographic paper P based on the print data received from the operation station 2 to form a photographic print image.

[Configuration of operation station 2]
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation station 2 includes a film scanner 21, a media reader 22, a monitor (display unit, display screen) 23, a keyboard 24, and a mouse 25 arranged on a desk. ing.

  The film scanner 21 captures an image corresponding to a photographed frame developed on the photographic film 2a (hereinafter referred to as a photographed frame image) as digital image data.

  The media reader 22 is mounted on a personal computer PC functioning as a controller of the photographic print system 1 and transfers digital data of images taken by a digital camera or the like from media such as a memory card 2b, various semiconductor memories, or a CD-R. take in.

  The personal computer PC is connected to a monitor 23, a keyboard 24, and a mouse 25. The user performs various settings such as image processing using a pointing device such as the keyboard 24 and the mouse 25 while viewing the image displayed on the monitor 23. The personal computer PC has a built-in memory 30 such as a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD. Here, the CPU reads the image processing program stored in the built-in memory in accordance with an instruction input by the user via the keyboard 24 or the mouse 25. As a result, functions necessary for performing image processing on the image data captured from the film scanner 21 or the media reader 22 are formed as functional blocks.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the personal computer PC includes an image input unit 31, a GUI unit 32, an area setting unit 33, a center coordinate setting unit 34, an image processing unit 35, a figure size changing unit 36, and a video control. A unit 37, a print data generation unit 38, and a format unit 39 are provided as functional blocks.

  The image input unit 31 captures image data read by the film scanner 21 or the media reader 22 and transmits it to the built-in memory 30 as original image data in image correction. At this time, when the medium on which the photographed frame image is recorded is the photographic film 2a, the image input unit 31 sends the scan data for the pre-scan mode and the main scan mode separately to the built-in memory 30. When the medium on which the frame image is recorded is the memory card 2b or the like, the thumbnail image data is used separately from the main data (high resolution data) of the photographed image in order to be used for the purpose of displaying a list on the monitor 23. (Low resolution data) is stored in the built-in memory 30. As described above, when the built-in memory 30 stores two types of high-resolution data and low-resolution data as image data representing one captured frame image, when setting the position of the center coordinates and the correction degree in image correction. Can be efficiently set using low resolution data. As a result, the calculation load on the personal computer PC can be reduced by correcting the high resolution data based on the correction content determined based on the low resolution data.

  A GUI (Graphical User Interface) unit 32 creates a graphic operation screen including various windows and various operation buttons, and controls commands based on user operation input using the keyboard 24, mouse 25, and the like through the graphic operation screen. Build a graphical user interface for generating

  The area setting unit 33 is displayed together with the image on the display screen of the monitor 23 by the user, and when the position of the auxiliary circle that can be moved on the image is determined, the area surrounded by the auxiliary circle is stored in the built-in memory 30. Send to.

  The center coordinate setting unit 34 sets the center of the area set by the area setting unit 33, that is, the position that becomes the center of the auxiliary circle for which the position is set as the center coordinates that are the reference for correction, and this position is stored in the built-in memory. 30.

  The image processing unit 35 uses the center coordinate position set in the center coordinate setting unit 34 as the center of correction, and makes corrections (peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion) specified by the user in the display screen described in detail later. Correction, keystone correction).

  The figure size changing unit 36 changes the size of the auxiliary circle displayed on the display screen in order to set the area in the area setting unit 33 in accordance with a change instruction from the user on the display screen described in detail later. Or change the auxiliary circle's aspect ratio to change the auxiliary circle from a circle to an ellipse. The user can change the size of the auxiliary circle and the size of the auxiliary ellipse according to the size and shape of the distorted portion of the displayed image.

  The video control unit 37 displays a corrected reproduction image based on the corrected image data, a simulated image as a print source image or an expected finished print image during pre-judgment printing operations such as chromatic aberration correction, and a graphic sent from the GUI unit 32. A video signal for displaying data on the monitor 23 is generated.

  The print data generation unit 38 generates print data suitable for the print exposure unit 14 included in the print station 3 based on the final corrected image data.

  The format unit 39 performs a format for writing raw photographed image data, corrected photographed image data that has been subjected to image correction, and the like on a CD-R in response to a customer's request.

[Configuration of Print Station 3]
As shown in FIG. 2, the print station 3 includes two photographic paper magazines 11, a sheet cutter 12, a back print unit 13, a print exposure unit 14, a processing tank unit 15, a conveyor 16, A sorter 17 (see FIG. 1) and a photographic paper transport mechanism 18 are provided.

  The two photographic paper magazines 11 store roll-shaped photographic paper P one by one inside the print station 3, and a necessary amount of photographic paper P is drawn out by the photographic paper transport mechanism 18.

  The sheet cutter 12 is disposed adjacent to a part of the photographic paper transport mechanism 18 and cuts the photographic paper P drawn from the photographic paper magazine 11 into a print size.

  The back print unit 13 is disposed on the downstream side of the sheet cutter 12 and adjacent to the photographic paper transport mechanism 18. On the back side of the photographic paper P cut to the print size, the color correction information and the frame number are provided. Print processing information such as.

  The print exposure unit 14 is disposed adjacent to the photographic paper transport mechanism 18 on the downstream side of the back print unit 13, and exposes a photographed image to be printed on the surface of the photographic paper P cut to a print size. I do. Further, the print exposure unit 14 has a line exposure head (not shown) that irradiates the photographic paper P conveyed in the sub-scanning direction with laser beams of three colors of RGB along the main scanning direction.

  The processing tank unit 15 is disposed on the downstream side of the print exposure unit 14, and includes a color developing tank 15a for storing a color developing processing liquid, a bleach-fixing tank 15b for storing a bleach-fixing processing liquid, and a stable storing a stable processing liquid. A treatment layer 15c is provided. The photographic paper P after exposure is transported by the photographic paper transport mechanism 18 while passing through the processing tanks 15a to 15c in this order, whereby a desired photographic print image is formed on the surface of the photographic paper P. The

  The conveyor 16 is exposed at the top of the print station 3 and conveys the photographic paper P on which the photographic print image is formed on the surface and discharged after the drying process toward the sorter 17 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The sorter 17 is arranged in a state in which a plurality of trays are arranged in the vertical direction on the front side of the print station 3, and the printed photographic paper P conveyed by the conveyor 16 is distributed to each tray in units of orders (see FIG. 1).

  The photographic paper transport mechanism 18 pulls out the roll-shaped photographic paper P accommodated in the photographic paper magazine 11 inside the print station 3 and performs the photographic paper P cut to the print size on the photographic paper P. It is transported at a transport speed corresponding to various processing. The photographic paper transport mechanism 18 includes a chucker-type transport unit 18a disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the print exposure unit 14 in the transport direction of the photographic paper P, and a plurality of sandwiching transport rotor pairs 18b. Yes.

[Center coordinate setting process]
In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, the process from taking image data to setting the center coordinates serving as a correction reference will be described using the screen actually displayed on the monitor 23 as follows. Street.

  In the present embodiment, when the user finds a distorted part while checking the image displayed on the display screen of the monitor 23, the center coordinate as the center for correction is not directly set on the screen. This is done automatically by designating the region of the distortion part included in the image.

  Specifically, when the user checks each captured frame image on the monitor screen and corrects a distortion portion included in the image as necessary, the correction is performed according to the following procedure.

  First, a photographed frame image is digitized using a film scanner 21 for the photographic film 2a and a media reader 22 for various media on which photographic data is recorded, and then stored in the built-in memory 30 via an image input unit 31 as a functional block. Stored. At this time, the image data transmitted to the built-in memory 30 is in two forms: high-resolution image data for actual photo printing and low-resolution image data for auxiliary screen display that is displayed when various settings relating to correction are performed. It is transmitted from the image input unit 31.

  The shot frame images corresponding to the image data stored in the built-in memory 30 are respectively displayed in a plurality of display frames 41 on the operation input screen 40 as shown in FIG. A color density correction setting area 42 and a print number setting area 43 are arranged below each display frame 41 on the operation input screen 40.

  The color density correction setting area 42 is provided with setting frames of “yellow”, “magenta”, “cyan”, and “density”, and the correction amount “N” means neutral, and when this is selected, correction is performed. None. The print number setting area 43 is provided with a print number input frame, and “pass” means that the number of prints is “0”.

  A print condition display area 44 is arranged in the lower part of the operation input screen 40. In this print condition display area 44, the name of the print channel applied to this photo print output is displayed, and the print size included in this print channel, necessity of index printing, necessity of media output, etc. are determined. The The print size indicates the size of the finished photo print P. In this embodiment, the print size is determined by the photographic paper width and the feed length.

  Here, when it is desired to confirm whether or not correction is necessary (existence of distortion) in each captured frame image, the cursor 25 is placed on each captured frame image and the mouse 25 is double-clicked to perform correction as shown in FIG. A main screen 50 is displayed.

  Most of the correction main screen 50 is occupied by the enlarged image display area 51. The display confirmation area 52, the peripheral light amount correction button 53, the chromatic aberration correction button 54, the distortion correction button 55, and the keystone correction button 56 are displayed in the rightmost area. Are arranged in this order from the top.

  In the display confirmation area 52, a portion displayed in the enlarged image display area 51 in the shot frame image is indicated by a frame line displayed by a dotted line. In addition, an enlargement / reduction rate display section 52a indicating the enlargement / reduction rate of the image displayed in the enlarged image display area 51 is arranged above the display confirmation area 52, and the enlargement / reduction rate is changed here. Can do.

  The peripheral light amount correction button 53 is selected when correcting a defect that becomes a dark image toward the periphery of an image, which is caused by the lens characteristics used in the camera or the like that has captured the photographing frame. In this peripheral light amount correction, since the shortage of the light amount spreads concentrically or elliptically, it is possible to correct the shortage of the light amount by appropriately setting the position of the central coordinate serving as a reference for correction, and perform an appropriate correction. it can.

  The chromatic aberration correction button 54 is selected when correcting a change in the color of the peripheral portion caused by a lens characteristic used for a camera or the like that has shot the shooting frame. Also for this chromatic aberration correction, it is possible to appropriately correct the color change by accurately setting the position of the center coordinate serving as a correction reference.

  The distortion correction button 55 is selected when correcting so-called barrel-type or pincushion-type distortion caused by the lens characteristics used in the camera or the like that has shot the shooting frame. Also for such distortion correction, the distortion portion can be corrected appropriately by accurately setting the center position of the distortion as the center coordinates serving as a correction reference.

  The trapezoid correction button 56 is selected when correcting trapezoidal distortion included in an image taken while tilting the camera according to the user's intention. Also in such trapezoidal correction, the trapezoidal distortion portion can be appropriately corrected by accurately setting the center position of the trapezoidal distortion as the central coordinates serving as a correction reference.

  Next, when setting the center coordinates serving as the reference position for each correction, the preview button 57 provided in the lower stage of the enlarged image display area 51 is switched to the center coordinate editing button 58. Thereby, it is possible to switch from the preview mode for confirming the necessity of correction or the corrected image to the center coordinate editing mode for displaying the center coordinate setting screen 60 shown in FIG.

  In the center coordinate editing mode, in addition to the vertical axis 61a and the horizontal axis 61b of the currently set center coordinates, the center coordinates are set to the center in the enlarged image display area 51 of the correction main screen 50 displayed in the preview mode. An auxiliary circle 62 to be displayed is displayed. In addition, an auxiliary circle setting area 63 is displayed in addition to the display in the preview mode in the lower area of the various correction buttons 53 to 56. When stopping the display of the center coordinates represented as the intersection of the vertical axis 61a and the horizontal axis 61b, the auxiliary circle 62 is removed by unchecking the center coordinate setting provided at the bottom of the correction main screen 50. Can only be displayed.

  The auxiliary circle 62 can be moved on the screen together with the vertical axis 61a and the horizontal axis 61b, and is displayed in order to accurately and easily set the center coordinates serving as a correction reference. This utilizes the distortion characteristic that the distortion of the color, light, and contour appearing in the image spreads concentrically (ellipse), barrel, and pincushion around a certain point. For example, when performing the above-described peripheral light amount correction, the user moves the auxiliary circle 62 so as to match the circular or elliptical portion where the light amount in the image displayed in the enlarged image display area 51 is changing. By simply clicking with the mouse 25, the center of the auxiliary circle 62 (the point where the vertical axis 61a and the horizontal axis 61b intersect) can be set as the center coordinate serving as a reference for the peripheral light amount correction.

  Here, a portion where correction is required, such as a portion where light is changing, a portion where distortion is generated, or the like spreads in a wider range than the size of the auxiliary circle 62 currently displayed, or is not circular. If it is close to an ellipse, the manual setting button 63a in the auxiliary circle setting area 63 is clicked. Then, the vertical / horizontal ratio of the auxiliary circle 62 can be changed to change the size of the auxiliary circle 62, or the auxiliary circle 62 can be changed to a horizontally long ellipse or a vertically long ellipse. Specifically, for example, when it is desired to change the size of the auxiliary circle 62, as shown in FIG. 7A, the mouse 25 is dragged in an oblique direction and clicked when it reaches a desired size. It can be a circle having a size corresponding to the moving distance. Furthermore, when it is desired to change to a horizontally long ellipse, it can be changed to a horizontally long ellipse by dragging the mouse 25 in the horizontal direction and clicking when it has a desired size as shown in FIG. 7B. If you want to change to a vertically long ellipse, you can change it to a vertically long ellipse by dragging the mouse 25 in the vertical direction and clicking when it reaches the desired size, as shown in FIG. Can do.

  Further, in consideration of the operability of the auxiliary circle 62, when the auxiliary circle 62 is not separated from the enlarged image display area 51, “inscribed in display area” provided in the auxiliary circle setting area 63 is set. Check the box. Thereby, when setting the size of the auxiliary circle 62, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary circle 62 from protruding outside the frame of the enlarged image display area 51, and after setting the size of the auxiliary circle 62, the auxiliary circle 62 is formed. Since the auxiliary circle 62 moves only to a range inscribed in the outline of the enlarged image display area 51, the operability when setting the size and position of the auxiliary circle 62 can be improved and the center coordinates can be set. On the other hand, when the distortion spreading over the image spreads outside the enlarged image display area 51, or when the center of the distortion spreading over the image is outside the enlarged image display area 51, “inscribed in the display area” Uncheck the box. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, when the size of the auxiliary circle 62 is set, it can be increased until the auxiliary circle 62 protrudes outside the frame of the enlarged image display area 51, and after the size of the auxiliary circle 62 is set, the auxiliary circle 62 can be enlarged. The area 62 can be moved to the outside of the enlarged image display area 51 to set the area according to the distortion appearing in the image.

  In this way, the user simply designates the position so that the auxiliary circle 62 is aligned with the area that needs to be corrected, and the position at the center is automatically set as the center coordinates serving as the correction reference.

[Correction after setting center coordinates]
In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, after the center coordinates are set according to the position designated by the user using the auxiliary circle on the screen by the above-described steps, the correction buttons 53 to 56 are clicked. Necessary corrections are made for distortion appearing in the image.

  For example, when the peripheral light amount correction button 53 is clicked on the correction main screen 50, the peripheral light amount correction screen 70 as shown in FIG. 9 is switched, and when the chromatic aberration correction button 54 is clicked, as shown in FIG. Is switched to the correct chromatic aberration correction screen 71. Similarly, when the distortion correction button 55 is clicked (see FIG. 11) and when the keystone correction button 56 is clicked (see FIG. 12), the distortion correction screen 72 and the keystone correction screen 73 are displayed.

  When the correction level of each correction is set on each of the correction screens 70 to 73 and the OK button 104 is clicked, the correction level for creating the correction reproduction image displayed on the correction screens 70 to 73 at that time is stored in the built-in memory. 30. The degree of correction and the center coordinate position are used for image correction on high-resolution image data for photographic print output. On the other hand, when the cancel button 105 is clicked, it is possible to return to the previous screen and return the correction work to the previous stage.

  In each of the correction screens 70 to 73, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, in order to enable comparative observation of the corrected images based on these corrected image data, the original image before correction is 3 × 3. In the middle of a plurality of frames arranged in a matrix, nine images, which are corrected by different correction parameters, are arranged around the periphery. As a result, it is possible to select and print an image that has been appropriately set for correction while comparing the result of correction performed by combining a plurality of steps or a plurality of corrections as a low-resolution image.

  Finally, when various correction settings and print number settings for each image are completed on the operation input screen 40, the corresponding photographed image data is sent to the print data generation unit 38 and converted into print data. In this embodiment, in order to shorten the processing time, the above-described corrected image data is performed using low-resolution image data. However, an image that has been optimally corrected among a plurality of corrected reproduction images is the user. Is stored, the degree of correction for creating the optimum correction reproduction image is stored. Then, when outputting a photographic print, the correction degree recorded in this manner is used to perform image correction processing on the high-resolution image data and output it.

[Correction processing of photo print system 1]
The photo print system 1 of the present embodiment performs correction processing on each image according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, in step S1, image data of a shot frame taken by a camera from a photographic film 2a, a memory card 2b, or the like is acquired via the film scanner 21 or the media reader 22. At this time, the built-in memory 30 separately stores low-resolution data for forming a reference image for setting correction contents and high-resolution data that is actually printed after the correction contents are determined. .

  In step S2, each captured frame image is displayed on the monitor 23 based on the low resolution data of the acquired image data (see FIG. 4).

  In step S3, a shot frame image that is considered to need to be corrected is selected from a plurality of shot frame images displayed on the operation input screen 40 shown in FIG. Specifically, on the operation input screen 40, the corresponding photographed frame image is selected by placing the cursor on the desired photographed frame image and double-clicking.

  In step S4, the display on the monitor 23 shifts to the correction main screen 50 (see FIG. 5) for enlarging and displaying the captured frame image selected on the operation input screen 40 shown in FIG.

  In step S5, when the center coordinate editing button 58 is pressed on the correction main screen 50 shown in FIG. 5, the display on the monitor 23 is shifted to the center coordinate setting screen 60 shown in FIG.

  In step S6, adjustment is performed so that the auxiliary circle 62 displayed on the captured frame image on the center coordinate setting screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 matches the shape and size of the distortion appearing in the image. Specifically, when the manual setting button 63a in the auxiliary circle setting area 63 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the auxiliary circle 62 is changed to an ellipse as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. Change the size.

  In step S7, the auxiliary circle 62 whose shape and size have been adjusted is moved so as to coincide with the distorted portion included in the image, and a region surrounded by the auxiliary circle 62 whose position has been determined is set. The area set here is an area for setting a center coordinate serving as a reference for correction, and is preferably set in accordance with a distorted portion appearing in the image as much as possible.

  In step S8, the center position of the region set in S7 is obtained, and this is set as the center coordinate serving as a reference position for correction. As the center position of each region, when the auxiliary circle is a perfect circle or an ellipse, the center position may be set as the center coordinate. In the monitor 23, the center coordinate is set by pressing the OK button on the center coordinate setting screen 60, and the center coordinate setting screen 60 (see FIG. 6) is changed to the correction main screen 50 (see FIG. 5). And migrate.

  In step S9, the type of correction to be performed around the center coordinate is selected on the correction main screen 50 for the image with the center coordinate set as described above. Examples of corrections that can be selected include peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoidal correction shown in FIG.

  In step S10, the image after the correction selected in step S9 is displayed in the vicinity of 3 × 3 frames in which the original image is arranged at the center as shown in the respective correction screens 70 to 73 in FIGS. Display in the part. It should be noted that the corrected images arranged in the peripheral part centered on the original image are arranged in the order in which the images corrected by different correction parameters are corrected or in the correction degree order. Here, the user looks at the image after the correction performed by himself / herself and compares the original image or an image corrected with a different correction parameter to determine whether further correction is necessary, or redo the correction. It can be confirmed whether or not. In the monitor 23, the correction screens 53 to 56 (FIGS. 9 to 12) are shifted to when the correction buttons 53 to 56 are pressed.

  In step S11, after confirming the corrected image, it is selected whether or not to fix the correction content, and if further correction is to be performed, the process returns to step S9. On the other hand, when confirming the correction content here, in step S12, the image data together with the correction content is transmitted from the built-in memory 30 to the print data generation unit 38 to generate print data. On the monitor 23, when the correction content is to be confirmed, the OK button is pressed on each of the correction screens 70 to 73 to return to the correction main screen 50 (see FIG. 5). Then, the OK button is pressed again to move to the operation input screen 40 (see FIG. 4), and the START button arranged at the lower right of the screen is further pressed to display the image data transmission screen (not shown). ). On the other hand, when further correction is required, when the OK button is pressed on each of the correction screens 70 to 73, the screen returns to the correction main screen 50 (see FIG. 5). . The center coordinates may be set for each correction, or depending on the type of correction, the center coordinates once set may be used as they are.

  In step S13, the print data reflecting the correction contents is transmitted to the print station 3, and a desired print process is executed in the print station 3 through the steps described above.

[Features of Photo Print System 1]
(1)
In the photographic print system 1 of the present embodiment, the setting of the center coordinates serving as a reference position for various corrections such as peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, and distortion correction is not performed by directly specifying the position with respect to the image. The region setting unit 33 and the center coordinate setting unit 34 are used to designate the region of the distortion portion. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the region setting unit 33 sets a region in accordance with the image portion where the distortion specified by the user appears, and the center coordinate setting unit 34 sets the center position of this region as the center coordinate. To do.

  Usually, the setting of the center coordinates serving as the reference position for such correction is performed by designating a point directly serving as the center coordinates for the image. However, in the method of setting the center coordinates directly by the points in this way, it is difficult to set the point that becomes the center coordinates accurately at the center position of the distorted part included in the image, and it requires skilled skills. It was.

  In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, center coordinates are not set with respect to an image, but first, a region of a distorted portion in the image is set using an auxiliary circle 62 (see FIG. 6). The center position is set as the center coordinate (in this embodiment, the intersection of the vertical axis 61a and the horizontal axis 61b). In this way, by setting the center coordinates through the setting of the region that matches the distorted portion, the center coordinates can be set more easily and more accurately than when the center coordinates are set with points. As a result, even if the user is not a skilled technician, anyone can easily set an accurate center coordinate, and appropriate correction can be performed efficiently.

(2)
In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the center coordinate setting screen 60 is displayed on the monitor 23, the center coordinates are used by using the auxiliary circle 62 displayed in a movable state on the image. A distortion area is set as a reference.

  Accordingly, the center position of the auxiliary circle can be easily set as the center coordinates by simply moving the auxiliary circle 62 in accordance with the distorted part included in the image and setting the region. In other words, when the region is set using a figure such as a circle or an ellipse whose center position is known in advance, the position is set by moving the figure such as the auxiliary circle 62 to the distorted portion included in the image. Thus, the center position can be set as the center coordinate at the same time.

(3)
In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the figure size changing unit 36 is provided as a functional block, and the shape and size of the auxiliary circle 62 used for setting the area can be changed. Is possible.

  Thereby, it is possible to set the center coordinates with high accuracy by accurately setting the area according to the shape and size of the distorted portion included in the image.

(4)
In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, as correction after setting the center coordinates set in the center coordinate setting unit 34, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoid correction are performed. Select either one.

  Here, the peripheral light amount correction, the chromatic aberration correction, and the distortion correction are caused by the lens characteristics of the camera that shot the shooting frame, and the trapezoidal correction is taken with the intention of the photographer. This occurs in some cases and has a feature of spreading in a circle or an ellipse with a certain center point as a reference. For this reason, in such correction, it is very important to accurately set the center coordinates serving as a correction reference for appropriate correction.

  In the photo print system 1 of the present embodiment, the center position of the area designated in accordance with the distorted portion is set as the center coordinate. Therefore, compared with the conventional method in which the center coordinate is directly set with a point in the image, The center coordinates can be set in As a result, even when any of the above corrections is performed, since the center coordinates are set accurately, optimal correction can be performed.

(5)
In the photographic print system 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of corrected frame images centered on the original image are displayed in a 3 × 3 frame frame.

  As a result, it is possible to select a captured frame image that has been optimally corrected while comparing and referring to images after various corrections, and to create print data.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

(A)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the position of the center coordinate serving as a reference for correction is set as the center position of an area set by moving a figure such as an auxiliary circle or an auxiliary ellipse displayed on the monitor 23 has been described. . However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, instead of displaying a figure such as an auxiliary circle from the beginning, a user inputs a plurality of points that are outlines of distortion appearing in the image displayed on the monitor 23, and Center coordinates can also be set from a region surrounded by an ellipse or the like. Even in this case, since the region can be set along the part in the image where the distortion occurs, the center coordinates can be set with higher accuracy.

(B)
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the area set before setting the center coordinates is set using a circular or elliptical auxiliary circle. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Depending on the type of distortion that appears in the image, other than circular or elliptical distortion can be considered.For example, when barrel or pincushion distortion correction is required, such as distortion correction by lens aberration, circular or elliptical Instead, the distortion region may be set by displaying an auxiliary figure in a barrel shape or a pincushion shape. As a result, the auxiliary figure can be easily matched with the distortion appearing in the image, so that the center coordinates can be set with higher accuracy.

(C)
In the above-described embodiment, the print station 3 employs a so-called silver salt photographic print method in which a photographic image is exposed to the photographic paper P and the developed photographic paper P is developed. I gave it as an explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the printing station may employ various photographic printing methods such as an inkjet printing method in which an image is formed by ejecting ink onto a film or paper, or a thermal transfer method using a thermal transfer sheet.

(D)
In the embodiment described above, four types of correction (peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoid correction) have been described as examples of correction performed after setting the center coordinates. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other corrections may be used.

(E)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is mounted on the photo print system 1 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in addition to a photographic print system, the present invention can be applied to various devices equipped with an image processing apparatus that corrects distortion included in an image.

  Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized as an image processing program for causing a computer to execute the above-described image processing method, not as an image processing apparatus mounted in a photographic print system.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that it is possible to perform an appropriate correction by enabling a highly accurate setting of the center coordinates. On the other hand, it is widely applicable.

1 is an external view showing a photographic print system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a print station of the photographic print system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram including functional blocks formed in the photo print system of FIG. 1. The figure which shows the operation input screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. The figure which shows the correction | amendment main screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. The figure which shows the center coordinate setting screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the setting screen at the time of changing the magnitude | size and aspect ratio of an auxiliary circle. The figure which shows an example of the display of the auxiliary | assistant circle in the center coordinate setting screen of FIG. The figure which shows the peripheral light quantity correction | amendment screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. The figure which shows the chromatic aberration correction screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. The figure which shows the distortion correction screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. The figure which shows the trapezoid correction | amendment screen displayed on the monitor of the photograph printing system of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing method executed by an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo printing system 2 Operation station 2a Photo film 2b Memory card 3 Print station 23 Monitor (display part)
30 built-in memory 31 image input unit 32 GUI unit 33 area setting unit 34 center coordinate setting unit 35 image processing unit 36 figure size changing unit 38 print data generating unit 40 operation input screen 41 display frame 50 correction main screen 51 enlarged image display area 52 Display confirmation area 53 Peripheral light amount correction button 54 Chromatic aberration correction button 55 Distortion correction button 56 Keystone correction button 60 Center coordinate setting screen 61a Vertical axis 61b Horizontal axis 62 Auxiliary circle 63 Auxiliary circle setting area 63a Manual setting button 70 Peripheral light amount correction screen 71 Chromatic aberration Correction screen 72 Distortion correction screen 73 Keystone correction screen

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus that performs correction around a center coordinate set for an image displayed based on image data,
A display unit having a display screen for displaying the image;
An area setting unit for setting an area designated on the display screen;
Based on the area set by the area setting section, a center coordinate setting section for setting the center coordinates of this area;
An image processing unit that performs correction around the center coordinate set by the center coordinate setting unit;
An image processing apparatus. The area setting unit sets an area surrounded by a plurality of points or lines designated on the display screen as an area for obtaining the center coordinates.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A circle or ellipse that is movable on the display screen is displayed on the display unit,
The area setting unit sets an area designated by the circle or ellipse as an area for obtaining the center coordinates.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A graphic size changing unit for changing the size of a circle or an ellipse displayed on the display screen;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. The image processing unit performs at least one correction of peripheral light amount correction, chromatic aberration correction, distortion correction, and trapezoid correction.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The display unit displays a plurality of images corrected by the image processing unit using a plurality of correction parameters.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing program for performing correction around a center coordinate set for an image displayed on a display screen based on image data,
A first step of displaying the image;
A second step of setting a designated area on the display screen;
A third step of setting the center coordinates of the region based on the region set in the second step;
A fourth step of performing correction around the center coordinate set in the third step;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method comprising:

Images