JP4377938B2 - Image processing method and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field of image processing used for a digital photo printer or the like that photoelectrically reads an image on a film and obtains a print (photograph) on which the image is reproduced.

  Currently, printing of images taken on photographic films (hereinafter referred to as films) such as negative films and reversal films onto photosensitive materials (printing paper) is performed by projecting the film images onto photosensitive materials and exposing the photosensitive materials to surface exposure. The 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, and the read image is converted into a digital signal. A digital photo printer that uses image data, scans and exposes a photosensitive material with recording light modulated in accordance with the image data, records an image (latent image), and produces (finished) print has been put to practical use.
In digital photo printers, images can be processed as digital image data, so multiple images can be combined, divided into images, and even characters can be combined by image data processing. Prints that have been edited / processed can also be output. Moreover, according to the digital photo printer, not only the image can be output as a print (photograph) but also the image data can be supplied to a computer or stored in a recording medium such as a flexible disk. Can be used for various purposes other than photography.

  Such a digital photo printer basically includes a scanner (image reading device) that photoelectrically reads an image recorded on a film, and an image processing device that performs image processing on the read image to produce image data for output. A printer (printer processor) that scans and exposes a photosensitive material in accordance with image data output from the image input device, records a latent image, and develops the exposed photosensitive material to produce a print. Composed.

In a scanner, reading light emitted from a light source is incident on a film to obtain projection light carrying an image photographed on the film, and this projection light is imaged on an image sensor such as a CCD sensor by an imaging lens. Then, the image is read by photoelectric conversion, subjected to various image processing as required, and then sent to the image processing device as film image data.
The image processing apparatus sets image processing conditions from the image data read by the scanner, performs image processing according to the set conditions on the image data, and outputs to the printer as output image data (exposure conditions) for image recording. send.
In a printer, for example, if the apparatus uses light beam scanning exposure, the light beam is modulated in accordance with image data sent from the image processing apparatus, and the light beam is deflected in the main scanning direction. The photosensitive material is conveyed in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the direction, and the photosensitive material is exposed (baked) by a light beam carrying an image to form a latent image, and then development processing or the like according to the photosensitive material in the processor And a print (photograph) in which an image photographed on the film is reproduced.

As described above, a digital photo printer photoelectrically reads an image on a film to obtain digital image data (density data). By analyzing the image data, the state of the image is grasped, and the image is processed according to the image. The image processing conditions are set, and the image data of the image is processed according to the image processing conditions, thereby obtaining the exposure conditions at the time of printing, that is, the output image data.
For this reason, it is preferable to correct image skipping and blurring caused by backlighting, flash photography, etc., sharpness (sharpening) processing, color or density feria correction, etc., and achieve high image quality that could not be obtained by conventional direct exposure. A high-quality print in which an image is reproduced can be obtained.

  However, the images photographed on the film include various scenes such as a person, a landscape, and a flower. For this reason, even when image data obtained by photoelectrically reading an image is analyzed and image processing conditions are set, an optimal image processing condition for the image may not always be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is a digital image processing method used in a digital photo printer, which can set optimum image processing conditions according to an image photographed on a film, and is compatible with various scenes. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and an image processing apparatus capable of stably outputting a print on which a high-quality image is reproduced.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least two or more scenes among scene information of a person, a flower, a landscape, a night view, a room, and a fireworks related to a subject supplied from an image data supply source. When setting image processing conditions using an image to which a combination of information (excluding a combination of only person and flower scene information) is set, an image feature amount of one of the images is calculated. , For the one image, based on the at least two or more scene information, for the image area in which the subject corresponding to the specific scene information in the one image is extracted, The image processing condition set in advance according to the specific scene information is set using the image processing condition set in advance and the calculated image feature amount of the one image. There is provided an image processing method characterized by setting at least two or more image processing conditions with respect to the image.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the two or more image processing conditions are a combination of a plurality of image processing algorithms for performing image processing according to the two or more scene information or a weight of the image processing algorithm determined.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for setting an image processing condition using an image supplied from an image data supply source, wherein the subject assigned to one of the images Reading means for reading a combination of at least two or more scene information (excluding a combination consisting only of person and flower scene information) among scene information of a person, a flower, a landscape, a night view, a room, and a firework , An image feature amount of an image is calculated, and a subject corresponding to specific scene information in the one image based on the at least two or more scene information read by the reading unit for the one image For the image area from which the specific scene is extracted, the image processing condition preset in accordance with the specific scene information and the calculated image feature amount of the one image are used. An image processing apparatus comprising: a condition setting unit that sets at least two or more image processing conditions for the one image by setting an image processing condition according to a report. .

  According to the image processing method and the image processing apparatus of the present invention, in digital image processing used for a digital photo printer or the like, optimum image processing conditions are set according to the scene of an image such as an image shot on a film. Since the image data can be processed, a high-quality print in which an optimal image is reproduced in various scenes can be created.

  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 that uses the image processing method of the present invention.
A digital photo printer (hereinafter referred to as a photo printer 10) shown in FIG. 1 basically includes a scanner (image reading device) 12 that photoelectrically reads an image taken on a film F, and read image data ( The image processing device 14 performs image processing (image information) and the operation and control of the entire photo printer 10, and the photosensitive material (photographic paper) is imaged with a light beam modulated according to the image data output from the image processing device 14. And a printer 16 that performs exposure, development processing (finished), and outputs it as a print.
Further, the image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting various settings (settings), processing selection and instructions, instructions for color / density correction, and the like, and a scanner. 12 is connected to a display 20 that displays the image read in step 12, various operation instructions, a condition setting / registration screen, and the like.

  The image processing method of the present invention is not limited to such a digital photo printer, but an image captured on a film is photoelectrically read by a CCD sensor or the like, and an exposure light amount such as an aperture amount or the like is obtained from the obtained image data. A conventional analog photo printer by direct exposure, in which image processing conditions (exposure conditions) such as color adjustment amount such as color filter insertion amount are set, and the photosensitive material is exposed with the projection light of the film according to the image processing conditions Also, it can be suitably used.

  The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image shot on the film F one frame at a time. The light source 22, the variable aperture 24, and diffusion that makes the reading light incident on the film F uniform in the surface direction of the film F. A box 28, an imaging lens unit 32, an image sensor 34 having a line CCD sensor corresponding to R (red), G (green) and B (blue) image reading, an amplifier 36, and A And a / D (analog / digital) converter 38.

Further, in the photo printer 10, the scanner 12 is selected according to the type and size of a film such as a new photographic system (Advanced Photo System) and a 135 size negative (or reversal) film, and the form of a film such as strips and slides. A dedicated carrier that can be attached to the main body is prepared. By exchanging the carrier, various types of films and processing can be handled. Images (frames) photographed on a film and used for print creation are conveyed to a predetermined reading position by this carrier.
In such a scanner 12, when reading an image taken on the film F, the reading light emitted from the light source 22 and adjusted in light amount by the variable aperture 24 is positioned at a predetermined reading position by the carrier. The projection light that carries the image photographed on the film F is obtained by being incident and transmitted.

The carrier 30 in the illustrated example corresponds to the film F (cartridge) of the new photographic system. As schematically shown in FIG. 2A, the image sensor is positioned while the film F is positioned at a predetermined reading position. A pair of conveying rollers 30a that conveys the film F in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the extending direction (main scanning direction) of the 34 line CCD sensors, with the longitudinal direction of the film F aligned, and sandwiching the reading position in the sub-scanning direction. And 30b, and a mask 40 having a slit 40a extending in the main scanning direction and corresponding to the reading position, which restricts the projection light of the film F into a predetermined slit shape.
The film F is incident on the reading light while being positioned at the reading position by the carrier 30 and being conveyed in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the film F is slit-scanned two-dimensionally by the slit 40a extending in the main scanning direction, and the image of each frame photographed on the film F is read.

  Here, as is well known, a magnetic recording medium is formed on the film of the new photographic system, and various types of information are recorded in advance on the magnetic recording medium, and are further arranged in the camera, the developing device, and the carrier 30. Various information is written to and read from the magnetic recording medium by the magnetic information recording and reading means.

Specifically, as conceptually shown in FIG. 3, the film F of the new photographic system has a predetermined area on the leading end side from the top frame G1 in the direction of drawing out from the cartridge (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). A transparent magnetic recording medium S extending in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) is provided in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the corresponding region and a predetermined region on the rear end side of the rear end frame (not shown). Is formed.
Information relating to the entire film F such as cartridge ID, film type, sensitivity, and development date is magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording medium S1 at the front (rear) end portion of the film F. Information for each frame such as shooting date / time, presence / absence of flash emission at the time of shooting, title, etc. is recorded. Basically, camera-related information is recorded on one side of the magnetic recording medium S in the width direction, and laboratory-related information is recorded on the other side.
Reference numeral 46 in the figure denotes a cartridge main body for storing the film F, and reference numeral P denotes a perforation hole for transporting (feeding out and rewinding) the film F.

In the image processing method of the present invention, the magnetic recording medium S2 in each frame area is used as one of the scene information adding means indicating the scene of the captured image. Scene information is recorded by the recording means.
In addition, on the carrier 30 corresponding to the film F of the new photographic system, magnetic heads 42 and 42 for reading information recorded on the magnetic recording medium S and recording necessary information are arranged. If scene information is recorded on the magnetic recording medium S2 of the frame to be read, the magnetic head 42 reads it and sends it from the scanner 12 to the image processing device 14.

Furthermore, not only normal 135 size film and new photographic system film, but also barcodes such as DX code, extended DX code, FNS code, etc. are recorded on the film. ing.
A code reader 44 for optically reading these bar codes is disposed between the magnetic head 42 of the carrier 30 and the mask 40. A code reader for reading a barcode recorded on such a film is not limited to the carrier 30 of the new photographic system, but is a normal (film) carrier.

In the image processing method of the present invention, scene information is optically recorded as a barcode or an optically readable symbol outside the image area of each frame of the film, and the scene information is recorded using a code reader 44 or the like. It may be read and sent from the scanner 12 to the image processing apparatus 14.
The method for recording scene information on film is not particularly limited. For example, as with date recording means on film placed on various cameras, it may be printed using a liquid crystal display or the like during shooting. Good.

Such scene information is not particularly limited, and examples include, for example, a person, a flower, a landscape, a night view, a room, a firework, snow, a sunset, a still life, and the like, and further, a person (backlight), a person (proximity), a landscape ( Finer settings such as sea, landscape (mountain), room (fluorescent lamp), room (tungsten lamp), etc. may be used.
The scene information may be standardized by associating the scene information (scene information classification data value) with the image content, and the customer arbitrarily sets the scene information and associates it with the image content and registers it in the laboratory. Or they may be used in combination. In addition, when standardizing, it is preferable to unify the standards by camera manufacturers and the like.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the scene information is converted into an ID using numbers or alphabets to facilitate the provision (input operation) of ID information to the film.

In the photo printer 10 using the image processing method of the present invention, image processing conditions are set according to the scene information. This will be described in detail later.
Further, the number of scene information given to one frame (one image) is not limited to one.

As described above, the reading light passes through the film F held on the carrier 30 and becomes projection light that carries an image, and this projection light is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 34 by the imaging lens unit 32. .
As shown in FIG. 2B, the image sensor 34 includes a line CCD sensor 34R that reads an R image, a line CCD sensor 34G that reads a G image, and a line CCD sensor 34B that reads a B image. The so-called three-line color CCD sensor has each line CCD sensor extending 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 is read photoelectrically.
The output signal of the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, and sent to the image processing device 14.

In the scanner 12, the image captured on the film F is read by two image readings of a pre-scan for reading at a low resolution and a main scan for obtaining image data of an output image.
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 the image sensor 34 being saturated. On the other hand, the main scan is performed under the main scan reading conditions set for each frame so that the image sensor 34 is saturated at a density slightly lower than the minimum density of the image (frame) from the pre-scan data.
The output signals of the pre-scan and the main scan are basically the same data except that the resolution and the output level are different.

In the photo printer according to the image processing method of the present invention, the scanner is not limited to the one using such slit scanning, and uses a surface exposure that reads the entire image of one frame at a time. Also good.
In this case, for example, an area CCD sensor is used, and means for inserting R, G, and B color filters are provided between the light source and the film F, and the image is read by the area CCD sensor by inserting the color filters. Are sequentially performed by the R, G, and B color filters, and the image photographed on the film is separated into three primary colors and sequentially performed.

In the image processing method of the present invention, the image data supply source is not limited to the scanner 12 for reading a film as shown in the illustrated example. For example, a scanner for reading a reflection original, an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, the Internet, Examples include computer communication such as a local EL network, a recording medium such as an MO disk (medium recording / reading means), and the like.
In these image data supply sources, the scene information may be provided by being recorded, for example, in the header of the image file.

As described above, the digital signal (image data supplied from the image data supply source) output from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14 (hereinafter referred to as the processing device 14).
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the processing device 14. The processing device 14 includes a data processing unit 48, a log converter 50, a prescan (frame) memory 52, a main scan (frame) memory 54, a prescan processing unit 56, a main scan processing unit 58, and a condition setting unit 60. Configured.
FIG. 4 mainly shows image processing-related parts. Besides, the processing device 14 includes a CPU for controlling and managing the entire photo printer 10 including the processing device 14, and the photo printer 10. A memory or the like for storing information necessary for the operation or the like is arranged, and the operation system 18 and the display 20 are connected to each part via the CPU or the like (CPU bus).

The R, G, and B digital signals output from the scanner 12 are subjected to predetermined data processing such as dark correction, defective pixel correction, shading correction, and the like in the data processing unit 48, and then are performed by the Log converter 50. The image data is converted into digital image data (density data), and the prescan data is stored (stored) in the prescan memory 52 and the main scan data is stored in the main scan memory 54, respectively.
The prescan data stored in the prescan memory 52 is stored in the prescan processing unit 56 having the image data processing unit 62 (hereinafter referred to as the processing unit 62) and the image data conversion unit 64, and on the other hand in the main scan memory 54. The stored main scan data is read out to a main scan processing unit 58 having an image data processing unit 66 (hereinafter referred to as processing unit 66) and an image data conversion unit 68.

The processing unit 62 of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the processing unit 66 of the main scan processing unit 58 apply an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 according to processing conditions set by a condition setting unit 60 described later. This is a part to be subjected to predetermined image processing.
Since the processing unit 62 and the processing unit 66 basically perform the same processing except that the resolution is different, the processing unit 66 will be described as a representative example in the following description.

The processing unit 66 (62) basically includes a first processing block 66A (62A), a second processing block 66B (62B), and a third processing block 66C (62C).
The first processing block 66A is a part that performs gray balance adjustment, gradation correction, density (brightness) adjustment, and the like. Each of these processes is performed by using LUTs (look-up tables) for performing respective adjustments and corrections, preferably by cascading these LUTs and sequentially processing image data using the LUTs.
The second processing block 66B is a part that performs image saturation adjustment (color adjustment) by matrix (MTX) calculation including photographing light source type correction such as strobe photographing and photographing under a fluorescent lamp.
The third processing block 66C performs other electronic scaling processing, dodging processing (compression / expansion of density dynamic range), sharpness processing, etc., and includes a low-pass filter, an adder, an LUT, Using MTX or the like, each of these processes is performed by a known means such as an averaging process or an interpolation calculation.
The image processing conditions in each of these processing blocks are set in a condition setting unit 60 described later.

The image data conversion unit 68 converts the image data processed by the processing unit 66 using, for example, a 3D (three-dimensional) -LUT and supplies the image data to the printer 16 as image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16. To do.
The image data conversion unit 64 thins out the image data processed by the processing unit 62 as necessary, and similarly converts the image data using a 3D-LUT or the like into image data corresponding to display on the display 20. It is displayed on the display 20.
The processing conditions for both are set by a condition setting unit 60 described later.

The condition setting unit 60 determines image processing to be performed in the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58, and sets the processing conditions.
The condition setting unit 60 includes a setup unit 72, a key correction unit 74, a parameter integration unit 76, and a processing information storage unit 70.

The setup unit 72 sets the reading conditions for the main scan using prescan data or the like and supplies them to the scanner 12, and creates (calculates) the image processing conditions for the prescan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58. To the parameter integration unit 76.
Specifically, the setup unit 72 reads the prescan data from the prescan memory 52, creates an image of density histogram, average density, highlight (lowest density), shadow (highest density), etc. from the prescan data. Calculate the feature amount, determine the scanning conditions for the main scan, and adjust the gray balance, tone correction, and density according to the operator's instructions given as needed in addition to the density histogram and image feature amount. Various image processing conditions are set in the prescan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58, such as creation of an LUT for adjustment, creation of an MTX arithmetic expression, calculation of a sharpness correction coefficient, and the like.

Here, in the photo printer 10 using the image processing method of the present invention, scene information output from a digital camera or the like is given when the frame (image) is recorded on the film with scene information. In the case of the image data, the image processing conditions in the processing unit 66 (62) described above are set in accordance with the scene information so as to be a predetermined condition so that the image of the scene is properly finished. The That is, the image processing algorithm is switched according to the scene information.
In the illustrated example, the setup unit 72 is connected to a processing information storage unit 70 that stores information on image processing conditions corresponding to scene information. Information read by the carrier 30 (magnetic head 42) of the scanner 12 is also supplied to the setup unit 72. When the setup unit 72 detects from the supplied magnetic information that the frame has been given scene information (recorded on the film F), it stores information on image processing conditions according to the scene information as processing information. The data is read from the unit 70, and image processing conditions are set accordingly.

The image processing conditions according to the scene information are not particularly limited, and may be set as appropriate so that the image reproduced on the output print is suitably finished according to various scenes.
For example, when “person” is given as the scene information, the setup unit 72 performs face extraction to extract the face of the person, and in particular, various image processing so that the skin color of the face area is beautifully finished. Conditions, for example, the density of the entire image is controlled so that the density of the face area is appropriate, the saturation correction MTX arithmetic expression in the second processing block 66B is set, and the face area is dodged. Thus, the LUT and the like of the third processing block 66C are controlled. The face extraction method is not particularly limited, and a known face extraction algorithm may be used. Specifically, there are a plurality of methods such as a method for extracting a specific color (skin color), a method for extracting a specific shape pattern, a method for removing an area estimated to correspond to the background, etc. disclosed in JP-A-9-138470. The main part extraction methods with different evaluators are evaluated in advance to determine the weight, the main part is extracted with each extraction method, the extracted main part is weighted with the determined weight, and the main part according to the result is determined. The method of extracting is illustrated. Besides these, JP-A-4-346333, 5-158164, 5-165120, 6-160993, 8-184925, 9-101579, 9-138471, etc. The methods disclosed in each of these publications can also be suitably used.

In addition, when “flower” is given as scene information, the setup unit extracts a high-saturation region, and performs saturation correction so that the saturation of this region is emphasized and a vivid picture is obtained. An MTX arithmetic expression is set.
When “scenery” is given as scene information, a gray balance correction table, a saturation correction MTX arithmetic expression, and the like are set so that light source type correction is not performed and green and sky are beautifully finished.
When “night scene” or “fireworks” is given as the scene information, a gradation correction table or the like is set so that an image with high contrast is emphasized.
Further, when “indoor” is given as the scene information, a saturation correction MTX arithmetic expression or the like is set so that the light source type correction is strengthened.

In the image processing method of the present invention, a plurality of image processing algorithms corresponding to such scene information is prepared as a unit, and the process is executed according to the scene information given to the image.
Also, a combination of a plurality of image processing algorithms (or on / off of processing) according to the scene information and its weight may be determined, and the processing may be executed according to the given scene information.

The key correction unit 74 adjusts the image processing condition according to the keys (such as the density (brightness), color, contrast, sharpness, and saturation) set on the keyboard 18a and various instructions input using the mouse 18b. An adjustment amount (for example, an LUT correction amount) is calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.
The parameter integration unit 76 receives the image processing conditions such as the LUT and MTX arithmetic expression set by the setup unit 72, sets them in the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58, and further calculates by the key correction unit 74. The image processing conditions set for each part are corrected (adjusted) or the image processing conditions are reset according to the adjusted amount.

By the way, when the simultaneous printing is requested in the new photo system, an index print obtained by reproducing the images of all frames taken on the film F into one print is attached. In addition, even with normal 135 film, an increasing number of lab shops attach a similar index print as a service.
In the image processing method of the present invention, the index print may be edited using the scene information given to each frame. By performing such processing, the photographed image can be arbitrarily classified by the photographer, and the convenience of organizing prints (image files) can be improved.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when a print request is made for one or a plurality of (N) films given scene information, each frame is classified according to the scene information (see FIG. 5). In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a person, a flower, and a landscape are classified and grouped, and a different index print may be output for each group as shown in FIG. The classification into index print and the display of the cartridge 1D may be back print.
Further, editing may be performed so that images in the same group are arranged in one set or continuously, and one or a plurality of index prints may be output.

Alternatively, instead of scene information, each frame may be classified and grouped using the shooting date and shooting time (such as morning and afternoon), or each frame is classified and grouped using the photographer's data. Also good. When using the photographer's data, the photographer's ID information is added to the film for each film or frame by using the camera input or the photographer ID card set in the camera. Magnetic information can be stored on the film or optically baked onto the film.
Further, the classification may be performed using shooting (camera) information such as shooting magnification, presence / absence of strobe light emission, image feature amount, and the like. For example, threshold values such as shooting magnification and scene brightness (such as average density) may be set in stages, and each frame may be classified and grouped accordingly.
Furthermore, a parameter for determining the arrangement order in the group may be designated according to the shooting date, time, shooting magnification, and the like.

Such classification, grouping, and editing output image data to various recording media such as a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO disk, and an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In particular, it is extremely effective.

  Hereinafter, the image processing method of the present invention will be described in more detail by describing the operation of the scanner 12 and the processing device 14.

  Since the film F in the illustrated example corresponds to the new photographic system, the photographer (requester of print creation), for example, uses the magnetic information input means provided in the camera to magnetize each frame of the film F during photographing. The scene information is magnetically recorded on the recording medium S2.

An operator who has been requested to create a print of the film F loads the carrier 30 corresponding to the film F into the scanner 12, sets the film F (cartridge) at a predetermined position of the carrier 30, and needs the print size to be created. After inputting the instruction, it instructs the start of print creation.
Thus, the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 of the scanner 12 and the accumulation time of the image sensor (line CCD sensor) 34 are set according to the prescan reading conditions, and then the carrier 30 pulls the film F out of the cartridge and presses it. The film is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction at a speed corresponding to the can, and pre-scanning is started. As described above, the film F is slit-scanned at the predetermined reading position, and the projection light is imaged on the image sensor 34. The image photographed in F is decomposed into R, G, and B and is read photoelectrically.
When the film F is transported, magnetic information recorded on the magnetic recording medium S is read by the magnetic head 42, and a bar code such as a DX code is read by the code reader 44. It is sent to a predetermined part. In this example, scene information of each frame is detected from the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic recording medium S <b> 2 and supplied to the setup unit 72.

  In the present invention, the pre-scan and the main scan may be performed one frame at a time, or the pre-scan and the main scan may be performed continuously for all frames or a predetermined plurality of frames. In the following example, in order to simplify the description, the description will be given by taking an example of image reading of one frame.

The output signal of the image sensor 34 by the pre-scan is amplified by the amplifier 36, sent to the A / D converter 38, and converted into a digital signal.
The digital signal is sent to the processing device 14, subjected to predetermined data processing by the data processing unit 48, converted to pre-scan data that is digital image data by the Log converter 50, and stored in the pre-scan memory 52.

  When the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 52, the setup unit 72 of the condition setting unit 60 reads it, creates a density histogram, calculates image features such as highlights and shadows, etc. Reading conditions are set and supplied to the scanner 12.

The setup unit 72 also sets image processing conditions. As described above, the setup unit 72 is supplied with magnetic information read from the film F from the scanner 12 (carrier 30). The unit 72 detects the scene information from the magnetic information, reads the information of the image processing conditions according to the scene information from the processing information storage unit 70, and uses the density histogram and the calculated image feature amount according to this information, Taking account of the operator's instructions as necessary, the image processing conditions in the first, second and third processing blocks of the processing unit 66 are set and supplied to the parameter integration unit 76.
For example, when “person” is given as the scene information, the setup unit 72 performs face extraction and sets the overall density adjustment and second processing block 66B so that the skin color of the face area is beautifully finished. Conditions for each image processing are set, including an MTX arithmetic expression for saturation correction, conditions for dodging processing in the third processing block 66C, and the like.
The parameter integration unit 76 sets the received image processing conditions in predetermined parts (hardware) of the pre-scan processing unit 56 and the main scan processing unit 58.

When performing the test, the prescan data is read from the prescan memory 52 by the processing unit 62, processed in each processing block of the processing unit 62, and then converted by the image data conversion unit 64, and displayed as a simulation image on the display 20 Is displayed.
The operator looks at the display 20 and confirms (tests) the image, that is, the processing result, and adjusts the color, density, gradation, and the like as necessary using the adjustment keys set on the keyboard 18a. .
The input of this adjustment is sent to the key correction unit 74, and the key correction unit 74 calculates the correction amount of the image processing condition according to the adjustment input, and sends this to the parameter integration unit 76. The parameter integration unit 76 corrects the LUT, MTX, and the like of the processing units 62 and 66 as described above according to the correction amount sent. Accordingly, the image displayed on the display 20 also changes in accordance with this correction, that is, an adjustment input by the operator.

When the operator determines that the image of this frame is appropriate (validation OK), the operator instructs the start of printing using the keyboard 18a or the like. As a result, the image processing conditions are determined and set according to the reading conditions of the main scan in which the aperture value and the like of the variable aperture 24 are set in the scanner 12, and the carrier 30 moves the film F at a speed corresponding to the main scan. The main scan is started.
In the case where the verification is not performed, the image processing conditions are determined when the setting of the image processing conditions to the processing unit 66 of the main scanning processing unit 58 by the parameter integration unit 76 is completed, and the main scanning is started.

The main scan is performed in the same manner as the prescan except that the reading conditions such as the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 are set, and the output signal from the image sensor 34 is amplified by the amplifier 36, It is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38, processed by the data processing unit 48 of the processing device 14, converted to the main scan data by the Log converter 50, and sent to the main scan memory 54.
When the main scan data is sent to the main scan memory 54, it is read by the main scan processing unit 58, subjected to image processing under the image processing conditions determined in each processing block of the processing unit 66, and then converted by the image data conversion unit 68. Thus, the image data is output and output to the printer 16.

The printer 16 exposes the photosensitive material (printing paper) according to the supplied image data and records a latent image, 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 a photosensitive material is cut into a predetermined length corresponding to a print, a backprint 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 deflected in the main scanning direction, and the photosensitive material is transported in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, so that the photosensitive material 2 A latent image is recorded by scanning exposure in dimension and supplied to the processor. The processor that has received the light-sensitive material is subjected to predetermined wet development processes such as color development, bleach-fixing, and water washing, and is then dried to be printed and sorted into predetermined units such as one film and collected.

  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 it is good.

1 is a block diagram of a digital photo printer that uses an example of an image processing method of the present invention. FIG. (A) is a schematic perspective view for explaining a carrier mounted on the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a conceptual diagram of an image sensor of the digital photo printer shown in FIG. It is the schematic of the film of a new photography system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus of the digital photo printer shown in FIG. 1. (A) And (b) is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the production method of the index print using the image processing method of this 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 34R, 34G, 34B Line CCD Sensor 36 Amplifier 38 A / D converter 40 Mask 42 Magnetic head 44 Code reader 48 Data processing unit 50 Log converter 52 Pre-scan (frame) memory 54 Main scan (frame) memory 56 Pre-scan processing unit 58 Main scan processing unit 60 Condition setting unit 62 , 66 (Image data) processing unit 62A, 66A First processing block 62B, 66B Second processing block 62C, 66C Third processing block 64, 68 Image data conversion unit 70 Processing information storage unit 72 Setup Flop 74 key correction unit 76 the parameter coordinating subsection S magnetic recording medium

Claims (3)

A combination of at least two or more scene information (excluding a combination consisting only of person and flower scene information) of the subject , flower, landscape, night view, room, and fireworks scene information supplied from the image data supply source. When setting an image processing condition using an image to which an image is given, an image feature amount of one of the images is calculated, and the one image is based on the at least two or more scene information. Then, for the image region in which the subject corresponding to the specific scene information is extracted from the one image, the image processing condition set in advance according to the specific scene information and the calculated 1 Set at least two image processing conditions for the one image by setting image processing conditions according to the specific scene information using the image feature amount of the image Image processing method according to claim Rukoto.   The said two or more image processing conditions are the combination of the several image processing algorithm which performs the image processing according to the said two or more scene information, or the weighting of an image processing algorithm was determined. Image processing method. An image processing apparatus for setting image processing conditions using an image supplied from an image data supply source,
A combination of at least two or more scene information (only from person and flower scene information) among scene information of a person, a flower, a landscape, a night view, a room, and a firework related to the subject given to one of the images. Reading means for reading
An image feature amount of the one image is calculated, and specific scene information in the one image is determined based on the at least two or more scene information read by the reading unit for the one image. Using the image processing conditions set in advance according to the specific scene information and the calculated image feature amount of the one image for the image area from which the corresponding subject is extracted, the specific area An image processing apparatus comprising: a condition setting unit that sets at least two or more image processing conditions for the one image by setting image processing conditions according to scene information.

Images