JP2003110778A - Method and apparatus for outputting photographic image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a print and an image file of good quality by inexpensively and efficiently outputting the print and the file, when carrying out both a process for outputting the print of the photographic image recorded on the film in a laboratory or the like and a process for storing the image file in a storage medium. SOLUTION: The method for outputting the photographic image comprises the steps of outputting a plurality of photographic image data obtained by one-time film handling from the film 1 by using a film scanner having an automatic supply function as the prints 7 by a digital printer 5, and outputting the file to the storage medium 6 by a file output means (compressing means 4).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for outputting a photographic image, and more particularly to printing out a photographic image recorded on a photographic film as a photographic print, and storing the image data of the photographic image for later use. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for outputting a photographic image when it is stored as.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image of each frame of a photograph recorded on a photographic film (hereinafter, simply referred to as a film) is read by a film scanner to obtain image data, necessary image processing is performed, and then output as a photographic print. Photofinishing systems are known.

On the other hand, photo image data is stored in a removable medium as an image file so that it can be used by a personal computer or the like. Generally, this service is provided only for a part of photos selected by a customer. Therefore, it is usual that facilities such as a scanner and an image processing device are provided separately from the photofinishing system as described above. At this time, in order to provide high-quality image files that can be printed out as a photographic print as well as being displayed on the monitor, it was necessary to prepare expensive equipment as the above equipment, so the price of the file output service is It was not always cheap.

[0004]

In recent years, due to the rapid spread of personal computers, the demand for the file output service to the above removable media is increasing. In addition, there is also proposed a service form in which all customer photographs are stored as image files in a server computer (hereinafter referred to as an image server) having a large-capacity disk installed in a laboratory or the like and used for reprint printing. ing. Therefore, there is a demand for a method capable of efficiently outputting a photographic image data file at a lower cost.

In view of the quality of photographic images,
It is not so preferable to separately perform print output and file output as in the conventional case. If processed separately,
Since the reading conditions and the image processing conditions do not always match, for example, when a print is created from an image file, the same finish as the simultaneous print may not be obtained, and adjustment is performed by trial and error to obtain the same finish. This is because there is an inconvenience of having to do so.

In view of the above problems, the present invention efficiently outputs an image file that gives a desired finish at the time of printing when a photographic image recorded on a film is printed out and stored as an image file in a storage medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photographic image output method and device that can be provided to customers at low cost.

[0007]

A method for outputting a photographic image according to the present invention is to sequentially press images of a plurality of photographic frames recorded on a photographed and developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function. Cancel to obtain a plurality of pre-scan image data, based on the plurality of pre-scan image data, set the reading conditions when performing a fine scan, and based on the set reading conditions, The images of the frames are sequentially fine-scanned by the film scanner to obtain a plurality of fine-scan image data, and the plurality of fine-scan image data are respectively subjected to image processing suitable for print output and file output, and the print is performed. The plurality of fine scan image data subjected to image processing suitable for output is printed by a printer. As well as print output, is characterized in that said image processing suitable to the file output to file output a plurality of fine scan image data subjected to a predetermined storage medium.

In the method of outputting a photographic image according to the present invention, the prescan and the fine scan are performed only on an image of a desired frame among frames of a photographic image recorded on the photographic film. Good.

Further, in the method of outputting a photographic image according to the present invention, the print output and the file output of each image data may be performed simultaneously, and the print output and the file output of each image data may be performed. Alternatively, and may be performed alternately.

A photographic image output device according to the present invention is a pre-scan image in which a plurality of photographic frame images recorded on developed and photographed photographic film are sequentially pre-scanned while automatically feeding the photographic film. A film scanner that obtains data and obtains a plurality of fine scan image data by fine-scanning the images of the frames of the plurality of photos based on a predetermined reading condition, and a fine scan based on the plurality of pre-scan image data. Reading condition setting means for setting the predetermined reading condition when performing scanning; image processing means for respectively performing image processing suitable for print output and file output on the plurality of fine scan image data; A photograph of the fine scan image data that has been subjected to image processing suitable for print output. A printer that prints out as a print, and the plurality of fine scans that have been subjected to image processing suitable for outputting the file while the printers are outputting the plurality of fine scan image data by printing in parallel. And a file output means for outputting a file of image data to a predetermined storage medium.

In the photographic image output apparatus of the present invention, the film scanner performs the pre-scan and the fine scan for an image of a desired frame among photographic frames recorded on the photographic film. It may be done only.

Further, in the photographic image output device of the present invention, the print output of each image data by the printer and the file output by the file output means may be performed at the same time. The print output by the printer and the file output by the file output means may be alternately performed.

Another method of outputting a photographic image according to the present invention is to sequentially read images of a plurality of photographic frames recorded on a photographed and developed photographic film by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function to obtain a plurality of image data. And a plurality of image data are printed out by a printer and output to a predetermined storage medium as a file. That is, it is intended to perform both print output and file output of photographic image data by one film handling.

It is desirable that the reading is performed only on an image of a desired frame among the frames of the photograph recorded on the photographic film. The “desired frame” means a normal frame excluding, for example, a defocused image, an extremely underexposed image, and an overexposed image. In addition, APS (Advanced Photo Sys
tem) etc., the photographer can determine the necessity of printing before reading the film and magnetically record the information on the film. In the photo finishing system, the film scanner reads this information and is not necessary. Some have a function of automatically skipping frames. That is, in such a case, the "desired frame" means a frame in which the information that printing is required is recorded on the film.

As a concrete example of the above method, for example, a method of printing or outputting image data obtained by one reading simultaneously or alternately, or a first reading by unidirectional film feeding, One method is to print out all the scanned image data, then scan the film in the opposite direction for the second scan, and output the scanned image data to a file. You can print it out later).

As a general film reading method, there is known a method of performing a pre-scan to determine reading conditions and then performing a fine scan to obtain image data of a desired resolution. "One read"
1 means that the image is read once to obtain image data having a desired resolution, and the pre-scan is not counted.

When image processing is performed on the image data before print output or file output, different image processing is performed depending on the image quality required for the photographic image output in each form. Is desirable.

Further, another photographic image output device of the present invention is a device for performing an output process according to the above method, wherein the images of a plurality of photographic frames recorded on a photographed and developed photographic film are recorded. A film scanner that obtains a plurality of image data by sequentially reading a photographic film while automatically feeding it, a printer that prints out the plurality of image data as a photographic print, and a plurality of the printers that operate in parallel with the printer. And a file output unit capable of outputting a file of the image data to a predetermined storage medium during print output of the image data.

In this apparatus, when image data is subjected to different image processing before print output / file output, two image processing means are provided to respectively perform image processing for print output and file output. Image processing may be performed, or one image processing means capable of adjusting processing conditions by changing parameters may be provided, and image processing may be performed by changing parameters for print output or file output as necessary. Good.

The photographic image output method and apparatus of the present invention is used in the case where a large amount of film must be processed promptly by utilizing the automatic film feeding function like the photofinishing system installed in a laboratory. Is intended for. In other words, unlike the case where a film scanner and printer are connected to a personal computer, for example, the film is manually set and read while selecting the frame, then the file is output, and the print is output. It is assumed that the image data is sequentially output in the order in which they are read, and that the next data is read while the output processing is being performed. In other words, the system configuration is such that the read image data is alternately written to the two frame memories, and the image data is read and output from the frame memory which is not written, as in the conventional lab auto printer. It is premised on the configuration.

[0021]

According to the method and apparatus for outputting a photographic image of the present invention, a plurality of photographic image data obtained by one film handling is printed out by a printer and is output as a file in a predetermined storage medium. By effectively utilizing equipment such as a film scanner, it is possible to efficiently perform both print creation and image file saving at low cost.

At this time, the print output and the file output are 1
When performing image processing once, it means that processing is performed based on the same criteria, so when you print out the photo image data that was output as a file, you can adjust it by trial and error. You can get the desired finish without performing.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A method and apparatus for outputting a photographic image according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. This is a photo-finishing system installed in a lab,
It has a function of outputting photographic image data output as a simultaneous print as a file to a removable medium or an image server in a lab.

This system, like the conventional photofinishing system, reads all the normal photographs of the photograph recorded on the film 1 except, for example, out-of-focus, extreme under, and over frames. The digital image data is stored in the frame memory 2. Or, when reading APS film,
As described above, only the frames requiring printing may be read based on the information, which is magnetically recorded on the film, indicating the necessity of printing.

Reading is performed by performing two scans, a prescan and a fine scan, on each frame. The pre-scan is performed to set the optimum reading conditions, and the image data obtained by the fine scan is used for output.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the pre-scan and fine scan may be performed for each frame, and then the film may be fed by one frame, but as shown in FIG. 4, the pre-scan and the fine scan are performed. Reading in parallel at another location can take about half the time of the method of FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the film may be sequentially fed in one direction to perform only the prescan for all the frames, and then the film may be fed in the reverse direction to perform the fine scan.

The image data thus read is alternately stored in the two frame memories 2a and 2b. This is so that while the read image data is being written in one frame memory, the image data in the other frame memory is output processed so that the reading process and the output process can be performed in parallel. This is because

The image data fetched from the frame memory 2 for output processing is processed by the two image processing means 3a and 3b, respectively. At this time, the processing by the two image processing means and the subsequent output processing are simultaneously (in parallel) performed for each image data. When both processes are completed, the frame memories are switched and the next image data is read into the two image processing means.

The image processing performed by the image processing means 3a, 3b is, for example, color and gradation correction, but the processing of the two image processing means differs depending on the output purpose of the image data. For example, the image processing means 3b performs a process for improving the image quality when the image data is recorded on a photographic paper as a photographic print,
The image processing means 3a performs image processing for making the image data displayed on the monitor of the personal computer easy to see. However, even though different image processing is performed, unlike the case where image processing is performed in different devices, the processing performed by the image processing means 3a and the processing performed by the image processing means 3b can be associated with each other. When the file is printed out later, the image processing to be performed can be uniquely determined from the correspondence.

The image data processed by the image processing means 3a is compressed by the compression means 4 and stored in the storage medium 6 as an image file compressed. On the other hand, the image processing means 3b
The image data processed by is printed out by the digital printer 5.

In the above-described embodiment, the file output and the print output are simultaneously performed for each image data, but the file output and the print output are alternately performed for each image data. Will be described with reference to FIG. Since the film reading mode in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1, illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the image processing means 3 is provided for each of file output and print output, but the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has only one image processing means. The processing means performs image processing for file output when the processing path is switched to the compression means 4, and performs print output processing when the processing path is switched to the digital printer 5. ing.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, file output and print output may be alternately performed for each image data, but, for example, image data of all frames read by sending the film in one direction is output as a file. After that, the processing path may be switched, the film may be sent in the reverse direction, each frame may be read again, and the image data may be printed out.

Here, in carrying out the present invention, the form of FIG. 1 or the form of FIG. 2 may be determined in consideration of the capabilities of the film scanner and the digital printer. For example, when it takes a long time to read by a film scanner, there is a high possibility that a wait occurs in the output processing, and therefore it is sufficient to switch the output alternately without providing two image processing means. That is, it is desirable to select a form that maximizes the usage rate of each facility.

When file output and print output are performed by the photographic image output method and apparatus of the present invention,
As shown in FIG. 6, it is desirable to record the file name of the image file on the back of the simultaneous print 9 or under each frame of the index print 10. Thus, for example, when a request for reprint printing is received, the image file 8 stored in the image server 6 in the lab can be easily searched, and a quick service can be provided.

If the apparatus as described above is installed in a laboratory as an alternative to the conventional photofinishing system, it will cost not only the print output but also the file at the same cost as the conventional print output. Output can also be performed, and an inexpensive service can be provided to the customer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a photographic image output device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the photographic image output device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a film feeding sequence.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a film feeding sequence.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing still another example of the film feeding sequence.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of recording a file name on a print.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 film 2 frame memory 3 Image processing means 4 compression means 5 Digital printer 6 storage media 7 print 8 image files 9 simultaneous printing 10 Index print

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Nobuyoshi Nakajima             798 Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture             Shishi Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Norihisa Haneda             3-11-46 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture, Fuji Photo             Shin Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sugio Makishima             3-11-46 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture, Fuji Photo             Shin Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Tanaka             3-11-46 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture, Fuji Photo             Shin Film Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 5C052 AA17 DD02 DD10 FA02 FA03                       FE04                 5C053 FA04 FA07 KA03 LA03 LA06                       LA11                 5C062 AA05 AB03 AB10 AB12 AB17                       AB21 BA04                 5C072 AA01 BA05 EA05 UA17 UA18                       VA03 WA01 WA04

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of photographic frame images recorded on a photographic film that has been photographed and developed are sequentially pre-scanned by a film scanner having an automatic film feeding function to obtain a plurality of pre-scan image data. Based on the pre-scan image data, the reading conditions for performing the fine scan are set, and based on the set reading conditions, the images of the frames of the plurality of photographs are sequentially fine-scanned by the film scanner to obtain a plurality of images. Fine scan image data of a plurality of fine scan image data are obtained, image processing suitable for print output and file output is performed on the plurality of fine scan image data, and the plurality of fine scan image data suitable for the print output are obtained. The scanned image data is printed out by a printer and the file is output. Method of outputting photographic images, characterized in that the image processing suitable to the file output the plurality of fine scan image data subjected to the predetermined storage medium to. 2. The output of a photographic image according to claim 1, wherein the prescan and the fine scan are performed only on an image of a desired frame among frames of a photograph recorded on the photographic film. Method. 3. The method of outputting a photographic image according to claim 1, wherein the print output and the file output of each of the image data are performed at the same time. 4. The method of outputting a photographic image according to claim 1, wherein the print output and the file output of each image data are alternately performed. 5. A plurality of pre-scan image data recorded on a photographed and developed photographic film are sequentially pre-scanned while automatically feeding the photographic film to obtain a plurality of pre-scan image data and a predetermined reading. Based on the conditions
A film scanner that obtains a plurality of fine-scan image data by fine-scanning the images of the frames of the plurality of photographs, and sets the predetermined reading condition when performing a fine scan based on the plurality of pre-scan image data. Reading condition setting means, image processing means for respectively performing image processing suitable for print output and file output on the plurality of fine scan image data, and the plurality of image processing means for performing image processing suitable for print output. A printer that prints out the fine scan image data as a photographic print, and operates in parallel with the printer to perform image processing suitable for outputting the file while the printer outputs the plurality of fine scan image data. The plurality of fine scan image data And a file output unit that outputs a file to a predetermined storage medium. 6. The film scanner performs the pre-scan and the fine scan only on an image of a desired frame among frames of a photograph recorded on the photographic film. Item 5. A photographic image output device according to item 5. 7. The photographic image output apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the print output of the respective image data by the printer and the file output by the file output means are simultaneously performed. 8. The photographic image output device according to claim 5, wherein print output of the image data by the printer and file output by the file output means are alternately performed.