JP2003187257A - Image creation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image creation system capable of acquiring original image data including a face area equivalent to a human face and outputting an image of the shape and size, etc., of which are determined according to intended use such as a certificate picture by automatically and properly segmenting it. <P>SOLUTION: The above purpose is achieved by providing an acquisition means for acquiring image data of an original image including the face area equivalent to the human face, an image processing means for setting a trimming area to the original image so that the face area is placed at a prescribed position with prescribed size ratio based on the image data of the original image and for simultaneously processing the image data in the trimming area into processed image data, a display means for displaying an image by at least one of the image data of the original image and the processed image data, an image output means for outputting an image with prescribed size by using the processed image data and an input means for inputting the prescribed size ratio and the prescribed size. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image creating system, and more particularly, it acquires image data of an original image including a face area corresponding to a person's face, and a face area corresponding to the person's face in the original image. The present invention relates to a digital ID photo image creating system in which a trimming area is set so as to be positioned at an appropriate position with an appropriate size ratio, and an image in the set trimming area is created as an ID photograph.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, a photograph of a predetermined size (certificate photo) showing the face of the person himself / herself, such as application for issuance of a passport or license, or creation of a resume.
There are many opportunities to attach or submit. For this reason,
A photography room is set up for taking pictures of users, and a user sitting on a chair in the photography room is photographed, and a certification photo sheet is created in which multiple images for the certification photograph of the user are recorded on a single sheet. 2. Description of the Related Art A device for automatically creating an ID photo that automatically does this has been used. However, automatic ID photo creation devices are generally very large and have limited installation locations.
The user needs to find the installation site and go to the installation site, which is not convenient and burdensome for the user.

Further, in recent years, image data obtained by reading a film image recorded on a photographic film and image data input from a digital camera are subjected to various kinds of image processing and then printed. Images can be recorded on recording materials such as paper, and other output formats (for example,
An image processing system capable of outputting an image by storing image data in an information recording medium such as a smart medium has become popular.

As a technique applicable to this type of image processing system, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-341272, an image (an image showing a person's face) used for creating an identification photograph is displayed on a display device. When two positions of the face in the displayed image (head vertex position and chin tip position) are specified, the computer scales the face scale and the face based on the specified two positions. The image is scaled so that the face in the scaled image is located at a predetermined position on the screen of the ID photo, and the image is scaled to obtain the image of the ID photo. It has been proposed to automatically perform the processing of. According to the above technique, the user can request the creation of the ID photo from a DPE store or the like, which has a larger number than the automatic ID photo creation device, and at the same time, the user can see that the photo taken is good. By bringing the photographic film or the information recording medium on which the favorite photograph is recorded to the DPE store or the like, it is possible to create the ID photograph from the favorite photograph.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-287060 (patented as Japanese Patent No. 3120074), the original image data photographed by a digital still camera is used as image information about the original image including the image size of the original image data. Along with this, the original image data read out from the information recording medium is displayed on the image data display means, and the output information and the identification photograph including the image information and the output resolution of the identification photograph output device extracted or selected by various means. Based on the format information including the shape and the required number of sheets, of the image data displayed on the image data display means, the cut range of the used image data used for the ID photo image data is set, and the cut range is displayed. Image data in addition to the displayed image data, and display the used image data within the cutting range Proposes an ID photo creation device that creates ID photo image data from the displayed used image data based on the output information and outputs the created ID photo image data to the output device by the required number of format information. Has been done.

[0006] The applicant of the present invention has disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-174.
No. 922, the main image subject is extracted from the input image using the input image data read from the photographic film, and the print magnification and the frame position are determined according to the size of the extracted main subject and the print size designated in advance. Disclosed is a certification photograph creation system that performs image processing and outputs an image after image processing as a certification photograph.

[0007]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the technique described in Japanese Patent No. 341272, the operator needs to perform a complicated operation of instructing the apex position of the head and the tip position of the jaw in the original image displayed on the display device. There is a problem that a great burden is imposed on the operator in the case of sequentially producing the user's ID photos. In addition, especially when the area of the area corresponding to the human face in the displayed image is small or the resolution of the image is rough, the operator can quickly and accurately determine the vertex position of the head and the tip position of the jaw. Is difficult to tell,
It was an obstacle to the quick creation of ID photos.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-287060
In the ID photo creating apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication, it is possible to directly create ID photo image data for outputting an ID photo from an output device such as a digital photo printer from image data taken by a digital still camera. it can.
However, in this ID photo creating apparatus, based on the image information including the size of the original image, the output information including the output resolution of the ID photo output apparatus, and the format information including the shape and the required number of ID pictures, the ID photo is generated. Only the cropping range of the used image data used for the image data for use is set, and the cropping range is set so that the face area of the person in the original image data is at an appropriate position as the ID photo image. Since it is not calculated and set from, there is a problem that it is not known whether the data within the cutout range is sufficient as the ID photo image.

Further, in the ID photo production system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-174922, the print magnification and the frame position are determined according to the size of the main subject and the print size extracted from the input image data read from the photographic film. Therefore, it is unknown whether the extracted main subject is the face area of the person suitable as the ID photo image, and there is a problem that it is not known whether the extracted main subject is sufficient as the ID photo image.

For this reason, in the ID photo creating apparatus and ID photo creating system disclosed in these publications, it is necessary to appropriately position the face area of the person in the original image data at the time of shooting, and it is necessary for the photographer as well. Also, the burden on the user of the ID photo taken is large, and if the image is not positioned and taken sufficiently, the cropping range displayed with the displayed image will be unsuitable, and the cropping range settings will need to be redone or corrected. There is a problem that it becomes necessary and the burden on the operator increases.

By the way, in the techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned publications, a camera such as a digital camera for photographing an ID photo subject and a photo printer for printing out the ID photo are not directly connected to each other but are photographed by the camera. Also, since it is necessary to acquire the original image data from an information recording medium such as various media on which the original image data is recorded or a photographic film carrying the original image, it is generally necessary to take a certification photograph with a digital still camera. In the case of manned shooting,
If you want to check the captured image immediately after shooting, you can check it with the monitor attached to the camera.However, if such a monitor has a low resolution and its size is small, the photographer or the customer can view the captured image. There is a problem that it is difficult to understand good and bad. Further, in such a case, the photographer and the customer themselves must take an angle of view so that the ID photograph output size can be obtained, and the photographer and the customer have a heavy burden.

Further, in the case of an ID photo creating system in which a photo printer is directly connected to a camera such as an ID photo automatic creating apparatus or an ID photo exclusive apparatus, a camera such as a digital still camera and an ID photo are used. Because the photo printer for output is directly connected, the camera cannot be removed during the shooting (before the ID photo is output, that is, while the system is operating), and the photo printer can be used for other purposes during shooting. On the other hand, there is a problem that the camera cannot be used for another purpose while the photo printer is in operation and the operation rate of the apparatus cannot be increased. In addition, including the technology disclosed in the above publication, in general, in the case of a certification photograph creating system that reads out original image data from photographic film and outputs a certification photograph, it is used for certification photographs from a large number of film-scanned images. There is also a problem in that an image to be selected must be selected.

The main object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, obtain original image data including a face area corresponding to the face of a person, and use the obtained original image data as a certification photograph. An object of the present invention is to provide an image creating system capable of appropriately cutting out and outputting an image of which shape, size, etc. are determined according to the above. Another object of the present invention is, in addition to the above-mentioned first object, a trimming area so that a face area corresponding to a human face in an original image is located at a predetermined position within a trimming area with a predetermined size ratio. It can be recognized more accurately and automatically, and can be set automatically, and the original image taken by a camera such as a digital still camera can be displayed in high resolution to acquire the original image data. You can easily and accurately confirm whether it is appropriate as an image such as a photograph, and the burden on the photographer and the customer who is shooting,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image creating system that can reduce the burden on an operator or the like when setting a trimming area.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above main object, the present invention provides an acquisition means for acquiring image data of an original image including a face area corresponding to a human face, and an acquisition means for acquiring the image data. Based on the image data of the original image,
An image processing unit that sets a trimming region for the original image so that the face region is located at a predetermined position with a predetermined size ratio, and that processes image data in the trimming region into processed image data, and the acquisition unit. Display means for displaying an image based on at least one of the acquired image data of the original image and the processed image data processed by the image processing means, and predetermined using the processed image data processed by the image processing means An image creating system comprising: an image output means for outputting an image of a size; and an input means for inputting the predetermined size ratio and the predetermined size.

Here, the image processing means determines, based on the image data of the original image acquired by the acquisition means, a position corresponding to the top of the person's head and a position corresponding to the eye in the original image. Based on the detecting means for detecting each, the position corresponding to the top of the person and the position corresponding to the eye of the person in the original image detected by the detecting means, the face area is within the trimming area at the predetermined size ratio. It is preferable to include a setting unit that sets the trimming area for the original image so as to be located at the predetermined position.

Further, the acquisition means preferably includes at least one of a photographing means and an image data input means connected to the image processing means, and the photographing means is preferably removable. Further, the photographing means is preferably a digital still camera, and the image data input means is preferably at least one of a film scanner, a reflection type scanner and a media reader. Further, it is preferable that the image output means outputs an ID photo print in which the image of the predetermined size is recorded as a visible image on a recording material.

In addition, in the trimming area, the face above the face area along the vertical direction of the subject in the original image, the face area, and the face in the trimming area along the vertical direction. Each of the submandibular regions existing below the region, further comprising storage means for storing the appropriate value of the size ratio along the vertical direction, the setting means, the head of the person in the detected original image Based on the position corresponding to the top and the position corresponding to the eye, the position corresponding to the tip of the chin of the person in the original image is estimated, and the position corresponding to the crown and the position corresponding to the tip of the chin Based on the distance on the original image, the size ratio along the top-bottom direction of each of the above-head region, the face region, and the submandibular region in the trimming region is the size ratio stored in the storage unit. The aptitude value of To way is preferable to set the position and size of the trimming region along the vertical direction.

Further, the detecting means detects the positions corresponding to both eyes of the person in the original image, and the storage means stores information indicating the aspect ratio of the trimming area, and the setting is performed. Means, the position corresponding to substantially the center along the lateral direction orthogonal to the vertical direction of the position corresponding to both eyes detected by the detection means, the center position of the trimming region along the lateral direction A position of the trimming area along the horizontal direction based on the size of the trimming area along the vertical direction so that the aspect ratio of the trimming area matches the aspect ratio represented by the information stored in the storage unit; It is preferable to set the size.

Further, a desired print size is selected from a plurality of print sizes predetermined as the size of the recorded image when the image area corresponding to the trimming area set in the original image is recorded on the recording material. Further, there is further provided a selection means for selecting, and in the storage means, information indicating an appropriate value of the size ratio and an aspect ratio of the trimming area is stored in association with the plurality of print sizes. The setting unit uses the information indicating the suitability value of the size ratio and the aspect ratio stored in the storage unit in association with the print size selected through the selection unit, and the position of the trimming area and It is preferable to set the size.

Further, in order to correct at least one of the display control means for displaying the trimming area set by the setting means on the display means so as to be superimposed on the original image and the position and size of the trimming area set by the setting means. When the correction of at least one of the position and the size of the trimming area is instructed via the correcting means, the setting means further determines the position and the size of the trimming area according to the instruction. It is preferable to modify at least one.

Further, a designating means for designating character information to be recorded on the recording material, and an image area corresponding to the trimming area set by the setting means in the original image are recorded as an image on the recording material. It is preferable that the recording medium further comprises recording means for recording the character information designated through the designating means on the same recording material. Further, it is preferable that the character information is information in which at least one of the type of print image and the print size is expressed by characters.

In one aspect of the present invention, the position corresponding to the top of the person's head and the position corresponding to the eye in the original image are detected by the detecting means based on the image data of the original image including the face area. To be done. In order to detect the position corresponding to the top of the person's head in the original image by the detection means, for example, at a plurality of locations on the original image along the lateral direction orthogonal to the vertical direction of the subject, from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction. The density change amount is repeatedly calculated while scanning the original image toward the side, and the position where the density change amount first becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value is stored as a candidate, and the number of candidates is concentrated along the vertical direction. An algorithm for detecting the candidate located at the uppermost position among the existing parts as a position corresponding to the crown is preferable, but another algorithm may be used.

Further, the detection of the position corresponding to the eye part of the person in the original image by the detection means is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-2.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 42768, a filtering process is performed by a filter that detects a light-dark pattern corresponding to an eye part, a predetermined region including an area corresponding to one eye part is set, and the set predetermined region is set. A specific area including a black eye portion is set in the central part of the area, and the area excluding the specific area in the predetermined area is inverted with an axis parallel to the vertical direction of the subject in the original image as a symmetry axis, and is combined with the specific area. By creating a template by doing, by calculating the cross-correlation coefficient while operating the template in the search area that is estimated to have a region corresponding to the other eye, it corresponds to the other eye An algorithm for setting a predetermined area including the area is suitable, but another algorithm may be used.

An algorithm for detecting a position corresponding to the top of a person's head and an algorithm for detecting a position corresponding to a person's eyes are compared with an algorithm for detecting the boundary position of the face area over the entire circumference. Since the processing is simple and the detection accuracy is high, the detection by the detection means can be performed in a short time and with high accuracy.

The setting means of one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the face area has a predetermined size ratio based on the position corresponding to the top of the person and the position corresponding to the eye in the original image detected by the detecting means. The trimming area for the original image is set so that the trimming area is located at a predetermined position in the trimming area. The inventor of the present invention needs to detect the position and size of the face area with relatively high accuracy in the automatic setting of the trimming area, but the entire face area does not necessarily have to be detected accurately (for example, of the face area). It is not necessary to recognize the boundary position over the entire circumference), and among various detection methods that partially detect the face area, detection of the parietal region and eye region with relatively high extraction accuracy is performed. If combined, the position and size of the face area can be detected relatively accurately based on these detection results, that is, the position corresponding to the crown of the person and the position corresponding to the eye in the original image can be detected with high accuracy. If so, it has been confirmed by experiments that the position and size of the face area in the original image can be recognized with relatively high accuracy based on these positions. So as to be positioned at a predetermined position within the region, the trimming area of the original image can be set to suitability.

As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, the trimming area in which the face area is located at the predetermined position within the trimming area with the predetermined size ratio can be automatically set without the intervention of the operator. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator or the like when setting the trimming area so that the face area is located at a predetermined position in the trimming area with a predetermined size ratio.

The setting of the trimming area in the vertical direction of the subject in the original image is performed by, for example, setting the trimming area in the trimming area above the face area along the vertical direction as described above. Among the face area and the trimming area, the suitability value of the size ratio along the vertical direction of each of the submandibular regions existing below the face area along the vertical direction is stored in the storage means and set. The means is
The position corresponding to the tip of the chin of the person is estimated based on the position corresponding to the top of the person's head and the position corresponding to the eye in the detected original image, and the position corresponding to the top of the head and the tip of the chin are estimated. Based on the distance on the original image at the position corresponding to, the size ratio along the vertical direction of each of the overhead area, the face area, and the submandibular area in the trimming area is the size stored in the storage means. This can be achieved by setting the position and size of the trimming area along the vertical direction so as to match the appropriate value of the ratio.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the size ratio of each of the overhead region, the face region, and the submandibular region in the trimming region along the vertical direction is suitable for the size ratio stored in the storage means. Since the position of the trimming area along the vertical direction is set so as to match the value, the trimming area is set so that the face area is located at a predetermined position within the trimming area with a predetermined size ratio in the vertical direction of the subject. The position and size can be set.

Further, the present inventor has found that the existing detection method has insufficient detection accuracy at the position corresponding to the tip of the chin of the person in the original image, and the top of the person in the original image. It has been confirmed by experiments that it is possible to estimate with relatively high accuracy from the position corresponding to and the position corresponding to the eye. In one aspect of the present invention, the position corresponding to the tip of the chin of the person in the original image is estimated from the position corresponding to the crown of the person in the original image and the position corresponding to the eye portion. By erroneously detecting the position corresponding to the tip of the chin of the person, it is possible to prevent the position and size of the trimming area set by the setting unit from becoming inappropriate.

For setting the trimming area in the lateral direction orthogonal to the vertical direction of the subject, for example,
As described above, the detecting means detects the positions corresponding to both eyes of the person in the original image, and the storage means stores information indicating the aspect ratio of the trimming area (for example, information indicating the aspect ratio itself). Information, which may be information indicating the vertical and horizontal sizes of the recorded image when the image area corresponding to the trimming area is recorded on the recording material), and the setting means detects each by the detecting means. Based on the size of the trimming region along the vertical direction, the position corresponding to the center of the trimming region along the lateral direction at the position corresponding to the center of the lateral direction of the position corresponding to both eyes is trimmed. The position and size of the trimming area along the horizontal direction are set so that the aspect ratio of the area matches the aspect ratio represented by the information stored in the storage means. It can be implemented by the.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a position corresponding to a substantially center of a detected position corresponding to both eyes along a lateral direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is defined as a center of the trimming area along the lateral direction. Based on the size of the trimming area along the vertical direction, the position of the trimming area along the horizontal direction is set so that the aspect ratio of the trimming area matches the aspect ratio represented by the information stored in the storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to set the position and size of the lateral trimming area so that the face area is located at a desired position along the lateral direction of the subject, that is, at substantially the center of the lateral trimming area. it can.

In the present invention, a plurality of print sizes are prepared as the size (print size) of the recorded image when the image area corresponding to the trimming area set in the original image is recorded on the recording material. However, there is a possibility that the desired position and size ratio of the face area in the trimming area may differ, or the aspect ratio may differ, depending on the print size. In consideration of this, as described above, a selection unit for selecting a desired print size from a plurality of print sizes is provided, and information indicating the suitability value of the size ratio and the aspect ratio of the trimming area is provided. The setting means stores the suitability value of the size ratio and the aspect ratio stored in the storage means in association with the print size selected through the selection means. It is preferable to set the position and size of the trimming area by using the information.

As a result, regardless of which print size is selected through the selection means, the aspect ratio of the trimming area can be made to match the aspect ratio corresponding to the selected print size, and the subject The size ratio of the face area in the vertical direction can be set to an appropriate size ratio corresponding to the print size, and the position of the face area in the vertical direction of the subject in the trimming area can be set to the appropriate position corresponding to the print size. Can be

Even if the present invention is applied, the trimming area may not be properly recognized depending on, for example, the hairstyle of a person (for example, the size of the area corresponding to the hair part of the person along the vertical direction is extremely large). If it is large, etc.).
For this reason, as described above, at least one of the display control means for displaying the trimming area set by the setting means on the original image on the display means and the position and size of the trimming area set by the setting means are corrected. When a correction of at least one of the position and size of the trimming area is instructed through the correcting means, the setting means is provided with at least one of the position and size of the trimming area. Is preferably modified.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the trimming area is displayed on the display means so as to be superimposed on the original image, an operator or the like can visually check whether or not the trimming area set by the setting means is appropriate. it can. The trimming area may be displayed as, for example, a line drawing representing the outer edge of the trimming area, or the display of the portion corresponding to the outside of the trimming area may be different from the display of the portion corresponding to the inside of the trimming (for example, display in monochrome). May be displayed.

Then, when the setting means of one aspect of the present invention corrects at least one of the position and size of the trimming area via the correcting means, the setting means corrects the trimming area according to the instruction. Even if it is difficult to automatically set an appropriate trimming area from the position corresponding to the top of the person's head and the position corresponding to the eye in the original image, the position and size of the trimming area will be appropriate. It is possible to correct the trimming area.

When correction of at least one of the position and size of the trimming area is instructed, the display control means also corrects the display of the trimming area based on the trimming area corrected by the setting means.
Alternatively, it is preferable to correct the display of the original image. This allows the operator to confirm the result of instructing the correction of at least one of the position and size of the trimming area.

It should be noted that one aspect of the present invention may include recording means for recording an image area in the trimming area set by the setting means in the original image as an image on the recording material. In this case, as described above, the designating means for designating the character information to be recorded on the recording material is provided, and the recording means records the character information designated via the designating means on the same recording material (the image is recorded). It is preferable that the recording is performed on the recording material). As the above-mentioned character information, for example, as described above, information in which at least one of the type of print image and the print size is expressed by characters can be used. By recording the above-mentioned character information on the recording material, it becomes easy to handle the classification etc. of the image recorded on the recording material by the recording means.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An image forming system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 1 (c) each show a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image creating system according to the present invention.

The image creating system 1a shown in FIG.
Includes an image capturing unit 2, an image data input unit 3, an image display unit 4, an image processing unit 5, an input unit 6, and an image output unit 7. Further, the image creating system 1b shown in FIG. 1B is the same as the image creating system 1a shown in FIG.
The image data input means 3 is omitted from the image capturing means 2
, Image display means 4, image processing means 5, and input means 6
And image output means 7. Further, an image creating system 1c shown in FIG. 1 (c) is the image creating system 1a shown in FIG. 1 (a) excluding the photographing means 2, and includes an image data input means 3, an image display means 4, and an image. Processing means 5
And input means 6 and image output means 7. In addition,
In the image creating systems 1a and 1b of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), it is preferable that the photographing means 2 be detachable from the image processing means 5.
Therefore, the image creating system 1c shown in FIG. 1C can be regarded as a usage pattern of the image creating system 1a shown in FIG.

Here, the photographing means 2 is one of the means for acquiring the image data of the original image of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as original image data), and photographs the subject including the face area corresponding to the face of a person. Any device can be used as long as it can acquire the original image data. For example, a digital still camera or the like can be used, and it is preferable that the image processing device 5 be removably connected. The image data input means 3 is one of the original image data acquisition means of the present invention, and may be any one as long as it can acquire the original image data in which a subject including a face region corresponding to a person's face is photographed. The original image data may be read from an information recording medium (medium) such as a film scanner (transparent original reading device) for reading an image on a photographic film, a magnetic disk on which original image data is recorded, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. Examples thereof include various media readers (media drivers) and an image data receiving device that receives original image data via a communication network such as the Internet.

The image display means 4 displays the original image data acquired by the photographing means 2 and the image data input means 3, or the image data for identification photograph etc. which is processed from the original image data by the image processing means 5. It is for displaying the processed image data and its trimming area, and examples thereof include a monitor and a display such as a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and a plasma display. The image processing means 5 sets a trimming area for the original image based on the original image data acquired by the photographing means 2 and the image data input means 3 so that the face area of the person is located at a predetermined position with a predetermined size ratio. Along with this, the image data in the trimming area is processed into processed image data such as ID photo image data. For example, a dedicated image processing device having these functions may be used. , PC) may be configured by installing ID photo image data creation software, which will be described in detail later.

The input means 6 sets the predetermined size ratio of the processed image data and the predetermined size of the output image such as the ID photo output by the image output means 7 in order to process the processed image data such as the ID photo image data. Although it is input, in addition to this, information or data necessary for the operation of the image creating systems 1a, 1b and 1c may be input. The image display unit 4, the image processing unit 5, and the input unit 6 may be those combined as a so-called PC. Image output means 7
Outputs an image of a predetermined size such as an ID photo using the processed image data such as the image data for ID photo processed by the image processing unit 5. For example, an image of a predetermined size such as an ID photo is visible. Image data for outputting a hard copy image such as a laser printer that outputs a hard copy image, including a photo printer that outputs a recording material (photographic print) recorded as an image, or a hard copy image Examples thereof include a media driver (writing device) which records information on an information recording medium (media) such as a CD-R.

In the image creating systems 1a and 1b shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), when the operator (photographer) photographs the customer using the photographing means 2, the photographing means 2 photographs the customer. The captured image is immediately processed by the image processing means 5.
Alternatively, the image processing means 5 immediately reads the photographed image from the photographing means 2 and displays it on the image display means 4. On the other hand, in the image creating systems 1a and 1c shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (c), the operator records photographic film or original image data on which an original image such as an ID photo image brought in by a customer is recorded. When the original image (original image data) is read from the recorded information recording medium by the image data input unit 3 such as a film scanner or a media reader, the read original image is immediately sent to the image processing unit 5 or the image is processed. The processing means 5 immediately reads the original image read out from the image data input means 3,
The image is displayed on the image display means 4. Further, when the operator inputs information such as the size ratio of images such as ID photos from the input unit 6 and the size and type of the images such as ID photos output from the image output unit 7 and the required number of images, the image processing is performed. In the means 5, image processing such as ID photo processing is performed on the photographed image or the original image based on the input information such as the size ratio and size, and the ID photo image or the like is output to the image output means 7 according to the instruction of the operator or the user. The processed image of is output.

Next, the image forming system 1a shown in FIG. 1A, which is the most preferable embodiment of the present invention, will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of an image processing system 10 that is a more specific version of the image creating system according to the present embodiment. The image processing system 10 shown in FIG.
A digital still camera (DSC; hereinafter referred to as a digital camera) 12 is provided as a photographing unit 2 that is an acquisition unit that acquires image data, and a film scanner 14, a media driver 15, and a media driver 15 are included as the image data input unit 3 that is also an acquisition unit. Each of the image data receiving devices 16 is provided. Hereinafter, the digital camera 12, the film scanner 14, the media driver 15, and the image data receiving device 16 are collectively referred to as an input device. Further, the image processing system 10 is further provided with an image processing device 18 (corresponding to the image processing means 5) for processing the image data input from the input device, and the image processing device 1
As an output device that outputs image data (or an image) that has been subjected to processing by 8, a display 20 for displaying the image, a laser printer 2 for exposing and recording the image on photographic paper
2. A CD-R writing device 24 for writing image data on the CD-R is provided. Here, the display 20 is
The laser printer 22 and C correspond to the image display means 4.
The D-R writing device 24 corresponds to the image output means 7.

The digital camera 12 captures the original image data including the face area corresponding to the person's face, for example, by photographing the face of the person of the customer who requests the image creation such as the ID photo as a subject. . The digital camera 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can acquire original image data capable of creating an image such as an identification photograph, but considering the required quality of an output image such as an identification photograph, about 1 million pixels. It is preferable that the number of pixels as described above or a photographing resolution of about 1000 × 1000 is provided. The digital camera 12 is removably connected to the image processing apparatus 18, and can be freely inserted / removed even during system operation, and can be connected and photographed at the time of use. It may be disconnected and disconnected to be used for other purposes such as normal outdoor shooting and indoor shooting.

In the present invention, the digital camera 12
Are directly connected to the image processing device 18. Therefore,
A captured image (image data) of a subject including a person's face captured by the digital camera 12 is immediately captured by the image processing device 18.
It is taken into the (PC) and displayed on the display 20 as a monitor. That is, the image processing apparatus 18 reads a captured image from the digital camera 12 at the timing when the operator (photographer) presses the shutter of the digital camera 12, and causes the display 20 to display the image on the monitor. here,
The digital camera preferably has a buffer capable of temporarily storing a plurality of captured images. As a result, the captured images are continuously displayed on the display 20 and the digital camera 12
Continuous shooting is possible. Further, it is preferable that the display 20 sequentially displays the captured images captured by the digital camera 12 in the order of capturing. As a result, the shooting history can be confirmed at a glance on the display 20. The captured image displayed on the display 20 is the digital camera 12
Since it is displayed in higher resolution and higher resolution than the captured image displayed on the monitor, the photographer or the customer can easily and accurately determine whether the captured image is suitable as an image such as an ID photo. It can be confirmed, and if it is not suitable, it can be retaken immediately.

The media driver 15 is, for example, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk (FD), an optical disk such as a CD-R, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a PC card or smart media that can be loaded into a digital still camera (DSC), an IC. Any one of various information storage media such as cards (hereinafter collectively referred to as “digital camera cards”) is set, and the image data stored in the set information storage media is read and output. The image data receiving device 16 is connected to a computer network such as the Internet and receives R, G, B image data from an information processing device (for example, a personal computer (PC)) via the computer network, and receives the image data. Output the image data.

The film scanner 14 uses the photographic film 3
8 (for example, a negative film or a reversal film) or the like, a film image recorded on a photographic light-sensitive material (hereinafter simply referred to as a photographic film) (a negative image or a positive image visualized by developing the image after photographing a subject: (Corresponding to the original image of the present invention) and outputs the image data obtained by the reading.
The light emitted from the photographic film 38 whose unevenness in light quantity is reduced by the light diffusion box 34 is applied to the photographic film 38 set on the film carrier 36, and the light transmitted through the photographic film 38 passes through the lens 40 and the area CCD sensor 42.
An image is formed on the light-receiving surface (which may be a line CCD sensor).

The film carrier 36 intermittently conveys the photographic film 38 so that the film image is sequentially positioned on the optical axis (reading position) of the light emitted from the LED light source 30. The LED light source 30 includes a large number of LEDs that emit R light,
A large number of LEDs that emit G light and a large number of LEDs that emit B light are arranged on the entire surface of a substrate (not shown) at a constant and high density, and a single image is located at the reading position. It is driven by the driver 32 so as to sequentially emit the R, G, and B lights in the state. As a result, the film image recorded on the photographic film 38 is transferred to the CCD sensor 4
Then, the CCD sensor 42 outputs R, G, and B signals corresponding to the film image.
The signal output from the CCD sensor 42 is the A / D converter 4
It is converted into digital image data by 4 and input to the image processing device 18.

The digital camera 12, film scanner 14, media driver 15 and image data receiving device 16 described above are connected to the image data preprocessing unit 50 of the image processing device 18, as shown in FIG. The image data output from these image data input devices is input to the image data preprocessing unit 50.

The image data preprocessing section 50 performs predetermined preprocessing on the input image data, which differs depending on the image data input source. As preprocessing for the image data input from the digital camera 12, for example, when the image data is compressed image data similar to that recorded in an information storage medium, decompression, image processing such as sharpness improvement, and the like are performed. In the case of the image data before the image processing in the digital camera 12, dark correction, density conversion, defective pixel correction, etc. may be mentioned.
Further, examples of the preprocessing for the image data input from the film scanner 14 include dark correction, density conversion, shading correction, defective pixel correction, and the like. Further, as the preprocessing for the image data input from the media driver 15, for example, decompression of the image data compressed and recorded in the information storage medium and image processing such as sharpness improvement can be mentioned. In addition, the image data receiving device 16
Examples of the preprocessing for the image data input from the device include decompression of compressed image data (for example, JPEG format image data) received by the image data receiving device 16.

By the way, the film scanner 14 according to the present embodiment reads each film image recorded on a photographic film twice at different resolutions. In the first reading with relatively low resolution (hereinafter referred to as prescan), even when the density of the film image is very low (for example, the negative image of the exposure underneath on the negative film), the CCD sensor 42 saturates the accumulated charge. Reading is performed under the reading conditions determined so as not to cause such inconvenience.

The image data preprocessing unit 50 includes the first memory 5
2 and the second memory 54 are connected, and the first memory 52 has a first image processing unit 56 and an image processing control unit 58.
Is connected, and the second image processing unit 60 is connected to the second memory 54. The image data preprocessing unit 50 performs predetermined preprocessing on the low resolution image data input from the film scanner 14 by performing the prescan, and then outputs the image data to the first memory 52.

The image data preprocessing unit 50 outputs the image data input from the digital camera 12, the media driver 15 and the image data receiving device 16 to the first memory 52 and the second memory 54, respectively. However, among these, the image data to be output to the first memory 52 is converted to low-resolution image data equivalent to the low-resolution image data obtained by the prescan, and then output to the first memory 52. The low resolution image data output to the first memory 52 is input to the image processing control unit 58 via the first memory 52.

The image processing control unit 58 and the first image processing unit 56 have a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output port connected to each other via a bus, and an input / output port such as a hard disk device (HDD). The image processing PC can be realized by a single image processing PC having a configuration in which a storage device is connected, and by causing the image processing PC to execute a predetermined program, Each of them can function as the image processing control unit 58.

When the low resolution image data input via the first memory 52 is the image data obtained by the prescan by the film scanner 14, the image processing control unit 58 is based on the low resolution image data. Then, image characteristics such as density are calculated to determine the reading conditions for the film scanner 14 to read again at a relatively high resolution (hereinafter referred to as fine scan) for the prescanned photographic film. The determined reading conditions are output to the film scanner 14.

Further, the image processing control unit 58, based on the input low resolution image data, the image data preprocessing unit 5
0 to high resolution image data of the same image output to the second image processing unit 60 via the second memory 54 (image data input from the film scanner 14 by performing a fine scan, or the digital camera 12, For the image data input from either the media driver 15 or the image data receiving device 16, the processing conditions of various image processes performed by the second image processing unit 60 are automatically determined by calculation (setup calculation). ), And notifies the first image processing unit 56 of the determined processing conditions.

The image processing executed by the second image processing unit 60 includes, for example, gray balance adjustment of an image,
Image processing for improving the image quality of the output image, such as density adjustment, gradation control, hypertone processing that compresses the gradation of the ultra-low frequency luminance component of the image, and hypersharpness processing that emphasizes sharpness while suppressing graininess. To be In addition, image processing that intentionally changes the image tone (for example, image processing that finishes the output image in portrait style) and image processing that processes the image (for example, make a person present in the original image slender on the main image). Image processing such as image processing for finishing) may be executable.

The first image processing unit 56 targets the high resolution image data for the low resolution image data stored in the first memory 52 based on the processing condition notified from the image processing control unit 58. Image processing equivalent to the image processing performed by the image processing unit 60 is performed on the low resolution image data to generate simulation image data. First
The color reproduction conversion unit 62 and the display 20 are sequentially connected to the image processing unit 56. Also, the display 20
Has a buffer to hold the input image data,
It has a function of generating an analog electric signal based on the image data held in the buffer and displaying the image represented by the image data on the display 20. The simulation image data generated by the first image processing unit 56 is output to the color reproduction conversion unit 62, is subjected to color reproduction conversion processing such as density conversion by the color reproduction conversion unit 62, and is then output to the display 20 for simulation. It is displayed on the display 20 as an image (output image). Display 20
The output image displayed at is used by the operator for verification of the finish of the image.

A key input section 64 is connected to the image processing control section 58. This key input unit 64 is shown in FIG.
Input means 6 shown in (a), FIG. 1 (b) and FIG. 1 (c).
And can be constituted by, for example, a keyboard and a mouse (these are connected to the input / output port of the image processing PC described above). The operator who has verified the output image displayed on the display 20 operates the key input unit 64 to input the test result. Then, the image processing control unit 58 notifies the second image processing unit 60 of the confirmed processing condition when the processing condition is confirmed through the operator's verification.

The second image processing section 60 is provided with a plurality of types of image processing circuits for performing the above-mentioned various image processing, respectively, and the high resolution image data is transmitted from the image data preprocessing section 50 via the second memory 54. When is input, various image processing is performed on the input high resolution image data according to the processing conditions notified from the image processing control unit 58. The second image processing unit 60 is connected to the color reproduction conversion unit 62, and the image data output from the second image processing unit 60 undergoes the color reproduction conversion process in the color reproduction conversion unit 62 and then the laser printer 22. Alternatively, it is output to the CD-R writing device 24 and is used for recording an image on the photographic paper by the laser printer 22, or the CD-R writing device 24 outputs the CD-R.
Written in. In this way, processed images such as ID photos are
It can be output as a print or as an image file (on the information recording medium) of the image data of the processed image. As a result, photographed images (including original images on photographic film and information recording media) can be used for other purposes and products.
Can be diverted to and can easily be reordered.

The laser printer 22 has R, G, B
The laser light source of R, G, and B emitted from the laser light source is modulated based on the image data input from the image processing device 18, and is deflected by a deflecting unit such as a polygon mirror. The image is exposed and recorded on the photographic paper by scanning the photographic paper. The photographic printing paper on which the image is exposed and recorded is sent to a paper processor and subjected to color development, bleach-fixing, washing with water and drying.
As a result, the image exposed and recorded on the printing paper is visualized. The laser printer 22 is used in the image processing device 18.
However, it is not limited to the one directly connected, and may be one connected via a communication network such as a LAN. In this way, in the image processing system 10 to which the image creating system of the present invention is applied, an image (image data) such as a certification photograph is created by the image processing device 18 using the image captured by the digital camera 12, A print image such as an identification photograph can be obtained with the laser printer 22. For this reason,
According to the present invention, the photographed image can be seen immediately, the photograph can be easily taken again, and the photographed image can be taken again without printing it. Can be a high quality image.

Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, the production of a certification photograph will be described. The ID photo is created, for example, by the customer taking a picture for the ID photo at a DPE store (laboratory) or a photo studio equipped with a digital ID photo creation system to which the image forming system of the present invention is applied.
Alternatively, for example, an information recording medium such as a photographic film on which an image for ID photo creation is recorded, or a smart medium on which image data of an image for ID photo creation is recorded is brought by a customer to a DPE store or a photo studio, This is done by the customer requesting the creation of an ID photo. At the time of requesting the creation of the ID photo, conditions such as the type of ID photo to be created and the number of sheets for each type (color / monochrome) are specified. The request for creating the ID photo may be accepted online including the reception of the image data of the image for which the ID photo is to be created.

When the photographer and the operator are requested to take and create the ID photograph, first, the photographer or the operator photographs the customer with the digital camera 12 at a predetermined position. The image data of the captured image captured by the digital camera 12 is sent to the image processing device 18 immediately after the capturing, and is temporarily stored in the first and second image processing devices 18.
The data is stored in the memories 52 and 54, read from the first memory 52, and displayed on the display 20 via the first image processing unit 56 and the color reproduction conversion unit 62. The photographed image including the face of the customer displayed on the display 20 by the photographer, the operator or the customer is observed,
Whether or not the original image for identification photograph is appropriate is confirmed, and if it is confirmed that the original image is appropriate, the operator confirms that the high-resolution image data of the original image of the identification photograph is stored in the second memory 54. Instruct to create a photo. Needless to say, if it is confirmed to be inappropriate, the photographing is repeated until it is confirmed to be appropriate. It should be noted that the reshooting can be performed immediately and easily.

On the other hand, when a request for the production of the ID photo is made by the customer's photographic film or information recording medium, or by the online reception containing the image data of the image for which the ID photo is to be created, the operator takes the photographic film 3 brought in.
The film scanner 14 performs fine scan on the image for ID photo creation recorded in 8 or the image data of the image for ID photo creation is read from the information recording medium. With the high-resolution image data of the image stored in the second memory 54, an instruction to create an ID photo is issued. The image taken by the digital camera 12 and the film scanner 1
4 film scan image, media driver 15
It is preferable that the read image from the information recording medium and the online received image by the image data receiving device 16 are stored in a HDD, a database or the like (not shown) connected to the image processing device and backed up, and more preferably, It is good to make an automatic backup with a number limit setting.

Hereinafter, in response to this instruction, the image processing apparatus 1
The ID photo creation process executed by the image processing control unit 58 of No. 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Note that this ID photograph creating process is a process to which the image processing method according to the present invention is applied, and more specifically, the CPU of the image processing PC that constitutes the image processing control unit 58 and the first image processing unit 56 It is realized by executing the ID photo creation program. The ID photo creation program is initially stored in the information storage medium 68 (see FIG. 2).
Although the information storage medium 68 is shown as a flexible disk in FIG. 2, it may be constituted by a CD-ROM, a memory card, or the like.

When the information storage medium 68 is loaded into the information reading device (not shown) incorporated in the image processing PC, and the transfer (installation) of the program from the information storage medium 68 to the image processing device 18 is instructed. The identification photo creating program is read from the information storage medium 68 by the information reading device and stored in the HDD of the image processing PC. Then, when the timing to execute the ID photo creating process comes, the ID photo creating program is read from the HDD and executed by the CPU. Thereby, the image processing device 18 functions as the image processing device according to the present invention. As described above, by using the information storage medium 68 storing the ID photo creation program, a digital camera, a PC, a laser printer, a photo printer, or the like constitutes the image creation system (digital ID photo creation system) of the present invention. be able to.

In the ID photo creation process, first, step 10
0, the high-resolution image data of the image designated as the ID photo creation target is loaded from the second memory 54 via the second image processing unit 60, and in the next step 102, the image data loaded in step 100. Using,
As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the display 20 displays a creation condition specification screen for specifying the creation condition of the ID photo.

The creation condition designation screen shown in FIG. 5 includes a display area 70A for displaying an image to be created as an identification photograph, a selection field 70B for selecting whether to automatically or manually set a trimming area, A selection field 70C for selecting the type (size) of the ID photo to be created, an input field 70D for inputting the number of created images for each type (color / monochrome) of the ID photo, and an image displayed in the display area 70A. Instruction button group 70E for instructing enlargement / reduction, instruction button group 70F for instructing movement of the position of the trimming area,
Further, a decision button 70G for confirming the conditions for creating the ID photo is provided respectively. Further, a selection field and an input field for adjusting the image quality of the ID photo are also provided.

In this embodiment, it is possible to create a plurality of types of ID photos having different sizes, and the HDD
As shown in the following Table 1, "type (name)", "print size", "overhead / face / submandibular ratio (details will be described later)" are set for each type of ID photo that can be created. ID photo information is stored. In the ID photo information, the “overhead / face / submandibular ratio” is the above “appropriate size ratio” and the “actual print size” is the information for specifying the aspect ratio of the trimming area. , Respectively, and the HDD corresponds to the above storage means (see FIG. 8).

[0072]

[Table 1]

In the state where the creation condition designation screen is displayed on the display 20, the operator performs an operation such as clicking the button marked with "▼" on the right side of the selection field 70C for the ID photo information. The type (name) of the ID photo that can be created is referred to by the selection field 70C.
Is listed as an option.

In the next step 104, it is determined whether or not the operator has input any information through the key input unit 64 (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and the process waits until the determination is affirmed. If any information is entered, step 104
Is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106, the content of the input information is determined, and the process branches depending on the determination result.

When the information indicating that the operator has selected the "automatic trimming" in the selection field 70B is input, the process proceeds to step 110 and the operator sets the decision button 70.
When the information indicating that G is selected is input, the process proceeds to step 112 (details will be described later), but when the information indicating that other operation is performed is input, the step is performed. The process proceeds from step 106 to step 108, and the processing according to the input information is performed (for example, when the type of the ID photo to be created is selected, the type of the selected ID photo is stored, and the ID photo for each type is stored. If the number of sheets to be created is input, the number of sheets to be created for each type that has been input is stored), and then the process returns to step 104.

When the operator selects "automatic trimming" in the selection field 70B, step 1
At 10, trimming area automatic setting processing is performed. Hereinafter, this processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 140, based on the image data of the image (the original image of the present invention) for which the ID photograph is to be created, a point corresponding to the top of the person's head in the image (hereinafter, simply referred to as the apex).
Detect the position of. The position of the head apex can be detected, for example, as follows.

That is, an image of which the ID photo is to be created (an example is shown in FIG. 6A) has a constant width (for example, a width of several pixels) whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction of the subject (person) in the image. 6 is divided into a large number of long regions (part of the dividing line is shown by broken lines in FIG. 6B), and the long regions are scanned from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction of the subject while the density changes. The amount is repeatedly calculated, and the position where the density change amount first becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value is stored as the apex candidate for each long region. As for the vertical direction of the subject, for example, either the long side direction or the short side direction of the image may be fixed as the vertical direction, or a known technique may be applied to detect the vertical direction. Alternatively, the operator may specify the vertical direction. Below,
The vertical direction is called the Y direction, and the lateral direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is called the X direction.

Thus, in FIG. 6B, the boundary position between the hair portion and the background is stored as a head vertex candidate for each of the elongated regions whose dividing lines are indicated by broken lines. Then, among the parts where the number of head vertex candidates are concentrated along the Y direction, the head vertex candidate located at the uppermost position is set as the head vertex, and its X coordinate value and Y coordinate value are detected (FIG. 6).
(See also (C)). As a result, the position of the head vertex in the image can be detected accurately in a short time.

At the next step 142, the positions corresponding to both eyes of the person in the image are detected based on the image data of the ID photo creation target image. That is, first, FIG.
As shown by the broken line in (A), step 1 is performed in parallel with the Y direction.
An axis L passing through the head apex position detected in 40 is set, and one side (here, the left side in FIGS. 7A to 7D) with the axis L as a boundary is set to, for example, FIG. Alternatively, the first predetermined region A1 including the eye region corresponding to the left eye is set by performing the filtering process using the filter for detecting the light and dark pattern as shown in (F) (see FIG. 7B). ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 7G, a specific area N1 estimated to include an area corresponding to a black eye is set in the central portion of the first predetermined area A1, and the areas other than the specific area N1 are set. By inverting the left and right of the area N2 (reversing with the axis parallel to the Y direction as the axis of line symmetry) and synthesizing with the specific area N1, FIG.
A template T as shown in (H) is created. Subsequently, a search area E having an area sufficiently larger than that of the template T is set on the other side (right side in FIGS. 7A to 7D) with the axis L as a boundary (see FIG. 7C). E
The cross-correlation coefficient is repeatedly calculated while scanning the template T in the area, and the area having the maximum correlation coefficient is set as the second predetermined area A2.

Then, the central coordinate value (X
1, Y1) is the position of the left eye, and the center coordinate value (X2, Y2) of the predetermined area A2 is the position of the right eye. Thereby, the positions of both eyes in the image can be detected accurately in a short time.

The detection of the positions corresponding to both eyes of the person in the image for which the ID photograph is to be created is not limited to the above algorithm. For example, the axis L is the predetermined area A1,
Since the processing target range is narrowed when A2 is set, an axis that does not pass through the head vertex (for example, an axis that passes through the center of the image of the ID photo creation target along the lateral direction) may be used as the axis L. , The first predetermined area A1 is set by a filtering process in which the front surface of the image of the ID photo creation target is set as the processing target range without using the axis L, the template T is created, and the template T is set in the vicinity of the first predetermined area A1. The second predetermined area A2 may be set by scanning the template T in the search area.

In the next step 144, step 140
Of the head vertex position (specifically, the Y coordinate value of the head vertex) and the positions of both eyes detected in step 142 (specifically, the Y coordinate value of either one of the eye parts or the Y coordinate value of both eyes). Based on the average value, the Y coordinate value of the position corresponding to the tip of the person's chin in the image is estimated. The present inventor has found that the distance along the Y direction between the eye position and the position of the tip of the jaw is substantially constant with respect to the distance along the Y direction between the head vertex position and the eye position (for example, 2 It was empirically found that it will be about 1 time).

The HDD stores the above empirically found ratio, and in step 144, the eye part is calculated based on the distance between the head vertex position and the eye position along the Y direction and the above ratio. The distance between the position and the position of the tip of the jaw along the Y direction is calculated, and the Y coordinate value of the position separated from the eye position by the calculated distance in the Y direction is calculated as the Y coordinate of the position of the tip of the jaw. We are seeking as a value. Note that the above ratio may be changeable by an operator's instruction or the like as a trigger.

In step 146, the face area corresponding to the face of the person in the image for which the ID photograph is to be created is determined in step 140.
Y of the face area is assumed to be distributed between the head vertex position detected in step 14 and the jaw tip position estimated in step 144.
As the directional length, a distance along the Y direction between the head vertex position and the jaw tip position (for example, the distance converted into the number of pixels on the image of the identification photograph creation target) is calculated.

In the next step 148, the Y-direction length of the trimming area set for the image to be created in order to create the ID photograph is calculated. The “overhead / face / submandibular ratio” of the ID photo information shown in Table 1 above is the “overhead area” above the face area in the trimming area, the face area, and the inside of the trimming area. It represents the appropriate ratio of the length in the Y direction of each submandibular region existing below the face region, and the desired size (size ratio) of the face region in the ID photo differs depending on the type of the ID photo. Considering that there are cases, the “overhead / face / submandibular ratio” is stored for each type of identification photograph in this embodiment. Therefore, in step 148, the “overhead / face / submandibular ratio” stored in association with the type of the ID photo selected on the creation condition designation screen is captured, and the captured ratio and the previous step 146. Based on the calculated Y-direction length of the face area, the Y-direction lengths of the overhead area and the submandibular area are obtained, and the Y-direction length of the trimming area is calculated as the total of the Y-direction lengths of these areas.

Then, in step 150, the upper end position of the trimming area on the image for which the identification photograph is to be created is calculated based on the Y coordinate value of the head vertex position and the length of the overhead area in the Y direction, or Y of the jaw tip position is calculated. The position of the trimming region in the Y direction is set by calculating the lower end position of the trimming region on the image of the ID photo creation target based on the coordinate values and the length of the submandibular region in the Y direction. As a result, the size ratio along the Y direction of each of the above-head region, the face region, and the submandibular region in the trimming region matches along the Y direction so as to match the appropriate ratio determined for each type of ID photo. The position of the trimming area is set (see steps 152 and 154).

At the next step 156, the aspect ratio of the trimming area corresponding to the type of the ID photograph selected on the creation condition designation screen is acquired. The aspect ratio of the trimming area is the same as the aspect ratio of the ID photo to be created, and in step 156, the "actual print size" corresponding to the type of ID photo selected from the ID photo information stored in the HDD. The aspect ratio of the trimming area is obtained by calculating the aspect ratio from the vertical and horizontal lengths represented by the captured “actual print size”.

In step 158, the length in the Y direction of the trimming area calculated in step 152 and step 156
The length of the trimming area in the X direction is calculated on the basis of the aspect ratio of the trimming area acquired in (3). Step 160
Then, the X coordinate value (=
X1) and the X coordinate value (= X2) of the right eye portion, that is, the X coordinate value of the position corresponding to the center of both eye portions along the X direction is calculated.

Then, in step 162, step 1
The position of the trimming area along the X direction is set so that the position corresponding to the center of both eyes along the X direction calculated in 60 coincides with the center of the trimming area along the X direction. As a result, the X of the trimming area is set so that the face area is located substantially at the center of the trimming area along the X direction.
The directional position will be set.

When the position and length of the trimming area along the Y direction and the position and length of the trimming area along the X direction are respectively set as described above, the creation condition designation screen is displayed in the next step 164. A rectangular figure (hereinafter, referred to as a trimming frame: figure) that overlaps the image of the ID photo creation target displayed in the area 70A and represents the outer edge of the trimming area in which the position and length are set in the X and Y directions, respectively. 5 is also displayed), and the process returns to step 104 in FIG.

As described above, when “automatic trimming” is selected, the head vertex position and the eye position of the image for which the ID photograph is to be created are automatically detected, and the detected head vertex position and the eye position are automatically detected. Since the trimming area is set, the burden on the operator for creating the ID photo can be reduced. Further, by displaying the trimming frame on the image for which the ID photo is to be created, the operator can display the trimming frame (that is, the trimming region set by the trimming region automatic setting process).
It can be easily visually inspected whether or not the position and size of the are appropriate.

When it is determined that the position of the trimming frame is not appropriate, for example, because the length in the Y direction of the area corresponding to the hair of the person in the image is extremely large, the instruction button group is displayed. The operator can instruct the movement of the position of the trimming frame (area) by performing an operation such as clicking any button on 70F. The size of the trimming frame (area) can be instructed by the operator performing an operation such as drag and drop on the displayed trimming frame. When the position or size of the trimming frame (area) is instructed to be changed, the process proceeds from step 104 to step 108 and then to step 108. The processing for changing the position or size of the trimming frame that is present is performed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the position and size of the trimming frame displayed in the display area 70A are proper, the operator selects the enter button 70G. As a result, steps 104 to 10
The process proceeds to step 112 via 6 and a message is displayed on the display 20 asking the operator whether the designation of all the images to be recorded as the ID photo is completed, and the operator inputs in response to this message. Based on the information, it is determined whether the designation of all images has been completed.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to create a plurality of types of ID photos from a single ID photo creation target image. When creating a plurality of types of ID photos,
It is necessary to specify the creation condition including the setting of the trimming area for each type. If some of the plural kinds of ID photographs to be created have no creation conditions specified, the determination in step 112 is denied, the process returns to step 102, and step 10 is executed.
The processing from 2 is repeated. If the designation of the creation conditions including the setting of the trimming frame has been completed for all types of ID photos to be created, the determination at step 112 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 114.

In step 114, based on the number of images to be recorded as a certification photograph and the actual print size of each image, the individual images to be recorded in a recording frame (for example, a frame of the same size as the L size photo print) are recorded. Determine the layout such as position and orientation. And step 1
In step 16, as shown in FIG.
A layout confirmation screen for the operator to confirm the layout determined in 14 is displayed on the display 20.

The layout confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9 is selected in the display area 72A for displaying a simulation image showing how the image corresponding to the ID photograph instructed to be created is recorded on the photographic paper. Selection field 72 for finely adjusting the size of the image actually recorded on the photographic paper with respect to the actual print size corresponding to the type of the ID photo.
B, a selection field 72C for selecting the recording interval of the ID photo (image), a selection field 72D for selecting a change in the arrangement order of the images, and a selection field for selecting the type of character information to be printed with the image 72E and a print button 72F for instructing to print an image are provided respectively.

Then, in step 116, the data of the image area corresponding to the previously set trimming area is extracted from the high resolution image data of the image for which the ID photograph is to be created,
The extracted image data is enlarged or reduced according to the actual print size, and according to the layout determined in the previous step 114, the same number as the instructed number of sheets is pasted on the mount image (for example, an image with a white front surface) (type). As for the image for which monochrome is specified, paste it after converting it to black and white) is repeated for the number of types of the ID photo for which creation was instructed, and the recording image data used for recording the ID photo on the photographic paper is obtained. To generate. Then, the resolution of the generated recording image data is reduced in order to display it on the display 20, and it is displayed as an image in the display area 72A of the layout confirmation screen. Thus, by visually observing the image displayed in the display area 72A, the operator can easily understand the layout of the certification photograph instructed to be created on the photographic paper.

In the next step 118, it is determined whether or not the operator has input any information, and the process waits until the determination is affirmative. If any information is entered, step 11
When the determination of No. 8 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120, the content of the input information is determined, and the process branches depending on the determination result. When the information indicating that the operator has selected one of the plurality of options displayed in the selection field 72E is input, the process proceeds to step 124.

The options displayed in the selection field 72E are
It shows the types of character information that can be printed together with the image, and in FIG. 9, three types of “date”, “size”, and “comment” are displayed as options as an example. Step 124
Then, the character information selected by the operator is added to a predetermined position on the image displayed in the display area 72A, and the process returns to step 118. The character information indicating the date can be generated by acquiring the date information from the operating system of the image processing PC, and the character information indicating the size can be acquired from the ID photo information.
Further, the character information that is optionally added such as a comment may be set in the registry of the image processing PC or may be stored in the HDD. This allows the operator to visually confirm the added character information as shown in FIG. 9 as an example. In addition,
As shown in FIG. 10, it goes without saying that other character information such as the type of ID photo and the store name may be printed.

When the operator gives an instruction to change the image recording size, recording interval, arrangement order, etc., the processing proceeds from step 118 to step 120, and then step 12
2 and display area 72A according to the operator's instruction
A process of changing the image displayed on the screen is performed. When the operator selects the print button 72F, the process proceeds from step 118 to step 126 to step 126, and the same image as the image displayed in the display area 72A is recorded on the photographic paper. Therefore, the above-described generation of the recording image data is performed again.

Then, in step 128, step 12
The recording image data generated in 6 is transferred to the second image processing unit 6
Laser printer 2 via 0 and color reproduction conversion unit 62
Output to 2. As a result, the same image as the image finally displayed in the display area 72A of the layout confirmation screen is exposed and recorded on the photographic paper by the laser printer 22, and is visualized through processing such as development by the paper processor. The ID photo is obtained by cutting out the image in a predetermined size from the photographic paper on which the image is recorded. However, when the operator specifies the size and the like, as shown in FIG. Since character information representing a prescribed size is printed in the vicinity of, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the cutout size when cutting out an image.

Although the trimming area has a rectangular shape in the above description, it is not limited to this and any shape can be adopted.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the case where the image creating system of the present invention is applied to the ID photo creating image processing system 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the customer proves to the home PC. Install the photo creation program, connect the customer's digital still camera, printer or scanner to the PC to configure the image creation system of the present invention, and take an image of the subject with this digital still camera, or use the ordinary camera to take the subject. To record an image on a photographic film, perform a process such as imaging on the photographic film, and then perform a certification photograph creation process using image data obtained by reading a visualized image with a scanner or the like. Thus, the ID photo may be created by a printer connected to the PC.

Further, although the above description has been made by taking the creation of the ID photo as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to the creation of a photo of each student to be published in a school album. .

The image forming system according to the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to various embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and is not limited to the scope of the present invention. Of course, various improvements and changes may be made.

[0107]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Acquiring original image data that includes a face area corresponding to a person's face, and appropriately cutting out an image with a determined shape and size according to the application, such as an ID photo, from the acquired original image data and outputting it. You can Further, according to the present invention, an image (image data) such as a certification photograph is created by the image processing means using the image photographed by the photographing means, and a print image such as the certification photograph is obtained by the image output means. Since it is possible to see the captured image immediately, it is easy to retake the image, there is little waste, and the print image such as the obtained ID photo can be a beautifully finished high quality image .

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the photographed image photographed by the photographing means can be immediately taken into the image processing means and displayed on the image display means on the monitor.
It is possible to continuously display photographed images on the image display means and continuously shoot by the photographing means. Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the captured images can be sequentially displayed on the image display means in the sequence of capturing, the capturing history can be confirmed at a glance. Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the image capturing unit is removably connected to the image processing unit and can be freely inserted and removed even during system operation, so that the image capturing unit can be connected and photographed during use. When finished, you can unplug and disconnect it for other uses, such as normal outdoor shooting or indoor shooting. Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, since a processed image such as an identification photograph can be output by printing or an image file, the photographed image can be diverted to other uses or products. , Reordering can be done easily.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the trimming area is automatically adjusted more accurately so that the face area corresponding to the face of a person in the original image is located at a predetermined position within the trimming area with a predetermined size ratio. It can be automatically recognized and set automatically, and it can be displayed at a high resolution of the original image taken by a camera such as a digital still camera to acquire the original image data. It is possible to easily and accurately confirm whether or not it is appropriate, and it is possible to reduce the burden on the photographer or the customer who is photographed at the time of photographing, and the burden on the operator or the like when setting the trimming area.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A, 1B, and 1C are block diagrams each showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image creating system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system to which the image creating system shown in FIG. 1 (a) is applied.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ID photo creation process in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of trimming area automatic setting processing.

FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing an example of a creation condition designation screen.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of head vertices.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of both eyes.

FIG. 8 is an image diagram for explaining an overhead / face / subchinal ratio.

FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing an example of a layout confirmation screen.

FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing another example of character information that can be printed together with an image of a certification photograph.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c image creation system 2 Photography means 3 Image data input means 4 Image display means 5 Image processing means 6 input means 7 Image output means 10 Image processing system 12 digital cameras 14 film scanner 15 Media driver 16 Image data receiving device 18 Image processing device 20 display 22 Laser printer 58 Image processing control unit 64 key input section 68 Information storage medium

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/76 H04N 5/76 E // H04N 101: 00 101: 00 F term (reference) 5B050 AA09 BA06 BA12 BA15 DA02 DA04 EA05 EA12 EA19 FA02 FA03 FA05 5B057 AA20 BA02 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CD02 CD05 CE08 DA08 DB02 DB06 DB09 DC06 DC07 5C022 AA13 AC01 AC42 AC69 5C052 AA12 AB09 DD02 FA02 FA03 FA04 FB01 FC06 FD07 FD10 FE01 5C076 AA02 AA14 AA17 AA19 AA21 AA22 CA02 CA10 CA11 CB02

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An acquiring unit for acquiring image data of an original image including a face area corresponding to a person's face, and the face area having a predetermined size based on the image data of the original image acquired by the acquiring unit. An image processing unit that sets a trimming area for the original image so that the image data in the trimming area is processed into processed image data so as to be located at a predetermined position by a ratio, and the original image acquired by the acquisition unit. Display means for displaying an image based on at least one of the image data and the processed image data processed by the image processing means, and an image of a predetermined size is output using the processed image data processed by the image processing means. Image output means and input means for inputting the predetermined size ratio and the predetermined size. Image creation system. 2. The image processing means, based on the image data of the original image acquired by the acquisition means, determines a position corresponding to a top of a person and a position corresponding to an eye of the person in the original image. Detecting means to detect, based on the position corresponding to the top and the eye of the person in the original image detected by the detecting means, based on the position corresponding to the eye part, the face area in the trimming area at the predetermined size ratio The image creating system according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting unit that sets the trimming area for the original image so as to be located at the predetermined position. 3. The acquisition means includes at least one of a photographing means and an image data input means connected to the image processing means, and the photographing means is removable.
Image creation system described in. 4. The image creating system according to claim 3, wherein the photographing means is a digital still camera, and the image data input means is at least one of a film scanner, a reflection type scanner and a media reader. 5. The image creating system according to claim 1, wherein the image output means outputs a certification photograph print in which the image of the predetermined size is recorded as a visible image on a recording material.