JP2001251505A - Image processing condition setting device and storage medium for image processing condition setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing condition setting device which enables a general operator to set a desired image processing condition, in a short time. SOLUTION: The image processing condition setting device determines image processing conditions to prescribe contents of image processing and sets the image processing condition to an image processor which performs image processing, based on the set image processing condition, and the device is provided with an image acquisition part 1 which acquires an image according to an original image as the object of image processing in the image processor, as initial image processing condition determination part 2, which determines initial image processing conditions on the basis of the acquired image, an image processing condition determination part 5 which determines image processing conditions having desired aberrations from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination part, and an image processing condition setting part which sets the determined image processing condition to the image processor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing condition setting apparatus for setting image processing conditions representing the contents of image processing, which is used in an image processing apparatus for performing image processing on an acquired image, and to be executed by a computer system. The present invention relates to an image processing condition setting program storage medium storing an image processing condition setting program for operating the computer system as an image processing condition setting device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, it has been widely practiced to produce a printed matter by a printing machine or the like based on an original image obtained by reading a document image with a scanner or the like. In the process of producing the printed matter, image processing is usually performed on the original image in order to make the original image a better finished image. This image processing is performed in accordance with predetermined image processing conditions (conditions indicating the contents of the image processing), and the image processing desired by the operator can be performed on the original image by appropriately setting the image processing conditions. it can.

The image processing conditions include, for example, a highlight curve, a halftone, and the like, which represent a conversion relationship between the density of an image before processing and the density of an image after processing after image processing in image processing. Each coefficient representing the curvature of the curve and the shadow curve is included.

[0004] In the process of producing the printed matter, an image processing condition setting device is used as a device for setting such image processing conditions. The image processing condition setting device analyzes an original image and analyzes the original image. There is known an image processing apparatus that automatically calculates and sets an image processing condition considered to be optimal for an original image based on a result.

For example, the image processing condition setting device generates a density profile representing the density distribution of the image from the image before processing, and optimizes the coefficient representing the curvature of the highlight curve based on the density profile. Possible values are automatically calculated.

[0006]

However, the image obtained by the image processing based on the image processing conditions automatically calculated and set as described above is always slightly darker, and green is always a favorite of the operator. Like being off green
There is a case where the tendency of the image processing deviates from what the operator intended, and there is a demand to adjust such a deviation of the tendency of the image processing.

[0007] Such a deviation in the tendency of image processing can be adjusted by rewriting the program for calculating the image processing conditions. However, in many cases, it is necessary to repeatedly perform trial and error to determine whether the image processing conditions calculated by the rewritten program result in the image processing intended by the operator, which takes time and effort. There's a problem.

On the other hand, if such image processing conditions are not automatically calculated and the image processing conditions are manually adjusted and set,
The desired image can be obtained. However, in this case, for example, a coefficient representing the curvature of the highlight curve is manually adjusted one by one, and skill in setting technology is required. It is difficult for an ordinary operator to manually set image processing conditions appropriately.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image processing condition setting device that allows a general operator to set a desired image processing condition in a short time, and a computer system which is executed by the computer system. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing condition setting program storage medium storing a program to be operated as such an image processing condition setting device.

[0010]

An image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object determines an image processing condition which defines the content of image processing, and sets the image processing condition to the set image processing condition. An image processing condition setting device that sets an image processing device that performs image processing based on an image acquisition unit that acquires an image corresponding to an original image to be subjected to image processing in the image processing device; An initial image processing condition determining unit that determines an initial image processing condition based on the image acquired by the unit; and a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit according to an operation. An image processing condition deciding unit for deciding an image processing condition possessed, and an image processing condition setting for setting the image processing condition decided by the image processing condition deciding unit to the image processing apparatus Characterized by comprising and.

Conventionally, there has been known an image processing condition setting device for automatically generating the above initial image processing conditions. However, in the image processing based on the initial image processing conditions automatically generated by such an image processing condition setting device, for example, an image that brings the operator's favorite image processing such that a dark image is always generated is used. There is often a deviation from the processing conditions. On the other hand, in the image processing condition setting device of the present invention, the image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition is determined according to the operation of the operator. By adjusting the deviation of the image processing condition from the initial image processing condition, it is possible to set the image processing condition that provides the operator's favorite image processing in a short time.

According to the image processing condition setting apparatus of the present invention, each of the image processing conditions on a predetermined path in a parameter space defined by a plurality of types of first parameters defining deviations of the image processing conditions from the initial image processing conditions. The correspondence between each parameter value of the second parameter having each parameter value as a parameter value and each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to each point is shown. The image processing condition determining unit includes a specified correspondence defining unit.
Receiving the designation of the parameter value of the second parameter in response to the operation, and referring to the correspondence defined by the correspondence definition unit, corresponding to the designated parameter value; It is preferable to determine an image processing condition having a deviation consisting of a combination of parameter values of the first parameters.

In the second parameter, since each parameter value corresponds to each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters, various values can be obtained by changing the corresponding combination. The second parameter can be freely defined. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the combination corresponding to each parameter value of the second parameter, parameters representing the concept of the human visual sensation, such as brightness, redness, and hardness, can be changed from the concept to the human. It is easy to define the parameters so that the parameters are similar to the impression received by the user and indicate a sensory natural image change.

In this image processing condition setting device, the image processing conditions are determined according to the parameter values of the parameters which are intuitively natural as described above. Since the designation can be performed intuitively and naturally, it is possible to easily determine a desired image processing condition.

In the image processing condition setting apparatus provided with the above-mentioned correspondence defining section, the above-mentioned correspondence defining section serves as a storage section for storing a table in which the above-mentioned correspondence is described.

In the image processing condition setting device having the correspondence defining unit, the correspondence defining unit may be configured to include the first parameter in which the correspondence is described and the parameter value of the second parameter is used as an argument. May be a storage unit for storing a function expression of each parameter value.

The image processing condition setting device of the present invention stores a deviation of the image processing condition determined by the image processing condition determining unit from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. Preferably, it is provided with a first storage unit.

By storing the deviation of the image processing conditions determined in this way, for example, this deviation can be used as a default deviation in the next image processing. Procedures are labor-saving.

The image processing condition setting device provided with the correspondence relation defining unit is configured to convert the image processing conditions determined by the image processing condition determining unit from the initial image processing conditions determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. A second storage unit that stores the parameter value of the second parameter representing the deviation may be provided.

The image processing condition setting device of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying an operator for adjusting a deviation from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. It is preferable that the section recognizes a desired deviation in response to the operation of the displayed operating element and determines an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition.

In this image processing condition setting device, the operator only operates the operating element and receives the operation to recognize a desired deviation and determine the image processing condition. Can be easily adjusted.

Further, in the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention, the image processing condition determining unit may be configured such that the image processing condition determining unit determines a difference between the initial image processing conditions determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. A plurality of images are generated by a plurality of image processing based on each image processing condition having a specified image processing condition, and a desired image among the plurality of images is designated according to an operation, and an image processing condition of the desired image is set. Preferably, it is determined.

As described above, when a plurality of images corresponding to mutually different deviations are generated, the operator can easily determine the image processing conditions by comparing and examining the images.

In the image processing condition setting device provided with the correspondence defining unit, the correspondence defining unit may include a plurality of types of second paths for a plurality of mutually different paths in the parameter space.
And a parameter selection unit for selecting one type of second parameter at a time from the plurality of types of second parameters according to an operation. The processing condition determination unit is configured to perform image processing based on each image processing condition for each of the parameter values of the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit with respect to the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination unit. Preferably, a plurality of images are generated, and a desired image among the plurality of images is designated according to an operation, and image processing conditions for the desired image are determined.

Further, the image processing condition setting device provided with the correspondence defining unit may be arranged so that the correspondence defining unit determines the correspondence relationship for a plurality of types of second parameters for a plurality of mutually different paths in the parameter space. And a parameter selection unit for simultaneously selecting two types of second parameters from the plurality of types of second parameters in accordance with an operation. The image processing condition determination unit includes: Image processing is performed on the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit based on each image processing condition for each of the two types of parameter values of the second parameter selected by the parameter selecting unit. A plurality of images are generated, and a desired image among the plurality of images is designated according to an operation, and image processing of the desired image is performed. It is preferable that the determining condition.

In this image processing condition setting device, the operator can select various second parameters and generate various images corresponding to various parameter values of the various second parameters selected on the display unit. Therefore, the operator can easily set desired image processing conditions by selecting a favorite image from those images.

The image processing condition setting device provided with the parameter selection unit is configured to convert the plurality of images generated by the image processing condition determination unit two-dimensionally according to each of the two second parameter values. It is preferable that the display device has a display unit for displaying the images side by side.

When the images are arranged and displayed in the order of the parameter values of the selected parameter as in this image processing condition setting device, the operator can easily understand the state of the change of the image relating to the parameter, and the image processing condition can be set. It will be easier.

Further, since a plurality of images are displayed two-dimensionally arranged in accordance with the respective parameter values of the two second parameters, a plurality of images are displayed in response to a change in the parameter value of one parameter. Compared to a case where a plurality of changing images are arranged one-dimensionally, more various images are displayed as images to be compared, so that setting of image processing conditions becomes easier.

The image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention includes an image processing unit for performing image processing on the image acquired by the image acquiring unit based on the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. A display unit that displays an operator for deviation adjustment from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination unit and an image that has been image-processed by the image processing unit; and a display unit that is displayed on the display unit. An instruction unit for instructing a minute area on the image according to an operation, wherein the image processing condition determining unit determines a desired minute area on the image designated by the instruction unit in response to an operation of the operating element. It is preferable to recognize the deviation of the image and determine the image processing condition in which the desired deviation is reflected in the minute area. Since the image processing condition setting device recognizes a desired deviation with respect to the minute region designated according to the operation as described above and determines the image processing condition, the operator can set the state of the minute region to a desired state. It is possible to easily set the image processing conditions for changing to the state.

The image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention which achieves the above object, executes the computer system, and
Image processing conditions that determine image processing conditions that define the content of image processing, and set the image processing conditions in an image processing device that performs image processing based on the set image processing conditions. An image processing condition setting program storage medium storing a setting program, wherein the image obtaining unit obtains an image corresponding to an original image to be subjected to image processing in the image processing apparatus; An initial image processing condition determining unit for determining an initial image processing condition based on the image obtained, and an image processing having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit according to an operation. An image processing condition determining unit for determining a condition, and an image for setting the image processing condition determined by the image processing condition determining unit to the image processing apparatus Characterized by comprising storing the image processing condition setting program and a management condition setting unit.

When the image processing condition setting program is executed by the computer system, the computer system operating as the image processing condition setting device is
The same operation and effect as those of the image processing condition setting device of the present invention can be obtained.

Although the same names are given to the components in the image processing condition setting device and the image processing condition setting program, those components mean hardware and software in the image processing condition setting device. In the condition setting program, it means only software.

[0034]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image processing system to which an embodiment of the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 1 shows a computer system 100 for acquiring an original image and performing image processing on the original image, reading a predetermined original image, and executing a CM corresponding to the original image.
A scanner 2 for generating an original image representing a color image of each Y color
00.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 1 shows an image processing condition setting device 100_1 and an image processing device 100_2 implemented in the computer system 100.

As described above, the original image generated by the scanner 200 is supplied to the image processing condition setting device 100_1 and the image processing device 100 of the computer system 100.
_2. The image processing apparatus 100_2 performs image processing on the input original image so that the input original image becomes a better-finished image. This image processing is performed based on image processing conditions that instruct the contents of the image processing.

The image processing conditions are automatically calculated by the image processing condition setting device 100_1 based on the result of analyzing the input original image by a predetermined program. The image processing conditions obtained as a result of such analysis are the image processing conditions determined to be optimal for the input original image by the algorithm of the program. The image processed based on the image is often different from the image intended by the operator, for example, the image is slightly darker, and the green of the image is not the green desired by the operator.
However, the image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment
Has a function to adjust such image processing conditions, which was conventionally performed by modifying the program at the factory, in accordance with the operation of a general operator on the spot where the image processing conditions are set. This function sets image processing conditions that result in image processing desired by the operator.

In the present embodiment, the image processing conditions include a highlight curve, a halftone curve, a shadow curve, a boost, and a color correction, similarly to the image processing conditions set by the conventional image processing condition setting device. , Sharpness and the like are represented by a combination of respective parameter values of a plurality of basic parameters. In other words, the image processing condition is represented by a point in the basic parameter space defined by the plurality of basic parameters. Note that examples of these basic parameters include CM on a graph in which the horizontal axis represents image input and the vertical axis represents image output.
There are coefficients representing the curvature of each highlight curve of each YK color, density of the input image corresponding to the highlight point of each highlight curve, and the like. Each of these basic parameters corresponds to the first parameter according to the present invention.

It is difficult for a general operator to finely adjust the image processing conditions represented by these basic parameters. In contrast, in the image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment, function parameters such as brightness, redness, and hardness that the operator can intuitively understand are appropriately defined and introduced as described later. .
The function parameter corresponds to a path in the basic parameter space having a point corresponding to the initial image processing condition as an origin, and each value assigned to each point on these paths is used as a parameter value. Therefore, each of the plurality of types of function parameters corresponds to each of the plurality of paths in the basic parameter space. This function parameter corresponds to the second parameter according to the present invention. With the help of this function parameter
Even a general operator can easily set a new image processing condition by adjusting the image processing condition through a mouse operation or the like. Then, an image desired by the operator is generated based on the new image processing condition.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the computer system 100 in which the image processing condition setting apparatus 100_1 having such functions is realized will be described in detail.

The computer system 100 includes a CPU,
A main unit 101 including a main storage device, a hard disk, a communication board, and the like, and a CRT for displaying a screen or a character string on a display screen 102a in accordance with an instruction from the main unit 101
Display 102, the computer system 100
Keyboard 103 for inputting a user's instruction and character information to the user, and a mouse for specifying an arbitrary position on the display screen 102a and inputting an instruction corresponding to an icon or the like displayed at that position at the time of the specification. 104 is provided.

A CD-ROM 105 is removably mounted on the main body 101, and the CD-R 105 loaded in such a manner is loaded.
A CD-ROM drive for reproducing information stored in the OM 105 is built in. In addition, the main body 101 has the configuration shown in FIG.
Is loaded with an MO 106 (not shown) so that it can be taken out.
An MO drive for recording and reproducing information with respect to the MO 106 loaded as described above is also built in.

The hardware configuration of the computer system 100 is as follows.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer system.

The hardware configuration includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM 112, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 113, an MO drive 114, a C
D-ROM drive 115 and communication board 116
Are shown and they are interconnected by a bus 110. The HDD 113 has a built-in hard disk 120 as a recording medium, and records and reproduces information on and from the hard disk 120.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of I / Os (not shown).
A mouse 104, a keyboard 103, a CRT display 102, and a scanner 200 are shown connected to the bus 110 via each of the interfaces.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the CD-ROM 105
An image processing condition setting program according to the present invention is stored. C in which the image processing condition setting program is stored
The D-ROM 105 corresponds to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the CD-ROM 105 shown in FIG. 4 includes, as software, an original image acquisition unit 51, an initial image processing condition determination unit 52, an adjustment image processing condition generation unit 53, Image processing condition generation unit 54, image processing condition determination unit 55, image processing condition setting unit 56, setting instruction unit 57, image processing condition output unit 58, image processing unit 59, parameter selection unit 60, parameter value setting unit 61, image Selection unit 62, designated point pickup unit 6
3, an adjustment range setting unit 64, a parameter value generation unit 65, and correspondence data 66. In the present embodiment, the part corresponding to the image processing condition determining unit in the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention includes an adjusting image processing condition generating unit 53, an image processing condition generating unit 54, and an image processing condition determining unit. 55.

The CD-ROM 105 is loaded in the main body 101 and the CD-ROM drive 115
The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the ROM 105 is read and installed in the hard disk 120 via the bus 110.

When the image processing condition setting program 50 installed in the hard disk 120 is started, the image processing condition setting program 50 in the hard disk 120 is loaded into the RAM 112 and
1 is executed. That is, in the computer system 100, an image processing condition setting device 100_1 including both software and hardware as an environment for operating the software is realized with the configuration illustrated in FIG. Image processing condition setting device 10 shown in FIG.
Each part of the components constituting 0_1 corresponds to each part having the same name as the software. The correspondence data 66 is stored in the hard disk 120.

The image processing condition setting program 50 stored in the CD-ROM 105 is installed in the hard disk of the computer system 100 as described above. The hard disk also corresponds to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

The computer system 1 shown in FIG.
00, the CD-ROM 105 is used as a program storage medium for storing the image processing condition setting program, but the medium for storing the program according to the present invention is a CD-ROM.
The storage medium is not limited to the ROM, but may be another storage medium such as an optical disk, an MO, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and a magnetic tape. Those program storage media storing the image processing condition setting program correspond to an embodiment of the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image processing condition setting apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG.

The image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment realized in the computer system 100 has the configuration shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), an original image acquisition unit 1 for acquiring an original image and an image with a reduced amount of information of the original image, and determines a predetermined initial image processing condition according to the original image acquired by the original image acquisition unit 1. The initial image processing condition determining unit 2 stores the correspondence between each parameter value of a function parameter and an image processing condition defined by a combination of each parameter value of a plurality of basic parameters, represented by the correspondence data 66. A relation storage unit 120_2, and an adjustment image representing a deviation in the image processing condition from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination unit 2 based on the correspondence stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2. An adjusting image processing condition generating unit 3 for generating one or more processing conditions, and an initial image processing determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 An image processing condition generator 4 for generating one or more image processing conditions based on the conditions and each of the one or more adjustment image processing conditions generated by the adjustment image processing condition generator 3; An image processing condition determining unit 5 that determines one image processing condition according to an operation from one or more image processing conditions generated by the generating unit 4, and stores the image processing conditions determined by the image processing condition determining unit 5. Image processing condition storage unit 120_1,
An image processing condition setting unit 6 for setting the image processing condition determined by the image processing condition determination unit 5 according to an operation, a setting instruction unit 7 for giving an instruction of setting according to the operation to the image processing condition setting unit 6, The image processing conditions set by the image processing condition setting unit 6 are changed according to the operation of the image processing apparatus 10.
An image processing condition output unit 8 for outputting to 0_2, an image processing unit 9 for performing image processing on an original image or the like acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1, a display unit 102a for displaying an image processed by the image processing unit 9, A parameter selection unit 10 for selecting a function parameter, a parameter value selection unit 11 for selecting one or more parameter values of a function parameter, and selecting an image from a plurality of images displayed on the display unit 102a in accordance with an operation of an operator Image selection unit 1
2. An indication point pickup unit 13 for picking up an indication point representing a minute area on an image designated according to an operation, and the indication point for adjusting the state of the indication point picked up by the indication point pickup unit 13 And an adjustment range setting unit 14 for setting an adjustment range of the parameter value according to the state of the parameter selection unit 10 and the type of the function parameter selected by the parameter selection unit 10, and a plurality of adjustment ranges within the adjustment range set by the adjustment range setting unit 14. And a parameter value generation unit 15 that generates the parameter value of

In the present embodiment, the part corresponding to the image processing condition determining unit in the image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention is an adjusting image processing condition generating unit 3, an image processing condition generating unit 4, an image processing condition generating unit 4. It is constituted by the decision unit 5. In addition, the pointing point pickup unit 13 of the present embodiment
Corresponds to the instruction unit according to the present invention.

Using the image processing condition setting apparatus 100_1 of this embodiment having such a configuration, setting of image processing conditions is started by the following screen operation.

FIG. 6 shows a setup selection screen.

The setup selection screen shown in FIG.
This is the screen that appears first when image processing conditions are set by the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment. This setup selection screen includes an “Auto Setup” button,
Five buttons, a “visual setup” button, a “function setup” button, an “assist setup” button, and a “decision” button are shown.

When the "auto setup" button on the screen is pressed by the operation of the mouse by the operator, as described above, the image processing condition setting device 100_1 analyzes the original image input by a predetermined program. The initial image processing conditions are automatically calculated based only on the result obtained, and the calculated initial image processing conditions are set as the image processing conditions for the image processing apparatus 100_2. The set image processing conditions are determined by the above
When the button is pressed, the image is output to the image processing device 100_2. In the “auto setup”, the image processing conditions are not adjusted by the operation of the operator.

When the "visual setup" button, the "function setup" button, and the "assist setup" other than the "auto setup" button are pressed, respectively, the visual setup, the function setup, and the assist setup are performed. . Each of these three types of setups is a setup in which an operator can adjust an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition according to an operation, as described below. These three types of setups will be described in detail later, but in short, a visual setup is a method in which a plurality of images processed under various image processing conditions are displayed, and the operator can use the displayed images to display the images. The function setup is a setup for setting desired image processing conditions by selecting a desired image. The function setup is a setup for setting desired image processing conditions by selecting parameter values of a plurality of function parameters. Specifies an image processing condition for designating a minute area on an image in accordance with an operation of an operator and performing image processing on the entire image so as to change the state of the designated minute area to a desired state according to the operation. This is the setup to be set. By each of these setups, an image processing condition having a deviation desired by the operator from the initial image processing condition is determined, and the determined image processing condition is set as an image processing condition for the image processing apparatus 100_2. You. The set image processing conditions are output to the image processing device 100_2 when the “enter” button is pressed.

<Visual Setup> First, the image processing condition setting device 100_ at the time of visual setup
The operation of each of the components 1 will be described with reference to an operation screen and a flowchart.

FIG. 7 shows a visual setup dialog.

When the “visual setup” button shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, this visual setup dialog appears on the screen. In this dialog, a plurality of icons v representing a person, sky, green, light, dark, and contrast are displayed in order from the left. Among these icons, icons representing “bright” and “contrast” are displayed in a bold frame. The bold frame display of an icon indicates that the icon is in a selected state. These icons are preferably selected according to the content of the image to be processed, such as people, sky, and green. Details of the role of these icons will be described later. Also,
Two more icons are displayed on the right side of the icon indicating the contrast, but these two icons are non-registered icons that are not functioning. In addition, an “adjustment” button is displayed in this dialog.

Here, a case where the image to be subjected to image processing is a human image will be described as an example. In this case, the operator clicks the icon displayed in the bold frame to deselect it, and then clicks a new "person" icon to select the "person" icon. Change to state,
In this state, the “adjustment” button is pressed.

The process of setting the image processing conditions by the image processing condition setting apparatus 100_1 of this embodiment after pressing the “adjustment” button will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. , And Table 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing condition setting apparatus of this embodiment at the time of visual setup.

After pressing the "adjustment" button, the flow advances to step S101.

In step S 101, the original image generated by the scanner 200 is obtained by the original image obtaining section 1. Next, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the original image acquired by the original image acquiring unit 1 is analyzed by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2, and the original image is considered to be optimal based on the analyzed result. Image processing conditions are automatically calculated, and as a result of the analysis, initial image processing conditions considered appropriate are determined.

Note that, since the “people” icon is selected in the visual setup dialog, usually, the initial image processing conditions already include the adjustment results performed in the past. I have. However,
Here, for the sake of simplicity, the description will first proceed assuming that this initial image processing condition is a condition calculated based only on the information of the original image. Next, the process proceeds to steps S103 to S104.

In steps S103 to S104, the image processing unit 9 is provided with the initial image processing conditions determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 and the original image acquiring unit 1
And the original image acquired by the image processing unit 9
The input original image is subjected to image processing based on the input initial image processing conditions. The image processed in this way is displayed on a window (image display window) (not shown) of the display unit 102a. Next, the process proceeds to step S105.

Before describing step S105, an image adjustment window displayed on the display unit 102a in response to an operation of the operator will be described separately from the image display window, and will be described later on the image display window. A description will be given of function parameters that can be selected as desired.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one screen of the image adjustment window of the visual setup.

Using the image adjustment window shown in the figure, the operator can adjust image processing conditions that define the content of image processing on the image displayed in the image display window. In the image adjustment window in the same figure,
25 types of preview images a are two-dimensionally 5 × 5
It is displayed in order. At the upper left of the window, a plurality of icons v identical to the plurality of icons shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the “people” icon is selected,
It is displayed in a bold frame. In the upper right part of the window, there are two pop-up menus b for selecting function parameters. The arrangement of the preview image in the vertical axis direction and the arrangement in the horizontal axis direction are each related to a function parameter, and each of the function parameters related to each of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis is set according to the operation of the operator. Each is selected from two pop-up menus b. At the bottom of the window, there are a cancel button c, a decision button d, and a registration button f.

The operator can select the adjustment direction for the image displayed in the image display window from the function parameter groups appearing in each of the two pop-up menus b on the image adjustment window. The function parameters included in this function parameter group include the following.

Brightness, highlight point, shadow point, red, blue, yellow, green, three-dimensional, volume, distance, transparency, vividness, warmth, sharpness,
Hardness, healthy color, skin pink, freshness, color depth, metallic feeling. The types of function parameters included in this function parameter group are appropriate according to the selected state of the icon v. Things are pre-selected.

In these function parameters, each of a plurality of parameter values of the function parameter is defined by each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of basic parameters. An example of the correspondence between the parameter values of the function parameters and the combinations of the parameter values of the basic parameters is shown in Table 1.

[0082]

[Table 1]

Table 1 shows that the parameter values of the function parameter "brightness" are -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, and 1.
The correspondence between each parameter value and each combination of parameter values of a plurality of basic parameters in each of 2 and 3 is shown. In the leftmost column of this table, the parameter values -3 to 3 of the "brightness" are shown in order from the top.

In each of the same columns as the parameter values of “brightness” shown in the leftmost column of this table, the parameter values of the basic parameters of the plurality of basic parameters defining the parameter values are respectively shown. Is shown.
For example, if the parameter value of "brightness" is -3,
The set densities corresponding to the respective highlight points in the respective highlight curves of the C, M and Y colors are 0.2, 0.
2, 0.2, and coefficients representing the curvature of each highlight curve of each color of CMYK are -5, -5, -5,
0, the coefficients representing the curvature of each halftone curve of each color of CMYK are -15, -15, -15, and 0, respectively, and the coefficients representing the curvature of each shadow curve of each color of CMYK are -1, -1, -1 and 0 are shown. That is, the parameter value -3 of "brightness" is obtained by combining the parameter values of the plurality of basic parameters パ ラ メ ー タ (0.2, 0.2, 0.2), (-5, -5, -5, -5).
0), (-15, -15, -15, 0), (-1,-
1, -1, 0)}. Below,
The combination of the parameter values of the plurality of basic parameters that defines the parameter values of the function parameters in this manner is referred to as a basic parameter value set.

When the parameter value of the function parameter “brightness” is 0, all the parameter values of the basic parameter value set defining this parameter value are 0. If the function parameter value is not limited to “brightness” and the function parameter value is 0, it means that the adjustment to the initial image processing condition is not performed for the function parameter.

Incidentally, since it is not related to the function parameter “brightness”, each parameter value of a number of basic parameters not listed in this table is 0 for any parameter value of the function parameter “brightness”.
It is.

Here, the function parameter “brightness” has been described as an example, but each parameter value of various function parameters included in the above-described function parameter group is similarly defined by the basic parameter value set.

In a conventional image processing condition setting device,
Some use parameters such as “brightness” and “three-dimensional effect”. However, in the conventional image processing condition setting device, although the parameter introduced as such is a parameter representing “brightness”, image processing is performed under a plurality of image processing conditions that change along the parameter. In many cases, the obtained images differ from each other not only in brightness but also in saturation, or a parameter representing “three-dimensional effect” merely represents adjustment of contrast. In such a case, these parameters are parameters representing “brightness” and “three-dimensional effect” that are different from the brightness and three-dimensional effect desired by a general operator and have a strange feeling.

However, the function parameters used in the present embodiment are defined by combinations of parameter values of a large number of basic parameters as described above, and various function parameters can be changed by changing the combinations. Because it is freely defined, a concept that expresses human visual sensation such as brightness, redness, and hardness by appropriately adjusting the combination of parameter values of basic parameters corresponding to each parameter value of function parameters It is easy to define a parameter that represents a sense of natural image change, which is close to the impression that a human receives from the concept, and is a so-called high-quality parameter.

For example, as for the “brightness”, the parameter value of the function parameter “brightness” is defined. The highlight point setting density, the coefficient representing the curvature of the highlight curve, the halftone curve, and the shadow curve are used. By appropriately selecting the parameter values of the basic parameters, it is possible to suppress a change in saturation due to a change in “brightness”. Regarding the “three-dimensional effect”,
By including a parameter that defines the strength of sharpness in the basic parameters that define the parameter values of the function parameter “three-dimensional effect”, it is possible to realize a deep “stereoscopic effect” change that is not merely a contrast.

The correspondence between each of the plurality of parameter values of one function parameter and each of the basic parameter value sets as described above is stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2. This correspondence may be stored in the form of a table for each function parameter as shown in Table 1. For example, the highlight point setting density = −0.15 × “brightness” parameter value Thus, the parameter value of the function parameter may be stored in the form of a function formula of the parameter value of the basic parameter as an argument.

Table 1 shows the correspondence in the parameter values in the range of -3 to 3. However, in the table actually stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2, the correspondence is -3.
A correspondence in a wider range of parameter values beyond the range of ３3 is defined.

In step S105, the parameter selection unit 10 selects each of the above-described function parameters related to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis according to the operation of the pop-up menu b by the mouse of the operator. Here, the selected function parameters related to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are “brightness”,
It is assumed that the skin is “skin”, and these function parameters are output to the adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3.

Next, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the adjustment image processing condition generator 3 first acquires the two types of function parameters “brightness” and “skin” selected by the parameter selector 10. Next, the adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3 applies a plurality of parameter values centered on 0 to the acquired two types of function parameters “brightness” and “skin”, respectively, in this case, −2 and −. 1,
Each of the basic parameter value sets defining five parameter values such as 0, 1, and 2 is extracted from the correspondence storage unit 120_2.

The adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3
Is a set of 5 × 5 parameter values obtained by combining the five parameter values of “brightness” and the five parameter values of “skin” among the two types of function parameters. The corresponding 5 × 5 adjustment image processing conditions are generated. Each of these adjustment image processing conditions is represented by a combination of a parameter value of “brightness” and a parameter value of “skin” such as (−2, 1), and a parameter value of “brightness” -2 "and a new basic parameter value set obtained by adding the basic parameter value set defining the parameter value" 1 "of" skin ".

Here, the addition of the basic parameter value sets means that the basic parameter values of all the basic parameters included in the two basic parameter value sets are collected, and are included in both of the two basic parameter value sets. If the basic parameter exists, the basic parameter 2
A parameter value obtained by adding two basic parameter values to each other is set as a new parameter value of the basic parameter.
Generating a new basic parameter value set.
Note that the definition of the new parameter value of the common basic parameter is arbitrary, and may be an averaged one instead of an added one. In the following, for each of the quantities A and B respectively defined by the two basic parameter value sets, a new basic parameter set defined by adding the two basic parameter sets to each other is added. The generation of such a quantity is referred to as the addition of those quantities A and B.

Next, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the image processing condition generator 4 generates 5 × 5 adjustment image processing conditions generated by the adjustment image processing condition generator 3;
The initial image processing conditions determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 are acquired, a basic parameter value set that defines the acquired initial image processing conditions, and the acquired 5
Each of the 5 × 5 basic parameter value sets defining the 5 × 5 adjustment image processing conditions is added to generate 5 × 5 image processing conditions.
Next, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the image processing unit 9
As a result, 5 × 5 image processing conditions generated by the image processing condition generating unit 4 and an image obtained by reducing the information amount of the original image obtained by the original image obtaining unit 1 are obtained. 5x5 of those obtained for
Image processing is performed based on each of the different image processing conditions to generate 5 × 5 preview images a. Next, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the image processing unit 9
5 × 5 types of preview images a generated by
As shown in FIG. 7, the five parameter values of “brightness” corresponding to each of the images are arranged two-dimensionally in the image adjustment window of the display unit 102a in the order of the five axes and in the direction of the vertical axis. The five parameter values of “skin” corresponding to each of the preview images a are displayed in order. That is, the 5 × 5 preview images a shown in FIG. 7 are brighter toward the right side of the screen, and the skin tone is changed between the upper and lower images on the screen.

Such a change in brightness and a change in skin tone are the general ones because the function parameters “brightness” and “skin” are appropriately defined by the basic parameter value set as described above. This is a good change that is intuitively natural for the operator. Next, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, one image processing condition is determined by the image processing condition determining unit 5 according to the operation of the operator. Specifically, first, the operator operates the mouse and clicks one of the 5 × 5 preview images a, whereby the clicked image is selected by the image selection unit 12. You. The outer frame of the selected image is displayed in a bold frame to indicate that the image is in a selected state. Image processing conditions when the image selected in this way is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 9;
The deviation of the image processing condition from the initial image processing condition calculated based only on the information of the original image is stored in the image processing condition storage unit 120_1, and is passed to the image processing condition setting unit 6. . In the following, a deviation of the image processing condition from the initial image processing condition calculated based only on the information of the original image is referred to as a deviation of the image processing condition. Next, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S111, if the image determined by the image processing condition determining unit 5 from the 5 × 5 preview image a is a desired image, the image processing condition setting unit 6 operates the determination button by the operator. Upon receiving the setting instruction from the setting instruction unit 7 in response to the pressing of d, the image determined as such is designated as an image for setting image processing conditions. Then, the image processing condition setting unit 6 sets the image processing conditions used when the image specified in this way is processed by the image processing unit 9 as the image processing conditions for the image processing apparatus. .

A scroll bar e exists on the right and lower sides of the entire 5 × 5 preview image a in the image adjustment window. If the operator cannot find a desired image in these 5 × 5 preview images a, he operates these scroll bars e to
It is possible to display the preview image a that has been subjected to the image processing under the image processing conditions specified by the parameter values of “brightness” and “skin” outside the above-mentioned range of −2 to 2. In this case, for the parameter values in the range according to the operation of the scroll bar e, the process proceeds from step S106 to step S106.
The process up to 110 is performed again.

If the operator cannot operate the scroll bar e in this way and cannot find a desired image in these preview images a, he operates the pop-up menu b again to The function parameter can be changed from “brightness” and “skin” to another type. The process from step S105 to step S110 is performed again according to the new function parameter selected by the operation of the pop-up menu b.

When the function parameter is reselected, the operator can press the cancel button c to initialize the image selection, or adjust the image based on the selected image as it is. Can also.

In the case of adjusting the image based on the image selected as it is, the initial image processing condition determining unit 2 responds to the image selected by the image selecting unit 12 by operating the pop-up menu. The read image processing condition is read from the image processing condition storage unit 120_1, and the read image processing condition is determined as a new initial image processing condition. Hereinafter, adjustment for the new initial image processing condition is performed in the same manner as in steps S105 to S110 described above.

In the image processing condition setting device of this embodiment,
By operating the pop-up menu b, the function parameters can be selected from the above-described function parameter group. Therefore, when adjusting the image processing conditions, the function parameters are selected according to the parameter value changes of the various types of selected function parameters. A plurality of changing preview images a are displayed in the screen adjustment window,
Image processing conditions can be compared and examined at various angles.

Further, in the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of preview images a representing high quality changes that are intuitively natural for a general operator are displayed in the image adjustment window. Therefore, a general operator can easily find a favorite image from the preview images a, and can easily set a desired image processing condition.

In the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present embodiment, a plurality of preview images a which change in accordance with changes in the parameter values of the two types of function parameters are displayed in a two-dimensional manner in the image adjustment window. You. Ideally, a plurality of preview images a that change according to changes in the parameter values of more function parameters
Should be displayed, but such a display is practically impossible. However, by arranging the preview images a two-dimensionally in this manner, a plurality of preview images a that change in accordance with a change in the parameter value of one parameter are one.
The display approaches a more ideal display than the case where the images are arranged in a three-dimensional manner, and various images are displayed as the preview images a to be compared, so that setting of the image processing conditions becomes easy.

Next, the process proceeds to a step S112.

In step S112, the image processing conditions set for the image processing apparatus 100_2 by the image processing condition setting unit 6 are input to the image processing condition output unit 8, and in response to the pressing of the "OK" button shown in FIG. Are output from the image processing condition output unit 8 to the image processing apparatus 100_2. With the above, the image processing apparatus 10 based on the visual setup
The setting of the image processing condition for 0_2 is completed.

At the step S110, before the image processing conditions are set, the registration button f on the image adjustment window is pressed,
A registration dialog appears, and the deviation of the image processing condition is registered by operating the registration dialog.

FIG. 10 shows a registration dialog.

In the registration dialog shown in the figure, a plurality of icons, which are the same as the plurality of icons v shown in the visual setup dialog of FIG. 7, are displayed. The registration dialog displays a cancel button and a decision button.

In order to register the image processing conditions determined in step S110 in the item of “person” represented by one of the icons, the operator needs to register the “person” of the plurality of icons v. It is only necessary to operate this dialog so that only the icons are in the selected state, and press the enter button in that state. In this way, the deviation of the image processing state corresponding to the image selected in the image adjustment window is registered for the item “person”.

The above-mentioned non-functioning icons are the icons that have not been registered, and the operator selects such an unregistered icon and presses the enter button. The deviation of the image processing condition of the item can be registered.

Although the description has been omitted in step S102, in practice, the initial image processing condition is obtained by adding the deviation registered in the registration dialog to the image processing condition calculated by analyzing only the original image. This is the initial image processing condition. The initial image processing conditions already reflect the results of adjustments made by the operator in the past. Then, 5 × of the image adjustment window appearing in step S110 is displayed.
The preview image a of 5 displays an image that has been subjected to image processing according to the image processing conditions reflecting the adjustment results performed in the past. By registering the deviation of the image processing condition in this manner, the past adjustment result is effectively used, so that new adjustment of the image processing condition is facilitated.

In general, in image processing, appropriate image processing conditions differ depending on the contents of images such as people, sky, and green, and image processing conditions for images having the same contents are often similar. Image processing condition setting device 10 of the present embodiment
0_1 is a register in which different image processing conditions can be freely registered in accordance with the state of icon selection. By such registration, initial image processing conditions corresponding to the contents of the original image to be subjected to image processing can be obtained. Therefore, adjustment of image processing conditions is easy.

As shown in the visual setup dialog of FIG. 7, there are cases where two types of icons are simultaneously selected. In this case, a new deviation obtained by adding the deviations registered corresponding to the two types of icons to each other is the deviation included in the initial image processing condition.

If "None", in which no function parameter is selected, is selected in step S105,
For example, when “brightness” is selected on the horizontal axis and “none” is selected on the vertical axis, the image adjustment window is displayed as shown in FIG. It is a figure showing a screen.

FIG. 17 shows the state of the image adjustment window when “none” is selected in the pop-up menu b for selecting the function parameter on the horizontal axis in the image adjustment window shown in FIG. In this case, five preview images a are displayed in the image adjustment window.
Are one-dimensionally arranged and displayed horizontally.

As described above, when the function parameter is selected only in one of the two pop-up menus b, the basic parameter value sets respectively corresponding to the two types of function parameters are added to each other. Since there is no need, step S106 is skipped and step S1 is performed.
07 to step S111. In steps S107 to S111, one type of function parameter “brightness” is selected by the parameter selection unit 10 as in the case where “brightness” and “skin” are selected as the function parameters, and the image processing condition generation unit 4, five image processing conditions corresponding to the five parameter values of the function parameter “brightness” are generated, and the image processing unit 9 adds the image to the original image The five preview images a are respectively generated by the five image processing conditions corresponding to the five parameter values generated by the processing condition generating unit 4, and the display unit 102a and the image processing unit 9 generate the five preview images a. The five preview images a thus generated are It appears ordered by the parameter values of the five types corresponding to each image a.

As described above, when the preview images a are arranged one-dimensionally and displayed two-dimensionally, various functions are used when adjusting the image processing conditions. Since the parameters can be selected, it is possible to compare and examine the image processing conditions in various aspects, and to obtain a high-quality preview image a that is intuitively and natural for a general operator.
A general operator can easily set desired image processing conditions.

<Function Setup> When “function setup” is selected on the setup selection screen shown in FIG. 6, a function setup adjustment window shown in FIG. 12 appears.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one screen of the adjustment window for function setup.

The operator can use the adjustment window shown in the figure to adjust image processing conditions that define the content of image processing on the image displayed in the image display window. In the adjustment window of FIG. 5, five knobs are displayed. These knobs are, in order from the top, "brighten / darken", "skip highlights / enter", "crush / exit shadow", "make red / blue", "increase / decrease saturation" This is a knob for adjusting the parameter value of each function parameter called `` Yes '', and according to the operation of these knobs,
An adjustment is made to the direction in the image processing represented by each function parameter. The position and numerical value of the arrow of each knob represent the parameter value of the function parameter adjusted by those knobs.

Among these function parameters, the function parameter representing the adjustment of “brighten / darken” is the same as the above-mentioned function parameter “brightness”, and each parameter value of this function parameter and the basic parameter set Is the same table as Table 1 shown above. Table 2 shows the correspondence between each parameter value and the basic parameter set of the function parameters representing the adjustment “crush / extract shadow”.

[0130]

[Table 2]

As shown in Table 2, each parameter value of the function parameter representing the adjustment of “crush / extract shadow” is determined by the set density corresponding to each shadow point in each shadow curve of C, M, and Y colors. Are defined by each basic parameter value set.

As described above, in this function setup, since the appropriately defined function parameters are used as the parameters for adjusting the image processing conditions, the parameter value represented by the change in the knob position of this knob is set. The change indicates an intuitively natural image change close to the impression received by a human from the parameter name.

At the top of the adjustment window, there is an execution button.

Next, at the time of function setup,
The operation of each unit of the image processing condition setting device 100_1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing condition setting apparatus of this embodiment at the time of function setup.

When the execution button of the adjustment window is pressed, the process shown in this flowchart starts.

Steps S201 to S204 are
Step S in the case of the visual setup described above
As in 101 to step S104, an original image is obtained, an initial image processing condition is generated, and an image obtained by performing image processing on the original image based on the initial image processing condition is:
The image is displayed in the image display window. Next, step S
The process proceeds to step S206.

In steps S205 to S206, first, each parameter value of each function parameter is set by the parameter value setting section 11 according to the operation of the knob by the operator. Then, the adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3 refers to the correspondence stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2, and according to each parameter value of each function parameter, obtains each of these function parameters. Each basic parameter value set corresponding to the parameter value is generated,
These generated basic parameter value sets are added to each other to generate an adjustment image processing condition. Next, the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the image processing condition generator 4 adjusts the adjustment image processing condition generated by the adjustment image processing condition generator 3 and the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determiner 2. The processing conditions are acquired, and the acquired initial image processing conditions and the acquired adjustment image processing conditions are added to generate image processing conditions. Next, the process proceeds to steps S208 to S209.

In steps S208 to S209, the image processing conditions obtained by the image processing condition generating unit 4 and the original image obtained by the original image obtaining unit 1 are obtained and obtained by the image processing unit 9. The image processing is performed on the basis of the image processing conditions obtained for the obtained image, and the image thus processed is displayed on the display unit 1.
02a is displayed in the above image display window.

If the operator does not like the image displayed in this way, the position of the knob is adjusted again, and the above steps S205 to S205 are performed in accordance with the parameter value represented by the new knob position. S
209 is repeated.

Next, the process proceeds to a step S210.

In step S210, first, the image processing conditions generated by the image processing condition generator 4 are input to the image processing condition determiner 5. The input image processing condition is determined by the image processing condition determination unit 5 in FIG.
In response to pressing the decision button in the adjustment window shown in 2,
It is determined as an image processing condition desired by the operator. In accordance with this determination, the image processing conditions thus determined and the deviation of the image processing conditions are stored in the image processing condition storage unit 1.
Parameter values of all knobs stored in 20_1 and shown in the adjustment window are set to zero. The image processing conditions stored in the image processing condition storage unit 120_1 are passed to the initial image processing condition determination unit 2 and used as new initial image processing conditions. In addition, the deviation stored in the image processing condition storage unit 120_1 is similar to the deviation registered in the visual setup, and is included in the determination of the initial image processing condition in the next function setup. Used as a deviation for adjustment. The image processing conditions determined in this way are passed to the image processing condition setting unit 6, and are set as image processing conditions for the image processing device 100_2 by the image processing condition setting unit 6 according to an operation. . Next, the process proceeds to step S211.

In step S211, the image processing conditions set by the step image processing condition setting section 6 are output to the image processing apparatus 100_2 in the same manner as in step S112 of the visual setup. As described above, the image processing apparatus 100_ by the function setup
The setting of the image processing conditions for 2 is completed.

The image processing condition setting apparatus 100 of the present embodiment
_1 is a function set-up in which only the knob is operated in this way to receive the operation and recognize a desired deviation to determine the image processing condition. Therefore, the operator can adjust the image processing condition. It can be done easily.

<Assist Setup> Finally, the image processing condition setting device 100_1 at the time of assist setup
14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15 and 16 as appropriate.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing condition setting apparatus of this embodiment at the time of assist setup.

When "Assist Setup" is selected on the setup selection screen shown in FIG. 6, the process shown in this flowchart starts.

In steps S301 to S304, as in steps S101 to S104 in the above-described visual setup, an original image is obtained, initial image processing conditions are generated, and the initial image processing conditions generated in this manner are set. An image obtained by performing image processing on the obtained original image based on the image is displayed in the image display window. Next, the process proceeds to step S305. However, before describing step S305 and the subsequent steps, the assist setup adjustment window will be described.

When "assist setup" is selected on the setup selection screen shown in FIG.
The adjustment window of the assist setup shown in FIG. 5 appears.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing one screen of the assist setup adjustment window.

Using the adjustment window shown in FIG.
The operator can adjust image processing conditions for the image displayed in the image display window. The operator selects, using a mouse or the like, designated points that respectively designate one or more positions of the image displayed in the image display window, and selects a designated area around the designated designated point in a minute area of about 1 to 10 pixels. The color information is indicated by the point pick-up unit 1.
3 obtained.

The color information of the designated point thus obtained is
It is displayed in the table t at the upper left of this adjustment window.
In the leftmost column of this table, numbers 1 to 8 are displayed,
These numbers are the identification numbers of the designated points. In each of the same columns as those numbers in the table, “HL”, “SH”, and
A column in which items (assist items) such as "skin" and "green" are displayed, and Y, M,
There are four columns representing the intensity of each of the C and K colors.

To the right of the table t, there are buttons for "highlight", "shadow", "gray", "beautiful skin", "beautiful sky", and "beautiful green". The assist item is selected by the parameter selection unit 10 according to the type of the button pressed when these buttons are pressed. In addition, below each of these buttons, there is a “cancel” button, and when this button is pressed, the setting of the assist item is cancelled. Also,
Below the table t, a “Delete” button and “Delete All”
There is a button, and the data at each of the above indicated points is deleted in response to the pressing of these buttons.

In this adjustment window, three knobs and three buttons are displayed at the lower left. The three knobs are used to adjust the parameter values of the function parameters "beautiful highlights", "beautiful shadows", and "align gray" in order from the top. Accordingly, an adjustment is made to the direction in image processing represented by each function parameter. The position and numerical value of the arrow of each knob represent the parameter value of the function parameter adjusted by those knobs. However, the parameter values are distributed from 0 to 10. When the value is 0, the state represented by the intensity of each of the YMCK colors at the designated point is not changed at all, and when the value is 10, In this case, the state of the designated point is changed to one fixed state, here, a state in which the intensities of the YMC colors are uniform. Each state in the middle between 0 and 10 represents each state between those states. As described above, the range of the parameter value of the function parameter adjusted by each of the knobs and the allocation of the value within the range need to be appropriately calculated according to the state of the designated point.

The three buttons are buttons for adjusting each parameter value of “beautiful skin”, “beautiful sky”, and “beautiful green” in order from the top. Of these buttons, For example, when the button of “beautiful green” is pressed, an image determination window shown in FIG. 16 appears.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image determination window for assist setup.

[0158] In the image determination window w of the figure, nine patterns of tree images obtained by image processing of the original image are displayed. The green color of these trees is the three preferred colors of grass green, young leaf green, normal green, and green seen from a distance, each of which is further divided into three according to brightness. The operator can select a desired green color by operating the mouse and clicking an image of a favorite tree.
The operator inverts the stage representing the designated point to be converted in the table t, and presses a “decision button” provided in the image decision window, so that the color of the designated point is the tree of the nine patterns. From green to the green so selected. The intensity value of YMCK in the table t also changes according to the conversion.

In the adjustment window shown in FIG.
Three slide bars are displayed at the lower right. By operating each of the three slide bars, the intensity of each of the YMC colors at the designated point can be directly adjusted.

The flowchart will be described again.

In step S 305, first, the adjustment range setting section 14 selects the color information of each designated point extracted by the designated point pickup section 13, and the parameter selecting section 10 selects each of the designated points by the parameter selection section 10. The type of the function parameter (assist item) is input. Hereinafter, in this flowchart, the case where the input assist items are “beautiful highlight”, “beautiful shadow”, and “align gray” will be described. The case where the input assist items are “beautiful skin”, “beautiful sky”, and “beautiful green” will be described later.

If the input assist items are “beautiful highlights”, “beautiful shadows”, and “align gray”, the adjustment range setting unit 14 determines whether or not each of the designated points thus input. The state is set to a value of 0, and a predetermined state according to the type of the function parameter is set to a value of 10, and the adjustment range of the parameter value of each of these function parameters is set. The difference between the two states is regarded as a kind of image processing condition. Next, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S 306, each parameter value of each function parameter 0 to 10 within the adjustment range set by the adjustment range setting unit 14 is set by the parameter value generation unit 15 to a state corresponding to each parameter value. It is generated in association with a basic parameter value set representing a kind of image processing condition defined by the difference from the state of the parameter value 0. Next, the process proceeds to steps S307 to S312.

Steps S307 to S312 correspond to steps S206 to S211 of the above-described function setup flowchart, and the correspondence referred to by the adjustment image processing condition generator 3 is stored in the correspondence storage 120_2. Rather than the correspondence, the correspondence between each of these parameter values and each of the basic parameter value sets corresponding to each of the parameter values, associated with the generation of the plurality of parameter values of the function parameter by the parameter value generation unit 15 described above. Only in the same manner as in steps S206 to S211, the generation of the adjustment image processing condition, the generation of the image processing condition, the image processing, the display of the image obtained by the image processing, the image processing condition Determination and setting, image processing Done output to the image processing apparatus 100_2 of setting the image processing conditions by the assist setup is completed.

In step S305, the assist item input to the adjustment range setting unit 14 is
In the case of “beautiful skin”, “beautiful sky”, and “beautiful green”, the adjustment range setting unit 1
The setting of the adjustment range according to No. 4 is not performed.

Step S3 following this step S305
At 06, the parameter values representing each of the nine images in these assist items are set by the parameter value generation unit 15 to the state of each of the nine images and the state of the designated point where the assist item is set. Represents a kind of image processing condition that defines the difference from
It is generated in association with each of the two basic parameter value sets.

After step S306, the correspondence referred to by the adjustment image processing condition generation unit 3 is not the correspondence stored in the correspondence storage unit 120_2, but the plurality of function parameters of the function parameters are set by the parameter value generation unit 15. The value associated with when the value was generated,
Similar to steps S106 to S112 in the visual setup, except that the correspondence between each of these parameter values and each of the basic parameter value sets corresponding to those parameter values is different, the adjustment image processing condition , Generation of image processing conditions, image processing, display of an image obtained by image processing, determination and setting of image processing conditions by screen selection, output of image processing conditions to the image processing apparatus 100_2, and assist setup. The setting of the image processing conditions is completed.

As shown in the table t of the assist setup adjustment window, when there are many designated points, each point corresponding to the parameter value of the parameter indicating the assist item for each designated point is indicated. By adding the basic parameter value set, the deviation of the image processing conditions for the entire image is determined, and based on the deviation, the image processing conditions when there are many indicated points are determined.

In the image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment, “visual setup”, “function setup”, “assist setup”
Of these, two or more types of setups may be performed together. In this case, an image processing condition having a deviation obtained by adding the respective deviations of the image processing conditions set in each setup to each other is set as the image processing condition for the image processing apparatus 100_2.

As described above, the image processing condition setting device 100_1 of the present embodiment performs
As described above, the image processing condition is determined by recognizing a desired deviation with respect to the minute area designated according to the operation. Therefore, the operator is conscious of changing the state of the minute area to a desired state. , Image processing conditions can be easily set.

Image processing condition setting apparatus 100 of this embodiment
_1 indicates that an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition automatically generated based on the original image by the set-up described above is determined according to the operation of the operator. The operator only needs to adjust the deviation of the image processing condition from the initial image processing condition in accordance with the operation, and can set the image processing condition that provides the operator's favorite image processing in a short time.

[0172]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image processing condition setting device that allows a general operator to set desired image processing conditions in a short time, and a program that is executed by a computer system to operate the computer system as such an image processing condition setting device Is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image processing system to which an embodiment of an image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing condition setting program storage medium of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image processing condition setting device of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a setup selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a visual setup dialog.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the embodiment at the time of visual setup.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one screen of an image adjustment window of visual setup.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a registration dialog.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing one screen of a visual setup adjustment window.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one screen of a function setup adjustment window.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation at the time of function setup of the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation during assist setup of the image processing condition setting apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing one screen of an assist setup adjustment window.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image determination window for assist setup.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,51 Original image acquisition unit 2,52 Initial image processing condition determination unit 3,53 Adjustment image processing condition generation unit 4,54 Image processing condition generation unit 5,55 Image processing condition determination unit 6,56 Image processing condition setting unit 6,56 Image processing condition output unit 7,57 Setting instruction unit 8,58 Image processing condition output unit 9,59 Image processing unit 10,60 Parameter selection unit 11,61 Parameter value selection unit 12,62 Image selection unit 13,63 Designated point pickup unit 14, 64 Adjustment range setting unit 15, 65 Parameter value generation unit 50 Image processing condition setting program 66 Correspondence data 100 Computer system 100_1 Image processing condition setting device 100_2 Image processing device 101 Main unit 102 CRT display 102a Display screen 103 keyboard 104 mouse 105 CD-ROM 1 6 MO 110 bus 111 CPU 112 RAM 113 HDD 114 MO drive 115 CD-ROM drive 116 communication board 120 hard 120_1 image processing condition storage unit 120_2 correspondence relation storage unit 200 scanner

Claims (13)

[Claims] An image processing condition setting device that determines an image processing condition that defines the content of image processing and sets the image processing condition in an image processing device that executes image processing based on the set image processing condition. An image acquisition unit that acquires an image corresponding to an original image to be subjected to image processing in the image processing device; and an initial image processing condition determination that determines an initial image processing condition based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit. An image processing condition determining unit that determines an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit in accordance with an operation; and the image processing condition determining unit. An image processing condition setting unit configured to set the image processing condition determined by the image processing apparatus in the image processing apparatus. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each value assigned to each point on a predetermined path in a parameter space defined by a plurality of types of first parameters defining deviations of the image processing conditions from the initial image processing conditions is represented by each parameter. A corresponding relationship defining unit that defines a corresponding relationship between each parameter value of the second parameter as a value and each combination of the parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters corresponding to the respective points, The image processing condition determining unit receives designation of a parameter value of the second parameter in accordance with an operation,
Referring to the correspondence defined by the correspondence definition unit, an image processing condition corresponding to the designated parameter value and having a deviation consisting of a combination of parameter values of the plurality of types of first parameters is defined. 2. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 1, wherein the setting is determined. 3. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 2, wherein the correspondence relation defining unit is a storage unit that stores a table in which the correspondence relation is described. 4. A storage unit that stores a function formula of each parameter value of the first parameter in which the correspondence is described and the parameter value of the second parameter is used as an argument. 3. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. A first storage unit for storing a deviation of the image processing condition determined by the image processing condition determining unit from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. 2. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 1, wherein: 6. A second value representing a deviation of the image processing condition determined by the image processing condition determining unit from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit.
3. The image processing condition setting apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second storage unit that stores a parameter value of the parameter. 7. A display unit for displaying a control for deviation adjustment from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit, wherein the image processing condition determining unit is configured to 2. The image processing condition setting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a desired deviation is recognized in response to the operation, and an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition is determined. 8. The image processing condition determination unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of image processing conditions are different from each other in the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination unit. A plurality of images are generated by image processing, and an image processing condition of the desired image is determined by receiving designation of a desired image among the plurality of images in accordance with an operation. Item 2. The image processing condition setting device according to Item 1. 9. The correspondence relationship defining unit defines the correspondence relationship for a plurality of types of second parameters for a plurality of mutually different routes in the parameter space, wherein the plurality of types of second parameters are defined. A parameter selecting unit that selects one kind of second parameter at a time from the parameters according to the operation, wherein the image processing condition determining unit determines the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit. In response, a plurality of images subjected to image processing based on each image processing condition for each parameter value of the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit is generated, and according to the operation,
3. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 2, wherein an image processing condition of the desired image is determined in response to designation of a desired image among the plurality of images. 10. The correspondence relationship defining unit defines the correspondence relationship for a plurality of types of second parameters for a plurality of mutually different routes in the parameter space, wherein the plurality of types of second parameters are defined. A parameter selection unit that simultaneously selects two types of second parameters from the parameters according to an operation, wherein the image processing condition determination unit determines an initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determination unit. On the other hand, a plurality of images that have been subjected to image processing based on the respective image processing conditions for each of the two sets of parameter values of the second parameter selected by the parameter selection unit are generated, and the plurality of images are generated in accordance with the operation. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an image processing condition of the desired image is determined in response to designation of a desired image among the images. Image processing condition setting apparatus. 11. A display unit for displaying a plurality of images generated by the image processing condition determining unit in a two-dimensional manner in accordance with respective parameter values of the two second parameters. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 10. 12. An image processing unit that performs image processing on an image obtained by the image obtaining unit based on the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit; A display for displaying an operator for deviation adjustment from the determined initial image processing condition and an image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit; and operating a small area on the image displayed on the display unit. An image processing condition determining unit that recognizes a desired deviation related to a minute area on the image instructed by the instruction unit in response to an operation of the operating element, and 2. The image processing condition setting device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing condition is determined to reflect the desired deviation. 13. When executed by a computer system, the computer system determines image processing conditions that define the content of image processing, and sets the image processing conditions to:
An image processing condition setting program storage medium storing an image processing condition setting program to be started as an image processing condition setting device to be set in an image processing device that executes image processing based on the set image processing conditions, the image processing device comprising: An image acquisition unit that acquires an image corresponding to an original image to be subjected to image processing in; an initial image processing condition determination unit that determines an initial image processing condition based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit; An image processing condition determining unit that determines an image processing condition having a desired deviation from the initial image processing condition determined by the initial image processing condition determining unit, and an image determined by the image processing condition determining unit. An image processing condition setting program including an image processing condition setting unit for setting a processing condition in the image processing apparatus is stored. An image processing condition setting program storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned.