JP4538717B2 - Photo printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an image input unit that reads a shot frame image, an image processing parameter management unit that generates an image processing parameter for a shot frame image input based on an operation input signal from the operation input unit, and the image processing parameter management An image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured frame image based on image processing parameters from the unit, and a print output unit that outputs a photographic print based on the captured frame image subjected to image processing The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  In recent DP shops, a photo print device that outputs a photo print based on digital photo frame image data (hereinafter referred to simply as a photo frame image except for special cases) called a digital minilab has been introduced. Since the photographic printing apparatus handles digital image data, the shot frame image formed on the photographic film of the silver salt film type camera is input through the film scan, and the shot frame image stored in the memory card of the digital camera is read by the media reader. And is subjected to appropriate image processing and converted into print data, and a high-quality photographic print is output from the print output unit. In such a photographic printing apparatus, since the shot frame image is handled as digital image data, image processing for the shot frame image, which has been difficult in a conventional projection exposure type minilab, for example, color correction for each shot frame image , Image rotation, trimming, etc. can be performed easily.

  However, the settings of various image processing (color correction, image rotation, trimming, etc.) for such a shot frame image are delicate, and it is necessary to perform image processing again after seeing the completed photo print. . To re-set the image processing for each shot frame image, generally, the shot frame image adjusted from that is displayed on the monitor screen while viewing the photo print output in the previous image processing settings. Although it was done, it put a great load on the operator.

  For this reason, color correction and trimming frames are set for the photographed frame image, data for defining the color correction and trimming frame is generated, and this processing data is stored in the data storage unit to identify the photographed frame image. Is generated and stored in the data storage unit so that processing data can be searched and extracted using this ID code as a key, and the ID code is printed on the back side of the corresponding photo print. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, processing data for restricting trimming and color correction applied to the shot frame image is stored in the data storage unit. Therefore, in the case where reprinting is required, the data storage unit is accessed using an ID code. Thus, by extracting corresponding processing data, the previous image processing setting can be restored, and the burden on the operator can be reduced to some extent. However, when the photographed frame image that needs to be subjected to image processing becomes too heavy, it is necessary to input an ID code. It is necessary to store the processing data of the image processing applied to each photographed frame image in the data storage unit so that the ID code can be read out as a search key. However, if this data amount increases, the hardware burden required for data storage also increases. It cannot be ignored. In particular, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the data storage unit in order to prepare for the demand for photographic prints with the same color correction and trimming in reprints in response to user complaints at a later date and reprints after a considerable amount of time. The cost burden will be considerable.

JP 2001-166395 A (paragraph numbers 0018-0029, FIG. 4)

  In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printing apparatus that can easily perform reworking of image processing after photographic print output at any time.

In order to solve the above problems, an image input unit that reads a shot frame image, an image processing parameter management unit that generates an image processing parameter for a shot frame image input based on an operation input signal from the operation input unit, and the image An image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured frame image based on an image processing parameter from a processing parameter management unit; and a print output unit that outputs a photographic print based on the captured frame image subjected to the image processing. In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, the image processing parameter data created by converting the image processing parameters of the image processing applied to each of the photographed frame images into a text file from the print output unit in the form of a two-dimensional code. A code generator for two-dimensionally encoding the image processing parameter data for output; Setting the image processing parameter of the captured frame image from the read signal of the output two-dimensional code code decoder for reproducing the image processing parameter data is provided, the image processing parameter management unit from the image processing parameter data the reproduction The two-dimensional code includes image processing parameters for all captured frame images included in one order .

According to this configuration, the contents of the image processing performed for each captured frame image based on the set image processing parameters are two-dimensionally encoded and output as a two-dimensional code from the print output unit. If you want to correct the image processing by looking at the photo print, the original image processing parameters are reproduced just by reading the printed two-dimensional code, and the previous image processing setting state is restored. By making adjustments from the stage, it is possible to easily output a photographic print that has been finely adjusted from the previously output photographic print. In addition, since the data compression storage capacity of the two-dimensional code for the text file data is large, the entire image processing parameter data can be converted into a two-dimensional code, which is a large database for storing data as in the past. There is no need to provide a section. In addition, since the two-dimensional code is configured to include image processing parameters for all captured frame images included in one order, the image for one order is generated by image processing parameter data reproduced from the two-dimensional code. The setting of the processing parameters is completed, which is efficient.

  As described above, the image processing parameter data for one order is converted into a two-dimensional code. When printing this, only the two-dimensional code may be output as a photographic print. Since most index prints that print out an image as one photographic print are employed, the present invention also prints the two-dimensional code on an index print that prints one-frame captured frame images in a list format. It is efficient to configure.

  Since all of the image processing parameters can be acquired from the two-dimensional code, in order to further simplify this reprinting operation, the image processing parameter management unit directly converts the image processing parameters based on the reproduced image processing parameter data into an image. It is good to be comprised so that it may substitute in each parameter setting column of a process setting screen. By simply reading the corresponding two-dimensional code, the image processing setting screen as previously set is displayed, so that the operator can smoothly enter the image processing resetting operation.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image processing parameter and the two-dimensional code are shared, and the present invention can be applied to a photographic printing apparatus in which image processing parameter setting using the same two-dimensional code is different. With this configuration, if you have a code sheet that prints out this two-dimensional code and even the source media of the shot frame image, the user can use the same photographic print as the original photographic print or the original photographic print at any photo shop. It is possible to obtain a photographic print that has been finely adjusted according to the user's wishes.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments using the drawings.

    FIG. 1 is an external view showing a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention. This photographic printing apparatus includes a printing station 1B as a print output unit for performing exposure processing and development processing on photographic paper P, and a developed photographic film. Processing of captured frame images (specifically, digital image data of the captured frame images) captured from Ma or the digital camera memory card Mb to generate and transfer print data used in the print station 1B, and control commands for the print station 1B It comprises an operation station 1A that performs generation and transfer.

  This photo printing apparatus is also called a digital minilab. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the printing station 1B pulls out the roll-shaped printing paper P stored in the two printing paper magazines 11 and prints it with the sheet cutter 12. The back printing unit 13 prints information such as an order number on the back surface of the photographic paper P and the digital exposure unit 14 on the front surface of the photographic paper P. The photographed frame image is exposed, and the exposed photographic paper P is sent to a processing tank unit 15 having a plurality of development processing tanks for development processing. After drying, the photographic paper P sent to the sorter 17 from the transverse feed conveyor 16 at the top of the apparatus, that is, the photographic print FP, is ordered on a plurality of trays 17a of the sorter 17 (one photographic film or one memory card). They are collected in a state of being sorted in units (see FIG. 1). As will be described in detail later, the data of image processing parameters for various image processing such as color correction and trimming applied to the photographed frame image of this order is two-dimensionally encoded, and in this embodiment, QR-coded. The QR code sheet 2 on which the obtained QR code is printed is also laterally fed by being developed in the post-processing tank unit 15 after being exposed to the appropriately cut photographic paper P by the digital exposure unit 14 in the same manner as the photographic print FP. The image is output to the conveyor 16 and placed on the tray 17a. When an index print in which a photographed frame image for one order is printed in a list format is output in this photo print processing, a QR code is printed on the index print. Thus, the QR code sheet 2 can be used. A QR code sheet 2 that is also used as such an index print is shown in FIG.

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

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

  At the upper position of the desk-like console of the operation station 1A, the photographed frame image data is obtained from the film scanner 6a for obtaining the photographed frame image data from the photographed frame image of the photographic film Ma, the memory card Mb attached to the digital camera or the like. An image input unit configured with a media reader 6b or the like for acquiring (hereinafter abbreviated as “captured frame image”) is arranged. In this embodiment, the media reader 6b is configured to capture captured frame image data (hereinafter referred to as “captured frame image”). And a data output drive 7 for writing to a recording medium such as a CD-R or DVD-R, etc., and a general-purpose personal computer that functions as the controller unit 4 of this photographic printing apparatus. The general-purpose personal computer further includes a handy scanner 3 that reads the QR code printed on the QR code sheet 2, a monitor 5 that displays various information, and a keyboard that is used as an operation input unit for performing various settings and adjustments. An 8a and a mouse 8b are also connected.

  In the controller unit 4 of this photographic printing apparatus, a functional unit for performing various operations of the photographic printing apparatus is constructed by hardware and / or software using a CPU as a core member. As described above, the function unit particularly related to the present invention includes a memory 40 for storing a photographed frame image read by the film scanner 6a or the media reader 6b, and a graphic operation screen including various windows and various operation buttons. A GUI unit 41 for constructing a graphic user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) for generating and transferring control commands and the like from creation and user operation input (via the keyboard 8a, mouse 8b, etc.) through such a graphic operation screen; Image printed on code sheet 2 A code decoding unit 42 for decoding a read signal sent from the handy scanner 3 that has read a QR code including processing parameter data (consisting of characters, numbers, and symbols) and reproducing the read signal into image processing parameter data; An image processing parameter management unit 43 that generates and manages image processing parameters based on control commands sent from the unit 41 and data sent from the code decoding unit, and an image set by the image processing parameter management unit 43 The image processing unit 44 that performs image processing on the captured frame image developed in the memory 40 based on the processing parameters, and the image parameters set for the captured frame image for one order by the image processing parameter management unit 43 are converted into text. In addition to creating image parameter data filed, this image parameter A text file converter 45 that creates image processing parameters from meter data, a code generation unit 46 that generates QR codes (images) by converting the image parameter data from the text file conversion unit 45 into QR codes, and performs image processing. A print data generation unit 47 for converting the final frame image data and data obtained by combining the index print image and the QR code image into print data suitable for the digital exposure unit 14 provided in the print station 1B; The video control unit 48 that generates a video signal to be displayed on the monitor 5 such as a graphic image for constructing a graphic user interface sent from the GUI unit 41 and a captured frame image at the time of image processing parameter setting, and the input shooting Frame image, etc. And a formatter unit 49 for formatting the data recording unit 7 into a format for writing to a data recording medium such as a CD-R or a DVD-R.

  For example, when the developed photographic film Ma is loaded into the film scanner 6a, the shot frame image acquired by the film scanner 6a is stored in the memory 40. As shown in FIG. 5, all the shot frame images included in the photographic film Ma have shot frame images sequentially displayed in units of several frames, which is called a pre-judge screen displayed on the monitor 5. While looking at the image processing parameter setting screen 50, a shot frame image to be subjected to image processing is selected, and image processing parameters are set for color correction or trimming.

  In this image processing parameter setting screen 50, a frame number display field 52 is displayed above each captured frame image display field 51, and a color correction parameter is set below each captured frame image. A color correction input setting field 53 and a print number setting field 54 are shown. In the color correction input setting field 53, positive and negative adjustment amounts from the reference values of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and D (density) are input. The number of prints is input in the number-of-prints setting field 54, but “pass” means 0 sheets, that is, no printing.

  Further, an enlarged screen button, a previous page button, a completion button, and a next page button are also arranged in the lower area of the image processing parameter setting screen 50 together with the display of the order ID. The completion button is used when the image processing parameter setting operation is completed, and the previous page or next page button is used when the previous or next image processing parameter setting screen 50 is instructed to be displayed. Operated. The enlarged screen button displays only the selected photographed frame image on the monitor screen, and calls an enlarged image processing parameter screen for setting image processing parameters that require accuracy.

Image processing parameters such as trimming are set on the image processing parameter setting screen 60 having an enlarged photographed frame image shown as an example in FIG. On this screen 60, the shot frame image selected on the image processing parameter setting screen 50 is displayed in the image processing window 61 at the zoom magnification set by the zoom switch 62.
The trimming operation is performed by operating the trimming frame 63 constituted by the left and right vertical base lines 63a and 63b and the upper and lower horizontal base lines 63c and 63b displayed in the image processing window 61 with a pointing device such as a mouse. The trimming frame 63 is displayed with an aspect ratio of a print size input in advance or a default print size, and an image in the trimming frame 63 is actually output as a photographic print FP.

  The operator can change the trimming frame by moving any one of the left and right vertical base lines 63a and 63b and the vertical and horizontal base lines 63c and 63b with the mouse, but the aspect ratio suitable for the print size is maintained at that time. Therefore, for example, only by moving the left vertical base line 63a, the base line of either the upper or lower horizontal base line 63c or 63d or both base lines are also moved. Accordingly, the operator can set the trimming frame 63 without worrying about the print size. In addition, when it is desired to move the trimming frame 63 itself instead of changing each base line of the trimming frame 63, the position of the trimming frame 63 is changed without changing the size by dragging the inside of the trimming frame 63. can do. In order to facilitate the trimming operation, a trimming data display field 64 for displaying trimming numerical values is provided below the image processing window 61. In this trimming data display field 64, the size X and size Y that indicate the horizontal size and vertical size of the trimming frame 63, and the XY coordinate value of the upper left corner that indicates the position of the trimming frame 63 are started. The rotation angle of the trimming frame 63 set by X and the start Y and, if necessary, the rotation trimming icon 65, and the rotation angle α that indicates the rotation of the captured frame image are displayed.

  The image processing parameters set through the image processing parameter setting screen 50 and the image processing parameters set through the enlarged image processing parameter setting screen 60 may be processed by the image processing parameter management unit 43 when the completion button of the image processing parameter setting screen 50 is operated. Appropriate image processing is performed on the captured frame image that is sent to the unit 44 as an image processing command and developed in the memory 40 by the image processing unit 44. Then, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, the image processing parameters for the one-frame captured frame images stored in the image processing parameter management unit 44 are converted into text files by the text file converter 45 and then the code generation unit 46 is QR-coded and developed in the memory 40. Note that the image processing parameters shown in FIG. 7 are expressed in text for easy understanding, but are actually expressed in control codes used by the image processing unit 44. Also, the frame No. at the beginning of each paragraph. Is used as an identification code for a photographed frame image, but in actuality, a more complicated one combined with an order ID is used. When the input medium is not a photographic film Ma but a memory card Mb, a frame number is used. In general, an image file name is used instead.

  The captured frame image subjected to appropriate image processing is sent to the print station 1B through the print data generation unit 47 and output as a photo print FP. Thereafter, the QR code developed in the memory 40 also reduces the shot frame image and sets the frame number. The print data is combined with the index print data arranged in a list in order, and is output as an index print 2 with a QR code via the print data generation unit 47.

  If the output photo print FP is checked and it is determined that the trimming or color correction state is not satisfactory, it is necessary to perform a reprinting operation. First, when the QR code printed on the index print 2 with the QR code is read by the handy scanner 3, the image processing parameter data reproduced by the code decoding unit 42 is converted into an image processing parameter by the text file converter unit 45. When sent to the parameter management unit 43, the image processing setting screen 50 set in accordance with the image processing parameters is displayed on the monitor 5 by the operation of the image parameter management unit 43 and the GUI unit 41. In other words, you can start re-baking work.

  In addition, by sharing or standardizing the image processing parameters and the two-dimensional code in the present invention, as long as the two-dimensional code printed sheet and the photographed frame image source are brought to the photo shop, they are the same anywhere and anytime. It is important to be able to obtain a photographic print adjusted as desired from a photographic print subjected to image processing or a reference photographic print.

  In the above-described embodiment, a group of image processing parameters set for one order of captured frame images is put in one QR code, and this QR code is combined with an index print and output. However, only the QR code is output. May be output as the QR code sheet 2. Alternatively, the image processing parameters set for each captured frame image may be put in one QR code and output as a QR code sheet 2 listing them. Further, in the case of generating an individual QR code, if the printing performance of the back print unit 13 is sufficient, it is possible to print this individual QR code on the back surface of the photographic paper P for each photographed frame image. .

  In the embodiment described above, the handy scanner 3 and the handy scanner 3 are used to generate text data (image processing parameter data) representing image processing parameters by reading the QR code printed on the QR code sheet 2. The code decoding unit 42 for decoding the read image data and reproducing the image processing parameter data is used. Instead of this configuration, a code reader that integrates a handy scanner function and a code decoding function is used. A configuration may be adopted in which the output signal from is directly input to the image processing parameter management unit 43.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the print station 1B exposes the photographed frame image to the photographic paper P by the digital exposure unit 14 provided with the laser-type exposure engine, and develops the photographic paper P after the exposure to a plurality of developments. The so-called silver halide photographic printing method for processing is adopted, but of course, the printing station 1B in the present invention is not limited to such a method. For example, an image is ejected onto a film or paper by ejecting ink. Various photographic printing methods such as an ink jet printing method for forming a film and a thermal transfer method using a thermal transfer sheet can be employed.

  The present invention can be widely used in the field of photographic printing apparatuses that use QR codes and other two-dimensional codes to store image processing parameters to simplify the reprinting of photographic prints.

1 is an external view showing a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the print station that composes the photo printing device Plan view showing a QR code sheet combined with an index print Functional block diagram showing the functions of the controller installed in the operation station Monitor screen showing an example of the image processing channel setting screen Monitor screen showing an example of the enlarged image processing channel setting screen Schematic diagram showing the flow of image processing parameters becoming a QR code after being converted to a text file

Explanation of symbols

1A: Operation station 1B: Print station (print output unit)
2: QR code sheet (index print)
3: Handy scanner 4: Controller 6a: Film scanner (image input unit)
6b: Media reader (image input unit)
8a: Keyboard (operation input unit)
8b: Mouse (operation input unit)
41: GUI unit 42: Code decoding unit 43: Image processing parameter management unit 44: Image processing unit 45: Text file converter unit 46: Code generation unit

Claims (4)

An image input unit that reads a captured frame image, an image processing parameter management unit that generates image processing parameters for a captured frame image input based on an operation input signal from the operation input unit, and an image from the image processing parameter management unit In a photographic printing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing on the captured frame image based on processing parameters; and a print output unit that outputs a photographic print based on the captured frame image subjected to image processing.
In order to output the image processing parameter data generated by converting the image processing parameters of the image processing applied to each captured frame image into a text file from the print output unit in the form of a two-dimensional code, A code generation unit that performs dimensional encoding, and a code decoding unit that reproduces image processing parameter data from a read signal of the printed two-dimensional code, and the image processing parameter management unit includes the reproduced image processing parameter data To set the image processing parameters of the captured frame image ,
The two-dimensional code includes image processing parameters for all photographed frame images included in one order . 2. The photo printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the two-dimensional code is printed on an index print in which photographed frame images for one order are printed in a list format. 3. The photo printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing parameter management unit directly substitutes an image processing parameter based on the reproduced image processing parameter data into each parameter setting field of an image processing setting screen. . The image processing parameter and the two-dimensional code is common, the same claim 1 any one of the three image processing parameter setting in accordance with the two-dimensional code is characterized in that it is applied in different printing machine The photographic printing apparatus according to item.

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