U.S. patent application number 08/974888 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-06 for picture image outputting method and photograph finishing system using the method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fuji Photo Film Co., LTD.. Invention is credited to Haneda , Norihisa, Makishima , Sugio, Nakajima , Nobuyoshi, Ohtsuka , Shuichi, Shiota , Kazuo, Tanaka , Hiroshi.
Application Number | 20010019430 08/974888 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27528269 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010019430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shiota , Kazuo ; et
al. |
September 6, 2001 |
PICTURE IMAGE OUTPUTTING METHOD AND PHOTOGRAPH FINISHING SYSTEM
USING THE METHOD
Abstract
A plurality of picture image data obtained from a film in one
film handling operation by a film scanner with the automatic film
feeding function are output as prints by a digital printer and also
as files in a recording medium by a file outputting device. In the
system for providing the above two kinds of output services, the
numbers of film scanners, file outputting devices, and digital
printers are determined so that the processing performance of each
kind of apparatus in a unit time times the number of each kind of
apparatus is almost the same, to make each kind of apparatus
comprising the system demonstrate its full performance. A medium
image obtaining device for obtaining an image file recorded in a
medium and a digital camera image obtaining device may further be
provided so that the above two outputting services are promptly
provided for a picture image such as a processed image recorded in
a medium and brought into a service provider by a customer and a
picture image recorded by a digital camera, whereby one system can
carry out film reading, image obtaining from a medium or a digital
camera, picture print generation, and writing a picture image in a
recording medium.
Inventors: |
Shiota , Kazuo; ( Tokyo,
JP) ; Ohtsuka , Shuichi; ( Kanagawa-ken, JP) ;
Nakajima , Nobuyoshi; ( Kanagawa-ken, JP) ; Haneda ,
Norihisa; ( Saitama-ken, JP) ; Makishima , Sugio;
( Saitama-ken, JP) ; Tanaka , Hiroshi; (
Saitama-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP
Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP
8110 Gatehouse Road
Suite 500 East
Falls Church
Virginia
22042-1210
US
mailroom@bskb.com
703-205-8000
703-205-8050
|
Assignee: |
Fuji Photo Film Co., LTD.
210 Nakanuma
Minamiashigara-shi
JP
Kanagawa-ken
|
Family ID: |
27528269 |
Appl. No.: |
08/974888 |
Filed: |
November 20, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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08974888 |
Nov 20, 1997 |
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08/974,888 |
w�;w�;�������� 12, 199 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/487 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/04 20130101; H04N
1/32502 20130101; H04N 2201/0087 20130101; H04N 1/00915 20130101;
H04N 1/32529 20130101; H04N 2201/0086 20130101; H04N 2201/0081
20130101; H04N 2201/0416 20130101; H04N 1/32512 20130101; H04N
2201/0082 20130101; H04N 1/0096 20130101; H04N 2201/0408 20130101;
G06F 15/00 20130101; H04N 1/32561 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/487 |
International
Class: |
H04N 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 20, 1996 |
JP |
8-309322 |
Nov 20, 1996 |
JP |
8-309323 |
Jun 18, 1997 |
JP |
9-161660 |
Jun 18, 1997 |
JP |
9-161661 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A picture image outputting method wherein a plurality of image
data are obtained by sequentially reading images in a plurality of
frames of a developed photograph film using a scanner having
automatic film feeding function, comprising:outputting the
plurality of image data as prints by a printer and recording the
plurality of image data in a predetermined recording medium as
files, wherein different image processing for the print output and
the file output is carried out on the image data before the image
data are output as a print and a file.
2. A picture image outputting method as defined in Claim 1 wherein
the reading is carried out on only the frames of desired images
among the plurality of picture frames recorded on the photograph
film.
3. A picture image outputting method as defined in Claim 1 wherein
the image data obtained by a single reading by the film scanner are
output as a print and as a file.
4. A picture image outputting method as defined in Claim 3 wherein
the print output and the file output of each said image data are
carried out simultaneously.
5. A picture image outputting method as defined in Claim 3 wherein
the print output and the file output of each said image data are
carried out alternately.
6. A picture image outputting method wherein a plurality of image
data are obtained by sequentially reading images in a plurality of
frames of a developed photograph film using a scanner having
automatic film feeding function, comprising:outputting the
plurality of image data as prints by a printer and recording the
plurality of image data in a predetermined recording medium as
files, wherein image data read by the film scanner in one film
feeding direction are output as prints and image data read by the
film scanner in the reverse film feeding direction are output as
files.
7. A picture image outputting apparatus comprising:a film scanner
for obtaining a plurality of image data recorded on a developed
photograph film by sequentially reading a plurality of frames of
the photograph film fed automatically;a printer for printing the
plurality of image data as prints; anda file outputting device
which can carry out file output of the image data in a
predetermined recording medium while the plurality of image data
are being printed by the printer, by operating in parallel with the
printer.
8. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 7
wherein the film scanner carries out the reading on only frames of
desired images among the plurality of frames recorded on the
photograph film.
9. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 7
wherein the image data obtained by the film scanner at a single
reading are output as prints by the printer and also as files by
the file outputting device.
10. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 9
wherein the print output by the printer and the file output by the
file outputting device is carried out at the same time.
11. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 9
wherein the print output by the printer and file output by the file
outputting device is carried out alternately.
12. A picture image outputting apparatus comprising:a film scanner
for obtaining a plurality of image data recorded on a developed
photograph film by sequentially reading a plurality of frames of
the photograph film fed automatically;a printer for printing the
plurality of image data as prints; anda file outputting device
which can carry out file output of the image data in a
predetermined recording medium while the plurality of image data
are being printed by the printer, by operating in parallel with the
printer,wherein the image data read by the film scanner in one film
feeding direction are output as prints by the printer and the image
data read by the film scanner in the reverse film feeding direction
are output as files by the file outputting device.
13. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 7
which further comprises:a first image processor for carrying out
first image processing on image data to be output as a print; anda
second image processor for carrying out second image processing on
image data to be output as a file.
14. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 7
which further comprises an image processor for carrying out first
image processing on the image data when the image data are to be
output as a print, while carrying out second image processing when
the image data are to be output as a file.
15. A photograph finishing system comprising:a predetermined number
of film scanners for reading films deposited by customers for
placing orders;a recording unit for recording picture image data
read by the film scanners;a predetermined number of file outputting
apparatuses for recording, in a predetermined recording unit for
each order, the picture image data recorded in the recording media
as image files; anda predetermined number of printers for
outputting the picture image data recorded in the recording unit;
whereinthe numbers of the file outputting apparatuses and the
printers are such numbers that the file outputting apparatuses and
printers can deal with, in a unit time, almost the same number of
orders that all scanners can deal with in the same unit time when
the scanners are constantly used.
16. A photograph finishing system comprising film image obtaining
means for obtaining digital image by reading a developed film, a
print outputting unit for outputting the digital image obtained by
the film image obtaining means as a picture print, and an output
unit to a medium for recording the digital image in a predetermined
recording medium, further comprising:a medium image obtaining unit
for obtaining digital image recorded in a predetermined medium;
andan interrupting unit for interruptively inputting the digital
image obtained by the medium image obtaining unit to the print
outputting unit; whereinthe print outputting unit outputs the
digital image which has been input interruptively as a picture
print when the interruptive input by the interrupting unit
occurs.
17. A photograph finishing system as defined in Claim 16 wherein
the medium image obtaining unit obtains digital image data
transferred from a predetermined recording medium via a
network.
18. A photograph finishing system as defined in Claim 16 which
further comprises a recording medium for recording high resolution
data of a digital image, whereinthe medium image obtaining unit
obtains information showing the image or low resolution digital
image recorded in a predetermined recording medium, searches for
high resolution data corresponding to the low resolution digital
image, and interruptively inputs the obtained high resolution data
to the print outputting unit.
19. A photograph finishing system as defined in Claim 16 which
further comprises a recording medium in which high resolution data
of a digital image are stored; whereinthe medium image obtaining
unit obtains information showing the image or low resolution
digital image transferred from a predetermined recording medium via
a network, searches the recording medium for high resolution data
corresponding to the low resolution digital image, and
interruptively inputs the obtained high resolution data to the
print outputting unit.
20. A photograph finishing system comprising a film image obtaining
unit for obtaining digital image by reading a developed film and a
print outputting unit for outputting thedigital image obtained by
the film image obtaining unit as a picture print, further
comprising:a digital camera image obtaining unit for obtaining
digital image recorded by a digital camera; andan interrupting unit
for interruptively inputting the digital image obtained by the
digital camera image obtaining means to the print outputting unit;
whereinthe print outputting unit outputs the digital image which
has been input interruptively as a picture print when interruptive
input by the interrupting unit occurs.
21. A photograph finishing system as defined in Claim 20 which
further comprises an output unit to a medium by which digital image
obtained by the film image obtaining unit or the digital camera
image obtaining means are recorded in a predetermined recording
medium.
22. A photograph finishing system as defined in Claim 20 wherein
the digital camera image obtaining unit carries out pixel density
conversion processing on the obtained digital image.
23. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 8
which further comprises:a first image processor for carrying out
first image processing on image data to be output as a print; anda
second image processor for carrying out second image processing on
image data to be output as a file.
24. A picture image outputting apparatus as defined in Claim 8
which further comprises an image processor for carrying out first
image processing on the image data when the image data are to be
output as a print, while carrying out second image processing when
the image data are to be output as a file.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a photograph finishing
system and method for providing digital picture services to read a
picture image recorded on a film and output it as both a print and
an image file in a recording medium.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] A photograph finishing system has been known which obtains
image data by reading a picture recorded in each frame of a
photograph film (hereinafter simply called a film) using a film
scanner and outputs the image data as a picture print after
necessary image processing has been carried out on the image.
[0003] Meanwhile, picture image data have been stored in a
removable medium as an image file so that the picture image data
can be used by a personal computer or the like. This service has
been generally carried out on only picture images selected by a
customer. Therefore, it has been normal for equipment such as a
scanner or an image processing apparatus to be installed separately
from the photograph finishing system such as described above. In
this case, for providing such a high quality image file that they
can be output not only as an image on a monitor but also as a
picture print, costly equipment is necessary as the equipment
described above. Therefore, a file outputting service charge has
not necessarily been inexpensive.
[0004] Recently, digital cameras have become wide spread, because
of their advantage that the pictures recorded thereby can be easily
input to a personal computer. Following the spread of digital
cameras, a printing service to output pictures recorded by a
digital camera as picture prints has become popular.
[0005] However, such a service has fewer users than the printing
service using a film or a medium. Furthermore, the number of pixels
of a digital image obtained by a digital camera or image processing
that a digital camera carries out on the digital image varies
depending on the type of a digital camera, which is different from
the case where a picture recorded on a film is digitized.
Therefore, to print such a digital image, more sophisticated
processing must be carried out, which leads to an increase in
equipment cost. As a result, in reality, only a portion of service
providers have installed an image processing apparatus or a picture
printer dedicated to outputting prints of pictures recorded by a
digital camera separately from a conventional photograph finishing
system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A demand for a file outputting service to a removable medium
as described above has also been increasing recently, following a
sharp increase in the popularity of personal computers.
Furthermore, a service wherein all customers' pictures are stored
in a server computer having a large capacity disc and installed in
a laboratory or the like (hereinafter called an image server) and
used for extra prints of the stored pictures has been proposed.
Therefore, a method which can output a picture image data file at a
lower cost and more efficiently has been desired.
[0007] When considered from the point of view of picture quality,
it is not preferable to carry out print output and file output
separately. When they are carried out separately, it is not
necessarily guaranteed that reading conditions or image processing
conditions are the same between the output print and file.
Therefore, if a print is generated from a picture image file for
example, it may not necessarily have the same finish as a
simultaneous producedprint, and an inconvenience such as an
adjustment by trial and error to achieve the same finish may
occur.
[0008] The present invention therefore provides a picture image
outputting method and system whereby an image file by which the
finish a customer expects is obtained and output efficiently and
provided to the customer at a low cost, when a picture image
recorded on a film is output as a print and recorded in a recording
medium as an image file.
[0009] In other words, a plurality of picture image data obtained
in one film handling operation are output as prints by a printer
while they are output as files in a predetermined recording medium.
In this manner, equipment such as a film scanner can be used
efficiently, and print generation and file saving are efficiently
carried out at a low cost.
[0010] In this case, outputting of both a print and a file is
carried out inone film handling operation, which means that image
processing is carried out based on only one and the same criterion,
if necessary. Therefore, when a picture image data having been
recorded in a file are output as a print, the expected finish can
be obtained without any adjustment by trial and error.
[0011] The processing speed of a medium drive such as a floppy disc
drive and that of a printer are not necessarily the same.
Therefore, in the above system, even when output of both a print
and a file is carried out at the same time, it is possible that the
medium having the faster processing speed will be put in an idle
state. Likewise, the processing speed is not necessarily balanced
between a film scanner and the above two kinds of outputting
apparatuses. In other words, the processing ability of the entire
system depends on the apparatus with the lowest processing speed
among the three kinds of apparatuses. Therefore, no matter how high
the performance of the apparatuses other than the lowest one is,
its ability may be wasted when incorporated in the above
system.
[0012] In the present invention, to provide a low cost service
without such a waste, each apparatus configuring the system can
demonstrate its ability fully.
[0013] For this purpose, the numbers of film scanners, printers,
and file outputting apparatuses are decided so that the processing
ability of a single apparatus .times. the number of apparatus is
almost the same for each kind of apparatus.
[0014] Furthermore, if the chances for outputting picture images to
a medium are increased by the above high efficiency system, it is
expected that orders of prints from the medium will also increase
in proportion. Especially, image editing and processing software
for a personal computer is becoming more reasonable in price and
easier to use recently. Therefore, print orders of processed images
are also expected to increase.
[0015] Moreover, following future progress in technology, if the
price of a digital camera becomes as reasonable as the price of a
camera using a film, it is expected that a digital camera will be
used as frequently as a camera using a film.
[0016] Therefore, the present invention adds medium image obtaining
means for taking in an image recorded in a medium and digital
camera image obtaining means to the above photograph finishing
system so that a print order of a picture image recorded in a
medium and brought in to a service provider, or a print order of a
picture recorded by a digital camera can be processed promptly
without an additional equipment cost.
[0017] In this manner, during the time when there is no picture
image to read from a film, a digital image taken in from a medium
or a digital camera is processed, for example, and the operation
rate of the system is improved. Furthermore, by concentrating
functions in one system, it becomes possible to share the function
for common processing such as image processing, which leads to a
reduction in cost and a reduced space for installation.
[0018] In other words, the present invention can provide low cost
outputting services of a print and a file of images read from a
film and furthermore obtained from a medium or a digital camera
using one photograph finishing system. In this manner, even a small
scale service provider can introduce this system without the
problems regarding cost and installation space, and thus service
providing locations can expand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a picture
image outputting apparatus according to the present invention,
[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a
picture image outputting apparatus according to the present
invention,
[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a film feeding
sequence,
[0022] Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of a film
feeding sequence,
[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram showing still another example of a
film feeding sequence,
[0024] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of file name
recording on a print,
[0025] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a photograph
finishing system according to the present invention,
[0026] Figure 8 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a
photograph finishing system according to the present invention,
[0027] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the system
shown in Figure 8,
[0028] Figure 10 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of a
photograph finishing system according to the present invention,
and
[0029] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of the system
shown in Figure 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The picture image outputting method of the present invention
is characterized by that a plurality of picture image data are
obtained by sequentially reading a plurality of picture images
recorded in frames of a developed film using a film scanner having
the function of automatic film feeding, and the plurality of
picture images are output by a printer in the form of prints and
files in a predetermined recording medium. In other words, the
present invention outputs the picture image data in the form of
both prints and files at one time.
[0031] It is preferable that the reading is carried out on only
images of desired frames among the plurality of picture frames
recorded on the photograph film. The "desired frame" herein
referred to means the frames with normal quality, without blur, and
without overexposure or underexposure, for example. In the APS
(Advanced Photo System) or the like, it is possible for a
photographer to decide whether or not a frame should be printed,
and records the information on a film magnetically, before the film
is read. Some photograph finishing systems therefore have the
function of reading this information using a film scanner and
automatically skipping unnecessary frames. In other words, in such
a case, "the desired frames" mean the frames on which information
showing necessity of print output is recorded.
[0032] As a concrete example of the above method, several methods
can be listed such as the method wherein image data obtained at one
film reading are output in the form of prints and files
simultaneously or alternately, or the method wherein a first
reading is carried out in forward film feeding direction and the
image data having been read are all output in the form of prints,
and a second reading is carried out in the reverse film feeding
direction and the image data having been read at the second reading
are then output in the form of files (obviously, the file output
may come before the print output).
[0033] As a general method for reading a film, it has been known
that a pre-scan for determining a reading condition or the like is
carried out first and a fine scan for obtaining image data at the
desired resolution is then carried out. The one in the "one film
reading" in the above means film reading at one time to obtain
image data at the desired resolution, and a pre-scan is not
included in the number of readings.
[0034] When image processing is carried out on image data before
outputting a print or a file, it is preferable that different image
processing is carried out depending on the picture quality required
by the picture image to be output in each form.
[0035] The picture image outputting apparatus of the present
invention is an apparatus which carries out the output processing
according to the above method, comprising a film scanner for
sequentially reading a plurality of picture images recorded in
frames of a developed photograph film by automatically feeding the
film, a printer which outputs the plurality of image data in the
form of picture prints, and file outputting means for outputting
files of the image data in a predetermined recording medium while
the printer is outputting the plurality of image data, by operating
in parallel to the printer.
[0036] In this apparatus, when different image processing is
carried out before outputting a print or a file, two forms of image
processing means may be installed so that each means respectively
carries out the processing for outputting a print or a file.
Alternatively, one form of image processing means which can adjust
processing conditions by changing a parameter or the like may be
installed so that the image processing is carried out by changing
the parameter for a print output or for a file output upon
necessity.
[0037] The picture image outputting method and apparatus of the
present invention are aimedat the case where a large amount of
films should be processed promptly by using the automatic film
feeding function, such as the case for the photograph finishing
system installed in a laboratory. In other words, a system wherein
picture image data are sequentially output in the order of reading
while the reading of subsequent data is continuing is assumed
herein, different from the configuration wherein a scanner and a
printer are connected to a personal computer, for example, and
image data in a frame are output as a file and then as a print
after a film is manually set in a scanner and then read while its
frames are being selected. In other words, as a system
configuration, a configuration wherein image data having been read
are written in two frame memories alternately while image data are
read and output from the frame memory wherein writing is not
carried out is assumed herein, such as the configuration of a
conventional automatic printer for a laboratory.
[0038] When the above apparatus is used as a photograph finishing
system, it is preferable that the system comprises a predetermined
number of film scanners for reading a film brought in by a customer
for placing an order, recording means for recording the picture
image data read by the film scanner, a predetermined number of file
outputting apparatuses for recording the picture image data having
been temporarily recorded in the recording means in a predetermined
recording medium as an image file for each order, and a
predetermined number of printers for outputting the picture image
data having been recorded in the recording means as a print,
wherein the number of file outputting apparatuses and printers are
such numbers that the apparatuses and printers can deal with, in a
unit time, almost the same number of orders as all film scanners
can deal with in the same unit time when they are constantly
used.
[0039] The reason why the numbers of file outputting apparatuses
and the printers are "such numbers that the apparatuses and
printers can deal with, in a unit time, almost the same number of
orders as all film scanners can deal with in the same unit time
when they are constantly used" is that the processing speed is
balanced as a whole by increasing the number of apparatus whose
processing speed is low.
[0040] However, "the unit time" herein referred to means a
comparatively long time, such as an hour or a day. Therefore, when
the processing by the above system is viewed over a short time (for
example, a few minutes), a temporary processing queue may occur
between inputting and outputting apparatuses. For example, a file
outputting apparatus such as a floppy disc drive generally has
slower processing speed than a film scanner. Therefore, if picture
image data read by one film scanner are output by one file
outputting apparatus, a processing queue occurs. At this time,
since one recording medium should be assigned to one order upon
outputting a file, it is impossible to distribute the processing to
the plurality of file outputting apparatuses. Therefore, when the
processing for only one order is viewed, a processing queue occurs
between the inputting or outputting apparatuses.
[0041] The above "recording means" is used for avoiding such a
waste due to a processing queue. In other words, picture image data
read by the film scanner are temporarily stored in the recording
means regardless of the processing state of the file outputting
apparatuses, and subsequent reading is carried out. In this manner,
the file outputting apparatuses can read the picture image data
having been stored in the recording means sequentially and carry
out the outputting processing without making the film scanners wait
for the completion of the output processing. Since the output
processing of the film subsequently processed by the scanner is
carried out by another file outputting apparatus, the processing by
the entire system will never be delayed.
[0042] Therefore, the above recording means will be sufficient if
the means has such a capacity and processing speed that the above
object can be achieved. For example, a memory (a buffer) in a
predetermined size may be set for each outputting apparatus and
used in a cyclic manner. Alternatively, apart from the output to
the printer or a removable medium, if the picture image data having
been read are stored in a large capacity disc, the disc may be used
as the recording means. Switching of the inputting and outputting
apparatuses can be carried out by a generally known input output
switching method.
[0043] As an embodiment of the above photograph finishing system,
an embodiment is also possible which comprises film image obtaining
means for obtaining a digital image by reading a developed film,
print outputting means for outputting the digital image obtained by
the film image obtaining means in the form of a print, and
outputting means to a medium for recording the digital image in a
predetermined recording medium, and further comprises medium image
obtaining means for obtaining digital image recorded in a
predetermined recording medium, and interrupting means for
interruptively inputting the digital image obtained by the medium
image obtaining means into the print outputting means, wherein the
print outputting means outputs a picture print of the digital image
which has been input interruptively when the interruptive input is
carried out by the interrupting means.
[0044] The interrupting means may be a known input switching
function, and it can be either physical switching using hardware or
logical switching using software. The interruption by the
interrupting means can be carried out by an operator's instruction
or by automatically generating an interruption signal after
detecting a medium set in the medium image obtaining means.
[0045] The medium image obtaining means are mainly a medium disc
drive such as an MO disc drive or a Zip disc drive. In addition to
such a medium disc drive, the means includes communication
equipment (a modem or a TA, and communication software or the like)
for obtaining digital image datatransferred from a hard disc of a
customer's personal computer via a network. In other words, the
recording medium include not only a removable medium but also a
hard disc or the like installed in a personal computer.
[0046] It is preferable to carry out appropriate image processing
upon necessity on the digital image data obtained by the film image
obtaining means or the medium image obtaining means. More
specifically, when such a digital image is printed out, it is
preferable to carry out image processing in accordance with the
characteristics of the printer, while it is preferable to carry out
image processing preferable for a display on a CRT when the digital
image is recorded in a medium.
[0047] In other words, the meaning of "outputting the digital image
obtained by the film image obtaining means in the form of a print"
or "interruptively inputting the digital image obtained by the
medium image obtaining means into the print outputting means" is
not necessarily limited to outputting or interruptively inputting
the obtained image data as they are. It means that data
representing the same image as the obtained digital image are
output or interruptively input.
[0048] The data representing the same image as the obtained digital
image are the data after necessary image processing has been
carried out on the obtained digital image. The image processed data
of the same digital image may be separately stored and substituted
with the data before the processing.
[0049] In U.S. Patent Application No. 08/970,427 for example, a
system in which a customer orders a print referring to a picture
image at low resolution (the resolution which cannot be used for a
print but is sufficient for display on a CRT) and the actual
printing is carried out using separately stored high resolution
image data of the picture image, has been disclosed. The photograph
finishing system of the present invention may further comprise a
recording medium for storing high resolution data of the digital
image so that the medium image obtaining means obtains low
resolution digital image or information indicating the low
resolution image recorded in the predetermined medium and searches
the recording medium for high resolution data corresponding to the
low resolution digital image to interruptively input the obtained
high resolution data to the print outputting means.
[0050] As still another embodiment, the photograph finishing system
is also possible which comprises film image obtaining means for
obtaining a digital image by reading a developed film and print
outputting means for outputting the digital image obtained by the
film image obtaining means in the form of a picture print, and
further comprises digital camera image obtaining means for
obtaining a digital image recorded by a digital camera and
interrupting means for interruptively inputting the digital image
obtained by the digital camera image obtaining means to the print
outputting means, wherein the print outputting means outputs the
digital image interruptively input by the interrupting means in the
form of a picture print when an interruptive input by the
interrupting means occurs.
[0051] The digital camera image obtaining means refers to, for
example, a card reader for reading a memory card used in a digital
camera such as SSFDC, a Compact Flash, or PCMCIA, a cable
connection interface for transferring data by directly connecting a
built-in memory of a digital camera with the digital image
obtaining means, and software for carrying out a variety of
processing necessary for outputting the digital image obtained by
the card reader and the cable connection interface in the form of a
print.
[0052] The variety of processing means the processing for
converting a digital image recorded by a digital camera into data
treatable by the photograph finishing system, and this processing
is carried out on only the digital image obtained by a digital
camera. For example, the size and the aspect ratio of a digital
image obtained by a digital camera vary depending on the type of a
digital camera. Therefore, pixel density converting processing
should be carried out in accordance with the size of rolled paper
on which the image is printed. Furthermore, a digital image
obtained by an inexpensive digital camera has less pixels than a
digital image read from a film, and becomes blurred when it is
printed as it is. Therefore, sharpness processing or the like is
necessary for such a digital image. However, some expensive digital
cameras can obtain a digital image with sufficient pixel numbers,
and such a conversion processing is not indispensable in the
present invention.
[0053] It is preferable that image processing such as color tone
processing, enlargement or reduction processing in accordance with
the size of a print, or selective shading processing is carried out
on the digital image obtained by reading a film or from a digital
camera upon necessity.
[0054] The above photograph finishing system may further comprise
outputting means to a medium for recording a digital image obtained
by the film image obtaining means or by the digital camera image
obtaining means in a predetermined recording medium. In this
manner, any digital input output service can be carried out by a
single system.
[0055] Hereinafter, each of the above forms will be explained
referring to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a first
embodiment of the present invention. This is a photograph finishing
system installed in a laboratory or the like, and having the
function of outputting picture image data which have been output as
a first print, to a removable medium or to an image server in a
laboratory.
[0056] The system reads all normal quality pictures recorded on
film 1 except for the pictures with blur or extreme overexposure or
underexposure, as does a conventional photograph finishing system.
The digital image data obtained as described above are stored in a
frame memory 2. Alternatively, if the system reads pictures
recorded on an APS film, only frames having information showing
necessity of printing may be read based on the information
magnetically recorded on the film as described above.
[0057] The reading is carried out by scanning each frame twice,
with the first being a pre-scan and the second being a fine scan.
The pre-scan is carried out to find an optimal reading condition,
while image data obtained by the fine scan is used for the output
of the image data.
[0058] On this occasion, as shown in Figure 3, the film may be fed
by one frame after the pre-scan and the fine scan is carried out on
each frame. However, as shown in Figure 4, if the pre-scan and the
fine scan are carried out in parallel at different positions, the
reading can be carried out for only approximately half the time
necessary for the method shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, as shown
in Figure 5, only the pre-scan may be carried out for all frames by
feeding the film in one direction, and the fine scan is then
carried out by feeding the film in the reverse direction.
[0059] The image data read as described above are stored in two
frame memories 2a and 2b alternately so that the reading processing
and the output processing are carried out in parallel in such a
manner that image data having been read are written in one frame
memory, while image data having been stored in the other frame
memory are output.
[0060] The image data taken out from the frame memory 2 for an
output of the image data are processed by two image processing
means 3a and 3b respectively. On this occasion, the processing
carried out by the two image processing means and the subsequent
output processing is carried out for each image data simultaneously
(in parallel). After both processing operations have been
completed, the frame memories are switched and the subsequent image
reading is carried out by the two image processing means.
[0061] The image processing carried out by both image processing
means 3a and 3b is the correction of color or tone, for example.
However, the processing by these two image processing means is
different depending on the object of the image data to be output.
For example, the image processing means 3b carries out the
processing for enhancing the quality of the image data for the
output of the image data on photographic paper, while the image
processing means 3a carries out the image processing for making the
image data easy to see on a display of a personal computer.
However, even though they carry out different processing, it is
possible to correlate the processing carried out by the image
processing means 3a with the processing carried out by the image
processing means 3b, which is different from the case where the
image processing is carried out respectively by two separate
apparatuses. Therefore, when the file of the image is output later
as a print, the image processing to be carried out is determined
explicitly, based on the correlation.
[0062] The image data processed by the image processing means 3a
are compressed by compressing means 4 and recorded as a compressed
image file in a recording medium 6 by a medium drive 13. Meanwhile,
the image data processed by the image processing means 3b are
output as a print by a digital printer 5.
[0063] The embodiment described above carries out the print output
and the file output for each image data together. Another
embodiment which carries out the file output and the print output
alternately will be described referring to Figure 2. The aspect of
the reading of a film in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is the
same as the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the
explanation and the illustration of the reading are omitted.
[0064] The embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises image processing
means 3 respectively for file output and for print output. The
embodiment shown in Figure 2 has only one image processing means,
and the image processing means carries out the image processing for
outputting a file when a processing path is switched to the
compressing means 4, while the image processing means carries out
the processing for outputting a print when the processing path is
switched to the digital printer 5.
[0065] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, file output and print
output may be carried out alternately for each image data.
Alternatively, after all frames of image data read by feeding a
film in one direction have been output as files, the processing
path may be switched and the image data are output as prints by
reading each frame again while feeding the film in the reverse
direction.
[0066] When the present invention is carried out, whether the
embodiment 1 or 2 is adopted may be decided based on the
performance of the film scanner and the digital printer. For
example, if the reading by the scanner is time consuming, it is
highly likely that a queue will occur in the outputting processing.
Therefore, it will be sufficient to output a file and a print
alternately by switching the processing path, without having two
image processing means. In other words, it is preferable to adopt
the embodiment wherein the activity ratio of each equipment becomes
the largest.
[0067] When a file and a print are output by the picture image
outputting method and apparatus of present invention, it is
preferable that the name of an image file is recorded on the back
of a first print 9 or under each frame of index prints 10, as shown
in Figure 6. In this manner, when an extra print is ordered, for
example, it becomes easier to search for an image file 8 stored in
an image server 6 in a laboratory, and a prompt service can
therefore be provided.
[0068] If the apparatus described above is installed in a
laboratory or the like instead of a conventional photograph
finishing system, not only the print output but also the file
output can be carried out at almost the same cost as conventional
printing, and a more inexpensive service can be provided to a
customer.
[0069] Still another embodiment wherein the above system is changed
into a more efficient system will be explained hereinafter. Figure
7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The
performance ratio of each apparatus used in this embodiment is 3 :
2: 6 for a film scanner, a medium drive, and a digital printer
respectively in this order. Therefore, in the system shown in
Figure 7, by making the ratio of the number of each apparatus 2 : 3
: 1 for the film scanner, the medium drive, and the digital printer
respectively in this order, the processing times for reading, file
outputting, and printing become almost the same.
[0070] Two film scanners 11 operate at the same time, and
therefore, this system deals with two films at once. The picture
image data read by each film scanner 11 are sequentially stored in
the image server 6 which is a server computer with a large capacity
disc.
[0071] In this case, the image server 6 stores the picture image
data transferred from the two scanners 11 in separate memory areas,
because it is preferable to store the picture image data read from
the same film in the same recording medium 6 when they are output
as files so that it can be distinguished on which film each picture
image data were stored when they are output.
[0072] Meanwhile, in parallel to such processing by the film
scanners, the output processing by a file outputting system and a
print outputting system is carried out. The file outputting system
comprises the image processing means 3 and the medium drive 13,
while the print outputting system comprises the image processing
means 3 and the digital printer 5. The image processing means 3
carries out, for example, the color or tone correction, or
compression processing when a file is output. The medium drive 13
means a floppy disc drive when the recording medium 6 is a floppy
disc, and an MO disc drive when the recording medium 6 is an MO
disc, for example.
[0073] The image server 6 assigns one of the output processing
systems to a unit of each recording area described above, that is,
to each film. As for file output, the above three processing
systems process it in parallel, while print output is carried out
sequentially or alternately by each recording area by the output
processing systems. In this case, it is preferable to print the
film number or the like on the back of a print for example, so that
it is distinguishable to which film the output print belongs.
Likewise, it is preferable to add an identification mark
corresponding to a film to the recording medium 6.
[0074] When the processing of two films is ordered at once, it is
preferable to carry out the processing such as file output at each
order, not by each film.
[0075] In the present embodiment, the image server 6 stores all
picture image data so that they can be used later. However, it may
not be the image server 6 which stores the picture image data, and
another device which can play the role of a buffer to fill the
processing time gap between the film scanner 11 and the output
processing system may be used. In other words, it is not necessary
to store all picture image data, and a memory which temporarily
stores them will be sufficient.
[0076] However, some photograph finishing systems store the data in
an image server. In such a case, the image server is used as the
recording means and it is preferable that all picture image data
recorded by customers are stored in the image server 6 as described
in the above embodiment and the output processing is carried out
later by an extra print order or the like from reorder inputting
means 12.
[0077] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described hereinafter. Figure 8 shows an outline of a photograph
finishing system in the present embodiment. As shown by Figure 8,
this system comprises image handling means 15 and the printer 5
which is connected to the image handling means.
[0078] In the present embodiment, the image handling apparatus 15
is a general purpose personal computer with dedicated software
installed therein. As peripheral equipment thereof, a film scanner
for reading a developed film is installed. Furthermore, the image
handling apparatus 15 comprises a built-in or external medium drive
such as a CD-R disc drive or a Zip disc drive. The image handling
apparatus 15 also comprises communication equipment (not shown in
Figure 8) for exchanging image data with other computers via a
network.
[0079] The picture printer 5 is a known digital picture printer.
The picture printer receives image data and output instructing
information (for example, the number of pictures and the size) from
the image handling apparatus 15, and carries out the printing based
on the received data and information.
[0080] In the above system, the image handling apparatus 15 carries
out predetermined image processing on image data obtained from the
developed film 1 and then transfers the image data to the picture
printer 5 while recording them on the recording medium 6 such as a
CD-R. The image handling apparatus 15 can receive not only the
picture image input by a scanner for a print but also a picture
image input by a medium. The medium may be the recording medium 6
on which the image data are recorded by the system, or another
medium.
[0081] The picture image read from the medium are interruptively
input to the image handling apparatus 15 when a film to be
processed temporarily runs out of due to a development queue or the
like, for example, and output by the printer 5.
[0082] The configuration of this system will be explained in detail
referring to Figure 9. However, among the configuration elements
shown in Figure 9, the function regarding the image processing may
be implemented as the function of the above image handling
apparatus 15 or as the function of the picture printer 5 or the
film scanner 11. Therefore, hereinafter, explanation will be given
regarding Figure 9, without correlating Figure 9 with Figure 8.
[0083] As shown in Figure 9, the picture image obtained by the
scanner 11 is processed by image processing means 31 ~ 36, and
output as a picture print by the printer 5.
[0084] Set-up color/tone processing means 31 automatically judges
underexposure or overexposure of a picture image and corrects the
exposure to an appropriate value. Enlargement or reduction means 32
is means to carry out the pixel density conversion in accordance
with the width of a print (the width of rolled paper). Selective
shading processing means 33 is means to carry out shading
processing such as that described in U.S. Serial No. 08/672,939.
Graininess reduction and sharpness enhancement processing means 34
is means to carry out graininess reduction and sharpness
enhancement processing such as that described in EP 726672A2.
[0085] In addition to the above series of image processing steps
operations, 3D conversion processing means 35 and 36 carry out the
color conversions in accordance with the characteristics of the
printer used for image data printing. The 3D conversion processing
varies depending on whether the film having been read is a negative
film or a reversal film. Hereinafter, in this specification, the
conversion processing for a negative film is called [N] conversion,
while the conversion processing for a reversal film is called [R]
conversion.
[0086] Meanwhile, the picture image data for output to the medium
are processed by the graininess reduction and sharpness enhancement
processing means 34, and then color-converted into NIF-RGB space
defined by the FlashPix standard proposed by Eastman Kodak Co. by
NIF-RGB processing means 17 and 18. NIF-RGB is the color reference
of image data displayed on a CRT. The NIF-RGB processing is the
color conversion processing on the image data to be output to the
medium in order to have the most pleasing appearance when the image
data are displayed on a CRT.
[0087] Furthermore, the image data are processed into a hierarchy
by FPX converting means 19 so that the data are in the format
defined by the FlashPix standard. The image data are then recorded
in a medium 6a such as a CD-R by the medium drive 13 after
compression, and provided to a customer.
[0088] Print output and medium output processing of a picture image
read from a film have been described above. Hereinafter, reorder
processing of the picture image recorded as described above or by
another medium will be explained.
[0089] To output a picture image recorded in a medium, a drive
device for reading the medium and means for interpreting the format
of the image data recorded in the medium and for carrying out
optimal image processing on the image data in order to obtain a
high quality picture are necessary. The drive device and the means
are necessary for each kind of medium and for each kind of image
data format. In the present embodiment, 5 kinds of digital input
can be received. However, the kinds of medium and the image format
are not necessarily limited to those 5 kinds.
[0090] A first case deals with the case where the medium 6a having
been provided to a customer by a service provider is brought in as
it is to the service provider for a reprint. In this case, as shown
in Figure 9, flattening processing (including decompressing
processing) is carried out by flattening means 20 on the image data
obtained from the medium 6a. By this processing, a data structure
having been changed into a hierarchy by the FPX conversion upon the
output to the medium is changed into a raster (flat) data
structure, and compressed data are decompressed to the original
size.
[0091] In the present embodiment, after the above flattening
processing, pixel density conversion processing and sharpness
processing 21 is carried out, if the size of the picture image is a
panoramic view. However, this processing may not necessarily be
carried out at this stage, and it can be carried out immediately
before the printing of the image.
[0092] Another case is the case where a customer inputs the image
data having been stored in the recording medium 6a to a personal
computer and re-stores the image data in another medium 6b (a Zip
disc, a floppy disc, an MO disc or the like), which is often
carried out when a customer asks for a processed picture image to
be output in the form of a print, such as generation of a new year
greeting card. In this case, since the image data format is the
same as in the medium 6a, the flattening processing is carried out
by flattening processing means 22 in the same manner as for the
medium 6a.
[0093] As a standard other than the FlashPix, a photo CD has been
widely used. The colors of image data recorded in a photo CD 6c are
defined in the color space called photo-YCC. In the system of the
present embodiment, the colors are converted to the NIF-RGB space
by NIF-RGB processing means 23.
[0094] The image data obtained from the media 6a, 6b, and 6c as
described above are all color-converted in accordance with a
display on a CRT when they are output. Therefore, scanner RGB
processing means 24 then carries out conversion processing on these
data so that the image data have the colors and tones appropriate
for output by the printer. As shown by [M.sup.-1] in Figure 9, this
processing is equivalent to the inversion of [M] processing when
the processing carried out by the NIF-RGB processing means 17 is
expressed as [G] = [R] .multidot. [M], and the processing carried
out by the NIF-RGB processing means 18 is expressed as [F] = [N]
.multidot. [M]. The image data which have been [G]-converted before
the [M.sup.-1] processing is carried out will be in such a state
after the [M.sup.-1] processing that the image data appears as if
only [R] conversion were carried out thereon. Likewise, by carrying
out the [M.sup.-1] processing on the image data which have already
been [F]-converted, the image data will be in such a state that the
image data appear as if only [N]-conversion were carried out
thereon. Instead of the [M.sup.-1] conversion, the [G.sup.-1] or
[F.sup.-1] conversion may be carried out and the [N] or [R]
conversion will be carried out again immediately before the output
of the image data as a print. However, in the present embodiment,
to reduce the number of conversion processing steps and make the
processing more efficient, only the [M.sup.-1] processing is
carried out.
[0095] As another standard of a medium and image data which have
already been in wide use like the photo CD 6c, the IS standard has
been proposed by Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. In the present
embodiment, a reprint can be generated by obtaining the image data
from a medium 6d produced according to this standard. Furthermore,
image data transferred from a customer's personal computer via a
network 14 can be taken in and reprinted by this system. However,
in the case where image data are obtained via the network, it is
necessary to include the information showing whether the image data
are FlashPix data, photo CD data, or data in another standard, in
the header information when the data are transferred, for example.
Data type conversion processing means 37 in Figure 9 is the means
for judging the data type and for carrying out necessary conversion
processing.
[0096] The image data which have been obtained as described above
and on which appropriate conversion processing has been carried out
are input interruptively by interrupting means 26 when input from
the scanner is discontinued, for example. The interruption may be
carried out by an operator's instruction. Alternatively, the
interruption may be carried out automatically by detecting the
medium being set in a medium drive, when the digital input has
priority.
[0097] The image data input interruptively are the data which have
already been processed when recorded in the medium after being read
from a film. Therefore, it is not necessarily indispensable to
carry out the processing by the image processing means 31 ~ 36.
However, when an enlarged print is generated, enlargement
processing should be carried out by the enlargement or reduction
processing means 32, and moreover, if the picture image becomes
blurred after the enlargement processing, the sharpness processing
may be carried out by the graininess reduction and sharpness
enhancement processing means 34. As described above, in the present
embodiment, since image data have been [M.sup.-1]-processed by the
scanner RGB processing means, a 3D conversion processing is not
necessary. The image data thus processed are output as a picture
print by the printer 5.
[0098] The example described above uses the case where the image
data read from a medium are converted and output. In the example
which will be explained hereinafter, high resolution image data on
which suitable processing for print output has been carried out are
stored separately and a picture print is generated by using the
high resolution image data instead of the image data read from a
medium.
[0099] In this example, when a developed film is read for the first
time (at the time of a first print, for example), the digital image
data having been read are stored in the hard disc of the server
computer of a service provider (includes a hard disc connected via
a network) and also in a medium which will be provided to a
customer. The hard disc has the high resolution image data which
are ready to be used for a print as they are, while the medium has
the image data whose resolution is reduced to such a degree that it
does not cause a problem when the image is displayed on a CRT. The
image data stored in both the hard disc and the medium have the
identical ID.
[0100] When a reprint from the medium is ordered, the system
obtains the ID of the image data by reading the low resolution
image data from the medium and obtains the high resolution image
data by searching the hard disc for the high resolution image data
with the same ID. The system then outputs the print using the high
resolution image data.
[0101] When a reprint of processed image data is carried out,
information regarding the processing is recorded in the medium
together with the low resolution image data, and the print is
output after the processing is carried out on the high resolution
image data obtained separately from the low resolution image data,
based on the information.
[0102] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained hereinafter. Figure 10 shows an outline of the photograph
finishing system in this embodiment. As shown by Figure 10, this
system comprises the image handling apparatus 15 and the picture
printer 5 connected to the image handling apparatus 15.
[0103] In this embodiment, the image handling apparatus 15 is a
general purpose personal computer with dedicated software installed
therein. The image handling apparatus comprises peripheral
equipment or an external interface, such as a film scanner for
reading the developed film 1, a card reader for reading a memory
card of a digital camera 16 or a cable interface for directly
connecting the digital camera with the image handling apparatus 15.
Furthermore, the image handling apparatus 15 comprises a built-in
or external medium drive such as a CD-R drive or a Zip drive.
[0104] The picture printer 5 is a known digital picture printer.
The picture printer receives image data and output instruction
information (for example, the number of prints and the size of the
prints) from the image handling apparatus 15, and outputs a print
based on the received image data and information.
[0105] In the above system, the image handling apparatus 15 carries
out predetermined image processing on image data obtained from the
developed film 1 and then transfers the image data to the picture
printer 5 while recording them on the recording medium 6 such as a
CD-R. The image handling apparatus 15 can receive not only the
picture image input by a scanner for a print but also a picture
image input by a medium. The medium may be the recording medium 6
on which the image data are recorded by the system, or another
medium.
[0106] The picture image read from the medium or input from a
digital camera is interruptively input to the image handling
apparatus 15 when a film to be processed temporarily runs out due
to a development queue or the like, for example, and output as a
print by the printer 5.
[0107] The configuration of this system will be explained in detail
referring to Figure 11. However, among the configuration elements
shown in Figure 11, the function regarding the image processing may
be implemented as the function of the above image handling
apparatus 15 or as the function of the picture printer 5 or the
film scanner 11. Therefore, hereinafter, explanation will be given
regarding Figure 11, without correlating Figure 11 with Figure
10.
[0108] As shown in Figure 11, the picture image obtained by the
scanner 11 are processed by image processing means 31 ~ 36, and
output as a picture print by the printer 5.
[0109] Set-up color/tone processing means 31 automatically judges
underexposure or overexposure of a picture image and corrects the
exposure to an appropriate value. Enlargement or reduction means 32
carries out the pixel density conversion in accordance with the
width of a print (the width of rolled paper). Selective shading
processing means 33 is means to carry out the shading processing
such as that described in U.S. Serial No. 08/672,939. Graininess
reduction and sharpness enhancement processing means 34 carries out
the graininess reduction and sharpness enhancement processing such
as that described in EP 726672A2.
[0110] In addition to the above series of image processing steps,
3D conversion processing means 35 and 36 carry out the color
conversions in accordance with the characteristics of the printer
on image data for a print. The 3D conversion processing varies
depending on whether the film having been read is a negative film
or a reversal film. Hereinafter, in this specification, the
conversion processing for a negative film is called [N] conversion,
while the conversion processing for a reversal film is called [R]
conversion.
[0111] Meanwhile, the picture image data for output to the medium
are processed by the graininess reduction and sharpness enhancement
processing means 34, and then color-converted into NIF-RGB space
defined by the FlashPix standard proposed by Eastman Kodak Co. by
NIF-RGB processing means 17 and 18. The NIF-RGB is the color
reference of image data displayed on a CRT. The NIF-RGB processing
is the color conversion processing on the image data to be output
to the medium in order to have the most pleasing appearance when
the image data are displayed on a CRT.Furthermore, the image data
are processed in hierarchy by FPX converting means 19 so that the
data are in the format defined by the FlashPix standard. The image
data are then recorded in a medium 6a such as a CD-R by the medium
drive 7a after compression, and provided to a customer.
[0112] Print output and medium output processing of a picture image
read from a film has been described above. Hereinafter, reorder
processing of the picture image recorded as described above or by
another medium will be explained.
[0113] To output a picture image recorded in a medium, a drive
device for reading the medium and means for interpreting the format
of the image data recorded in the medium and for carrying out
optimal image processing on the image data in order to obtain a
high quality picture are necessary. The drive device and the means
are necessary for each kind of medium and for each kind of image
data format. In the present embodiment, 5 kinds of digital input
can be received. However, the kinds of the medium and the image
format are not necessarily limited to those 5 kinds.
[0114] A first case deals with the case where the medium 6a having
been provided to a customer by a service provider is brought in as
it is to the service provider for a reprint. In this case, as shown
in Figure 11, flattening processing (including decompressing
processing) is carried out by flattening means 20 on the image data
obtained from the medium 6a. By this processing, data structure
having been changed into a hierarchy by the FPX conversion upon the
output to the medium is changed into a raster (flat) data
structure, and compressed data are decompressed in the original
size.
[0115] In the present embodiment, after the above flattening
processing, pixel density conversion processing and sharpness
processing 21 is carried out, if the size of the picture image is a
panoramic view. However, this processing may not necessarily be
carried out at this stage, and it can be carried out immediately
before the printing of the image.
[0116] Another case is the case where a customer inputs the image
data having been stored in the recording medium 6a to a personal
computer and re-stores the image data in another medium 6b (a Zip
disc, a floppy disc, an MO disc or the like), which is often
carried out when a customer asks for a processed picture image
output in the form of a print, such as generation of a new year
greeting card. In this case, since the image data format is the
same as in the medium 6a, the flattening processing is carried out
by flattening processing means 22 in the same manner as for the
medium 6a.
[0117] As a standard other than the FlashPix, a photo CD has been
widely used. The colors of image data recorded in a photo CD 6c are
defined in the color space called photo-YCC. In the system of the
present embodiment, the colors are converted to the NIF-RGB space
by NIF-RGB processing means 23.
[0118] The image data obtained from the media 6a, 6b, and 6c as
described above are all color-converted in accordance with a
display on a CRT when they are output. Therefore, scanner RGB
processing means 24 then carries out conversion processing on these
data so that the image data have the colors and tones appropriate
for output by the printer. As shown by [M.sup.-1] in Figure 11,
this processing is equivalent to the inversion of [M] processing
when the processing carried out by the NIF-RGB processing means 17
is expressed as [G] = [R] .multidot. [M], and the processing
carried out by the NIF-RGB processing means 18 is expressed as [F]
= [N] .multidot. [M]. The image data which have been [G]-converted
before the [M.sup.-1] processing is carried out will be in such a
state after the [M.sup.-1] processing that the image data appears
as if only [R] conversion were carried out thereon. Likewise, by
carrying out the [M.sup.-1] processing on the image data which have
already been [F]-converted, the image data will be in such a state
that the image data appear as if only [N] conversion were carried
out thereon. Instead of the [M.sup.-1] conversion, the [G.sup.-1]
or [F.sup.-1] conversion may be carried out and the [N] or [R]
conversion will be carried out again immediately before the output
of the image data as a print. However, in the present embodiment,
to reduce the number of conversion processing operations and make
the processing more efficient, only the [M.sup.-1] processing is
carried out.
[0119] As another standard of a medium and image data which have
already been in wide use like the photo CD 6c, the IS standard has
been proposed by Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. In the present
embodiment, a reprint can be generated by obtaining the image data
from a medium 6d produced according to this standard.
[0120] Moreover, the present system comprises a card reader 29
which reads a memory card 30 for a digital camera and obtains the
recorded picture images. The obtained image data are converted by
the pixel density conversion and sharpness processing means 28. The
number of pixels of image data recorded by an inexpensive digital
camera generally falls within the range between 350,000 to 500,000.
This is approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the pixel numbers of image data
obtained by reading a film. Therefore, when the image data obtained
by such a digital camera are printed as they are, the print will be
blurred. In the present embodiment, by carrying out the pixel
density conversion, the number of pixels in the image data is 1430
.times. 1074 (approximately 1,500,000 pixels). The sharpness
processing is also carried out on the image data if necessary.
Furthermore, the color/tone conversion is then carried out on the
digital image by the scanner RGB processing means.
[0121] As an interface for a digital camera besides the memory
card, a variety of interfaces such as a cable connection interface
are available.
[0122] The image data which have been obtained as described above
and on which appropriate conversion processing has been carried out
are interruptively input by interrupting means 26 when input from
the scanner is discontinued, for example. The interruption may be
carried out by an operator's instruction. Alternatively, the
interruption may be carried out automatically by detecting a medium
being set in the medium drive or in the card reader, when the
digital input has priority.
[0123] Among the image data input by interruption, the image data
obtained from a medium are the data which have already been
processed when recorded in the medium after being read from a film.
Therefore, it is not necessarily indispensable to carry out the
processing using the image processing means 31 ~ 36. However, when
an enlarged print is generated, enlargement processing should be
carried out by the enlargement or reduction processing means 32,
and moreover, if the picture image becomes blurred after the
enlargement processing, the sharpness processing may be carried out
by the graininess reduction and sharpness enhancement processing
means 34. As described above, in the present embodiment, since
image data have been [M.sup.-1]-processed by the scanner RGB
processing means, 3D conversion processing is not necessary. The
image data thus processed are output as a picture print by the
printer 5.
[0124] Meanwhile, among the image data input by interruption, the
image data obtained from a digital camera are processed by the
set-up tone/color processing means 31, because the image processing
functions incorporated in the digital camera are limited in an
inexpensive digital camera due to the higher cost of a digital
camera than a camera using a film. In other words, to obtain a
sufficient quality picture print, it is preferable to carry out a
variety of set-up processing operations using the photograph
finishing system. Enlargement or reduction processing may also be
carried out as required, as is the case for the image data obtained
from a medium.
[0125] As is obvious from the above examples, the present invention
realizes a highly efficient, low cost, and space-saving system by
installing, in a photograph finishing system, the function of an
outputting image data read from a film in the form of a print and a
file, and the function of outputting image data obtained from a
medium or a digital camera in the form of a print and a file upon
necessity. The present invention can thus greatly contribute to
development of a digital picture service.
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