U.S. patent application number 10/600842 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for image scanning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Tsuchihashi, Hidehisa.
Application Number | 20050146758 10/600842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31179265 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050146758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuchihashi, Hidehisa |
July 7, 2005 |
Image scanning system
Abstract
An image scanning system comprises: an image-capturing device
that captures an image of a scan original and outputs image
signals; an image processing circuit that executes image processing
on the image signals; an image signal output device that outputs
the image signals having undergone the image processing; a
calculation device that calculates an estimated length of required
time to complete image signal output after a scan instruction with
regard to the scan original is issued; and a calculation result
output device that outputs calculation results obtained at the
calculation device.
Inventors: |
Tsuchihashi, Hidehisa;
(Yotsukaido-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC
P.O. BOX 19928
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22320
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKON CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
31179265 |
Appl. No.: |
10/600842 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/506 ;
358/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00079 20130101;
H04N 1/00063 20130101; H04N 1/0005 20130101; H04N 1/00068 20130101;
H04N 1/00031 20130101; H04N 2201/0416 20130101; H04N 1/00021
20130101; H04N 1/00002 20130101; H04N 1/00092 20130101; H04N
1/00018 20130101; H04N 2201/0408 20130101; H04N 1/00047
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/506 ;
358/474 |
International
Class: |
H04N 001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 24, 2002 |
JP |
2002-182891 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image scanning system comprising: an image-capturing device
that captures an image of a scan original and outputs image
signals; an image processing circuit that executes image processing
on the image signals; an image signal output device that outputs
the image signals having undergone the image processing; a
calculation device that calculates an estimated length of required
time to complete image signal output after a scan instruction with
regard to the scan original is issued; and a calculation result
output device that outputs calculation results obtained at the
calculation device.
2. An image scanning system according to claim 1, wherein: the
calculation device also calculates an estimated end time point by
adding the estimated length of required time to a current time
point; and the calculation result output device outputs at least
one of the estimated length of required time and the estimated end
time point.
3. An image scanning system according to claim 1, wherein: the
image-capturing device executes a preliminary image-capturing
operation and a main image-capturing operation on the scan
original; and the calculation device calculates a total of lengths
of required time to execute steps of, at least, the preliminary
image-capturing operation, the main image-capturing operation, the
image processing and the image signal output.
4. An image scanning system according to claim 3, further
comprising: a storage device in which an actual length of required
time is stored in memory in correspondence to each of the steps,
the actual length of time being a length of time having been
required to actually execute a step, wherein: the calculation
device calculates a length of required time to execute each of the
steps by averaging n values each representing the actual length of
required time for executing a step, which have been stored into the
storage device most recently.
5. An image scanning system according to claim 3, further
comprising: a storage device in which an actual length of required
time is stored in memory in correspondence to each of the steps,
the actual length of required time being a length of time having
been required to actually execute a step, wherein: the calculation
device calculates a length of required time to execute each of the
steps as a value most frequently indicated among values each
representing the actual length of required time for executing a
step, which have been stored in the storage device.
6. An image scanning system according to claim 4, further
comprising: a control device that controls the storage device so as
not to store the actual length of required time corresponding to a
step among the steps under at least one of following conditions: if
the actual length of required time for the step exceeds a
predetermined length of time; if the step is canceled while the
step is in progress; and if an error occurs during the step.
7. An image scanning system according to claim 5, further
comprising: a control device that controls the storage device so as
not to store the actual length of required time corresponding to a
step among the steps under at least one of following conditions: if
the actual length of required time for the step exceeds a
predetermined length of time; if the step is canceled while the
step is in progress; and if an error occurs during the step.
8. An image scanning system according to claim 3, wherein: the
calculation result output device also outputs a length of required
time to execute each of the steps.
9. An image scanning system according to claim 4, wherein: the
calculation result output device also outputs the length of
required time to execute each of the steps.
10. An image scanning system according to claim 5, wherein: the
calculation result output device also outputs the length of
required time to execute each of the steps.
11. An image scanning system according to claim 1, wherein: the
scan original includes a plurality of frames; the calculation
device calculates the estimated length of required time to complete
output of all the image signals corresponding to designated frames
among the plurality of frames after a scan instruction is issued
with regard to the designated frames; and the calculation result
output device outputs calculation results obtained by the
calculation device.
12. An image scanning system according to claim 11, wherein: the
image-capturing device executes a preliminary image-capturing
operation and a main image-capturing operation for each of the
designated frames; and the calculation device calculates lengths of
time required to execute steps of, at least, the preliminary
image-capturing operation, the main image-capturing operation, the
image processing and the image signal output for each of the
designated frames and also calculates a length of required time to
feed the scan original.
13. An image scanning system according to claim 12, further
comprising: a storage device in which an actual length of required
time is stored in memory in correspondence to each of the steps and
a feed time that has been required to actually feed the scan
original is also stored in memory, the actual length of required
time being a length of time having been required to actually
execute a step, wherein: the calculation device (a) calculates a
length of required time to execute each of the steps by averaging n
values each representing the actual lengths of required time for
executing a step, which have been stored into the storage device
most recently and (b) calculates the length of required time to
feed the scan original by averaging n values each representing the
feed time, which have been stored into the storage device most
recently.
14. An image scanning system according to claim 12, further
comprising: a storage device in which an actual length of required
time is stored in memory in correspondence to each of the steps,
and a feed time that has been required to actually feed the scan
original is also stored in memory, the actual length of required
time being a length of time having been required to actually
execute a step, wherein: the calculation device (a) calculates a
length of required time to execute each of the steps as a value
most frequently indicated among values each representing the actual
length of required time for executing a step, that have been stored
in the storage device and (b) calculates the length of required
time to feed the scan original as a value most frequently indicated
among values each representing the feed time, that have been stored
in the storage device.
15. A computer-readable computer program product having an image
scan processing control program, the control program comprising: a
start instruction for starting a scan of a scan original; an image
signal processing instruction for executing image processing on
image signals obtained by capturing an image of the scan original;
an image signal output instruction for outputting the image signals
having undergone the image processing; a calculate instruction for
calculating an estimated length of required time to complete an
output of the image signals after the start instruction for
starting the scan is issued; a calculation result output
instruction for outputting calculation results obtained in response
to the calculate instruction.
16. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim
15, wherein: control is implemented in conformance to the
calculation instruction so as to further calculate an estimated end
time point obtained by adding the estimated length of required time
to a current time point; and control is implemented in conformance
to the calculation result output instruction so as to output at
least one of the estimated length of required time and the
estimated end time point.
17. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim
15, wherein: the computer-readable computer program product is a
recording medium on which the image scan processing control program
is recorded.
18. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim
15, wherein: the computer-readable computer program product is a
carrier wave in which the image scan processing control program is
embodied as a data signal.
19. An image scanning method, comprising: capturing an image of a
scan original; executing image processing on image signals obtained
by capturing the image of the scan original; outputting the image
signals having undergone the image processing; calculating an
estimated length of required time to complete an output of the
image signals after a scan of the scan original is instructed; and
outputting calculation results with regard to the estimated length
of required time.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The disclosure of the following priority application is
herein incorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No.
2002-182891 filed Jun. 24, 2002
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an image scanning system
that converts an image original to electronic data.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are image scanning apparatuses such as film scanners
in the known art that obtain image data by capturing an image of an
image original. An image scanning apparatus normally executes a
preliminary image-capturing operation on an original to be scanned,
which is set on a stage, and determines the image-capturing
conditions to be set for the main image-capturing operation by
using image signals obtained through the preliminary
image-capturing operation. Then, the main image-capturing operation
is executed under the image-capturing conditions thus determined.
The image signals obtained through the main image-capturing
operation undergo image processing executed in conformance to
predetermined image processing parameters and then are recorded
into a recording device as scanned image data.
[0006] If the preliminary image-capturing operation and the main
image-capturing operation are executed for each of a plurality of
frames of images to be scanned from a film original with the image
scanning apparatus described above, the length of time required to
complete the scanning of all the frames of images is bound to be
considerable. For this reason, it is convenient for the operator to
be able to ascertain in advance the length of time required to scan
the images before starting to scan the original.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An image scanning system according to the present invention
comprises: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a
scan original and outputs image signals; an image processing
circuit that executes image processing on the image signals; an
image signal output device that outputs the image signals having
undergone the image processing; a calculation device that
calculates an estimated length of required time to complete image
signal output after a scan instruction with regard to the scan
original is issued; and a calculation result output device that
outputs calculation results obtained at the calculation device.
[0008] The calculation device also calculates an estimated end time
point by adding the estimated length of required time to a current
time point; and the calculation result output device may output at
least one of the estimated length of required time and the
estimated end time point.
[0009] It is preferable that the image-capturing device executes a
preliminary image-capturing operation and a main image-capturing
operation on the scan original; and the calculation device
calculates a total of lengths of required time to execute steps of,
at least, the preliminary image-capturing operation, the main
image-capturing operation, the image processing and the image
signal output. It is also preferable to further comprise a storage
device in which an actual length of required time is stored in
memory in correspondence to each of the steps, the actual length of
time being a length of time having been required to actually
execute a step, and it is preferable that the calculation device
calculates a length of required time to execute each of the steps
by averaging n values each representing the actual length of
required time for executing a step, which have been stored into the
storage device most recently. The calculation device may calculate
a length of required time to execute each of the steps as a value
most frequently indicated among values each representing the actual
length of required time for executing a step, which have been
stored in the storage device. It is possible to further comprise a
control device that controls the storage device so as not to store
the actual length of required time corresponding to a step among
the steps under at least one of following conditions: if the actual
length of required time for the step exceeds a predetermined length
of time; if the step is canceled while the step is in progress; and
if an error occurs during the step. The calculation result output
device may also output a length of required time to execute each of
the steps.
[0010] It is preferable that the scan original includes a plurality
of frames; the calculation device calculates the estimated length
of required time to complete output of all the image signals
corresponding to designated frames among the plurality of frames
after a scan instruction is issued with regard to the designated
frames; and the calculation result output device outputs
calculation results obtained by the calculation device. It is
preferable that the image-capturing device executes a preliminary
image-capturing operation and a main image-capturing operation for
each of the designated frames; and the calculation device
calculates lengths of time required to execute steps of, at least,
the preliminary image-capturing operation, the main image-capturing
operation, the image processing and the image signal output for
each of the designated frames and also calculates a length of
required time to feed the scan original.
[0011] It is also possible to comprise a storage device in which an
actual length of required time is stored in memory in
correspondence to each of the steps and a feed time that has been
required to actually feed the scan original is also stored in
memory, the actual length of required time being a length of time
having been required to actually execute a step, and it is
preferable that the calculation device (a) calculates a length of
required time to execute each of the steps by averaging n values
each representing the actual lengths of required time for executing
a step, which have been stored into the storage device most
recently and (b) calculates the length of required time to feed the
scan original by averaging n values each representing the feed
time, which have been stored into the storage device most recently.
It is also possible that the calculation device (a) calculates a
length of required time to execute each of the steps as a value
most frequently indicated among values each representing the actual
length of required time for executing a step, that have been stored
in the storage device and (b) calculates the length of required
time to feed the scan original as a value most frequently indicated
among values each representing the feed time, that have been stored
in the storage device.
[0012] A computer-readable computer program product according to
the present invention has an image scan processing control program.
The control program comprises: a start instruction for starting a
scan of a scan original; an image signal processing instruction for
executing image processing on image signals obtained by capturing
an image of the scan original; an image signal output instruction
for outputting the image signals having undergone the image
processing; a calculate instruction for calculating an estimated
length of required time to complete an output of the image signals
after the start instruction for starting the scan is issued; a
calculation result output instruction for outputting calculation
results obtained in response to the calculate instruction. It is
preferable that control is implemented in conformance to the
calculation instruction so as to further calculate an estimated end
time point obtained by adding the estimated length of required time
to a current time point; and control is implemented in conformance
to the calculation result output instruction so as to output at
least one of the estimated length of required time and the
estimated end time point. It is preferable that the
computer-readable computer program product is a recording medium on
which the image scan processing control program is recorded. The
computer-readable computer program product may be a carrier wave in
which the image scan processing control program is embodied as a
data signal.
[0013] An image scanning method according to the present invention
captures an image of a scan original; executes image processing on
image signals obtained by capturing the image of the scan original;
outputs the image signals having undergone the image processing;
calculates an estimated length of required time to complete an
output of the image signals after a scan of the scan original is
instructed; and outputs calculation results with regard to the
estimated length of required time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image scanning system
achieved in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 presents a flowchart of the processing executed at
the host computer;
[0016] FIG. 3 presents a display example of the thumbnail image
display area and the continuous scan registration bar;
[0017] FIG. 4 presents a display example of a pop-up window;
[0018] FIG. 5 presents a display example of a pop-up window;
[0019] FIG. 6 presents a display example of a pop-up window;
and
[0020] FIG. 7 presents a display example of a pop-up window;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The following is an explanation of an embodiment of the
present invention, given in reference to the drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image scanning system
achieved in the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the
image scanning system comprises an image scanning unit 1 and a host
computer 2 which maybe a personal computer. The image scanning
system is operated from the host computer 2. The host computer 2
includes a display monitor 2A and an operating member 2B having a
keyboard and a mouse. It is to be noted that the host computer 2
also includes a CPU, a hard disk drive HDD, a memory and the
like.
[0023] The image scanning unit 1 comprises a CPU 11, a memory 12,
an interface circuit 13, an illumination LED drive circuit 14, an
analog signal processing circuit 15, an A/D converter 16, a digital
signal processing circuit 17, a timing control circuit 18, an
original drive motor drive circuit 19 and a magnetic signal
processing circuit 20. The image scanning unit 1 further includes a
line sensor 21, a lens L, an original drive motor 22, an LED light
source 23, an optical information scanning sensor 24, an original
position detection sensor 25 and a magnetic head 26.
[0024] The CPU 11 engages in communication with the host computer 2
via the interface circuit 13. In addition, the CPU 11 individually
controls the timing control circuit 18, the digital signal
processing circuit 17, the original drive motor drive circuit 19
and the magnetic signal processing circuit 20. The memory 12 is
utilized as a work area of the CPU 11. The memory 12 is also used
as a storage area where various scanning conditions set for an
original scanning operation to be detailed later, image data
undergoing and having undergone image processing and the like are
stored.
[0025] The interface circuit 13 may be constituted of, for
instance, a SCSI interface. The CPU 11 receives commands
transmitted from the host computer 2 via the interface circuit 13.
In addition, the CPU 11 transmits image data having undergone image
processing at the digital signal processing circuit 17, information
with regard to the image scanning unit 1 which is stored in the
memory 12 and the like to the host computer 2 via the interface
circuit 13.
[0026] The illumination LED drive circuit 14 executes light
emission control on the LED light source 23 that illuminates an
original such as film. Illuminating light emitted from the LED
light source 23 is transmitted through the film original and enters
the lens L. The transmitted light having entered lens L is
condensed at the lens L and the condensed light enters the line
sensor 21. The line sensor 21 may be constituted of, for instance,
a CCD having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements
arrayed on a line perpendicular to the longer side of the original
within a plane parallel to the film original. Each element
constituting the line sensor 21 stores an electrical charge
corresponding to the intensity of the light having entered therein.
The operational timing, the length of time over which the
electrical charge is stored and the like are individually
controlled for each element by the timing control circuit 18. The
length of time over which the electrical charge is stored is
determined in conformance to a command transmitted from the CPU 11
to the timing control circuit 18. As the charge storage operation
is completed at the line sensor 21, the stored charges at the
individual elements are output as image signals.
[0027] The analog signal processing circuit 15 amplifies the image
signals output from the line sensor 21, executes analog signal
processing of the known art such as noise removal, dark current
correction and compensation of Even/Odd black level DC difference
and then outputs the image signals having undergone the signal
processing to the A/D converter 16. The operational timing of the
analog signal processing circuit 15 is controlled by the timing
control circuit 18. The A/D converter 16 executes an A/D conversion
on the analog image signals input from the analog signal processing
circuit 15, thereby obtaining digital image data. An operational
timing signal such as a conversion clock for the A/D converter 16
is provided by the timing control circuit 18.
[0028] The digital signal processing circuit 17 executes image
processing such as shading correction, gradation correction and
color balance correction on the digital image data and outputs the
image data having undergone the image processing to the memory 12.
The digital signal processing circuit 17 includes an LUT (lookup
table) having stored therein gradation characteristics conversion
data.
[0029] The original drive motor drive circuit 19 rotates the
original drive motor 22 in response to a command issued by the CPU
11 and thus feeds the film original by driving a feeding mechanism
(not shown). By adjusting the rotating speed and the rotating
direction of the original drive motor 22, the film original can be
fed, advanced or rewound. It is to be noted that FIG. 1 does not
include an illustration of the take-up unit at which the-film
original is taken up.
[0030] In the embodiment, the original drive motor 22 is also
utilized for sub-scanning during an image scanning operation. The
film original is sub-scanned or conveyed along the direction in
which the longer side of the film original extends each time an
image corresponding to a single line is captured at the line sensor
21 so as to allow the line sensor 21 to capture the image of the
entire film original plane. By repeatedly executing a main scanning
operation to capture an image of a single line at a time with the
line sensor 21 while sub-scanning the film original with the
original drive motor drive circuit 19, the image of the film
original plane is captured with the line sensor 21 and the image is
scanned.
[0031] The original position detection sensor 25 transmits a
detection signal obtained by detecting, for instance, a perforation
in the film to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 detects the position of the
film original by counting detection signals provided by the
original position detection sensor 25. The optical information
scanning sensor 24 detects optical information which may be, for
instance, a bar code on the film original and transmits the
detection signal to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 obtains information with
regard to the film original from the detection signal provided by
the optical information scanning sensor 24.
[0032] The magnetic head 26 detects magnetic information which may
be, for instance, recorded in the film and transmits the detection
signal to the magnetic signal processing circuit 20. It also
records information transmitted from the magnetic signal processing
circuit 20 into the film. The magnetic signal processing circuit 20
converts a signal detected at the magnetic head 26 to a digital
signal by shaping it and also shapes information to be recorded
transmitted from the CPU 11 and outputs the shaped information to
the magnetic head 26.
[0033] The original is read or scanned through the following
procedural steps at the image scanning unit 1 described above.
[0034] 1. Insert the film original.
[0035] 2. Capture thumbnail images (read thumbnail images).
[0036] 3. Specify a frame to be scanned.
[0037] 4. Set scanning conditions.
[0038] 5. Perform preliminary image-capturing operation (read a
reference image)
[0039] 6. Set image-capturing conditions.
[0040] 7. Perform main image-capturing operation (read main
image).
[0041] Thumbnail images are roughly scanned images which are used
to select a frame to be scanned. A thumbnail image is normally
captured for each of the frames in the film original.
[0042] A reference image is used to determine the exposure
conditions and the like. In the embodiment, the CPU 11 of the image
scanning unit 1 uses the reference image data to detect the density
distribution in the image in the corresponding frame.
[0043] The following settings may be selected by the operator as
the scanning conditions. If there are a plurality of frames to be
scanned, the conditions can be specified for each frame. An initial
value is set in advance for each of the items constituting the
scanning conditions, and the initial values are stored in the
memory 12. It is to be noted that the initial values set for the
individual items are used when capturing thumbnail images.
[0044] 1 the scanning range of the film original
[0045] 2 the number of pixels to constitute the scanned image data,
i.e., the resolution of the scanned image data
[0046] 3 the contrast of the scanned image data
[0047] 4 the color balance in the scanned image data
[0048] 5 the gradation of the scanned image data, i.e., the tone
curve of the scanned image data
[0049] The image-capturing conditions include the light output
quantity of the LED light source 23, the length of time over which
electrical charges are to be stored at the line sensor 21 and the
order in which electric charges are to be stored at the individual
elements, set for the main image-capturing operation. The
image-capturing conditions are determined by the CPU 11 at the
image scanning unit 1 in correspondence to the density distribution
in the image. It is to be noted that initial values set in advance
for the items constituting the image-capturing conditions are used
as the image-capturing conditions under which the thumbnail
image-capturing operation and the preliminary image-capturing
operation are performed.
[0050] The image scanning unit 1 in the embodiment continuously
executes 5) preliminary image-capturing operation, 6)
image-capturing condition setting and 7) main image-capturing
operation among the scanning procedural steps described above,
automatically in response to a scan start instruction. If a
plurality of frames are specified for the scanning, the plurality
of frames of images are continuously scanned (a continuous scan).
The present invention is characterized in that the length of time
required to execute the scan processing after the scan start
instruction is issued, that is, the estimated length of processing
time is calculated through an arithmetic operation. The length of
scan processing time is calculated for each procedural step to be
executed for a given frame.
[0051] FIG. 2 presents a flowchart of the processing executed at
the host computer 2 connected with the image scanning unit 1. After
setting the film original at the image scanning unit 1, the
operator engages the host computer 2 in the execution of an image
scanning program. The operator specifies the type of the film
original an image of which is to be scanned in a menu (not shown)
brought up on display at the monitor 2A. Possible film original
types include, for instance, positive film, color negative film and
monochrome negative film.
[0052] As the operator performs a start operation by specifying the
original type, a thumbnail image-capturing instruction is
transmitted from the host computer 2 to the image scanning unit 1.
Upon receiving the thumbnail image-capturing instruction via the
interface circuit 13, the CPU 11 issues an instruction for the
original drive motor drive circuit 19 to feed the film original.
When the CPU 11 judges that the base portion of the leading frame
of the film original has reached the image-capturing range of the
area sensor 21 based upon the detection signal input from the
original position detection sensor 25, the CPU 11 outputs a command
to the timing control circuit 18 and thus issues an instruction to
capture an image of the base portion. The base portion of the
leading frame is an area outside the image recording area, where no
image has been recorded. The CPU 11 detects the density in the base
portion based upon the signal level indicated by the
image-capturing signal obtained at the line sensor 21.
[0053] The CPU 11 obtains the magnetic information via the magnetic
head 26 and the magnetic signal processing circuit 20, and also
obtains the optical information via the optical information
scanning sensor 24, while engaging the original drive motor drive
circuit 19 to feed the film original over the full frame range. The
individual sets of information each obtained in correspondence to
one of the frame numbers are then stored by the CPU 11 into the
memory 12 in correspondence to the specific frame numbers. In
addition, while obtaining the magnetic information and the optical
information, the CPU 11 outputs a command individually to the
illumination LED drive circuit 14 and the timing control circuit 18
so as to capture thumbnail images of all the frames in the film
original.
[0054] The CPU 11 outputs a command for the digital signal
processing circuit 17 to execute image processing on the image
signals obtained through the thumbnail image-capturing operation at
the scanning condition initial values, and then transmits the image
data having undergone the image processing to the host computer 2
via the interface circuit 13.
[0055] In step S1 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 displays the
received thumbnail image data at the display window inside the
monitor 2A and then the operation proceeds to step S2. FIG. 3
presents a display example of a thumbnail image display area 31 and
a continuous scan registration list bar 32 brought up on display
inside the window. In the thumbnail image display area 31, a
thumbnail image corresponding to frame number 1 is displayed at the
upper left corner of the area and a thumbnail image corresponding
to frame number 5 is displayed at the left end in the second row in
the area. In each subsequent row, four thumbnail images are
displayed from left to right, with the last row ending with frame
number X. In the continuous scan registration list bar 32, the
frame numbers assigned to the images to be scanned are displayed.
It is to be noted that since the images to be read are specified in
the next step S2, the continuous scan registration list bar 32 is
blank at this point.
[0056] The operator specifies the frame numbers of the images to be
scanned from X thumbnail images displayed inside the thumbnail
image display area 31 at the monitor 2A by operating the operating
member 2B. In step S2, as the operating member 2B is clicked while
the cursor is placed on the thumbnail image corresponding to a
given frame number or on a given frame number, the host computer 2
displays a registration number at the continuous scan registration
list bar 32 and also registers the frame number as the number
assigned to the image to undergo a main read operation. The
registration number starts from 1 and is incremented each time a
new frame to be scanned is specified. In the example presented in
FIG. 3, 18 frames of images have been specified for the scan.
[0057] Instep S3 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as
to whether or not the frames of the images to be scanned have all
been specified. The host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision
in step S3 if the operator has selected an item for the completion
of the specification of the frames to be scanned from a menu (not
shown), and then the operation proceeds to step S4. If, on the
other hand, the operation to complete the specification of the
frames to be scanned has not been performed, the host computer 2
makes a negative decision in step S3 and the operation returns to
step S2.
[0058] In step S4, the host computer 2 makes a decision as to
whether or not the scanning conditions are to be set. The host
computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S4 if an operation
to change the initial value of a scanning condition has been
performed via the operating member 2B, and the operation proceeds
to step S5 in this case. If, on the other hand, no operation to
change any of the scanning conditions has been performed, it makes
a negative decision in step S4 and the operation proceeds to step
S6.
[0059] The following settings may be selected as the scanning
conditions. An initial value is set in advance for each of the
items constituting the scanning conditions, and the initial values
are stored in the memory 12 shown in FIG. 1. The scanning
conditions can be set for each of the frames of images to be
scanned.
[0060] 1 the scanning range of the film original
[0061] 2 the number of pixels to constitute the scanned image data,
i.e., the resolution of the scanned image data
[0062] 3 the contrast of the scanned image data
[0063] 4 the color balance in the scanned image data
[0064] 5 the gradation of the scanned image data, i.e., the tone
curve of the scanned image data
[0065] In step S5, the host computer 2 individually sets the
scanning conditions as described below, before the operation
proceeds to step S6.
[0066] 1 scanning range of the film original
[0067] If the operator wishes to scan an image over a range
different from the range of the thumbnail image displayed inside
the thumbnail image display area 31 shown in FIG. 3, he selects
(crops) the desired scanning range by, for instance, dragging the
operating member 2B. It is to be noted that the cropping operation
can be executed by displaying the thumbnail image in an
enlargement. The host computer 2 sets the cropped range as the
scanning range for the corresponding frame.
[0068] 2 the resolution of the scanned image data
[0069] As the desired resolution of the image data, the operator
enters, for instance, the number of pixels per inch, i.e., the unit
dpi (dots per inch), via the operating member 2B. The host computer
2 sets the number of pixels X along the horizontal direction and
the number of pixels Y along the vertical direction to constitute
the scanned image data in correspondence to the dpi value.
[0070] 3 the contrast of the scanned image data
[0071] The operator moves a slider displayed, for instance, in a
contrast setting palette (not shown) by dragging the operating
member 2B. If the slider is moved along the direction to raise the
contrast, the host computer 2 sets the contrast higher than the
initial value, whereas if the slider is moved along the direction
to lower the contrast, the host computer 2 sets the contrast lower
than the initial value. It sets the contrast at the initial value
if the slider is moved to the central position.
[0072] 4 the color balance of the scanned image data
[0073] The operator moves sliders displayed, for instance, in a
color balance setting palette (not shown) by dragging the operating
member 2B. If a slider "R" for red is moved along the direction to
intensify the red color, the host computer 2 sets the red color
intensity higher than the initial value, whereas if the slider "R"
for red is moved along the direction to lower the intensity, it
sets the red color intensity lower than the initial value. If the
slider for red is moved to the central position, the host computer
2 sets the red color intensity to the initial value. The green
color intensity and the blue color intensity are set in a similar
manner by moving a slider "G" for green and a slider "B" for green
respectively.
[0074] 5 the tone curve of the scanned image data
[0075] The operator manipulates the gradation curve displayed in,
for instance, a tone curve setting palette (not shown) by dragging
the operating member 2B. The host computer 2 modifies a correction
curve to be used to correct the image data gradation in
correspondence to the modified gradation curve.
[0076] In step S6 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision
as to whether or not the scanning conditions are to be verified. If
the operator has performed an operation to verify the scanning
conditions, the host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in
step S6 and the operation proceeds to step S7. If, on the other
hand, an operation for verifying the scanning conditions has not
been performed, the host computer 2 makes a negative decision in
step S6 and the operation proceeds to step S8.
[0077] In step S7, the host computer 2 brings up the individual
scanning conditions on display as described below, before the
operation proceeds to step S8.
[0078] The operator specifies a frame of image data with regard to
which he wishes to verify the scanning conditions among the X
thumbnail images displayed inside the thumbnail image display area
31 at the monitor 2A by operating the operating member 2B. If, for
instance, the cursor is placed at the image assigned with frame
number 3, the host computer 2 brings up a pop-up display of the
scanning (scan) order, the scanning conditions, the estimated
length of required scan processing time and the like corresponding
to the frame.
[0079] FIG. 4 presents a display example of a pop-up window 41.
"SCAN ORDER: SEVENTEENTH" in the pop-up window 41, which matches
the registration number in the continuous scan registration list
bar 32, indicates that the image is to be scanned seventeenth in
the scan order. "AF: NO" indicates that autofocus processing prior
to the preliminary image-capturing operation is to be skipped. If,
on the other hand, "AF: YES" is set, autofocus processing of the
known art is executed before the preliminary image-capturing
operation. "PRE-SCAN: YES" indicates that the preliminary
image-capturing operations is to be executed. "RESOLUTION" and the
subsequent items on display indicate the information on the
settings selected for the scanning conditions 1 to 5 described
above. "SCAN TIME" indicates the total of the estimated processing
time to scan the frame (frame number 3 in this example). The
estimated processing time is to be described in detail later.
[0080] If the cursor is placed on, for instance, the display of
"SCAN TIME" inside the pop-up window 41, the host computer 2 brings
up a pop-up display of the estimated lengths of time required to
execute the individual steps during the scan. "FRAME NUMBER: 3" in
a pop-up window 42 in FIG. 4 indicates the number assigned to the
frame. "AF TIME: 0 sec" indicates the estimated length of required
processing time for the autofocus processing. When "AF: NO" is
selected, the length of processing time on display is 0 sec.
"PRE-SCAN TIME: 11 sec" indicates the estimated length of required
processing time for the preliminary image-capturing operation.
"MAIN SCAN TIME: 20 sec" indicates the estimated length of required
processing time for the main image-capturing operation.
[0081] In step S8 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision
as to whether or not the processing time is to be verified. The
host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S8 if the
operator has performed an operation for verifying the processing
time and the processing end time point, and the operation proceeds
to step S9 in this case. If, on the other hand, the operation to
verify the processing time has not been performed, the host
computer 2 makes a negative decision in step S8 and the operation
proceeds to step S10.
[0082] In step S9, the host computer 2 brings up a display of the
processing time as described below, and the operation proceeds to
step S10.
[0083] The operator specifies the blank area to the right of the
last registration number (18 in this example) in the continuous
scan registration list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A by
operating the operating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor is
placed at the blank area to the right of frame number 18, the host
computer 2 brings up a pop-up display of the length of time
required to scan all the frames of images that are registered, the
current time point and the like.
[0084] FIG. 5 presents a display example of a pop-up window 51.
"FRAME NUMBER CURRENTLY UNDERGOING PROCESSING: 0/18" in the pop-up
window 51 indicates that the image scan has not started yet.
"REQUIRED TIME: 0 hour, 44 min, 24 sec" indicates the estimated
length of time required to scan all the frames of images. "REQUIRED
TIME REMAINING: 0 hour, 44 min, 24 sec" indicates the same value as
the required time since the scan has not started yet. "CURRENT TIME
POINT: 14:20:11" is the current time point read out from a clock
inside the host computer 2. "START TIME POINT: 14:20:11" indicates
the same value as that of the current time point since the scan is
yet to start. "END TIME POINT: 15:04:35" indicates the time point
calculated by adding the required time remaining to the start time
point.
[0085] In step S10 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision
as to whether or not the continuous scan is to be started. The host
computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S10 if the
operator has executed an operation to instruct a scan start and the
operation proceeds to step S11. If, on the other hand, no operation
to instruct a scan start has been performed, the host computer 2
makes a negative decision in step S10 and the operation returns to
step S4.
[0086] In step S11, the host computer 2 transmits the information
on the frames of images to be scanned, i.e., the specific frames of
images to be scanned and the scan order, the scanning conditions,
both set as explained above, and a start instruction to the image
scanning unit 1. Then the operation proceeds to step S12.
[0087] As the CPU 11 at the image scanning unit 1 receives the
information on the frames of images to be scanned, the scanning
conditions and the start instruction from the host computer 2, the
CPU 11 changes the scanning conditions from their initial values as
necessary and stores the modified scanning conditions into the
memory 12 in correspondence to the individual frame numbers
assigned to the images to be scanned. In addition, the CPU 11
issues a command for the original drive motor drive circuit 19 to
feed the first frame to be scanned to the position at which the
line sensor 21 is set. The CPU 11 individually outputs commands to
the illumination LED drive circuit 14 and the timing control
circuit 18 to execute a preliminary image-capturing operation for
the frame. The CPU 11 determines the density distribution in the
image in the frame based upon the image data output from the
digital signal processing circuit 17.
[0088] The CPU 11 executes an exposure calculation in conformance
to the lowest density, the highest density and the density
frequency distribution in the frame and determines the
image-capturing conditions such as the light output from the LED
light source 23 and the length of the charge storage time at the
line sensor 21 under which the main image-capturing operation is to
be executed. If the light output from the LED light source 23 is
set at a constant value, the length of charge storage time should
be varied. The CPU 11 sets the image-capturing conditions at the
timing control circuit 18 and the illumination LED drive circuit
14, and also sets the scanning conditions for the current frame at
the digital signal processing circuit 17. Thus, the digital signal
processing circuit 17 is enabled to prepare image processing
parameters corresponding to the scanning conditions that have been
set.
[0089] Then, the CPU 11 individually outputs commands to the
illumination LED drive circuit 14 and the timing control circuit 18
to execute the main image-capturing operation for the frame. The
CPU 11 stores the image data having undergone the image processing
that are output from the digital signal processing circuit 17 into
the memory 12. The CPU 11 transmits the scanned image in the memory
12 to the host computer 2 via the interface circuit 13.
[0090] The image scanning unit 1 repeatedly executes the
preliminary image-capturing operation, the image-capturing
condition selection and the main image-capturing operation for all
the frames of images specified for the scan. It is to be noted that
the CPU 11 transmits information indicating the length of time
having been required to execute the autofocus processing, the
length of time having been required to execute the preliminary
image-capturing processing and the length of time having been
required to execute the main image-capturing processing to the host
computer 2 in correspondence to each frame. The host computer 2
registers these lengths of time having been required to execute the
various types of processing in a database to be detailed later.
[0091] In step S12 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision
as to whether or not the processing time is to be verified. The
host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S12 if the
operator has performed an operation for verifying the processing
time and the processing end time point, and the operation proceeds
to step S13 in this case. If, on the other hand, the operation to
verify the processing time has not been performed, the host
computer 2 makes a negative decision in step S12 and the operation
proceeds to step S14.
[0092] In step S13, the host computer 2 brings up a display of the
processing time as described below, and the operation proceeds to
step S14.
[0093] The operator specifies the blank area to the right of the
last registration number (18 in this example) in the continuous
scan registration list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A by
operating the operating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor is
placed at the blank area to the right of frame number 18, the host
computer 2 brings up a pop-up display of the length of time
required to scan all the frames of images that are registered, the
current time point and the like. FIG. 6 presents a display example
of a pop-up window 61. "FRAME NUMBER CURRENTLY UNDERGOING
PROCESSING: 7/18" in the pop-up window 61 indicates that the
seventh frame in the scan order among the 18 frames is currently
undergoing the scan processing. "REQUIRED TIME: 0 hour, 44 min, 24
sec" indicates the estimated length of time required to scan all
the frames of images. "REQUIRED TIME REMAINING: 0 hour, 28 min, 33
sec" indicates the estimated length of required processing time to
elapse after the pop-up display is brought up. "CURRENT TIME POINT:
14:39:11" is the current time point read out from the clock inside
the host computer 2. "START TIME POINT: 14:23:20" indicates the
time point at which the scan start operation was performed. "END
TIME POINT: 15:07:44" indicates the time point calculated by adding
the required time remaining to the current time point.
[0094] In step S14 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision
as to whether or not the processing time is to be verified again.
The host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S14 if
the operator has performed an operation for verifying the
processing time and the processing end time point, and the
operation returns to step S13 in this case. If, on the other hand,
the operation to verify the processing time has not been performed,
the host computer 2 makes a negative decision in step S14 and the
operation proceeds to step S15.
[0095] As the host computer 2 receives image data obtained through
the main image-capturing operation executed on all the frames of
images specified for the scan from the image scanning unit 1 in
step S15, the processing in FIG. 2 ends. Through this processing,
the image data in each of the frames having been continuously
scanned are stored into a data storage device (not shown) inside
the host computer 2.
[0096] Now, the estimated length of processing time is explained.
Every time an original is scanned, the host computer 2 counts the
length of time that elapses after the scan start is instructed
until the image data are received from the image scanning unit 1
and registers the results of the count into the database. The
database is provided inside the data storage device (not shown).
The data in the database are classified in correspondence to, for
instance, the original film types, the scanning conditions
including the scanned image data resolutions and the individual
steps such as the preliminary image-capturing operation and the
main image-capturing operation.
[0097] In addition, the host computer 2 registers the lengths of
time having been required to execute the various steps such as the
autofocus processing, the preliminary image-capturing processing
and the main image-capturing processing for each image frame
received from the image scanning unit 1 into the database. Such
information is not registered into the database if a given type of
processing has not been completed in a normal manner. For instance,
if the autofocus processing on a given image undergoing the scan
has not been completed within a predetermined length of time due to
low contrast, the autofocus processing time for the image is not
registered in the database.
[0098] In addition, the processing time information is not
registered if the corresponding processing is canceled while it is
in progress. For instance, if the preliminary image-capturing
processing on a given image is canceled while the processing is in
progress, the corresponding length of preliminary image-capturing
processing time is not registered in the database. The processing
time information is not registered either if an error occurs while
the processing is in progress. For instance, if an error is
detected in the system, the corresponding length of processing time
is not registered in the database.
[0099] The host computer 2 estimates a length of processing time by
calculating the average of, for instance, the twenty values
representing the twenty processing operations most recently
executed by using the data registered in the database as described
above. For instance, the estimated length of time required to
execute the preliminary image-capturing operation is calculated as
the average (the recent average) of the lengths of the preliminary
image-capturing operations most recently executed on film originals
of the same type at the same resolution by using the data
registered in the database. The estimated length of time required
to execute the main image-capturing operation, too, is calculated
as the recent average of the lengths of main image-capturing
operations most recently executed on film originals of the same
type at the same resolution by using the data registered in the
database.
[0100] The following advantages are achieved in the embodiment
explained above.
[0101] (1) As the operator specifies a frame with regard to which
he wishes to verify the scanning conditions from the X thumbnail
images displayed inside the thumbnail image display area 31 at the
monitor 2A by operating the operating member 2B, the host computer
2 displays the order in which the frame is to be scanned (scan
order), the scanning conditions set for the frame, the estimated
length of processing time and the like in the pop-up window 41.
Thus, an image scanning system achieving a high degree of ease of
use, which allows the operator to check the scanning information on
a desired frame through a simple operation, can be provided.
[0102] (2) As the operator specifies the scan time display in the
pop-up window 41 by operating the operating member 2B, the host
computer 2 displays the lengths of time required to scan the frame
in correspondence to the individual steps in the pop-up window 42.
Thus, an image scanning system achieving a high degree of ease of
use, which allows the operator to check the length of time required
to scan the desired frame through a simple operation, can be
provided.
[0103] (3) As the operator specifies the blank area to the right of
the last registration number in the continuous scan registration
list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A, e.g., registration number
18 in FIG. 6, by operating the operating member 2B, the host
computer 2 displays the length of time required to scan all the
frames of images that are registered, the current time point and
the like in the pop-up window 61. Thus, an image scanning system
achieving a high degree of ease of use, which allows the operator
to check the frame number assigned to the image currently being
scanned, the overall length of time required for the scan and the
estimated length of time required to complete the scan after the
pop-up display comes up through a simple operation, can be
provided. Since the operator does not need to remain in the
vicinity of the image scanning system once he instructs the scan
start, the operator can use his time efficiently until the scan end
time point. In addition, the scanning conditions such as the
resolution set by the operator are reflected in the length of time
required to complete the scan, i.e., the end time point, and thus,
it is possible to scan images at the highest possible image quality
even if a limited length of time can be spent for the scan.
[0104] (4) The length of time required or elapsed to execute an
actual image scan is counted, and the results of the count are
registered in the database in correspondence to the scanning
conditions and the individual steps. Then, the average of the n
values, e.g., twenty values, representing the lengths of time
having been required for scan operations most recently executed is
calculated as the estimated processing time. Thus, the estimated
length of processing time is calculated statistically. As a result,
the accuracy with which the required processing time is estimated
improves even when the length of the scan time fluctuates as
different images are scanned.
[0105] While the estimated length of processing time is calculated
by averaging the values indicated by twenty sets of data having
been registered in the database most recently, the number of sets
of data used for this purpose does not need to be twenty. The
estimated length of processing time may the calculated as the
average of ten or one hundred values representing the lengths of
time having been required to execute the processing most recently,
instead.
[0106] Instead of calculating the average value of processing time
lengths, the value that is most frequently indicated by the data
registered in the database may be used as the estimated length of
processing time. In such a case, the value most frequently
indicated in the data registered in the database in correspondence
to specific scanning conditions and a specific step should be
searched and used as the estimated length of processing time. The
search conditions under which the most frequent value is searched
in the database may be selected so that:
[0107] (1) the most frequent value is searched from all the data
registered in the database,
[0108] (2) the most frequent value is searched, for instance, from
twenty sets of data having been registered most recently, or
[0109] (3) the most frequent value is searched, for instance, from
one hundred sets of data having been registered most recently.
[0110] The value most frequently indicated by the data registered
in the database may be searched in the following manner. The
lengths of processing time registered in the database are
stratified in, for instance, 5-second increments and a range over
which the greatest number of sets of data are distributed is
selected. If, for instance, the greatest number of sets of data are
distributed over the range of 20 seconds or longer and less than 25
seconds, the median of the range, i.e., 22.5 sec, is set as the
estimated length of processing time.
[0111] The pop-up window 42 in FIG. 4 described above may include a
display of the length of time required to feed the film. In such a
case, the length of time required to feed the film original from
the scanned frame position preceding the current frame to the
current frame position should be indicated. By including the length
of time required to feed the film original, the length of time
required for the scan processing can be indicated even more
accurately when images in consecutive frames in the film original
are not scanned. It is to be noted that the scan time in the pop-up
window 41 should indicate the length of time that includes the
length of time required for the film feed in this case.
[0112] In addition, the display in the pop-up window 42 may include
the length of time required to execute image processing as well. In
such a case, the length of time required to execute the image
processing at the digital signal processing circuit 17 should be
displayed. The length of time required for the scan can be
indicated more accurately by including the length of time required
for the image processing when, for instance, the resolution is set
to a high level or when a defect or the like contained in the image
is automatically corrected during the image processing. It is to be
noted that the scan time indicated in the pop-up window 41 should
include the length of time required for the image processing in
this case.
[0113] The pop-up window 42 may also include a display of the
length of time required to execute the image data output
processing. In such a case, the length of time required to output
the data from the image scanning unit 1 to the host computer 2
should be indicated. The length of time required for the scan can
be indicated more accurately by including the length of time
required for the data output when, for instance, the resolution is
set to a high level. It is to be noted that the scan time displayed
in the pop-up window 41, too, should indicate the length of time
that includes the length of time required for the image output in
this case.
[0114] Instead of displaying the scanning conditions as in step S7
in FIG. 2 described above, they may be brought up on a pop-up
display as described below. The operator specifies a registration
number assigned to the image with regard to which he wishes to
verify the scanning conditions among the registration numbers in
the continuous scan registration list bar 32 (see FIG. 3) displayed
at the monitor 2A by operating the operating member 2B. If, for
instance, the cursor is placed on registration number 3, the host
computer 2 brings up a pop-up display of the scan order, the
scanning conditions, the estimated length of required scan
processing time and the like corresponding to the frame.
[0115] FIG. 7 presents a display example of a pop-up window 71.
"FRAME NUMBER: X-1" in the pop-up window 71 indicates that the
frame number assigned to the image is (X-1). "AF: YES" indicates
that autofocus processing is to be executed. "PRE-SCAN: YES"
indicates that the preliminary image-capturing operation is to be
executed. "RESOLUTION" and the subsequent items on display indicate
the information on the settings selected for the scanning
conditions 1 to 5 described earlier. "SCAN TIME" indicates the
total of the estimated processing time required to scan the frame
(frame number (X-1) in this example). Since the pop-up window 72 is
similar to the pop-up window 42 in FIG. 4 described earlier, its
explanation is omitted.
[0116] The contents of the information displayed in the pop-up
windows 41, 42, 51, 61, 71 and 72 may be reproduced as audio
data.
[0117] While the thumbnail image-capturing operation and the
preliminary image-capturing operation are executed individually in
the explanation given above, the preliminary image-capturing
operation may be skipped by detecting the density distribution in
the image data obtained by capturing the thumbnail image.
[0118] While an explanation is given above on an example in which a
plurality of specified frames (designated frames) of images are
continuously scanned, the present invention may instead be adopted
in a single frame scan for scanning a single image frame.
[0119] In the embodiment described above, the image scanning system
comprises the image scanning unit 1 and the host computer 2 and
operational instructions are issued from the host computer 2. In
addition, in the example explained above, the image-capturing
conditions are determined at the CPU 11 of the image scanning unit
1, whereas the calculation of the estimated length of processing
time is executed and the processing time database is located at the
host computer 2. Instead, the processing listed above may all be
executed at the CPU 11 and a database may be set up inside the
memory 12. In such a case, the host computer 2 simply issues
operational instructions and executes display operations.
[0120] The image processing system may assume a stand-alone
structure by providing an operating member and a monitor display
circuit at the image scanning unit 1. Such a structure does not
require the host computer 2.
[0121] While an explanation is given above on an example in which
the present invention is adopted in an image scanning system,
programs for enabling execution of the image scan processing that
is executed at the image scanning unit 1 and the host computer 2 in
the example explained above may be prepared separately and
installed in an image scanning unit or a host computer 2 so as to
allow the image scanning unit 1 and the host computer 2 to be
utilized as an image scanning system. In such a case, the image
scanning system operates by executing the programs loaded into the
memory 12 of the image scanning unit 1 and a data storage device at
a personal computer or the like. It is to be noted that if the
image scanning system adopts a stand-alone configuration, the
program for the host computer 2 is not necessary. The programs may
be loaded by installing recording media having the programs stored
therein or they may be loaded via a network.
[0122] The above described embodiment is an example, and various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *