JP4512992B2 - Image correction determination method and image processing apparatus using the method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention acquires image data representing a captured frame image as original image data, performs image correction on the acquired original image data at a predetermined correction degree to generate corrected image data, and adds the corrected image data to the corrected image data. The present invention relates to an image correction determination method for displaying a correction reproduction image based on a monitor and determining a correction degree of image correction for the original image data while confirming the correction reproduction image, and an image processing apparatus using the method.

  Exposure based on image data obtained by digitizing a shot frame image formed on a photographic film using a film scanner or image data obtained by digitizing a shot frame image directly by a digital camera such as a digital camera In recent years, digital minilabs (photographic printing apparatuses) that control a light beam emitted from a head, scan and expose a photosensitive material (photographic paper) with the controlled light beam to form an image, and output a photographic print have become widespread. . In such a photographic printing apparatus, appropriate image correction is performed on the input image data, for example, density correction that eliminates overexposure and underexposure, and correction of image skipping and crushing caused by backlighting or flash photography. High-quality photographic prints can be output by applying sharpening correction to improve sweet focus. Furthermore, image processing technology for photographic prints improves image deterioration due to chromatic aberration of magnification, distortion, and insufficient amount of peripheral light due to the aberration characteristics of the photographic lens used at the time of photography, and extremes that can occur when using a wide-angle lens. It is also possible to correct the unnaturalness of the image due to Naoori distortion.

  However, even if such image correction is possible, it is generally required to make a visual judgment by the operator using the reproduced image on the monitor. Therefore, in order to expect a quick and accurate judgment by the operator, The operability of is important.

  Image quality degradation such as distortion aberration correction, lateral chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light amount correction, and out-of-focus blur caused by the shooting lens, even when information about the shooting lens cannot be obtained for an image shot optically using a shooting lens In order to perform correction appropriately, a monitor that displays a reconstructed image based on image data obtained from an image that is optically photographed using a photographing lens, and a photograph based on the reconstructed image displayed on the monitor A correction designation unit that designates execution / non-execution of correction of the image quality degradation caused by the lens, and an image corresponding to the reproduced image displayed on the monitor when correcting the image quality degradation according to the designation Temporary correction means for specifying the correction strength of the quality deterioration to correct the image quality deterioration and displaying the corrected reproduced image after correction on the monitor for each correction of the image quality deterioration; An image processing apparatus comprising: correction intensity determination means for determining a correction intensity from a correction reproduction image displayed on the monitor by the correction means; and correction means for performing correction based on the determined correction intensity to obtain output image data Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the lens correction processing screen in this known image processing apparatus, as an image to be tested, an image before provisional correction is displayed on the right side of the screen, and as an image for determining whether the operator can determine the correction strength, The temporarily corrected image is displayed on the left side of the screen. The image before provisional correction can be a reproduced image (not corrected) of an image taken on a film that the operator has determined that image correction is necessary, or an image after correction corrected using a predetermined correction strength. In the lower part of the lens correction processing screen, a sharpness correction field, a peripheral light amount correction field, a vertical distortion correction field and a horizontal distortion correction field, a correction level field for determining a correction intensity, and a temporary correction button are provided. Each time the button is clicked with the mouse, the correction level rises and falls, and the coefficient used in the correction formula, for example, the coefficient of each term changes in the higher-order polynomial, and the correction strength is determined by the correction formula with this coefficient changed. Temporary correction is performed with this correction strength, and the image after temporary correction is displayed on the monitor.

  In such an image correction operation in the image processing apparatus, only the reference image and the temporarily corrected image are displayed on the monitor. For example, the image is corrected more strongly than the reference image. You cannot compare weakly corrected images while simultaneously viewing them. For this reason, when approaching an appropriate image to some extent, it is necessary to display the image after provisional correction while temporarily setting a slightly different correction amount several times from there. There is a problem that it takes a long time.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-324339 (paragraph numbers 0018 and 0042, FIG. 5)

  In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for efficiently performing an operation of determining a correction degree of image correction for a shot frame image while checking a correction reproduction image displayed on a monitor. .

In order to solve the above problem, image data representing a captured frame image is acquired as original image data, image correction is performed on the acquired original image data with a predetermined correction degree, and corrected image data is generated. In an image correction determination method for displaying a correction reproduction image based on image data on a monitor and determining a correction degree of image correction for the original image data while checking the correction reproduction image, the correction reproduction displayed in a list on the monitor A step of setting the number of images to be displayed, and a correction degree corresponding to the correction reproduction image located at the center among the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor as a reference correction degree, and the reference correction degree A step of sequentially generating the corrected image data using the correction degree in which the degree of change from the correction value gradually increases; and If There number is reached the display frames, comprising the step of correcting reproduce image corresponding to the corrected image data thus created is displayed on the monitor, after the corrected image is displayed on the monitor, the corrected image Data generation is performed in the background , the generated correction image data is retained, and when one of a plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor is selected as a correction candidate image, the selected correction The candidate image is displayed at the center of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor, and the correction degree of the selected correction candidate image is set as the reference correction degree with a correction degree close to the reference correction degree. The generation order is changed so that the corrected image data is generated in order of priority, and when the corrected image data to be generated is already held, the corrected image data is generated. Without the generation of data, that displays the corrected reproduced image based on the corrected image data held.

According to this configuration, as a result of image correction with a plurality of different correction degrees (correction degree is 0, that is, including no correction) with respect to image data representing a captured frame image that is a target of image correction, For the time being, a list is displayed on the monitor with a preset number of display frames (for example, 9 frames), so that the operator can determine a correction degree for creating a desired image while confirming the displayed correction reproduction image. There are a large number of corrected image data actually created for one original image data, but for the time being, the corrected image data for the number of display frames displayed in a list on the monitor is corrected for the number of display frames. since reproducible image is displayed on the monitor, the operator without waiting for all possible corrected image data is generated, the correction reproduce images of checks, it is possible that is entering the image correction determining operations. The process of creating the remaining corrected image data continues in the background of the image correction determination work by such an operator. In addition, correction re-present image, which is listed on the monitor is one in which the degree of correction is sequentially different. Therefore, the operator can confirm consecutive different corrected images related to the shot frame image that is the target of image correction, so that the correction degree can be selected efficiently and effectively. In particular, when the optimum correction degree is selected from the finally narrowed correction degrees, the selection can be easily made even if there is a slight difference in correction degree between the displayed correction reproduction images. Note that the number of frames to be set in advance is preferably set according to the size and resolution of the monitor and the preference of the operator, but may be fixed to a suitable number of frames. Further, in this configuration, based on the original image or selected correction image, since a slightly corrected corrected reproduce images therefrom will be displayed first, the operator can easily find the direction of the desired correction. Further, since the first correction determination operation is less likely to request the display of the correction reproduce images with operator extremely large degree of correction, the time being, the corrected image data in order of high degree of correction from a low degree of correction It is convenient to produce sequentially. The generated corrected image data is retained, and when the operator selects one correction reproduction image as the correction candidate image, the selected correction candidate image is set at the center of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor. The correction image data is displayed and the correction image data having the correction degree close to the correction degree is sequentially created on the basis of the correction degree of the correction candidate image (the skip is already performed on the correction image data already created). This is convenient because the corrected image data is created by predicting the correction direction of the next operator to some extent. Further, when the corrected image data generation order is changed, if the corrected image data to be generated is already held, the correction based on the held corrected image data is not generated without generating the corrected image data. Display the reproduced image.

  As image correction that requires the operator to check the correction reproduction image and adjust the subtle correction degree, image deterioration due to the chromatic aberration of magnification, distortion, and insufficient amount of peripheral light due to the aberration characteristics of the shooting lens used during shooting, shooting Examples include correction of unnaturalness of an image due to extreme tilt distortion that may occur when a wide-angle lens is used as a lens. For this reason, the technique of the present invention is particularly suitable for image correction for improving the deterioration in image quality caused by the taking lens.

  In general, the aberrations and distortions as described above are spread in a two-dimensional direction from a point where aberrations or distortions are not generated or a point where they are hardly generated. It is necessary to set in. For this reason, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the correction degree includes a correction direction degree indicating an image correction direction in a captured frame image and a correction intensity indicating a correction strength. More specifically, assuming a two-dimensional matrix having the correction degree as an element, and changing each correction degree according to the arrangement position, a correction degree group in consideration of the correction direction degree and the correction intensity is created. Good. By correlating the corrected image data obtained by correcting the original image data using such a correction degree matrix with the arrangement position of the correction degree matrix, the correction direction having a wide area and the correction intensity are arranged. Corrected image data groups are sequentially generated. The list display of the corrected reproduced images on the monitor described above is realized by designating one area of the matrixed corrected image data group and displaying the corrected reproduced images on the monitor in a sub-matrix. The operator can efficiently select the shot frame image corrected with an appropriate correction degree while viewing the corrected reproduction image having the correction directionality on the surface. Then, by specifying one of the correction reproduction images displayed as the sub-matrix, a list display of the correction reproduction images as a new sub-matrix around the specified correction reproduction image is created. Thus, the optimal correction reproduction image can be reached smoothly.

  Further, a grid image corresponding to the element arrangement of the correction degree matrix is displayed on the monitor in such a manner that it can be visually confirmed that generation of correction image data corresponding to each correction degree constituting the correction degree matrix is completed. If it is configured to be displayed, it is advantageous because it is possible to check already created correction image data, that is, a correction reproduction image that can be displayed immediately.

  In addition, by selecting and specifying one grid from the grid images displayed on the monitor described above, a correction reproduction image corresponding to the specified correction degree and a correction reproduction image corresponding to the peripheral correction degree are obtained. When updated and displayed on the monitor, it is possible to jump to the desired correction reproduction image.

In the present invention, the image processing apparatus adopting the above-described image correction determination method is also subject to rights, and the image processing apparatus includes an image input unit that receives image data representing a shot frame image as original image data; A correction level setting unit that sets a correction level for specific image correction on the original image data, and an image processing unit that generates corrected image data by performing image correction on the original image data with the set correction level And an image correction management unit that displays a correction reproduction image based on the correction image data on a monitor and determines a correction degree of image correction for the original image data while checking the correction reproduction image. The image correction management unit sets the number of display frames of the corrected reproduction images displayed in a list on the monitor, and the correction degree setting unit sets the original image data A plurality of different correction degrees are set for image correction, and the image processing unit sets the correction degrees corresponding to the correction reproduction image located at the center among the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor. The correction image data is sequentially generated using the correction degree that is a reference correction degree and the degree of change from the reference correction degree is gradually increased, and the image correction management unit determines that the number of the corrected image data that is sequentially generated is display correction reproduce image corresponding to the corrected image data that has been generated upon reaching the number of the display frames on the monitor, the image processing section, after which the corrected image is displayed on the monitor, back run the generation of the corrected image data in the ground, the image processing unit holds the generated the corrected image data, one of the correction candidate image of the plurality of correction reproduced image displayed on the monitor The image correction management unit displays the selected correction candidate image at the center of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor, and the image processing unit displays the selected correction candidate image. The correction order of the correction candidate images is used as the reference correction degree, and the generation order is changed so that corrected image data with a correction degree close to the reference correction degree is sequentially generated preferentially and When the corrected image data is already held, the corrected reproduced image based on the held corrected image data is displayed without generating the corrected image data . Naturally, such an image processing apparatus can also use all the configurations and operational effects in the image correction determination method including the preferred embodiments described above. In particular, as a preferred embodiment, a plurality of the correction degrees defined by the correction direction degree indicating the image correction direction and the correction intensity indicating the correction strength in the captured frame image are based on the correction direction degree and the correction intensity. If the correction degree setting unit is provided as a correction degree lookup table in the form of an element-arranged correction degree matrix, corrected image data obtained by correcting the original image data using such a correction degree lookup table. Is associated with the array position of the correction degree matrix, and a corrected image data group organized by correction direction and correction intensity can be created and displayed. By sequentially designating one area of this matrix of corrected image data group, an operator can efficiently select a shot frame image corrected with an appropriate correction degree while viewing a corrected reproduction image having a correction direction. can do.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments using the drawings.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a photographic print system incorporating an image processing apparatus employing an image correction determination method according to the present invention. This photographic print system performs exposure processing and development processing on photographic paper P. A print station 1B serving as a photographic printer, and a print used by the print station 1B by processing a photographed image taken from an image input medium such as a developed photographic film (hereinafter simply referred to as film) 2a or a memory card 2b for a digital camera. It is composed of an operation station 1A for generating and transferring data.

  This photo printing system is also called a digital minilab. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the printing station 1B pulls out the roll-shaped printing paper P stored in the two printing paper magazines 11 and prints it with the sheet cutter 12. The back print unit 13 prints print processing information such as color correction information and frame number on the back side of the photographic paper P, and the print exposure unit 14 cuts the print paper P into the size. A photographed image is exposed on the surface of the photographic paper P, and the exposed photographic paper P is sent to a processing tank unit 15 having a plurality of development processing tanks for development processing. After drying, the photographic paper P, that is, the photographic prints P, sent to the sorter 17 from the transverse feed conveyor 16 at the upper part of the apparatus is collected in a plurality of trays of the sorter 17 in a state of being sorted in order units (see FIG. 1). ).

  A photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is laid to transport the photographic paper P at a transport speed in accordance with various processes for the photographic paper P described above. The photographic paper transport mechanism 18 is composed of a plurality of nipping and transporting roller pairs including a chucker type photographic paper transport unit 18a disposed before and after the print exposure unit 14 in the photographic paper transport direction.

  The print exposure unit 14 applies R (red), G (green), and B (blue) to the printing paper P conveyed in the sub-scanning direction based on print data from the operation station 1A along the main scanning direction. A line exposure head for irradiating laser beams of the three primary colors (1) is provided. The processing tank unit 15 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 stabilizing tank 15c for storing a stable processing liquid.

  A film scanner 20 for acquiring image data representing the shot frame image from the film 2a is arranged at the upper position of the desk-like console of the operation station 1A, and is used as a shot image recording medium 2b attached to a digital camera or the like. A media reader 21 that acquires image data representing a shot frame image from various semiconductor memories and CD-Rs used is incorporated in a general-purpose personal computer that functions as the controller 3 of the photo print system. The general-purpose personal computer is also connected with a monitor 23 for displaying various information, and a keyboard 24 and a mouse 25 as operation input devices used as an operation input unit used for various settings and adjustments.

The controller 3 of this photographic print system uses a CPU as a core member, and constructs a functional unit for performing various processes for photographic print output including image processing by hardware and / or software. As shown in FIG. 3, as a functional unit particularly related to the present invention, the captured image data read by the scanner 20 or the media reader 21 is fetched and pre-processing necessary for the next processing is performed. An image input unit 31 to be transferred to the memory 30 as original image data in image correction, creation of a graphic operation screen including various windows and various operation buttons, and user operation input through such a graphic operation screen (keyboard 24 and mouse 25) Generate control commands from a pointing device) A GUI unit 32 for constructing a Fick user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) and specific image correction for the original image data developed in the memory 30 (for example, image correction for improving image quality defect caused by the photographing lens) A correction degree setting unit 33 for setting the correction degree of the original image data using the correction degree lookup table 34, and performing a specific image correction on the original image data with the correction degree set by the correction degree setting unit 33 and a GUI unit An image processing unit 35 that performs image processing such as filter processing on the original image data based on a control command sent from 32 or an operation command input directly from the keyboard 24 or the like, and a corrected reproduction image based on the corrected image data is monitored. The image for determining the correction level of image correction for the original image data while confirming the correction reproduction image The correction management unit 36, a corrected reproduction image based on the corrected image data, a simulated image as an expected finished print image at the time of pre-judge printing such as color correction, and further graphic data sent from the GUI unit 32 The video control unit 37 for generating a video signal for displaying the image on the monitor 23 and the print data for generating print data suitable for the print exposure unit 14 provided in the print station 1B based on the final corrected image data Examples include a generation unit 38 and a formatter unit 39 that formats raw captured image data, corrected captured image data that has been subjected to image correction, and the like into a format for writing to a CD-R in response to a customer's request. Note that the image correction unit 36 sets the number of display frames of the correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor 23 as a list at the time of the specific image correction process described above, and sequentially generates the corrected images. the number of data to control the respective associated elements so as to display the corrected reproduce images on the monitor 23 corresponding to the corrected image data that is generated when reaching the number of display frames.

  When the medium on which the photographed frame image is recorded is the film 2a, the image input unit 31 sends the scan data for the pre-scan mode and the main scan mode separately to the memory 30, and the medium on which the photographed frame image is recorded is the memory. In the case of the card 2b or the like, when the captured image data captured includes thumbnail image data (low resolution data), the captured image data (high resolution data) and the like are used for the purpose of displaying a list on the monitor 23. If the thumbnail image data is not included, a reduced image is created from this data and sent to the memory 30 as thumbnail image data. As described above, two types of high-resolution data and low-resolution data are developed in the memory 30 as image data representing one captured frame image, and the low-resolution data is used for setting the correction level in image correction. Employing a configuration in which the high-resolution data is subjected to image correction using the correction degree determined based on the resolution data can reduce the calculation load of the controller 3 for the correction degree determination work.

Next, the basic concept of the correction degree determination according to the present invention based on the linkage of the GUI unit 32, the correction degree setting unit 33, the correction degree lookup table 34, the image processing unit 35, and the image correction management unit 36 described above is corrected for peripheral light amount Will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The shortage of the peripheral light amount is caused by lens characteristics in which the light amount decreases from the center of the image toward the periphery according to the cosine fourth law, and correction to compensate for the shortage of the peripheral light amount is performed on the pixels spreading concentrically from the image center. The process is to increase the brightness. Since there is an inverse pattern, the correction requires a process of increasing and decreasing the brightness from the set image center to a concentric circle shape, a vertically long elliptical shape, or a horizontally long elliptical shape. Further, since the amount of the shortage of the peripheral light varies depending on the lens, the optimum correction amount is distributed over a wide range. Since the correction amount of such image correction is generally determined by changing the coefficient of the correction equation, the correction equation (correction amount) defined by various coefficients is preliminarily formed into a matrix and a correction degree lookup is performed. It is stored in the table 34.

  The conceptual diagram of the matrix for this correction degree is as shown in FIG. 4, where (2n + 1) × (2n + 1) correction degrees (correction formulas) (n is a positive integer) are prepared. Each correction degree is indicated by G (x, y) (x and y are 1 to n + 1), and the correction factor G (n, n) which is the central element ) Indicates no correction, and the correction degree arranged in the right region from the center performs correction to increase the brightness of the peripheral portion, and the correction degree arranged in the left region from the center is the correction degree arranged in the peripheral portion. Correction to reduce the brightness, the correction degree arranged in the upper area from the center is to correct the peripheral light amount by making the shape of the center part a vertically long ellipse, The degree of correction arranged in the region is a correction in which the shape of the central portion is a horizontally long ellipse and the peripheral light amount is corrected. In any case, the correction intensity increases as the distance from the center increases.

  Each correction degree arranged in matrix in this manner is stored in the correction degree lookup table 34. Therefore, when image correction is performed on the original image data using the correction degree read from here, (2n + 1) × (2n + 1) pieces of corrected image data are generated, of which the corrected image data corresponding to the correction degree G (n, n) representing the above-mentioned correction is actually uncorrected image data. Here, for the sake of convenience, all are referred to as corrected image data unless otherwise required to be distinguished. When these corrected image data are made to correspond to the matrix arrangement of the correction degree described above, it is convenient to consider that these corrected image data are developed in the memory 30 in a matrix form as shown in FIG. . In FIG. 5, each corrected image data is indicated by IM (x, y) (x and y are 1 to n + 1), and the uncorrected image data located at the center is IM (n, n), which is the same as the original image data. That is, for example, if n = 50, 101 × 101 = 10201 different corrected image data including uncorrected image data is created at this stage.

  Next, an example of the order of creating these many corrected image data employed in the present invention will be described. Basically, the uncorrected image is positioned at the center of the corrected reproduced images displayed on the monitor 23 first, and the corrected reproduced image whose degree of correction has been increased by one rank is positioned around the center. Therefore, eight correction degrees G (n−1, n) and G (n−1) in the innermost stage located around the correction degree (= 0) indicated by G (n, n) in FIG. , n + 1), G (n, n + 1), G (n + 1, n + 1), G (n + 1, n), G (n + 1, n-1), G (n, n-1) and G (n-1, n-1) are used, and eight corrected images at the innermost stage located around the uncorrected image data indicated by IM (n, n) in FIG. Data IM (n-1, n), IM (n-1, n + 1), IM (n, n + 1), IM (n + 1, n + 1), IM (n + 1, n), IM (n + 1, n-1), IM (n, n-1), and IM (n-1, n-1) are created first. The order of creating these eight corrected image data is arbitrary, but it is reasonable to decide according to the convenience in creating the program. Subsequent creation of the corrected image data becomes corrected image data one step outside the previously created corrected image data. In this way, (2n + 1) × (2n + 1) pieces of data are sequentially created so as to progress outward by one step around the uncorrected image data indicated by IM (n, n). The basic correction image data creation algorithm generates all the correction image data.

  Since all of the corrected images based on these corrected image data cannot be displayed on the monitor 23, for example, nine are displayed in a number that is easy for comparative observation, but the first monitor display screen is as shown in FIG. 6a. In addition, as a 3 × 3 frame display, a captured frame image as a reproduced image based on the corrected image data (actually original image data) indicated by IM (n, n) is displayed in the middle. The image based on the uncorrected corrected image data is actually an uncorrected reproduced image, but here it will be referred to as a corrected reproduced image for the sake of convenience except when it is particularly necessary to distinguish. Around this center reproduction image, the correction reproduction based on the corrected image data IM (n-1, n-1), ..., IM (n + 1, n + 1) adjacent to IM (n, n) An image (a shot frame image) is displayed. That is, in this monitor image, the corrected reproduction image with the brightness of the peripheral part slightly increased in a circular shape from the setting center on the right side with the reproduction image without correction as the center, and the elliptical ellipse from the setting center on the upper right side. A corrected reproduction image with slightly increased brightness at the periphery is shown on the left, and a corrected reproduction image with slightly increased peripheral brightness from the center of the setting to the lower right side is set to the left. A corrected reproduction image with a slightly increased center brightness from a circular shape to the upper left, and a corrected reproduction image with a slightly increased center brightness from the set center to the upper left is a diagonally lower right side. In this case, a correction reproduction image in which the brightness of the central portion is slightly increased from the set center to a horizontally long ellipse is displayed, and an intermediate image of the adjacent correction reproduction images is displayed directly above and below.

  In addition, when the one having the directivity from the initially displayed correction image to the desired correction image is selected, the correction image data corresponding to the selected correction image is centered in the matrix arrangement shown in FIG. A corrected reproduction image based on the corrected image data group located around is displayed on the monitor 23. For example, if the corrected image data selected in FIG. 6A is IM (n-1, n + 1), the corrected image data IM (n, n) is displayed at the lower left as shown in FIG. 6B. A correction reproduction image corresponding to the correction image data IM (n, n) is displayed on the upper right. That is, since the correction reproduction image group displayed here is moving to the right obliquely from the center in the matrix shown in FIG. 5 as compared to the correction reproduction image group displayed first, the brightness of the peripheral portion is vertically elongated oval. It has a tendency to further increase. As described above, since the correction reproduction image group based on the correction image data included in the predetermined sub-matrix is continuously displayed in the correction image data matrix shown in FIG. 5, the correction reproduction image group having the desired image correction is displayed. It can be reached quickly and reliably.

  However, in the correction processing that takes time to create corrected image data, when a new corrected image that is centered on the sub-matrix is newly selected, not all of the surrounding corrected image data centered on that is created. Can happen. Such a situation is schematically shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 7A shows the correction for creating the list display of FIG. 6B after the correction image (identified by P) at the upper right of FIG. 6A is selected. The state of the image data is schematically shown. At this point, if only the corrected image data that has been created by the basic correction image data creation algorithm described above is indicated by hatching, the corrected image centered on the corrected image P is as quickly as possible. In order to realize the list display, the center point (initially the center uncorrected image corresponding to the original image) in this basic corrected image data generation algorithm is shifted to the position of the corrected image data P, and the new center point is used. It switches so that correction | amendment image data may be produced toward an outer side sequentially. At that time, the position where the corrected image data has already been created is skipped. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the corrected image data P1 to P5 that are located one step outside the corrected image data P and that have not yet been created start to be created preferentially, and then the first step. Outer corrected image data q1 to q11 are sequentially created. As a result, the creation priority of the corrected image data is changed in accordance with the operator's correction orientation, so that it is possible to avoid giving display waiting stress to the operator as much as possible even in the correction processing that takes time to create the corrected image data.

  In order to shorten the processing time, the corrected image data described above is preferably performed using low-resolution image data. However, as described above, the corrected image data is optimally selected from a group of corrected and reproduced images that are continuously displayed while being defined in the correction direction. When the image is determined, the correction degree for creating the optimum correction reproduction image is stored, and when the photo print is output, the stored correction degree is used to correct the image with respect to the high resolution image data. Processing will be performed. Of course, in the present invention, since the relationship between the creation of the corrected image data and the corrected image displayed on the monitor is optimized, the above-described corrected image data is performed as high-resolution image data, and the desired corrected image is instantaneously displayed on the large screen. It is also possible to display with

  Next, in this photographic print system, a typical flow when performing image correction caused by the photographing lens as necessary will be described while checking the photographed frame image on the monitor screen.

  The scanner 20 or the media reader 21 is used in accordance with the type of the photo recording medium brought by the customer as a print source. In any case, the acquired image data obtained by digitizing the image by the shooting frame is the high resolution image data. Two types of low-resolution image data are sent to the memory 30 through the image input unit 31.

  When the image data is loaded into the memory 30, the captured frame images corresponding to the image data are sequentially displayed in the captured image display frame 41 of the operation input screen 40 called the pre-judge screen shown in FIG. The In FIG. 8, the six-frame display screen is selected. A color density correction setting area 42 and a print number setting area 43 are arranged below each captured image display frame 41. The color density correction setting area 42 is provided with setting frames of “yellow”, “magenta”, “cyan”, and “density”, and the correction amount “N” represents neutral and means no correction. The print number setting area 43 is provided with a print number input frame, and “pass” means that printing is not performed. A print condition display field 44 is arranged below the pre-judge screen 40. The print channel name applied to the photo print output, the print size included in the print channel, the necessity of index print, The necessity of media output is shown. 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. When various correction settings and print number settings for each photographed frame image are completed on the pre-judge screen 40, the corresponding photographed image data is sent to the print data generation unit 38 and converted into print data.

  In the case of performing a process of setting a correction degree of image correction that improves a decrease in image quality caused by a photographing lens including a tilt distortion, a photographed frame image that is such a special processing target is displayed on the pre-judge screen 40. By specifying by double clicking the mouse 25 or the like, a correction main screen 50 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. An enlarged image display area 51 is arranged in the center of the corrected main screen 50, and a display confirmation area 52 showing a portion displayed in the enlarged image display area 51 in the photographed frame image at the right end, A center coordinate confirmation area 53 indicating a center coordinate serving as a reference for correction, a peripheral light amount correction button 54, a distortion correction button 55, and a trapezoid correction button 56 are arranged. The portion displayed in the enlarged image display area 51 can be changed by moving the frame line of the display confirmation area 52 using the mouse 25, and the enlarged image display area can be changed by changing the enlargement ratio of the display size area 52a. The image displayed on 51 can be enlarged or reduced. In addition, the setting of the center coordinates serving as a correction reference can be adjusted by dragging and dropping the cross line displayed in the enlarged image display area 51.

  In the correction main screen 50, when the peripheral light amount correction button 54 is clicked, the peripheral light amount correction screen 60 shown in FIG. 10 is clicked, and when the distortion correction button 55 is clicked, the distortion correction screen 70 shown in FIG. When the keystone correction button 56 is clicked, the keystone correction screen 80 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, and a correction degree setting operation for each image correction is performed.

  These correction screens have a substantially common form, and a reproduction image matrix display area 100 for displaying correction reproduction images based on the nine image data IM (x, y) described above is arranged at the center, and the right region In the correction reproduction image, the correction degree stored in the display confirmation area 101 indicating the portion displayed in each reproduction image area of the reproduction image matrix display area 100 with a frame line and the correction degree lookup table 34. A correction map 102 is formed by mapping the matrix of all corrected image data generated using the matrix using grids and color-coding the corrected reproduction image group displayed in the reproduction image matrix display area 100 so as to be visible. Has been placed. In addition, an icon button 103 having a mark indicating the form of image correction or directionality is provided outside the four corner portions and the four midpoint portions of the reproduced image matrix display area 100, and the icon button 103 is clicked. Thus, the corrected reproduced image group displayed in the reproduced image matrix display area 100 is rewritten into a corrected reproduced image group moved by one element in the direction of the clicked icon button 103. Further, by moving the color-coded correction reproduction image group displayed on the correction map 102 by operating the mouse 25, the correction reproduction image group (3 × 3 sub-matrix) displayed in the reproduction image matrix display area 100 is moved. It is possible to change the jump.

  Further, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 13, for example, reproduction is performed on the correction map 102 on any correction screen so that the squares for which correction image data has been created at that time can be visually recognized. Display processing is performed such that the correction reproduction image group displayed in the image matrix display area 100 is colored with a color other than the color given or surrounded by a thick frame.

  By clicking the OK button 104 on each correction screen, the correction degree for creating a corrected reproduction image displayed at the center of the reproduction image matrix display area 100 at that time is stored, and a high level for photographic print output is stored. Used for image correction for resolution image data. When the cancel button 105 is clicked, the previous screen is displayed and the correction work can be returned to the previous stage.

Next, the procedure for setting the correction level of the image correction by the operator will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
First, when this image correction routine is started, the correction main screen 50 is displayed (# 01), and the center coordinates serving as a reference for correction are set (# 02). As this center coordinate, it is preferable to select a point with no or almost no distortion. Next, a desired image correction item is selected (# 03). In this embodiment, there are “peripheral light amount correction”, “distortion correction”, and “trapezoidal correction” as image correction items. Here, it is assumed that peripheral light amount correction is selected, but other image correction items are selected. However, the procedure is substantially the same.

  A correction degree matrix for correcting the peripheral light amount is read from the correction degree lookup table 34 (# 04). As described above, the correction degree matrix includes 101 × 101 correction degrees (correction formulas), and the image processing unit 35 is instructed to start image correction processing on the original image data with this correction degree. Give (# 05).

  This corrected image data creation start command is delivered to the corrected image data creation routine shown in FIG. This correction image data creation routine waits until receiving a correction image data generation start command (# 51 No branch). When this command is received (# 51 Yes branch), first, a list of corrected images is displayed in the reproduction image matrix display area 100. The center point of the sub-matrix for is initialized (# 52). The center point that is initially set is the position of the uncorrected image (original image). Next, creation of the first nine corrected image data including uncorrected image data is started (# 53), and when these nine corrected image data are created, a display command is issued (# 54). The generation of the corrected image data is performed by 101 × 101 outwards step by step based on the basic correction image data creation algorithm described above unless the operator clicks a corrected image other than the uncorrected image as a corrected image candidate. Until the creation of the corrected image data group is completed (# 55 No branch, # 56, # 57 No branch).

  Returning to the image correction routine of FIG. 14, after giving a corrected image data creation start command, it waits until it receives the display command issued in step # 54 of the corrected image data creation routine (# 06 No branch), and displays the display command. When received (# 06 Yes branch), the peripheral light amount correction screen 60 is displayed, and the correction image data for the correction reproduction image displayed at the center of the reproduction image matrix display area 100 is set (# 07). Two image data are also set (# 08). Nine corrected reproduction images are displayed in the reproduction image matrix display area 100 based on the image data set in steps # 07 and # 08 (# 09).

  In the peripheral light amount correction screen 60, whether the correction degree is determined by clicking the OK button 104 (# 10) and whether the correction direction is set by clicking the icon button 103 indicating the correction direction (#). 11) is checked, and when a new correction candidate image is selected and a correction direction to be advanced is set (# 11 Yes branch), it is newly displayed in the center of the reproduced image matrix display area 100 based on the set direction. Correction image data for the correction reproduction image is set (# 12), and the correction image data generation routine is executed to change the correction image data creation priority, that is, to change the center point (reference correction degree) for the next list display. (# 13) to check whether the corrected image data for the corrected image located around the new correction candidate image has been created. # 14), it jumps to step # 08 to check the already created.

  In the corrected image data creation routine, when a correction image data creation priority change command is received (# 55 Yes branch), the creation center point of the corrected image data is changed as schematically shown in FIG. Above (# 58), correction image data is created.

  If the OK button 104 is clicked at any time (# 10 Yes branch), the correction degree for creating the corrected reproduction image displayed in the center of the reproduction image matrix display area 100 is stored, and this routine is finished. To do. The correction degree stored here is the correction degree for creating a desired corrected image.

  Since the aberration caused by the photographic lens is considered to be common to all photographic frame images, the correction degree determined for a specific (first one) photographic frame image has a different correction degree. A configuration that can also be applied to image correction for an image may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, the correction degree matrix is represented by a two-dimensional matrix, and the correction image list display also has a wide area. However, the correction degree matrix is represented by a one-dimensional matrix and the correction image list display. Embodiments in which the line extends on a straight line are also included in the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print station 1B exposes a photographed image to the photographic paper P by the print exposure unit 14 having an exposure engine, and performs a plurality of development processes on the photographic paper P after the exposure. Although the silver salt photographic printing method was adopted, of course, the printing station 1B according to the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, an ink jet that ejects ink onto a film or paper to form an image. Various photographic printing methods such as a printing method and a thermal transfer method using a thermal transfer sheet can be employed.

External view of photographic print system employing image correction determination technique according to the present invention Schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the print station of the photo print system Functional block diagram explaining functional elements built in the controller of the photo print system Explanatory drawing explaining the schematic structure of a correction degree matrix Explanatory drawing explaining the typical structure of the correction | amendment image data made into matrix Explanatory drawing explaining the typical structure of the correction | amendment image data displayed on a reproduction image matrix display area Schematic diagram explaining the change of the creation priority of corrected image data created sequentially Pre-judge screen Correction main screen Peripheral illumination correction screen Distortion correction screen Keystone correction screen Explanatory drawing which shows the correction map which enabled to visually recognize the cell corresponding to the correction image data completed creation Flow chart showing an example of an image correction routine A flowchart showing an example of a correction image data creation routine

23: Monitor 25: Mouse (operation input device)
24: Keyboard (operation input device)
30: Memory 31: Image input unit 32: GUI unit 33: Correction level setting unit 34: Correction level lookup table 35: Image correction management unit 36: Image processing unit

Claims (8)

Image data representing a shot frame image is acquired as original image data, image correction is performed on the acquired original image data with a predetermined correction degree to generate corrected image data, and a corrected reproduction image based on the corrected image data In an image correction determination method for determining a correction degree of image correction for the original image data while confirming the correction reproduction image,
A step of setting a display frame number of the corrected reproduction image displayed in a list on the monitor;
The correction degree corresponding to the correction reproduction image located at the center among the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor is set as a reference correction degree, and the correction degree at which the degree of change from the reference correction degree gradually increases. Sequentially generating the corrected image data using,
When the number of the sequentially generated correction image data reaches the number of display frames, a correction reproduction image corresponding to the generated correction image data is displayed on the monitor,
After the corrected image is displayed on the monitor, generation of the corrected image data is performed in the background,
Holding the generated corrected image data ;
When one of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor is selected as a correction candidate image, the selected correction candidate image is displayed at the center of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor, The correction order of the selected correction candidate image is used as the reference correction degree, and the generation order is changed so that corrected image data with a correction degree close to the reference correction degree is sequentially generated preferentially, it characterized in that without the generation of the corrected image data, and displays the corrected reproduced image based on the corrected image data is held in the case where the corrected image data to be generated has already been held images correction determination method. The image correction determination method according to claim 1, wherein the correction degree includes a correction direction degree indicating an image correction direction in a captured frame image and a correction intensity indicating a correction strength. A correction degree matrix in which the plurality of correction degrees are arranged based on the correction direction degree and the correction intensity is prepared, and corrected image data is sequentially generated based on the correction degree matrix. The image correction determination method according to claim 2 . A grid image corresponding to the element arrangement of the correction degree matrix is displayed on the monitor in such a manner that it can be visually recognized that generation of correction image data corresponding to each correction degree constituting the correction degree matrix is complete. The image correction determination method according to claim 3 , wherein: By selecting and specifying one grid from the grid image, the correction reproduction image corresponding to the specified correction degree and the correction reproduction image corresponding to the peripheral correction degree are updated and displayed on the monitor. The image correction determination method according to claim 4 . Image correction determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image correction is an image correction to improve the degradation of image quality caused by the imaging lens. An image input unit that receives image data representing a shot frame image as original image data, a correction degree setting unit that sets a correction degree for specific image correction on the original image data, and the original with the set correction degree An image processing unit that performs image correction on the image data to generate corrected image data; a correction reproduction image based on the correction image data is displayed on a monitor; and the image corresponding to the original image data is confirmed while checking the correction reproduction image In an image processing apparatus including an image correction management unit that determines a correction degree of correction,
The image correction management unit sets the number of display frames of the corrected reproduction image displayed as a list on the monitor,
The correction level setting unit sets a plurality of different correction levels for image correction of the original image data, and the image processing unit is positioned at the center among the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor. The correction degree corresponding to the correction reproduction image is set as a reference correction degree, and the correction image data is sequentially generated using the correction degree in which the degree of change from the reference correction degree gradually increases,
The image correction management unit displays the corrected reproduce image number of corrected image data to which the sequentially generated corresponds to the corrected image data that has been generated upon reaching the number of the display frames on the monitor,
The image processing unit executes generation of the corrected image data in the background after the corrected image is displayed on the monitor ,
The image processing unit holds the generated corrected image data,
When one of the plurality of correction reproduction images displayed on the monitor is selected as a correction candidate image, the image correction management unit displays the selected correction candidate images on the monitor. The image processing unit displays the correction image data with a correction degree close to the reference correction degree preferentially, with the correction degree of the selected correction candidate image as the reference correction degree. The generation order is changed so as to be generated sequentially, and when the corrected image data to be generated is already held, the corrected image data is not generated, but based on the held corrected image data An image processing apparatus for displaying the corrected reproduction image . A correction degree matrix in which a plurality of correction degrees defined by a correction direction degree indicating an image correction direction and a correction intensity indicating a correction intensity in a captured frame image are arranged based on the correction direction degree and the correction intensity. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the correction degree setting unit is provided as a correction degree lookup table in a form.

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