JP2006020335A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system using pseudo-zoom information recorded by a pseudo-zoom camera taking photographs using a pseudo-zoom function with a pseudo-zoom magnification and range intended by a photographer. <P>SOLUTION: In an image processing system, pseudo-zoom information recorded on a photographic film, a film cartridge or a recording medium by a camera capable of recording the pseudo-zoom information is read out, and a picture range corresponding to a pseudo-zoom magnification of the pseudo-zoom information is printed out or its image data are outputted from the photographed image. The image processing system is characterized by changing image processing conditions for pseudo-zoom processing in response top the pseudo-zoom magnification or a pseudo-zoom pattern of the pseudo-zoom information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system capable of creating a so-called pseudo zoom print that prints an image having a different angle of view from an image actually captured by a camera.

  In a normal photographic print system, printing is performed under a standard print magnification so that almost the entire range of a photographic image taken on a film can be accommodated in a photosensitive material of a certain size. On the other hand, a so-called pseudo zoom or digital zoom (a digital zoom) that prints a predetermined range in the center excluding a predetermined width from the top and the left of the shooting screen on the film on the photosensitive material of a certain size at a magnification larger than the reference magnification. Hereinafter, a technique called “pseudo zoom” is known, and a camera having such a pseudo zoom function has been developed.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a normal shooting function, a pseudo zoom shooting function for designating a range to be printed at a predetermined trimming magnification with respect to a range printed in normal shooting, and upper and lower portions of the range printed in normal shooting. A finder having a panoramic shooting function for designating a range to be printed except that, and a field-of-view range can be switched according to each shooting function, and a camera including the finder are disclosed. This is because the field of view of the viewfinder is switched according to each shooting function, so that the range of images actually printed by each shooting function is shown as the field of view. So that the photographer does not give an unnatural impression to the photographer.

Further, in Patent Document 2, in a camera capable of switching the shooting frame size, the upper limit value of the trimming magnification of the pseudo zoom is controlled in accordance with the shooting frame size of the film, so that the print in the pseudo zoom shooting can be performed. A device that prevents deterioration of graininess and resolution is disclosed.
Further, in Patent Document 3, in a camera in which a pseudo zoom mode and a panorama mode can be selected in addition to the normal shooting mode, when the pseudo zoom mode is selected, printing with a pseudo zoom effect is possible. Is disclosed so that a high-quality image can be obtained.

In Patent Document 4, information on the pseudo zoom magnification for each photographing frame is written on a recording medium provided in a photographic film or film cartridge, and the information on the pseudo zoom magnification is read out at the time of photographic printing. In a photographic camera used in a pseudo zoom print system that prints a screen range corresponding to the zoom magnification, the screen range corresponding to the pseudo zoom magnification is reliably viewed through the viewfinder optical system at the time of shooting, thereby achieving the magnification intended by the photographer. A device that can be easily set is disclosed.
Further, in Patent Document 5, in a camera having a zoom lens as a photographic lens and having a pseudo zoom function, the zoom function and the pseudo zoom function of the photographic lens are integrated without a sense of incongruity to improve operability. Are disclosed.

JP-A-5-158111 JP-A-5-303129 JP-A-6-266003 JP-A-11-242261 JP-A-11-242289

However, in the camera or photo print system having the conventional pseudo zoom function, the trimming designation for designating the range to be printed from the captured image is center trimming, and basically, if the pseudo zoom magnification is designated, The range is determined by a predetermined size in the central portion of the screen, and an arbitrary range on the screen cannot be designated by the photographer's intention.
In addition, there is a problem in that printing using the pseudo zoom function according to the conventional technique is not yet satisfactory in terms of image quality.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pseudo zoom capable of performing shooting using a pseudo zoom function at a pseudo zoom magnification and range intended by a photographer. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system using pseudo zoom information recorded by a camera.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing system according to the present invention reads the pseudo zoom information recorded on a photographic film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium by a camera capable of recording pseudo zoom information, and reads the pseudo zoom information from a captured image. An image processing system that prints out or outputs image data corresponding to a pseudo zoom magnification of the pseudo zoom information, wherein the image processing conditions of the pseudo zoom process are set according to the pseudo zoom magnification or the pseudo zoom pattern of the pseudo zoom information. It is characterized by changing (Claim 1).

Here, it is preferable that the image processing condition is at least one of pre-filter processing, sharpness processing, dodging processing, electronic scaling processing, scanning conditions, and aberration correction.
Preferably, a plurality of types of the pseudo zoom information are prepared in advance, and the image processing conditions are changed in accordance with the pseudo zoom information selected and designated from them.

The pseudo zoom process is preferably performed for each frame, for each case, for each designated range, or for each image.
Further, it is preferable that the frames having the same designation of the pseudo zoom magnification are scanned together, or the frames having the same designation of the pseudo zoom magnification are scanned together.
Further, it is preferable that all the frames are scanned by matching a scanning condition to the frame having the maximum pseudo zoom magnification.

Further, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom process is performed by setting the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen range as a set, or separately in the vertical and horizontal directions.
Further, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom process is performed simultaneously with a normal electronic scaling process.
It is preferable that the read pseudo zoom information can be changed or canceled.

In addition, when the pseudo zoom magnification is changed so that the main part is not cut off by trimming with the pseudo zoom magnification of the pseudo zoom information, and the main part is cut off even if the pseudo zoom magnification is changed, the pseudo zoom magnification is changed. It is preferable to cancel the information (claim 10).
Moreover, it is preferable that the process for the main part is performed based on the result of the main part automatic extraction or based on the result of manual main part designation by the operator.

If the read pseudo zoom magnification exceeds the maximum magnification of the image processing apparatus, print output or image data output is performed at the maximum magnification of the image processing apparatus, or pseudo zoom processing is not performed. It is preferable to issue a predetermined warning (claim 12).
In addition, it is preferable that it is possible to select whether or not to reflect the result of the image processing including the pseudo zoom processing on the test monitor (claim 13).

Further, it is preferable that whether or not to reflect the result of image processing including the pseudo zoom processing in the index print can be selected.
In addition, when image data is output after the pseudo zoom process, the image data before the pseudo zoom process, the image data after the pseudo zoom process, or both can be selected. Preferably, it can be done (claim 15).

In addition, it is preferable to be able to select whether the pseudo zoom processing is performed in a high image quality mode realized by a combination of scanning conditions and electronic scaling processing or in a high speed mode realized only by electronic scaling processing. Item 16).
In the pseudo zoom process, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom magnification is limited depending on a film type.
In the pseudo zoom process, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom magnification is limited depending on an exposure condition.

  Further, when a shooting date is recorded in the shot image or corresponding to the shot image, before the pseudo zoom process, the shooting date is read, the shooting date is recognized, and the recognized date is recognized. It is preferable to record the photographing date within the screen range after the pseudo zoom processing.

  Here, as the camera, at least a pseudo zoom magnification is recorded as pseudo zoom information on a photographic film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium, and the pseudo zoom magnification of the pseudo zoom information is read out at the time of photographic printing. A pseudo zoom camera capable of receiving a pseudo zoom print service for printing a screen range corresponding to the pseudo zoom magnification, wherein the pseudo zoom magnification designating unit designates the pseudo zoom magnification, and the pseudo zoom magnification is patterned. At least one of the pseudo zoom pattern designating unit for designating the pseudo zoom pattern, or at least one of the pseudo zoom magnification designating unit and the pseudo zoom pattern designating unit, and the screen range. Has screen range specification means to specify , The pseudo zoom magnification or the pseudo zoom pattern, or the screen range together with any one of them is recorded as pseudo zoom information, and has pseudo zoom mode designating means for pseudo zooming. It is preferable to use a pseudo zoom camera that can select and designate a high-quality mode in which processing is performed by a combination of scanning conditions and electronic scaling processing and a high-speed mode in which only electronic scaling processing is performed. .

Further, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom information in the pseudo zoom camera can be recorded for each frame, for each case, for each designated range, or for each image.
The pseudo zoom information is preferably recorded at the time of manufacture, loading into the camera, removal from the camera, or at the time of photographing, before and after photographing of a photographic film, a film cartridge or a recording medium. 22).

The pseudo zoom information in the pseudo zoom camera is preferably selected and designated from a plurality of types prepared in advance in the pseudo zoom print service (claim 23).
In the pseudo zoom information, it is preferable that the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen range can be specified as a set, or the vertical and horizontal directions can be specified separately.

Preferably, the pseudo zoom magnification designated by the pseudo zoom magnification designating means or the pseudo zoom pattern designated by the pseudo zoom pattern designating means is limited according to the film type (claim 25).
Further, it is preferable that the pseudo zoom magnification designated by the pseudo zoom magnification designation means or the pseudo zoom pattern designated by the pseudo zoom pattern designation means is limited according to the exposure condition.

According to the present invention, pseudo zoom information can be easily specified, and a high zoom ratio can be realized by adding a pseudo zoom by digital image processing to an optical zoom by a camera lens. Image quality can be improved.
More specifically, the pseudo zoom information can be specified easily and accurately, the image quality of the pseudo zoom print can be improved, and the attractiveness of the camera (photographing means) can be further enhanced.

  Hereinafter, an image processing system according to the present invention and a pseudo zoom camera that can be suitably used in the image processing system will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a pseudo zoom information recording unit of a pseudo zoom camera as an image photographing unit suitable for handling in an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a pseudo zoom information recording unit 1 includes a pseudo zoom magnification designation means 2, a pseudo zoom pattern designation means 3, a screen range designation means 4, a display LCD 5, a pseudo zoom information recording means 6 and a pseudo zoom mode designation means 7. These are configured and controlled by a CPU (not shown) that controls the entire camera.
The pseudo zoom camera having the pseudo zoom function in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a film camera, particularly an APS (Advanced Photo System) camera, a digital camera, or a hybrid having both functions. It may be a camera, and in addition, a lensed film may be used.

  The pseudo zoom magnification designating means 2 designates the pseudo zoom magnification by the photographer operating a button or the like provided on the upper or back side of the camera body. The designated pseudo zoom magnification is the pseudo zoom magnification. It is sent to the information recording means 6. Although details will be described later, the pseudo zoom magnification may be designated by selecting from a plurality of preset zoom magnifications, or may be designated by numerically typing the magnification itself.

  Further, the pseudo zoom pattern designating unit 3 patterns the pseudo zoom magnification in advance and designates the pseudo zoom pattern by operating a button or the like provided on the camera body by the photographer in the same manner as the designation of the pseudo zoom magnification. To do. A plurality of pseudo zoom magnifications are prepared in advance. For example, pattern 1 is patterned as 1.2, magnification 2 as 1.4, and the like, and the camera side and the printer side that performs image processing are associated with each other. The amount of information stored can be reduced. The designated pseudo zoom pattern is sent to the pseudo zoom information recording means 6.

As will be described in detail later, the screen range specifying means 4 operates a button or the like provided on the camera body while looking at the shooting screen displayed on the display LCD 5, and performs pseudo zooming from the shooting screen. An area (screen range) to be output as a print is designated.
The display LCD 5 is installed, for example, in a finder and displays a normal shooting screen. When a pseudo zoom magnification or a pseudo zoom pattern is designated, the display LCD 5 indicates a screen range output as a pseudo zoom print. The frame is displayed in a size corresponding to the pseudo zoom magnification. Alternatively, the pseudo zoomed image itself may be displayed on the display LCD 5. When the screen range is designated, for example, coordinate information of the screen range is sent to the pseudo zoom information recording means 6.

  The pseudo zoom mode designating means 7 is for the photographer to designate the pseudo zoom mode by operating, for example, a button provided on the camera body. The pseudo zoom mode includes a high image quality mode that is performed by a combination of scanning conditions and electronic scaling processing, and a high speed mode that is performed only by electronic scaling processing. The designated pseudo zoom is sent to the pseudo zoom information recording means 6 as one of the pseudo zoom information.

The pseudo zoom information recording unit 6 includes a pseudo zoom magnification, a pseudo zoom pattern, a screen range, or a pseudo zoom magnification designated by the pseudo zoom magnification designating unit 2, the pseudo zoom pattern designating unit 3, the screen range designating unit 5 or the pseudo zoom mode designating unit 7. The pseudo zoom information such as the zoom mode is recorded on a film, a film cartridge, a recording medium or the like.
In the case of a film camera, for example, a bar code or the like may be optically recorded outside the image area of the photographic film, or a magnetic recording unit may be provided on the photographic film and recorded magnetically. May be. Alternatively, if an IC is embedded in the film cartridge, it can be electrically recorded on the IC.
In the case of a digital camera, pseudo zoom information may be attached to the image data, or may be recorded in the header of the image data. Alternatively, the image data may be embedded using a technique such as digital watermark.

Next, a digital photo printer that includes an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image photographed by a camera having such a pseudo zoom function and outputs the image as a photographic print or image data will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a digital photo printer constituting the image processing system according to this embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, a digital photo printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a photo printer) 10 basically includes a scanner (image reading device) 12 that photoelectrically reads an image taken on a film F, and read image data (image information). The image processing device 14 that performs image processing of the above) and the operation and control of the entire photo printer 10, and the photosensitive material (printing paper) is image-exposed with a light beam modulated according to the image data output from the image processing device 14. And a printer 16 that performs development processing and outputs it as a finished print.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 14 includes an operation system 18 having a keyboard 18a and a mouse 18b for inputting various conditions input and settings, processing selection and instructions, instructions such as color / density correction, and a pseudo zoom. In addition to storing data and processing programs necessary for performing various image processing including processing, the external memory 19 for outputting image data, images read by the scanner 12, various operation instructions, various conditions A display 20 for displaying a setting / registration screen is connected. Further, not only the image data read from the film by the scanner 12 but also the digital image data D taken by a digital camera or the like is input to the image processing device 14.

  The scanner 12 is a device that photoelectrically reads an image shot on a film F or the like frame by frame. The light source 22, the variable aperture 24, and three primary colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). A color filter plate 26 that has three color filters R, G, and B for separation into an optical path and rotates the arbitrary color filter in the optical path; and the reading light incident on the film F is the surface of the film F A diffusion box 28 that is uniform in the direction, an imaging lens unit 32, a CCD sensor (here, an area sensor) 34 that is an image reading sensor that reads an image of one frame of a film, and an amplifier 36. .

  Further, when the pseudo zoom information is optically recorded as a barcode on both edges of the film F, a barcode reader 38 for optically reading the barcode is provided. When the pseudo zoom information is magnetically recorded on the film F, a magnetic head for reading the pseudo zoom information is provided. When the pseudo zoom information is electrically recorded on the IC of the cartridge, A reading terminal will be provided.

  As described above, in the illustrated photo printer 10, the type and size of APS 240-size negative film and 135-size negative (or reversal) film, the form of film F such as strips and slides, In accordance with the type of processing such as trimming, a dedicated carrier that can be mounted on the main body of the scanner 12 is prepared. By exchanging the carrier, various types of films and processing can be handled. An image (frame) photographed on the film F and used for print creation is conveyed and held at a predetermined reading position by this carrier.

  The barcode reader 38 is disposed on the carrier upstream of the predetermined reading position on the carrier, and reads pseudo zoom information when the film F is conveyed to the predetermined reading position. In addition, as described above, when a magnetic track is provided at the edge of the film and pseudo zoom information is magnetically recorded, as in APS film, or when pseudo zoom information is recorded on the IC of the film cartridge. A means for reading these magnetic information and the like is arranged, and pseudo zoom information is read when the film is conveyed to the reading position. When digital image data is directly input to the image processing device 14, for example, pseudo zoom information recorded in the header of the digital image data or the like is used as it is in the image processing device 14.

  An output signal (image data) from the scanner 12 is output to the image processing device 14. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the image processing apparatus 14. The image processing apparatus 14 includes a CPU 54 that performs and controls image processing including pseudo zoom processing, and controls the entire photo printer 10, and an internal memory 56 that stores information necessary for the CPU 54. The image processing apparatus 14 includes a data processing unit 58, a prescan memory 60, a main scan memory 62, a prescan image processing unit 64, a main scan image processing unit 66, and a condition setting unit 68. In addition to the above, the image processing device 14 is provided with means for determining the aperture value of the variable aperture 24 and the accumulation time of the CCD sensor 34 during the main scan. The operation system 18, the external memory 19, and the display 20 are connected to each part by the CPU 54 via the CPU bus 80.

  In the image processing system, the R, G, and B output signals output from the scanner 12 are processed by the A / D processing unit 58 into digital image data, and the prescan data is stored in the prescan memory 60. The main scan data is stored in the main scan memory 62, respectively. Note that the pre-scan data and the main scan data are basically the same data except that the resolution (pixel density) and the signal level are different. The prescan data stored in the prescan memory 60 is processed in the prescan image processing unit 64, and the main scan data stored in the main scan memory 62 is processed in the main scan image processing unit 66. The prescan image processing unit 64 includes an image processing unit 70 and an image data conversion unit 72.

  On the other hand, the main scan image processing unit 66 includes an image processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a processing unit) 70 and an image processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a processing unit) 74 of the main scan image processing unit 66. Reference numeral 68 denotes a portion that performs predetermined image processing on an image (image data) read by the scanner 12 in accordance with the image processing conditions set. Both processing units 70 and 74 perform basically the same processing except that the pixel density of the image data to be processed is different. As image processing in the processing unit 70 and processing 74, generally color balance adjustment, contrast correction (gradation processing), brightness correction, dodging processing (compression / expansion of density dynamic range), saturation correction, sharpness Examples include (sharpening) processing, aberration correction processing, electronic scaling processing, prefilter processing, and the like.

These are performed by a well-known method by appropriately combining calculation, LUT (look-up table) processing, matrix (MTX) calculation, filter processing, and the like. In the illustrated example, color balance adjustment and brightness correction are performed. The contrast correction is performed by the LUT, and the saturation correction is performed by the MTX. Other sharpness processing, dodging processing, and the like are performed in block 71 and block 75 in accordance with an instruction from the operator, image data, and the like.
Here, between the MTX of the processing unit 74 that processes the main scan data and the block 75, an aberration correction unit 76 that performs correction of at least one of lateral chromatic aberration and distortion and electronic scaling processing is arranged. Yes.

The aberration correction unit 76 captures the photographing lens characteristic information of the film F supplied from the CPU 54 and information on the position of image data (pixels) read from the main scan memory 62 and subjected to various image processing (for example, the image data). Using the coordinate position from the center (the number of the pixel from the center pixel)), the correction of the lateral chromatic aberration and the distortion aberration and the electronic scaling process are performed. This electronic scaling process is to enlarge or reduce an image by image data processing. That is, the image is electronically scaled to output the image (image data) in a size corresponding to the output image, and is usually performed by interpolating the image data.
Note that there are no particular limitations on the method of electronic scaling processing, and various known methods can be used. Examples include a method using bilinear interpolation and a method using spline interpolation.

  The image data processed by the processing units 70 and 74 is sent to the image data conversion units 72 and 78. The image data conversion unit 72 of the pre-scan image processing unit 64 converts the image data processed by the processing unit 70 using a three-dimensional LUT or the like to obtain image data corresponding to display on the display 20. On the other hand, the image data conversion unit 78 of the main scan image processing unit 66 similarly converts the image data processed by the processing unit 74 using a three-dimensional LUT, and outputs it as output image data corresponding to image recording by the printer 16. This is a part to be supplied to the printer 16.

Various processing conditions by the prescan image processing unit 64 and the main scan image processing unit 66 are set by a condition setting unit 68. The condition setting unit 68 includes an image processing condition setting unit 82, a key correction unit 84, and a parameter integration unit 86.
An image processing condition setting unit (hereinafter referred to as a setting unit) 82 selects image processing to be performed, sets image processing conditions in the processing units 70 and 74 using pre-scan data, and supplies the image processing conditions to the parameter integration unit 86. .

  Specifically, the setting unit 82 creates a density histogram from pre-scan data, and calculates image feature values such as average density, LATD (large area transmission density), highlight (lowest density), and shadow (highest density). In addition to performing calculation and the like, in addition to matrix calculation for performing gray balance adjustment, brightness correction and contrast correction LUT, and saturation correction in accordance with instructions from the operator using the operation system 18 performed as necessary Image processing conditions such as creation, pre-filter processing, dodging processing, sharpness processing, aberration correction processing, and electronic scaling processing parameters are determined (set).

  The key correction unit 84 adjusts the image processing conditions in accordance with the keys set on the keyboard 18a and the like for adjusting the brightness, color, contrast, sharpness, saturation, etc., and various instructions input with the mouse 18b. (For example, the correction amount of the LUT) is calculated and supplied to the parameter integration unit 86. The parameter integration unit 86 receives the image processing conditions set by the setting unit 82, sets the supplied image processing conditions in the processing unit 70 of the pre-scan image processing unit 64 and the processing unit 74 of the main scan image processing unit 66, Further, the image processing conditions set for each part are corrected (adjusted) or the image processing conditions are reset according to the adjustment amount calculated by the key correction unit 84.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, a pseudo-zoom camera is used to perform shooting using a pseudo-zoom function, a pseudo-zoom process is performed by an image processing apparatus, and a pseudo-zoom print is created or output as image data.

  When a photographer uses a pseudo-zoom camera to obtain a pseudo-zoom print, the pseudo-zoom magnification is usually obtained by operating a predetermined button while looking through the viewfinder and checking the display LCD 5. Specify. At this time, before the pseudo zoom magnification is designated, it may be first possible to select whether or not to use the pseudo zoom function. In this case, when the switch for turning on the pseudo zoom function is turned on, the pseudo zoom magnification and the like can be specified. In this way, if the pseudo zoom function is turned off even if the pseudo zoom magnification designation button is accidentally pressed during shooting, the pseudo zoom magnification is not designated and an unintended print is pseudo zoomed. Can be prevented.

If there is no such function for turning on / off the pseudo zoom function, the pseudo zoom function is turned on by pressing a button for designating the pseudo zoom magnification.
In addition, when there is no need to check the screen range by the pseudo zoom (for example, in the case of a fixed zoom magnification) or when a multi-step frame corresponding to the multi-step pseudo zoom magnification is shown in the finder, There may be no display LCD.
In the present embodiment, the size of the finder (field size) may be changed by applying a mask in the finder, for example, according to the pseudo zoom magnification designated by the pseudo zoom magnification designation button.

  When the pseudo zoom magnification designation button is pressed, a pseudo zoom print corresponding to the designated pseudo zoom magnification is output to the normal photographing screen 90 displayed on the display LCD 5 as shown in FIG. A frame 92a indicating the screen range is displayed. The range indicated by the frame 92a is enlarged to the normal print size and output as a pseudo zoom print. In this output method, it is difficult to understand what the actual finished print will look like, so as shown in FIG. 4B, the pseudo zoomed image itself enlarged in the frame 92a is displayed on the display LCD 5. It may be shown as a screen range to be actually printed.

  Further, when the pseudo zoom magnification is increased, the frame 92b indicating the screen range becomes smaller as the frame 92b illustrated in FIG. 4C. When only the pseudo zoom magnification is designated, center trimming is basically performed, and the screen range output as the pseudo zoom print is a rectangle centered on the center of the normal shooting screen 90.

  In this way, the pseudo zoom magnification can be specified by specifying only the magnification at the same vertical and horizontal magnification, but the rectangular screen range is automatically determined for it, but it is also possible to specify separate vertical and horizontal magnifications. . Increasing the vertical magnification from the horizontal results in a slim finish, and increasing the horizontal magnification from the vertical results in a thick finish. Also, if the image shot with high-sensitivity film is greatly enlarged, there are problems such as graininess and sharpness. Therefore, the maximum magnification that can be specified is limited on the camera side according to the sensitivity of the film loaded in the camera. May be. That is, by limiting the maximum magnification that can be specified depending on the film type and exposure conditions, the pseudo zoom magnification or the pseudo zoom pattern that can be specified on the camera side may be limited.

Here, the film type indicates the film name when the sensitivity information, the granular information, or the film name is linked to the sensitivity information. Even if the pseudo zoom magnification is specified exceeding this limit, it is possible to change the pseudo zoom magnification during the pseudo zoom processing to prevent image quality deterioration, as will be described later.
Thus, for example, when the confirmation button is pressed while checking on the display LCD 5, the pseudo zoom magnification at that time is set in the pseudo zoom magnification designating means 2 and sent to the pseudo zoom information recording means 6.

  In this way, when specifying the pseudo zoom magnification while shooting, you can change the direction of the camera so that the main subject is located at the center of the screen range. It is desirable that the screen range can be arbitrarily designated when the pseudo zoom magnification is designated later. Therefore, by operating the screen range designation button while viewing the display LCD 5, the frame 92c is moved as shown in FIG. 5 so that the main subject enters the screen range. The screen range designation button is configured to move in two directions, up and down and left and right. When the screen range confirmation button is pressed, the coordinates in the normal shooting screen at the center of the screen range are calculated by the screen range specifying means 4 and sent to the pseudo zoom information recording means 6.

  The pseudo zoom magnification designation method does not designate the pseudo zoom magnification itself as described above, but sets a plurality of pseudo zoom magnifications in advance and patterns each of them as shown in Table 1 below, for example. Alternatively, it may be designated by the pattern (pseudo zoom pattern).

  When the pseudo zoom pattern designation button is pressed, a pseudo zoom magnification frame corresponding to the pattern is displayed on the display LCD 5, and the pseudo zoom pattern is designated in the same manner as when the pseudo zoom magnification is designated. Further, the pseudo zoom mode is designated by the pseudo zoom mode designation button. If not specified, the pseudo zoom is performed in a preset mode or in a mode specified by the operator on the image processing system side.

  In this way, when the pseudo zoom magnification or the pseudo zoom pattern, the screen range, and the pseudo zoom mode are set in the pseudo zoom information recording unit 6 as the pseudo zoom information, and actually taking a picture, the pseudo zoom information recording unit 6 , Pseudo zoom information is recorded optically, magnetically, or electrically on a film cartridge or a recording medium. At this time, normal camera information such as the magnification of the lens attached to the camera is also recorded.

  For example, in the case of a film camera, a bar code representing pseudo zoom information is recorded as a latent image on the outside of the image area of the film with a bar code writer when the film on which the image was taken is wound up. In this case, the pseudo zoom information is recorded for each frame and for each image (in the case of a digital camera), but in each case (for each film, in the case of a digital camera, one recording medium) May be recorded every), or may be recorded for each designated range in one case. The range for recording the pseudo zoom information (barcode) may be specified by the user or operator, may be specified by a notch of the film, or a specification mark is put in the header or footer of the recording medium. Also good.

As described above, it is normal to record pseudo zoom information by specifying the pseudo zoom magnification while confirming while shooting the image, and it seems to be reliable, but the recording timing of the pseudo zoom information is not necessarily the shooting timing. It is not limited to time only.
For example, a uniform magnification may be set so as to shoot at a single pseudo zoom magnification before shooting, and shooting may be performed, or pseudo zoom information for each frame may be recorded before shooting for each frame. You may make it take a picture. Further, the pseudo zoom magnification may be designated after shooting. At this time, in the case of a film camera, since a photographed image cannot be viewed, it is preferable to specify the pseudo zoom magnification for one case, but when specifying for each frame, it is determined appropriately to some extent. In the case of a digital camera or a hybrid camera, the photographed image can be displayed again and designated while viewing it.

  Further, when a film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium is loaded into the camera, a pseudo zoom magnification may be designated and recorded. On the contrary, when taking out a film, a cartridge, or the like from the camera after photographing, the pseudo zoom magnification for one case may be recorded. In the case of a film with a lens or the like, a pseudo zoom magnification may be set at the time of film production, and recorded and shipped in advance. Alternatively, a uniform magnification may be set for all frames photographed on the film at the time of film production and recorded on the film itself or a film cartridge, and shipped as a pseudo zoom film having a predetermined magnification.

  If the photographer has taken a normal photo, but wishes to make a pseudo-zoom print when placing an order with the lab, the order may be recorded on the order form (customer card) at the time of ordering. Good. Alternatively, pseudo zoom information (magnification, range, mode, etc.) may be designated and ordered via a communication network such as the Internet. In this case, the operator inputs to the photo printer at the time of processing.

In the laboratory, when an order for a pseudo zoom print is received, for example, when the order is for a film, the film is first scanned by the scanner 12 to read an image.
By the way, as a method for realizing the pseudo zoom function in the digital photo printer 10 as shown in FIG. 2, a method (high image quality mode) corresponding to changing the scanning condition (number of pixels) and the electronic magnification when performing pseudo zooming. In pseudo zooming, there are two methods (high speed mode) for changing only the electronic magnification. Among them, the method of changing only the electronic zoom ratio (high-speed mode) when performing pseudo zoom has the disadvantage that the image quality deteriorates greatly when the pseudo zoom zoom ratio is large, but it is realized only by changing the electronic zoom ratio. Is easy and the processing capacity is not changed.
Note that, as described above, whether to use the high-quality mode or the high-speed mode as the method of pseudo zooming may be selected and designated by the pseudo zoom mode designating unit 7 on the camera side, or on the image processing system side. For example, an operator may specify the position.

  On the other hand, in the method of changing the scanning conditions and the electronic magnification, it is possible to ensure a certain level of image quality even when pseudo zooming is performed. In addition, it is necessary to change the scan condition by a combination of the print magnification and the pseudo zoom magnification. Actually, when the film is scanned frame by frame, the zoom lens moves up and down, and the film becomes slack, which may cause so-called “scaling”. For this reason, the processing capacity is greatly reduced, and the durability of the lens is also deteriorated. In particular, when the pseudo zoom magnification is different for each frame or when the pseudo zoom function is repeatedly turned on / off for each frame, these problems are likely to occur. Therefore, by matching the scanning conditions to the frame with the maximum pseudo zoom magnification and scanning with other scanning frames under this scanning condition, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the processing capability to some extent.

  As another method for preventing a reduction in processing capability, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the first frame, the fourth frame, and the fifth frame having a pseudo zoom magnification of 1.4 are scanned, and then the pseudo zoom is performed. The second frame and the sixth frame having a magnification of 1.7 times may be scanned, and the same pseudo zoom magnification may be scanned together. As a result, the number of vertical movements of the lens of the scanner 12 for adjusting the zoom magnification is reduced, and the durability and life of the lens are somewhat improved.

The image data captured by the scanner 12 is sent to the image processing apparatus 14, and the pre-scan data is stored in the pre-scan memory 60 and the main scan data is stored in the main scan memory 62 as described above. The pseudo zoom information is sent to the image processing condition setting unit 82 together with the photographing information taken in at the same time, and the conditions of the pseudo zoom process are set based on the pseudo zoom information. Actually, since the pseudo zoom function is realized by the electronic scaling process, the conditions for the electronic scaling process are set by this.
In the condition setting unit 68, image processing conditions are set, whereby image processing is performed on the main scan data, and is output as a finished print from the printer 16 or output to the external memory 19. Since normal image processing is the same as the conventional one, only the portion related to the pseudo zoom processing will be described below.

  Even when pseudo zoom processing is not performed, normal electronic scaling processing (enlargement / reduction processing) is performed according to the output image size. However, when pseudo zoom magnification is specified, normal electronic scaling processing is performed. When the electronic scaling process is performed twice, i.e., the electronic scaling process using the pseudo zoom, the electronic scaling process includes an interpolation process, so that the image quality deteriorates significantly. Therefore, image quality deterioration is suppressed by performing the electronic scaling process once, not twice. For example, when an L size print is output from a 135 size film image, an electronic scaling process of 3.7 times is usually performed. Further, when the pseudo zoom magnification is specified as 2 times, the electronic scaling process of 3.7 × 2 = 7.4 times is performed only once, and the interpolation calculation is completed once.

  In the image condition setting unit 82, various image processing conditions are set. When the pseudo zoom process is performed, not only the electronic scaling process but also the pre-filter process, the dodging process, the sharpness process, and the aberration correction are performed. It is necessary to change parameters such as processing according to the pseudo zoom magnification. The sharpness process may be performed after the electronic scaling process and the pseudo zoom process. The processing that needs to change the image processing conditions in accordance with the pseudo zoom basically corresponds to image processing related to image structure processing that needs to change parameters depending on the print magnification, the electronic scaling factor, and the like.

  If a higher magnification than the magnification of the present system is designated on the camera side, the designated pseudo zoom magnification is canceled and the pseudo zoom processing is performed at the maximum magnification on the image processing apparatus side. Further, the designated pseudo zoom magnification may be changed, finely adjusted, or replaced with the maximum magnification on the image processing apparatus side based on other conditions. Examples of other conditions include film type, granular information, film information such as time, and the like. For example, in the case of a high-sensitivity film, if the magnification is too large, the image quality deteriorates due to graininess, etc., so in the case of a high-sensitivity film, the pseudo zoom magnification is changed to be smaller than in the case of a low-sensitivity film. In order to suppress image quality deterioration.

In addition, the pseudo zoom magnification may be changed depending on exposure conditions (aperture and shutter speed) to suppress image quality deterioration. The change of the pseudo zoom magnification according to these conditions may be performed at the time of the pseudo zoom processing on the system (image processing apparatus) side in this way. However, if these conditions are met on the camera side in advance, the pseudo zoom magnification is satisfied. You may make it restrict | limit the range which can set.
If the designated pseudo zoom magnification exceeds the maximum magnification on the image processing system side, the pseudo zoom processing may not be performed at all, a warning may be issued, and a predetermined message may be displayed. It is also possible to output and ask for instructions from the operator.

Based on the conditions set in this way, the image processing including the pseudo zoom process is performed, and then the face area is extracted. As a result, the pseudo zoom print is performed due to, for example, the designation error of the pseudo zoom magnification by the customer. If the face is cut off from the screen range, it is desirable to change the pseudo zoom magnification so that the face is not cut off.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step 100 of FIG. 7, the pseudo zoom magnification is acquired as described above, the image processing condition setting unit 82 sets the image processing conditions including the pseudo zoom process, and in step 110, the pseudo zoom process is included based on this. Perform image processing.
Next, in step 120, the face area is extracted. This may be performed automatically, or the test image may be displayed on the display 20 and the operator may manually specify and cut out the face area while viewing the image. In the case of automatically extracting a face region, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 4-346333, 5-165119, 6-67320, 9-101579, 9-138470, 9 by the present applicant. The face region extraction method disclosed in each publication such as 138471 can be suitably used.

  In the next step 130, it is determined whether or not the face is out of the screen range where the pseudo zoom print is output. As shown in FIG. 8, when the pseudo zoom magnification is too large and the screen range 96a is small and the face is cut off as in the screen range 96a in the shooting screen 94, the pseudo zoom magnification is changed in step 140 and changed. It is determined again whether the face is cut off from the screen range corresponding to the subsequent pseudo zoom magnification, and the change of the pseudo zoom magnification is repeated until the face is not cut off.

Then, the pseudo zoom magnification is changed to a small value, and when the face is not cut off from the screen range 96b as shown in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step 150 where the data is output to the printer 16 and the pseudo zoom print is output from the printer 16. Alternatively, the image data is output to the external memory 19.
Here, the change in the pseudo zoom magnification may be programmed to automatically change within a predetermined range, or the operator manually changes the pseudo zoom result by displaying the pseudo zoom result on the display 20 (the verification monitor). You may make it do.

In the above, when the face is cut off, the adjustment is made so that the face is not cut off by changing the pseudo zoom magnification. However, this adjustment is performed by moving the screen range as shown in FIG. You may make it finely adjust so that it may enter. When the screen range is automatically moved, the screen range may be moved so that the coordinates of the center of the extracted face area coincide with the coordinates of the center of the screen range.
Further, in the case where all are performed automatically, it is not necessary to display the pseudo zoom result on the verification monitor of the display 20, and therefore it may be possible to select whether or not to reflect the pseudo zoom result on the verification monitor.

  If a date (photographing date) is recorded in one frame of photographic film, the date is read as data (image data) by a scanner or the like before the pseudo zoom process. It is preferable that the shooting date is recognized and recorded in the effective screen range (effective area or print range) after the pseudo zoom process. This is because the same effect as one type of trimming can be obtained when pseudo zoom printing is performed, and in some cases, the date (shooting date) is deviated from the effective area (print range) and disappears from the print. Because.

  The date read to record the date (shooting date) within the effective screen range (effective area or print range) after the pseudo-zoom processing is not limited to one frame of the photographed image of the photographic film. It may be recorded in one captured image of the recording medium, or may be recorded corresponding to one frame of a photographic film or one captured image of a recording medium of a digital camera. That is, in the case of an APS film, it may be recorded on a magnetic recording layer, or may be recorded on a header or footer of a recording medium of a digital camera.

Further, in the case of print output, when outputting an index print, it may be possible to select whether or not the pseudo zoom result is reflected in the index print. This selection may be specified by the customer at the time of print ordering, but may be determined by the operator.
When outputting to a file (recording medium) as image data, select whether to output image data before pseudo zoom processing, output image data after pseudo zoom processing, or output both data. You may be able to do it.

Further, the image data output as pseudo zoom may be transmitted via a communication network such as the Internet, or may be placed on a server of the network. Further, it may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R, Zip, MO, memory stick, or multimedia card.
Note that the settings on the camera side and the image processing system side are different. For example, if there is no data corresponding to the pseudo zoom magnification specified on the camera side on the image processing system side, the image processing system side specifies it on the camera side. The pseudo zoom processing may be performed at the pseudo zoom magnification closest to the pseudo zoom magnification, or the designation of the pseudo zoom may be canceled.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a high magnification by adding a pseudo zoom by digital image processing to an optical zoom by a lens of a camera, and the designation of pseudo zoom information can be performed. It is possible to easily and accurately, improve the image quality of the pseudo zoom print, and further enhance the attractiveness of the camera (photographing means).

  In addition, the said embodiment shows an example of this invention, this invention is not limited to this, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it is possible to perform various improvement and a change. Needless to say.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the pseudo | simulation zoom information recording part of the pseudo | simulation zoom camera as an image photographing means suitable for handling in the image processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a digital photo printer constituting an image processing system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image processing apparatus in FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the condition which displayed the frame which shows a screen range on display LCD, (b) shows the condition which displayed the screen range actually output as a pseudo-zoom print to display LCD full. Explanatory drawing (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the condition which designates a pseudo zoom magnification by display LCD. It is explanatory drawing which shows the condition which moves and designates a screen range. It is explanatory drawing which shows the condition scanned collectively for every frame of the same magnification. It is a flowchart which shows the correction method when a subject's face is cut off by pseudo zoom. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display of the display which shows the correction | amendment method when a to-be-photographed object's face cuts by pseudo zoom.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pseudo zoom information recording part (Pseudo zoom camera which concerns on this embodiment) 2 Pseudo zoom magnification designation means 3 Pseudo zoom pattern designation means 4 Screen range designation means 5 Display LCD
6 pseudo zoom information recording means 7 pseudo zoom mode designation means 10 digital photo printer 12 scanner 14 image processing device 16 printer 18 operation system 19 external memory 20 display 22 light source 24 variable aperture 26 color filter plate 28 diffusion box 32 imaging lens unit 34 CCD sensor 36 Amplifier 38 Bar code reader 54 CPU
56 Internal memory 58 Data processing unit 60 Pre-scan memory 62 Main scan memory 64 Pre-scan image processing unit 66 Main scan image processing unit 68 Condition setting unit 70, 74 Image processing unit 72, 78 Image data conversion unit 76 Aberration correction unit 82 Image Processing condition setting section 84 Key correction section 86 Parameter integration section 90, 94 Shooting screen 92a, 92b, 92c, 96a, 96b Frame indicating screen range

Claims (26)

The pseudo zoom information recorded on a photographic film, a film cartridge or a recording medium is read by a camera capable of recording pseudo zoom information, and a screen range corresponding to the pseudo zoom magnification of the pseudo zoom information is printed out from a photographed image. An image processing system for outputting image data,
An image processing system for changing image processing conditions for pseudo zoom processing according to a pseudo zoom magnification or a pseudo zoom pattern of the pseudo zoom information.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing condition is at least one of pre-filter processing, sharpness processing, dodging processing, electronic scaling processing, scanning conditions, and aberration correction.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of pseudo zoom information are prepared in advance, and the image processing condition is changed according to pseudo zoom information selected and designated from the pseudo zoom information.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo zoom processing is performed for each frame, for each case, for each specified range, or for each image.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein frames having the same designation of the pseudo zoom magnification are scanned together, or frames having the same designation of the pseudo zoom magnification are scanned collectively.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein all frames are scanned by matching a scanning condition with a frame having the maximum pseudo zoom magnification.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo zoom process is performed by setting the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen range as a set or separately in the vertical and horizontal directions.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo zoom process is performed simultaneously with a normal electronic scaling process.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the read pseudo zoom information can be changed or canceled.   If the pseudo zoom magnification is changed so that the main part is not cut off by trimming the pseudo zoom information with the pseudo zoom magnification, and the main part is cut off even if the pseudo zoom magnification is changed, information on the pseudo zoom magnification is obtained. The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein:   The image processing system according to claim 10, wherein the process for the main part is performed based on a result of automatic main part extraction or based on a result of manual main part designation by an operator.   If the read pseudo zoom magnification exceeds the maximum magnification of the image processing apparatus, print output or image data output is performed at the maximum magnification of the image processing apparatus, or pseudo zoom processing is not performed, or predetermined The image processing system according to claim 1, which issues a warning.   The image processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein it is possible to select whether or not to reflect the result of image processing including the pseudo zoom processing on a test monitor.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to select whether or not to reflect an image processing result including the pseudo-zoom processing in an index print.   When image data is output after the pseudo zoom process, the image data before the pseudo zoom process, the image data after the pseudo zoom process, or both can be selected. Item 15. The image processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 14.   16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo zoom processing can be selected to be performed in a high image quality mode realized by a combination of scanning conditions and electronic scaling processing or in a high speed mode realized only by electronic scaling processing. The image processing system described.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein in the pseudo zoom process, a limit is provided on the pseudo zoom magnification depending on a film type.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein, in the pseudo zoom process, a limit is provided on the pseudo zoom magnification depending on an exposure condition.   When a shooting date is recorded in the shot image or corresponding to the shot image, the shooting date is read before the pseudo zoom process, the shooting date is recognized, and the recognized shooting date is recognized. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image is recorded within the screen range after the pseudo zoom process. As the camera,
At least the pseudo zoom magnification is recorded as pseudo zoom information on a photographic film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium, and the pseudo zoom magnification of the pseudo zoom information is read at the time of photographic printing, and corresponds to the pseudo zoom magnification from a photographed image. A pseudo zoom camera capable of receiving a pseudo zoom print service for printing a screen range,
At least one of pseudo zoom magnification designating means for designating the pseudo zoom magnification and pseudo zoom pattern designating means for designating a pseudo zoom pattern obtained by patterning the pseudo zoom magnification,
Alternatively, it has at least one of the pseudo zoom magnification designation means and the pseudo zoom pattern designation means and a screen range designation means for designating the screen range,
Either the pseudo zoom magnification or the pseudo zoom pattern, or the screen range together with any one of them is recorded as pseudo zoom information,
Pseudo zoom mode designation means that enables pseudo zooming to be selected and designated between a high image quality mode that is a combination of scan conditions and electronic scaling processing and a high-speed mode that is performed only by electronic scaling processing The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein a zoom camera is used.   The image processing system according to claim 20, wherein the pseudo zoom information can be recorded for each frame, for each case, for each designated range, or for each image.   The pseudo zoom information is recorded at the time of manufacturing, loading in a camera, taking out from a camera, or taking an image, before and after photographing, of a photographic film, a film cartridge, or a recording medium. The image processing system described.   The image processing system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the pseudo zoom information is selected and specified from a plurality of types prepared in advance in the pseudo zoom print service.   The image processing system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the pseudo zoom information can specify the vertical and horizontal directions of the screen range as a set, or specify the vertical and horizontal directions separately.   25. The pseudo zoom magnification specified by the pseudo zoom magnification specifying means or the pseudo zoom pattern specified by the pseudo zoom pattern specifying means is limited according to the film type. Image processing system.   26. The pseudo zoom magnification designated by the pseudo zoom magnification designation means or the pseudo zoom pattern designated by the pseudo zoom pattern designation means is limited according to exposure conditions. Image processing system.

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