GB2124055A - Picture image input/output system - Google Patents

Abstract

The conventional picture image input/output system is defective in that it has a large number of complicated processing steps, and therefore requires sophisticated skill and a large amount of time and labor. A lay-out retouch system has been proposed for the processing step in printing plants in recent years, but it needs a medium of a large capacity such as a magnetic disk for storing data on original color pictures, and requires a high speed computer for editing process, thereby increasing the cost of the system inconveniently. A picture image input/output system is disclosed which can obviate such defects encountered in prior art systems and is characterised in that plural original color pictures are enlarged or reduced at a predetermined magnification ratio respectively by picture image scanning device and then color separated to obtain color separation signals, such color separation signals being processed for appropriate color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion; lay-out picture images are sequentially outputted on a recording material using lay-out instruction and information; input to a control computer via an interactive graphic display. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Picture image input/output system This invention relates to a picture image input/output system, and more particularly to a picture image input/output system which enlarges or reduces at a designated magnification and colorseparates each color original picture by means of an image scanning device such as a color scanner to obtain color separation signals, processes the color separation signals for appropriate color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion, and sequentially outputs images on a recording material in a lay-out which is commanded by iay-out command data inputted by a digitizer or the like.

There has been proposed a method for laying out each one of color separated films of plural original color pictures by preparing a screened color-separated film in a predetermined magnification out of respective original pictures by means of a color scanner, laying out and composing a masked separation printer which is prepared separately from the screened colorseparated films on lay-out sheets, and contact-exposing them to obtain a laid-out color-separated film for each color. This method, however, is defective in that it requires a large number of complex processing steps, much time and labor, materials and a high degree of skill for registering the color-separated films at predetermined positions on the lay-out sheet for composing.There has also been proposed another method for reproducing a laid out color picture image by color-printing plural original color pictures respectively at predetermined magnification, cutting out the thus prepared reproductions of the original pictures in a predetermined rough-sketch form, and laying out and composing them at a predetermined position on a base paper. This method, however, is problematic in its image quality because, since it involves the use of a photographic technique, it is impossible to arbitrarily change the processing conditions for color correction, sharpness enhancement, gradation conversion and so on.A device to output input devices, for instance that which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 31762/1977, has been proposed,; however, the device cannot deal with arbitrary diagrams, requires manual operation for preparing masked plates, and needs plural input scanning means for the color manuscript input.

In recent years a total-system or a lay-out retouching system has been proposed for processing in printing. Graphic patterns are inputted by a digitizer so as to display the graphic and image patterns on a color CTR (Braun tube) according to the system. Original color pictures are colorscanned at a predetermined magnification, AD-converted and stored in a memory such as a magnetic disk. The stored original color picture data are displayed on the color CRT in accordance with inputted graphic data, edited in a main memory unit of a computer by interactive input, and stored again on a magnetic disk or the like in a format corresponding to an output picture image. Thus edited color picture image data are then DA-converted, and inputted to an output control circuit of a color scanner to obtain a picture image in a desired layout.The above mentioned lay-out retouching system, however, is defective in that it requires a magnetic disk or other medium of a large capacity for storing data for original color pictures, as well as a high-speed computer for the editing process, thereby increasing the cost of constructing such systems, and extending the time required for editing.

The address of the graphics used in such a color scanner is controlled, for instance as shown in Fig. 1, by giving the address the maximum value xmax and the minimum value xmin on the x axis and the maximum value ymax and the minimum value ymin of the y axis, reading an original picture 1 of a rectangular shape, and outputting the original picture 1 in a rectangular shape.

The address supervising method mentioned above is inconvenient as the picture images to input/output are limited to rectangular or square shapes, because coordinates are determined by the maximum and the minimum values on the axes. An example of such a method for supervising coordinates is described in the Japanese Patent Application laid-open under No.

60438/1981.

In the case when an original picture is not rectangular, for instance in the case of the original picture 2 shown in Fig. 2, the address of a picture element 3 for read-out and output needs to have the address of the beginning and the end of the pattern for respective scanning lines. In the case of Fig. 2, accordingly, the memory content of the graphic position data becomes as shown in Table 1.

Table 1 x1 y5 x2 y4 x2 y5 x3 y3 x3 y5 x9 y1 x9 y5 and the address data required for the graphic position processing becomes excessive in amount.

If the coordinates are controlled by the absolute address from the origin (0,0), the computation load becomes too large as coordinates must be computed anew every time the graphic pattern moves.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a picture image input/output system which obviates the aforementioned defects.

The present invention provides a picture image input/output apparatus, which comprises: a) a digitizer which inputs graphic information; b) a console which inputs necessary information and operation commands; c) a graphic display of an interactive type which displays the graphic pattern which has been command inputted by said digitizer and said console; d) a read means which optically reads original pictures mounted on a predetermined position on an input drum; e) a color processing/memory section which first stores the picture image data of said original pictures which have been read by said read means after a color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion process; f) a picture image output means which outputs picture images using the picture image data from said color processing/memory section on a recording material mounted on an output drum; and g) a computer system which is coupled respectively to said digitizer, said console and said graphic display, and arranged to supervise correspondence between the coordinates of said digitizer and the coordinates of said output drum, and correspondence between the coordingates of said input drum and said output drum, and to control said read means, and said picture image output means and the operational timing of said color processing/memory section; and in which the original pictures on said input drum are outputted in a lay-out form on the recording material of said output drum in graphic patterns and at positions commanded by said digitizer and at designated magnifications respectively.

Apparatus according to the preferred embodiment can automatically set the image processing conditions and does not require the time and skill needed in the conventional systems which photo-electronically scan color manuscripts to obtain the color separation signals, logarithmically transform and process them for color, sharpness, gradation for output.

The present invention further provides a method of positioning an input original picture for a picture image input/output system of the type which outputs an original picture placed on an input drum onto a recording material on an output drum in lay-out and at a designated position and magnification, which is characterized in that register pin holes are provided at plural positions on a base which is flexible as well as mountable on said input drum and the digitizer, while register pins are provided on said input drum and digitizer, for engaging with said register pin holes respectively, thereby positioning said base at each predetermined position with the engagement between said register pins and said register pin holes eventually and facilitating correspondence between the coordinate system on said digitizer of said original picture mounted on said base and that on said input drum.

In accordance with this method, the input picture image can be correctly and easily positioned on the input drum and a digitizer (a graphic input device), and is suitable for a picture image input/output system to output an image on the input drum in a lay-out at a designated position and magnification to the recording material on the output drum in accordance with the pattern which is inputted by the digitizer.

Yet another aspect of this invention provides a method for supervising coordinates of graphic data which are capable of accurately controlling coordinate positions of arbitrary graphic data with a small number of positional information and which are suitable for a picture image input/output system which outputs original pictures on an input drum to a recording material on an output drum at designated positions and magnifications in the layout.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams to explain the conventional coordinate supervising method; Figure 3 is a block diagram to show an embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention; Figure 4 is a view to show the aspect of scanning of an input or output drum; Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams to describe the relation between coordinates of a digitizer and that of an output drum; Figures 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams for processing hidden surfaces; Figures 8A and 8B are views to explain the relation between original input pictures and laidout picture images; ; Figures 9A to 9D Figures 10 and 11 and Figures 12A and 12B are diagrams to explain the coordinate relation among respective devices, respectively; Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram for an input picture image and the conditions of picture image memory; Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams to show the input/output aspect for picture images and picture image data; Figures 15A to 15Care diagrams to show the manner of magnification conversion of input/output picture images; Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram to describe the aspect of an input picture image and picture image memory; Figures 1 7A and 1 7B are diagrams for explaining the method to synchronize an input drum and an output drum; Figure 18 is a flow chart to explain the operation of the computer system according to this invention;; Figure 19 is a block diagram to show the method of forming parameters for setting the image process conditons; and Figures 20A through 20C are diagrams to show density relation between input picture image and output picture image for preparing a gradation table.

This invention will now be described referring to attached drawings.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a picture image input/output system according to this invention. In the Figure, original color pictures A, B, C and D which are mounted on a transparent base 11 of an input drum 10 are outputted on a recording material such as a color paper 31 on an output drum 30 as laid-out picture images A', B', C' and D' in accordance with the data which has been inputted graphically by a digitizer 20 as a graphic pattern input device. The input drum 10 and the output drum 30 both have a cylindrical structure as shown in Fig. 4 and are rotated in one direction (main scanning direction) by a motor 1 2. The rotatin position (main scanning position) of the drums are detected by a rotary encoder 1 3 connected to an output shaft.The original color pictures A throgugh D mounted on the input drum 10 are color-separated by read-head 1 6 which is moved to the direction x (sub scanning direction) through a pulse motor 14 and a lead screw 1 5 to read out image information, and a color separation signals PS (3-color separation signals and unsharp signal) are inputted to a logarithimic circuit 40, converted to density signals DS, and then converted to digital signals in an AD converter 41. The density signals DS which have been converted to digital signals in the AD converter 41 are inputted to a color processing circuit 42 for color correction, sharpness enhancement, gradation conversion, etc. and the color-processed image data are memorized in a memory 43.The data memorized in the memory 43 are converted into analog signals by a DA converter 44, and inputted to a modulator 45 in a laser beam printer to modulate the laser beam (the laser beam of blue, green and red or three laser beams of different wavelengths in false color) outputted from a laser 46 so as to expose the color paper 31 mounted on the output drum 30 via an output-head 32. The output-head 32 is moved to the direction of X (sub scanning direction) via a pulse motor 33 and a lead screw 34 connected thereto.

There is provided a console 50 with a keyboard as a data and command input device. The data and so on from the console 50 are inputted to a computer 51 (e.g. a mini-computer) and the information processed in the computer 51 is displayed on a graphic display 52 of an interactive type. The computer 51 is further coupled to a micro processor 53 of an inferior system, this micro processor 53 being mutually connected to a color processing circuit 42 and a memory 43 by a bus line 54. The computer 51 and the micro processor 53 form the computer system to display commands for operators on a graphic display 52 according to the stored program.The position x of the read-head 1 6 is detected by a linear encoder 1 7 which is engaged with a guide rail 1 8 and the position data thereof are inputted to a timing control circuit 55. The position X of an output-head 32 is detected by a linear encoder 35 engaged with a guide rail 36 and the position data thereof are inputted to the timing control circuit 55. The positions on y axis of the input drum 10 and those on Y axis of the output drum 30 are therefore detected by the rotary encoder 1 3 coupled with the rotating shaft thereof, and the position information thereof is inputted to the timing control circuit 55.The timing control circuit 55 drives, through the computer 51 and the micro processor 53, the pulse motor 33 at a constant speed at the time of input/output of picture images, controls the driving speed of the pulse motor 14 and controls the AD converter 41, the color processing circuit 42 and the memory 43 in respect of timing.

The above description briefly explains the structure of the picture image input/output apparatus according to this invention and the coordinate relation among respective devices will now be described below.

Coordinate transformation on the digitizer 20 is first described.

The digitizer 20 has its own proper origin and X-Y axes, but the origin can be moved to an arbitrary point by operation and the coordinates can be rotated easily. In Fig. 5, assuming that the proper origin of the device is 8, the abscissa XD, and the ordinate yD, that after inputting through operation in the digitizer 20 a new origin 01 and a point X1 on a new abscissa X, the coordinate values of the points Oi and X1 in the proper coordinate system of the device are (xO, yO) and (x1, yid), an arbitrary point (xDn, yDn) in the proper coordinate system of the device will become transformed to a point (x,, y,) on a new coordinate system according to the formula shown below;

wherein 8 is an angle formed between the axis XD proper to the device and a straight line 0, X1 and the counter-clockwise direction becomes positive. All of the computations according to the above formula can be conducted by the computer 51.

The supervisory on the coordinates of the input/output drums will now be described.

In respect of the input drum 10 and the output drum 30, the main scanning (rotation) direction is on y and Y axes while the sub scanning (transversal shift) direction is x and X axes.

The coordinates of the read head 1 6 are measured in the timing control circuit 55 according to the following method. The method comprises the steps of multiplying the output of the rotary encoder 13 coupled with-the rotational shaft of the input drum 10 in a PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) circuit, resetting the counter at the origin of the y axis, and computing the output pulses from the PLL circuit to obtain an ordinate. The multiplication constant for the period of the output pulse from the PLL circuit is determined so as to make it 50 luml or 10 Gums on the input drum 10. The absicissa coordinates are controlled by resetting the counter at the origin on the abscissa, counting the output pulses from the linear encoder 1 7 to know the position of the read-head 1 6 on the abscissa.Abscissa coordinates of the output drum 30 are controlled in a manner similar to that for the input drum 10. Ordinates Y of the output drum 30 can be controlled in a manner similar to that of ordinates y as the input drum 10 and the output drum 30 are synchronized in rotation.

The concrete method to position an input original picture and to correspond the coordinate system of the digitizer 20 and the coordinate system of the input drum 10 according to this invention will be explained below.

The digitizer 20 is corresponded with the input drum 10 in the coordinate system by using, for instance, a rectangular transparent base 11 as a medium. The transparent base 11 is made of flexible transparent material in a form of a rectangular sheet which is provided with two register pin holes which engage with register pins along the upper side thereof. The digitizer 20 is provided with two register pins 62,62 to be inserted into the register pin holes of the transparent base 11. When the transparent base 11 attached with original pictures A to D is to be mounted on the digitizer 20, it can be positioned correctly by registering the register pin holes of the transparent base 11 with the register pin 62,62.As a pair of register pins 61A and 61 B are provided on the input drum 10 in a manner similar to that of the digitizer 20, when the transparent base 11 attached with the original pictures A to D is to be wound around the input drum 10 for mounting, it can be positioned correctly by inserting the register pins 61A and 61 B in the register pin holes provided on the transparent base 11. As the transparent base 11 is mounted at a right position upon the digitizer 20 and the input drum 10 by registering the pin holes with the register pins, the coordinates on the digitizer 20 of the color original pictures A to D upon the transparent base 11 can easily be corresponded with that on the input drum 10.

Although two register pin holes are bored along the upper side of the transparent base 11 in the above description, the position, shape and number of the pin holes may be determined arbitrarily so far as the digitizer 20 and the input drum 10 are provided with pins to correspond therewith. The base may not necessarily be transparent so far as it allows base manuscript input and picture image input.

According to this invention, two types of inputs concerning graphic patterns such as coordinate are available. One is the graphic patterns input to designate the shape of output pictures and the other is the base manuscript input to designate which graphic pattern of the output pictures should be correspond to the color original pictures A to D for read-out. The graphic pattern input is the operation to receive a graphic pattern from the digitizer 20 as an input and to correspond it to the picture frame on the output drum 30 and is quite similar to the pattern input which is carried out usually by a rough sketch plotter. The base manuscript input has a function mainly to correspond to the coordinates of the transparent base 11 attached with plural original color pictures (A to D) and that of the input drum 10 and to relate to the respective original color pictures on the transparent base 11 with the above mentioned input graphic patterns in respect of position and magnification.

The following will explain how to operate the graphic pattern input.

First of all, the coordinates of the digitizer 20 and those of the output drum 30 will be correspond. In short, as shown in Fig. 6, the reference symbol B denotes the origin proper to the digitizer 20, x8 and yOD points on the abscissa and ordinate proper to the digitizer 20, OP a point on the digitizer 20 which corresponds to the origin of the output drum 30 and X,D and Y? points on the digitizer 20 which correspond to the points on the abscissa X and the ordinate Y of the output drum 30.If the points O,D and X,D are set to make the straight lines 08 X8 and O1D X1D parallel to each other and proper coordinate of the point O1D on the digitizer 20 is (yod, yOD), an arbitrary point (xDn, yDn) on the digitizer 20 will be transformed into a point (Xn, Yn) on the coordinate system of the output drum 30 as expressed by the formula shown below.

In this manner, the coordinates on the digitizer-20 can be transformed to the coordinates on the output drum 30. If the output size on the output drum 30 is commanded first by the console 50, the output size frame which has been transformed at an appropriate ratio will be displayed on the graphic display 52. Then, if a graphic code (such as a rectangular or a circle) and necessary coordinates are inputted by the digitizer 20 as a rough sketch pattern, the computer 51 will compute the coordinate transformation described above, the magnification and so on transformation necessary for the display on the graphic display 52, and consequently a graphic pattern will be displayed at a position and in size designated on the graphic display 52.

Everytime a new graphic code and a new coordinate point are inputted, the computer 51 controls the graphic display 52 so as to multiplex the frame and the graphic patterns which have been inputted so long. As rough sketches are inputted in this manner, it is adapted that an operator can visually confirm the display by using the graphic display 52. When graphic patterns overlap each other, the hidden surface processing to be described hereinbelow must be conducted by inputting the command for the hidden surface in the digitizer 20 and the console 50, and causing the computer 51 to carry out the processing to complete a rough sketch information.In the case that the output picture on the graphic display 52 consists of overlapping patterns G1 through G3 as shown in Fig. 7A, the hidden surface processing will be conducted as shown in Fig. 7B by inputting, for instance G1 < G2, G2 > G3" by the console 50.

The base manuscript input will now be described referring to Figs. 8A and 8B.

The base manuscript input is carried out by the digitizer 20 as follows; i.e. the steps of corresponding coordinates of the transparent base 11 attached with original color pictures A to D and those of the input drum 10, and detecting through a console 50 the corresponding relation between respective original color pictures on the transparent base 11 and the rough sketch pattern which has been inputted by the graphic pattern input operation described above.

The transparent base 11 attached with plural original color pictures A to D is fixed on the digitizer 20 by positioning it with register pins 62,62. Coordinates of the transparent base 11 fixed on the digitizer 20 are transformed to coordinates of the input drum 10 in a manner similar to that explained concerning the transformation from the digitizer 20 to the output drum 30 in the graphic pattern input operation. Then, the rough sketch pattern which has been inputted is corresponded with coordinates of the original pictures A to D on the transparent base 11 in respect of magnification.In other words, in Figs. 8A and 8B, the output pattern A' corresponds with the original picture A, but in order to correspond to the broken line Al in the original picture A to the pattern A', a point in the picture A should be corresponded in coordinates with a point in the pattern A' and the magnification necessary for enlarging or reducing the broken line Al to the graphic pattern A' should be determined. If these are satisfied, the coordinate relation will become absolutely determined. This is conducted simply by position-inputting a point in the graphic pattern A' and a point in the original picture A for coordinates correspondence by the digitizer 20 and inputting the magnification value by the console 50. The original pictures B to D and the output pictures B' to D' are also identical with the operation described above.

The coordinate supervisory between the coordinates of the digitizer 20 and those of the input drum 10 and the output drum 30 will be explained.

The position, shape and size of the picture to be laid out in output on the color paper 31 mounted on the output drum 30 as a rough sketch are inputted by the digitizer 20, defining the pattern on the coordinate system (the rough sketch coordinate system) which defines the rough sketch, and thus defined graphic patterns are respectively supervised.

Figs. 9A and 9B show the case where the picture images defined by the hatched areas 101,201 of the input original pictures 100,200 mounted on the transparent base 11 on the input drum 10 are outputted in lay-out to the hatched areas 101A, 201A defined on the color paper 31 mounted on the output drum 30. However, for facilitating understanding, explanation will be given on the case where an input original picture 100 is outputted in lay-out in the area 101A of the rough sketch or the scope defined by hatched lines on the color paper 31 mounted on the output drum 30. It is assumed that respective coordinate systems have the origin at left upper point, the abscissa axis X extends from left to right and the ordinate Y axis extends from top to bottom in the description given below.The origin OoH and a point either on XH or VH axis of the rough sketch 101A shown in Fig. 9C are designated by the digitizer 20. Coordinates of such designated points on the digitizer 20 are inputted to the computer 51 and the computer 51 computes the discrepancy between the coordinates of the digitizer 20 and the coordinate of the rough sketch.At this time, the coordinate origin OoH of the rough sketch pattern on the digitizer 20 and the point XHp on the abscissa are inputted in coordinates thereof as expressed in the formula below, point O,H = X8, yoo point XHp = X?, yD the coordinates of the rough sketch are displaced in parallel by XoD in the XD direction and by yoD in the VD direction on the coordinate system of the digitizer 20, and it is rotated by the angle 8 around the point.

The above mentioned instruction is recognized by the computer 51. If an arbitrary point of the rough sketch which is read by the digitizer 20 is assumed to be (XD, VD) in the coordinates on the digitizer 20, the coordinates (x1H, Y1H) on the rough sketch are expressed in the formula below;

The computer 51 transforms the coordinates of respective graphic patterns inputted from the digitizer 20 into the coordinates on the rough sketch pattern by using the above mentioned formula (4).When the computer 51 receives as input respective coordinates of the pattern 101A defined by hatched lines of the rough sketch pattern from the digitizer 20, the computer 51 recognizes it as the pattern transformed to the coordinates on the rough sketch coordinate by operation as expressed in the formula (4).The pattern 101 A which has been recognized as the pattern on the rough sketch coordinate is recognized by the computer 51 as a pattern 101 B on the shape coordinate by defining a rectangle 102 which circumscribes the pattern 101A and is parallel to XH - VH axis and defining a coordinate system which has the origin (point OoK) at the top point 1 02A which is closest to the origin of the rectangular rough sketch coordinate and axes (XK - VK axis) respectively parallel to XH - VH axis of the rough sketch coordinate. The above process can be expressed by the formula (5).If it is assumed that the coordinates on the rough sketch coordinate of the origin OoK (point 102A) of the shape coordinate system is (X2H, V2H), and the coordinates of an arbitrary point of the rough sketch pattern 101A on the rough sketch coordinate system is (X,H, V1H), the coordinate (X3K V3K) Of this point on the shape coordinate system will be represented by the formula below.

Contrary to the above, the rough sketch pattern 101 A can be recognized as a graphic pattern which is obtained by parallel-displacing the pattern 101 B which passes through the origin OoK of the shape coordinate system and which inscribes the rectangular parallel to XH - VH axis to a designated position.The transformation from the shape coordinate to the rough sketch coordinate is carried out according to the following formula;

The graphic pattern 101A which has been inptted from the digitizer 20 is processed for transformation as described above to control the rough sketch 101A with the graphic data of the pattern 101 B on the shape coordinate system and the parameters X2H, V2H to be used for transformation from the shape coordinate system to the rough sketch coordinate system. In this case, if the rough sketch coordinates and the positional coordinates on the output drum 30 are corresponded at a ratio 1:1, the rough sketch data stored in the computer 51 will be reproduced on the coordinate of the color paper 31 mounted on the output drum 30.As a result, the layout conditions designated in the rough sketch pattern of the digitizer 20 can be outputted in a picture image on the color paper 31.

The position, shape and size of the original pictures mounted on the transparent base 11 are inputted from the digitizer 20 to define the original pictures on the base coordinate systems (the coordinate system to define the original picture) according to the method described hereinbelow.

Referring now to Fig. 9D, a transparent base 11 attached with an original picture 100 is mounted on the digitizer 20. In a manner similar to inputting a rough sketch, the coordinates on the digitizer 20 for an origin 03 of the coordinate system (or base coordinate system) of the transparent base 11 and a point XgB on the XB axis or the yB axis of the base coordinate are inputted into the computer 51, the transformation parameters 8', - x8', - VOD' for transforming the coordinates on the digitizer 20 to the coordinates (the base coordinates) of the transparent base 11 are obtained in a manner similar to that used for obtaining the parameters 8, - x8, - VOD for transforming the coordinates of the digitizer 20 to the coordinates of the rough sketch.

The position and size of the original picture 100 on the transparent base 11 attached on the digitizer 20 are recognized as the position, shape and size of the original picture 100 on the transparent base 11 by reading the coordinates of the break points 103 to 106 on the outer periphery of the original picture on the digitizer 20, and trasforming thus read coordinates on the digitizer 20 into the coordinate on the base coordinates system through computation mentioned as (3) and (4) and using the parameters fl', - x8' and - V8' in the computer 51.In a manner similar to that used in the case of rough sketch, a rectangle 110 which circumscribes the original picture 100 and which has sides parallel to either axis xB or yB of the base coordinate is defined by the computer 51, and a manuscript coordinate system or the coordinate system which has axis (xG - yG axis) respectively parallel to xB -- yB axis of the base coordinate as an origin (point 01G) at a vertex 11 OA or the point closest to the origin OrB of the rectangular base coordinate so as to recognize the size and the shape of the original picture 100 on the base coordinate as the diagram 1 00A on the manuscript coordinate system.In this processing as in that for the rough sketch, if is assumed that the origin 01G of the manuscript coordinate system of the original picture 100 on the transparent base 11 is expressed by the coordinate value (X28, Y2B) on the base coordinate system, the original picture 100 on the transparent base 11 can be recognized as the result of parallel displacement of the original picture defined on the manuscript coordinate system by X23 in the direction of the axis xB and by Y2 in the direction of the axis ye on the base coordinate.Then the transparent base 11 attached with an input manuscript 100 thus recognized is to be mounted on the input drum 10, but as pin holes are bored on the transparent base 11 for mounting the input drum 10 on the register pins 61 A and 61 B, the coordinates on the transparent base 11 can be recognized as the coordinates on the input drum 10.

As a result of aforementioned processing, the output position, shape and size of the original picture on the output drum 30 and the position, the shape and size of the input manuscript 100 mounted on the transparent base 11 on the input drum 10 are recognized in the computer 51.

There arises the need for defining an image output scope and output magnification of the input manuscript for outputting the original picture 100 to the output drum 30 in the shape designated by the rough sketch 101A. The explanation therefor will be given hereinbelow.

In the case where the output magnification S is designated in advance by the console 50 at the time of inputting the rough sketch lOlA, the rough sketch diagram 101B defined on the coordinate shown in Fig. 9C is transformed in magnification and projected on the shape 1 00A of the original picture defined on the manuscript coordinate shown in Fig. 9D.Consequently, the coordinates (X4G, V4G) on the manuscript coordinate of an arbitrary point (X3K, V3K) on the rough sketch 101C defined on the shape coordinates shown in Fig. 10 can be expressed by the formula below:

The state of the input manuscript I OGA and that the rough sketch pattern 101 C defined on the manuscript coordinate are transformed from the manuscript coordinates to the screen coordinates and displayed on the screen of the graphic display 52.As thus displayed rough sketch which is defined an the manuscript coordinate is not established in correspondence with the image output scope, it is necessary to read the coordinates on the input manuscript mounted on the transparent base II, and ta transform it into the coordinates on the manuscrpt coordinate using the parameters 8', - X,D', - Y8' and according to the transformation formulae shown in (3) and (4). By transforming the coordinates into that of the screen coordinate system and displaying a cursor on the screen corresponding to the position designated by the digitizer 20, as shown in Fig. 11, the position designated is displaced on the digitizer 20 and the reference point SPIA is designated for the rough sketch pattern 101D on the screen.Similarly, on the input manuscript mounted on the digitizer 20, the reference point ST1 is designated for the input manuscript 1 00A which corresponds to the reference point ST1 of the rough sketch 10tC as shown in Fig. 10. By these designations, the coordinates (X5D, Y5D) of the reference point SP1 of the rough sketch pattern 101C on the manuscript coordinate is parallel displaced to the coordinates (XeD, Y6) of there reference point ST1 of the input manuscript so as to define the image output scope 101 E on the input manuscript 100A.Simultaneously, the reference point SPlA of the rough sketch pattern 101 A is parallel displaced to the reference point ST1A of the input manuscript 100B on the screen of the graphic display 52 corresponding to the reference points SPI and ST1 so as to define the image output scope 101 E on the input manuscript.Through the above processing the coordinates (K3, Y3K) of an arbitrary point on the rough sketch pattern 101 B which is, for instance, defined by the shape coordinate is transformed to the coordinates on the manuscript coordinates (X7G, Y7G) in accordance with the following formula:

wherein Ax1 = X6 - X5D, Ay1 = Y6 - Y5D.

Therefore, if the rough sketch pattern 101 B defined in the shape coordinate is transformed to the base coordinate by the coordinate transformation processing newly, the rough sketch diagram 101 E defined on the base coordinate will indicate the image output scope of the input manuscript 100. The coordinates of point BS1 on the base coordinate which corresponds to the point 102A on the rough sketch coordinate can be expressed as XB = X2B + AX1, YB = Y2B + Ay1.

The coordinates on the rough sketch coordinate of the point 1 02A can be expressed as HH = X2H, yH = Y2.

On the other hand, if the output magnification S is not designated at the input time of the rough sketch pattern 101 A, a magnification which reduces the original picture defined on the manuscript coordinate should be considered (for instance the magnification of 70%). In other words, if it is assumed that the maximum values of the coordinates of the manuscript 1 00A defined on the manuscript coordinate in the directions of axes xG and yG are XBG and VeG, the maximum values of the coordinates on the diagram of the rough sketch pattern 101 B defined on the shape coordinate in the directions of axes XK and YK are X9K and ygK, a magnification S, computed by the formula below is selected and the rough sketch 101 B on the shape coordinate is defined on the manuscript coordinate.

if X9K/XaGYeK/YeG, magnification S1 becomes S1X9K/X8G if XgK/X8GYgK/Y8G, magnification S, becomes S,LY,K/Y,G I (9) By this processing, the coordinate (X4, Y4G) on the manuscript coordinate which corresponds to the coordinates (X3, y3K) Of an arbitrary point on thr rough sketch pattern 101 B can be expressed on the shape coordinate as is the formula (10).

In this way the state of defining the shape 100A and the rough sketch 101C of the original picture are displayed on the graphic display 52 after transforming them from the manuscript coordinate to the screen coordinate of the graphic display 52. However, as the correspondence of the magnification and the output scope between the displayed rough sketch 101 D and the original picture 100B is not designated, it is necessary to read the coordinates of the input manuscript on the transparent base 11 attached on the digitizer 20 and transforms them to the coordinate value on the manuscript coordinate using the parameters 0', - X8' and - Y8' in accordance with the formulae (3) and (4).Then, the cursor is displayed on a position on the screen designated by the digitizer 20 after transformation to the screen coordinate, and is moved to the reference points SN1 and SN2 of the rough sketch pattern 101C as displayed in Fig. 1 2B so as to designate the point newly as the reference point. In a similar manner, the reference points PN1 and PN2 which correspond to the reference points SN1 and SN2 of the rough sketch are designated for input in the manuscript on the transparent base 11 mounted on the digitizer 20. By this designation the computer 51 makes the reference points SN1 and SN2 of the rough sketch 101 C on the manuscript coordinate correspond with the reference points PN1 and PN2 of the input manuscript 100A.If it is assumed that the coordinates of the reference points PN1 and PN2 of the input manuscript and the reference points SN1 and SN2 of the rough sketch 101C are SN1 = (X1%, Y%) SN2 = (XG11, Y1G1), PNl = (X1G2, VG2), PN2 = (X1G2, VG2), the average displacement Ax2, Ay2 and the magnification S2 will be expressed as below.

X,,X,G, (11) Y2 = Y1GZ Y1Ggl (1 1) if IXG2 ~ XIG31/1XIGO - XG1IIY1GZ y'G3|/lyG ~ yVGiI, magnification S2 becomes S2 = It?2 - X1G31/IX?0 -X?11 if l 1X1G2 -- / | -X?31/1X1% X1G1I > IV?2Y23I/IV20V161I, (12) magnification S2 becomes S2= IVG2 - y,G,I/IG, ~ Y1G1I In this matter the rough sketch 101C on the manuscript coordinate is transformed in magnification and parallel displaced thereon.As a result, the coordinates (x3G, y3G) on the 1(us3r9pt 3oor49(1t5 30rr5spo(49(7 to t85 300r49(lt5s (X3K, K3K) of an abritrary point on the rough sketch 101 B on the shape coordinate can be represented by the formula (13).

Consequentyly the rough sketch 101C on the manuscript coordinate is transformed to a diagram 101 E which is made to correspond to the shape 100A of the manuscript. Fig. 1 2A shows the state. The result is transformed into the screen coordinate, displayed on the graphic display 52 to confirm whether the displayed rough sketch 101 E and the original picture 1 00B are located at the desired positions. Fig. 1 2B indicates such a state. If they are not correctly corresponding to each other, correspondence between the reference points SN1 and SN2 and the reference points PIN 1 and PN2 are designated again. Figs. 1 2A and 1 2B show the relation between the manuscript coordinate and the screen coordinate of the original picture 100. A similar relation holds for the original picture 200.

In short, each coordinate (X3K, Y3K) Of the rough sketch pattern 101 B on the shape coordinate is transformed in coordinates according to the formula (14)

into the base coordinate, and the rough sketch pattern 101 E defined on the base coordinate indicates the image output scope of the input manuscript.The output magnification S is shown as S = S2, and the origin O,K of the rough sketch 101 B on the shape coordinate or the coordinate of the point BS1 on the base coordinate corresponding to the point 102A on the rough sketch coordinates becomes as XB = X2 + dx2, YB = Y2B + Ay2. The coordinates of the origin on the rough sketch coordinate are XH = X2H, yH = Y2H. Accordingly, the position, shape for the picture image output of the output drum 30 designated by the output of the rough sketch pattern 101A and the image output scope and the output magnification of the original picture 100 when it is attached on the transparent base 11 and mounted on the input drum 10 are determined.Then, coordinates are correspondingly selected for the origin 1 02A on the rough sketch coordinate corresponding to the shape coordinate origin 00K which transforms the rough sketch 101 B on the shape coordinate to the rough sketch 101 A on the rough sketch coordinate and for the origin BS1 on the base coordinate which makes it correspond to the image output scope of the origin picture on the base coordinate.

Coordinate transformation and coordinate control between devices are carried out in the manner shown above. The operation of the picture image input/output system according to this invention will now be explained.

Graphic codes and positional information necessary for the lay-out of the output picture images are inputted into a computer 51 by using the digitizer 20 and the console 50, the computer 51 produces a graphic pattern according to thus input graphic data, and the produced graphic data is transmitted to the graphic display 52 for display. The operator discriminates the graphic pattern while watching the picture frame displayed on the graphic display 52 and if there is any correction or addition to be made, the operator corrects it by using the digitizer 20 and the console 50. The input of the rough sketch is carried out in a manner similar to the one used for rough sketch plotters, and a light pen may be used.

Original color pictures A to D for lay-out are next mounted on a transparent base 11, and the transparent base 11 is placed at a predetermined position on the digitizer 20. The original color pictures A to D corresponding to the input graphic pattern are sequentially selected according to the commands given to the digitizer 20 and by key operation on the console 50, and the output scope for the original color pictures A to D and the hidden surface processing for the diagram are designated. The output scope can be instructed by designating two points on diagonals if the pattern is a rectangle and by designating a center point if it is a circle.Then the magnification which is necessary for correspondence of the original color pictures A to D with the graphic patterns A' to D' on the output picture designated and inputted, and simultaneously the parameters for necessary process conditions such as color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion are inputted by the console 50.

Then the computer 51 computes by the main scanning line Xj, the start position ys; and end position YCi of the color picture CP on the output drum as shown in Fig. 1 3 for each unit of the input graphic pattern and stores the result in a memory such as a magnetic disk. Namely, the Xaxis position X1 of which a scanning line of the main scanning direction first traverses the color original pictures CP is stored, and then the start point ys and the end position yE on the Y axis where the scanning line X, passes on the color original picture CP are stored, respectively.

Similarly for the scanning line X2 the start point Y2S and the end point y2E of the position x2 on the X axis and the original color picture CP are stored. The graphic data of the original color picture CP stored in the memory becomes as shown in Table 2 for the case of Fig. 1 3.

X1 V15 Y1 x2 V28 y2E Xi yS YE .. x, Xn yns YnE Such graphic data of the original color pictures are sequentially stored at predetermined bits (for instance, 16 bits) for each of the pictures attached on the transparent base 11. In the storage shown in Table 2, as it is difficult to judge whether the data on an arbitrary location relates to an abscissa or an ordinate, the most significant bit (MSB) of the address data of the graphic pattern is used to discriminate X from Y or vice versa. In other words, if the address data is, for instance "110 . . .01", it is judged to be an abscissa while it is "001 . . .11", it is to be an ordinate. Explanation will now be given for the absolute coordinate and the relative coordinate.The absolute coordinate is to control respective coordinates for input/output drums and is to be counted using respective origins thereof as reference points. The aforementioned points such as BS1, BS2, 1 02A and 202A are supervised by the absolute coordinate. It is also used to control the coordinates of the output picture elements as shown in Fig. 14B. The relative coordinate, on the other hand, is used for controlling input picture elements. In the device described herein and shown in Figs. 1 4A and 14B, the output picture element size is constant and magnification transformation is conducted by varying the sampling pitch of the input picture elements while the sizes on abscissa and ordinate axes are not changed. In short, the size of the input picture elements becomes variable.The sampling timing control is conducted by the relative coordinate for the input pictureelements with varied sampling pitches.

The unit of the relative coordinate thus changes depending on the magnification. The magnification transformation for abscissa is applicable the method generally used in a color scanner. The magnification for the ordinate direction of the input drum 10 and the output drum 30 is transformed by driving a pulse motor 33 on the side of the output drum at a given speed and changing the rotational speed of the pulse motor 14 on the side of the input drum 10. The positions of the read-head 1 6 and the output-head 32 in the sub scanning direction can be learnt by computing the output of the linear encoders 1 7 and 35 by the address register in the timing control circuit 55.

The method for varying the magnification of the input/output picture images will now be specifically described referring to Figs. 15A to 15C.

It is performed by either changing the pitch of the picture elements 5 for output in respect of the picture elements 4 which scan the input manuscript as shown in Figs. 15A and 15B or by varying the size of the output picture element 6 as shown in Figs. 15A and 15C. In the latter case, by varying the size of the output picture elements 6, the pitch is to be changed correspondingly thereto. The size and pitch of the input/outut picture elements are determined based upon the magnification input in the computer 51 by the console 50 and transmitted to the micro processor 53.Based on that, the micro processor 53 generates a command to the timing control circuit 55, and the timing control circuit 55 determines the sampling pitch of the input drum 10, the output pitch of the output drum 30 and the feeding speed of the read-head 1 6 and the output-head 32 in the sub scanning direction. Then, the memory of the computer 51 transmits the graphic data shown in Table 2 to the timing control circuit 55 via the micro processor 53.According to the present invention, addresses such as "1" or "0" are assigned to both input/output data in the scanning direction, but as the magnification is variable in pitch and size and the number of picture elements is constant, as shown in Figs. 15A through 15C, by storing the reference position P8 of the input/output graphic pattern in absolute address and storing the picture elements 4 to 6 on the periphery thereof in the address relative to the reference positions P8 adress of the picture elements on the periphery may be made identical for both input and output.In this case, the computer 51 supplies first the magnification to the timing control circuit 55 via the micro processor 53, determines the pitch and size of the picture elements in the timing control circuit 55 and synchronizes with the head by feeding the reference positions P8 of input/output as described hereinafter. The relative address of the graphic pattern is transmitted and the timing control circuit 55 feeds an identical signal both to input/output driving systems.

The most significant bit of the address data for the graphic pattern of the color original picture can be used to discriminate X-Y coordinate in a manner described below. It is assumed that the outer periphery of the input/output drum are 600 mm respectively and the magnification scope is from 50 to 400%. Under this condition, the relative coordinate scope is not dependent on the size of the input picture elements and remains within the size of the output drum. If the output picture element size is assumed to be 50 ,um, it is determined by the formula below.

600(mm) X 20(line/mm)= 12,000 The absolute coordinate scope, on the other hand, becomes as expressed by the formula below, as in the case of this invention, the absolute coordinates are controlled by 10 jum.

600(mm) x 100(line/mm)= 60,000 Value 60,000 can be expressed by 1 6 bits and 12,000 by 1 4 bits. If 1 6 bits are assigned to the relative coordinate, the high-order 2 bits can be used freely and one bit of the two is used for discriminating X from Y. All of the data shown in Table 2 are the addresses using relative coordinate.

Explanation will be given for the case when a graphic pattern more complex than the one shown in Fig. 13 is inputted/outputted; for instance the case where a graphic data of the pattern shown by hatched lines in Fig. 16 is to be stored. In this case, the ordinate coordinates V1 to V44 are stored in respect of the scanning lines X1 to X12 as listed in Table 3.

Table 3 X1 Y: V2 X2 V3 V4 X3 V5 V6 V7 Ye X4 V9 Y10 Y11 Y12 X5 Y13 Y14 Y15 Y16 X6 Y17 Y18 Y19 Y20 X7 V21 Y22 Y23 Y24 Y25 V26 X6 Y27 Y28 Y29 Y30 Y31 Y32 X9 V33 V34 V35 Y36 Y37 Y38 . X12 X43 V44 Ordinates in an even number always exist for one X scanning line and the odd numbered one is judged as the start point while the even numbered one is judged as the end point. By designating a graphic information, it becomes possible to input/output a graphic pattern of an arbitrary shape. In this case, if the pitch on the X scanning lines is set dense enough, more accurate graphic pattern may be selected.

The capacity of the memory for storing coordinates can be reduced by controlling absolute coordinate and the relative coordinate corresponding thereto. The graphic patterns can be displaced simply by re-computing the reference position on the absolute coordinate without varying the address (or the relative coordinate) shown in Table 2, thereby reducing computation load conveniently.

The transparent base 11 attached with original color pictures A to D is mounted on the input drum 10 by positioning it with the register pins 61 A and 61 B. When the motor 12 is driven, the input drum 10 (the output drum 30) is rotated in one direction. The rotary encoder 13 is connected to the rotating shaft of the input drum 10, and the output pulse therefrom is inputted to the two address registers via the PLL circuit in the timing control circuit 55 which is controlled by the micro processor 53. One of the address registers is to control the absolute coordinate of the rotational direction (main scanning direction) and the other one is to control the relative coordinate of the input picture elements.

If it is assumed that the read-head 16 of the input drum 10 is separated from the start position SP by x1, the output-head 32 of the output drum 30 is separated from the start position SP by X, and the magnification is M, and while the read-head 16 moves by x, the output-head 32 moves by M x. In other words, the ratio of the distances covered by the read-head 16 and the output-head 32 in the sub scanning direction for a unit time is the magnification M. The controlling method varies depending on the dimensional relation between x, and X1/M. When the relation is expressed by X1 (15) M as shown in Fig. 17A, the read-head 16 is controlled singly to move by (x1 - Xi /M) and then to move together with the output-head 32 simultaneously.In this arrangement, by the time when the read-head 16 comes to the start position, the output-head 32 comes to the start position SP coincidentally so as to synchronize the sub scanning direction.

When the following relation holds X, x, < (16) M as shown in Fig. 17B, the output-head 32 is controlled singly to move by (X1-M X1) and then to move together with the read-head 16 coincidentally.

The input/output picture image data in the main scanning direction is supervised as follows.

As shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, the point P(x1, y1) is designated as the point closest to the origin of a rectangle circumscribing the graphic pattern on the input drum 10 and is expressed by relative coordinate specified by picture elements of a predetermined unit. A point Q (X1, V1) corresponding to the point P is expressed by the absolute coordinate specified by the picture elements of a predetermined unit on the output drum 30. In this way, the picture element points of input/output picture images can be expressed by the lattice points shown in Figs. 14A and 14B.The picture element data of the density which has been converted to a digital value by the AD converter 41 is processed by the color processing circuit 42, and then the memory 43 stores successively the start points and the end points thereof at a timing increased from the time when the address register for the y direction of the input drum 10 becomes "y1,,. When the memory 43 is used in an output mode, it is made to become effective from the time the address register becomes "Y1,, in the direction Y, and is controlled to output the picture elements for the duration from the start point ys to end point V6 using the point V1 as the origin.

The memory 43 comprises two systems for each line, and if one of them is used in an input mode, the other assumes an output mode. The output picture image, therefore, is delayed in output by one line than the input picture image.

A chain of operation of the computer 51, the micro processor 53 and the timing control circuit 55 will now be described with reference to Fig 18.

At the first step S1, the standard color processing conditions incorporated to the color processing circuit 42 are set with the console 50 by an operator, and then stored in the memory in the computer 51. At the next processing step S2, graphic pattern input to decide the lay-out of the output picture images is carried out by using the digitizer 20 and the console 50, and the input data are stored in the memory in the computer 51 as displaying on the graphic display 52. Next, base manuscript input is carried out by the digitizer 20 and the console 50 in the same manner. Processing of this base manuscript input comprises trimming input for inputting the trimming conditions of output image position and output magnification for the input original images and processing condition input for inputting the color and the gradation procesing conditions of output picture images.The input result is memorized in the memory in the computer 51 as well as displaying on the graphic display 52.

Then, the computer 51 produces the data of the scanning lines. This producing process is conducted by inputting the trimming conditions obtained at the above mentioned step S3 and the memory data memorized at the step S2, and the scanning-line data obtained as listed in Table 3 are stored in the memory in the computer 51. At the processing step S5, the standard conditions which are stored at the processing step S1 in advance are read out and are transmitted to the color processing circuit 42 through the micro processor 53. At the same time, the scanning-line data which are produced at the processing step S4 are read out from the memory and then are transmitted to the timing control circuit 55 through the micro processor 53.As a result of this processing, the timing control circuit 55 transmits the pulse signal to the pulse motor 14 and drives it, thereby moving x-position of the input drum 10. At this time, yposition of the input drum 10 is detected by the rotary encoder 13, and the detected data are stored in the address register in the timing control circuit 55. The timing control circuit 55, therefore, is able to control the position for the input drum 10 of the read-head 16, and the color-separation signal data of the read-head 1 6 are successively stored in the memory 43. The position data stored in the memory 43 are transmitted to the computer 51 through the micro processor 53 and to stored in the memory of the computer 51, and the above-mentioned processing is repeated at the times corresponding to the number of the input original pictures mounted on the input drum 10.The processing conditions used at the next processing step S7 is obtained according to Fig. 1 9 as described hereinafter by using the picture image data obtained at the above-mentioned rough scanning and the processing conditions produced at the step S3, and the obtained processing conditions are stored in the memory in the computer 51.

The color and the gradation processing conditions which are stored at the step S6 are read and are transmitted to the color processing circuit 42 through the micro processor 53, respectively, and further the scanning-line data obtained at the step S4 are transmitted to the timing control circuit 55 through the micro processor 53. The timing control circuit 55 transmits the pulse signals to the pulse motor 14 and 33 and moves the read-head 1 6 and the outputhead 32 to x-direction and X-direction, respectively. The condition setting at the processing step S6 and fine scanning at the processing step S7 are repeatedly executed at the times corresponding to the number of the input original pictures mounted on the input drum 10.

Although the input original pictures comprise 4 types, A to D, in the above embodiment, the shape or number may be chosen arbitrarily and the lay-out of the output picture image may also be arbitrarily inputted. Although color correction and gradation conversion are carried out digititally in the above embodiment, they may be conducted analogously. The input picture images may be read and the lay-out picture images may be outputted onto a scanner of the flatbed scanning type instead of the cylindrical drum. The output picture images may be either one of color picture image, black-and-white picture image, or halftone image and the recording material may be a color positive film or a black-and-white film.Although in the above mentioned embodiment the scanning speed on the input side is varied for magnifying the picture image output, the scanning speed on the output side may be varied instead.

The picture image signal which has been AD converted by the AD converter 41 is colorprocessed in the color processing circuit 42 and thus color-processed signal is stored in the memory 43 in the above embodiment, but the AD-converted picture image signal may be stored in the memory, and color-processed in a color processing circuit when it is outputted.

An automatic setting method for picture image processing (such as for color, sharpness and gradation) in the picture image input/output systems according to this invention will now be described.

In order to automatically set above conditions, two types of data, i.e. the attribute information for the input color original picture and rough-scanned data are used. The attribute information is inputted according to the base manuscript input step which relates each original picture with the position and magnification of output graphic patterns. In these steps, the digitizer 20 and a menu sheet placed thereon or a functional key board are used to input such data in order to determine the type of photographic materials, image type, highlight point coordinates, shadow point coordinates, skin-color point coordinates, gray point coordinates, background color point coordinates, color fogging coordinates, color correction amount, unsharp mask amount, the curve to be chosen from the preset gradation setting curves.The rough-scanned data comprises B(blue), G(green) and R(red) densities of picture elements for each original color picture obtained in the manner described hereinafter. When the base manuscript 11 is mounted on the input drum 10, the computer 51 prepares a drum position control information as shown in Fig. 13 and Table 2 as the output scope of each original color picture has been determined by the coordinate supervising method. The sampling interval for rough-scanned data may be set at 500 m3. If the interval is set at a value too small such as SOGuml, the number of picture element data becomes too large, providing disadvantageous operation timewise. The picture element data thus sampled are stored in an outside memory such as a magnetic disk of a computer system.Sophisticated skill is not required for obtaining such attribute information and roughscanned data of original color pictures. Any worker can be trained to conduct such an operation.

Advantages of using the attribute information of each original color picture are now discussed; (1) Re: Photographic material of color manuscript As spectroscopic property and base density of hues of respective photographic material vary, the color processing parameters should be adjusted for each material.

(2) Re: Image type Parameters for gradation, color and sharpness processing vary depending on the type of images of a picture; such as a portrait, scenery, still life, for instance, processing for a too strong sharpness would not be preferable for a picture centering around a person because grains on the skin become too coarse. Such a picture should be processed with a lesser degree of sharpness.

Parameter computation may vary for each of the classified images. For instance, in an image centering around a person, parameters should be selected so as to emphasize tone reproduction mainly on the skin portion of the picture. They may be selected to emphasize tone reproduction of overall picture for other images. It would be very difficult to judge the pattern from the picture element data of the picture image, and errors may occur even if such a technique as pattern recognition is used. But this type of data can be obtained instantaneously if an operator looks at the picture. This type of data therefore should be inputted by an operator to reduce mistakes and time.

(3) Re: Positional coordinates of highlight points and shadow points If the highlight point position coordinates of a color manuscript is inputted, the density value corresponding to those coordinates can be selected by computation out of the picture image data which have been inputted and scanned to be set as a highlight setting density. The density can be set similarly for shadow points, too. Gradation characteristic can be varied by selecting the density for highlight points and shadow points out of the picture image in this manner.

(4) Re: Positional coordinates of skin color point, gray point and background color point The density of skin color point and background color point can be obtained respectively in the manner mentioned above. Those densities are used to select the color processing and gradation processing parameters for reproducing the skin and gray color point on the output picture image, thereby remarkably improving the quality of the output picture image. Similar advantages are observed in respect of the background colors. Parameters can be selected so as to process the gradation in a manner not to intensify a particular background color, thereby enhancing the gradation reproduction of essential portions of a color manuscript.

(5) Re: Color fogging amount Gradation conversion is conducted between input and output by inputting the color fogging amount of the input color manuscript. Gradation conversion parameters are selected to maintain gray-balance of the output picture image.

(6) Re: Selection of gradation conversion curves An operator looks at a color manuscript and inputs a curve approximated to a preferable gradation conversion characteristic. By this input, a picture image closer to the instruction given by an operator can be outputted than that when the gradation is automatically set, thereby improving the quality of the output picture image.

(7) Re: Unsharp mask amount (USM) An operator inputs an unsharp mask amount which he desires to add to the color manuscript.

The picture image which has a desired sharpness will be outputted.

(8) Re: Color correction amount This is the parameter to designate the degree of color correction. The degree of sharpening hues of the color manuscript can be varied by the color correction parameters.

Fig. 1 9 indicates how input information is processed to set condition parameters. The color/gradation processing method used herein as an example is disclosed in German Patent Application P3313 392.1 or British Patent Application No. 8310010. "END" stands for Equivalent Neutral Density.

Referring to Fig. 19, the three-color density corresponding to the skin color point coordinates in the rough-scanned data is obtained from the skin color point coordinates and the roughscanned data. It is preferable to compute the three-color density as the average of roughscanned data near the skin color point coordinates. In a manner similar to above, the density for highlight, shadow, gray and background colors is computed, but if the coordinate input has not been carried out, such a density computation is omitted. In the END setting process, where a photographic material of a color manuscript is inputted and an END-matrix is outputted, as different END-matrices exist for different photographic materials, it is preferable to obtain ENDmatrices for respective photographic materials in advance and to regist them.In this step, a photographic material type is inputted and a registered END-matrix is retrieved. In the USM computing process, an unsharp mask amount and the pattern are inputted and if the unsharp mask amount is designated, priority is placed on the unsharp mask amount rather than the magnification and the pattern to compute USM condition-setting parameters. If the unsharp mask amount is not designated, the parameters for setting USM conditions is computed from the magnification and the pattern. Then the result of computation for the pattern and the skin color density is inputted for processing the skin color cumulative histogram. But this computing process for skin color cumulative histogram is executed only when the skin color coordinates are indicated and when the pattern is instructed to focus mainly on a person, although the skin color is not indicated.In other cases computation for the skin color cumulative histogram is no operated. A cumulative histogram is computed out of the skin color point data extracted from the rough-scanned data by setting a center on the result of the computation for the skin color density if there is a skin color point coordinate indication, and on a predetermined value if there is not such an indication according to the method using the probability ellipse disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 156624/1977 and No. 156625/1977 or the method using a rectangle centered on the above mentioned value. The total cumulative histogram is processed by in putting the computation result of the background color density and the rough-scanned data, but if there is no indication for the background color points, all of the rough-scanned data are computed.If there is such an indication, the cumulative histogram is computed out of the rough-scanned data minus the background color data in a manner similar to that for the skin color extraction. In the case of the computation for highlight point and shadow point, the results of the total cumulative histogram computation as well as the computation for highlight density point and shadow point density are inputted. When highlight point coordinates and the shadow point coordinates are indicated, the highlight points and shadow points are determined by the result of the density computation, where if there is not such an indication, highlight point/shadow point may be computed by, for instance, setting the density equivalent to 1 % of the total cumulative histogram as the highlight density and that to 99% as the shadow density.

The color fogging computation is operated by inputting the result of the gray density computation and the color fogging amount. If there is no indication for both gray point and the color fogging, the color fogging is assumed not to exist and the computation proceeds. If there is indicated a color fogging amount, however, the amount of parallel displacement of the gradation curves is decided so as to correct the color fogging. If there is an indication for a gray point coordinatestja amount of paralled displacement, is decided to make the combination of the densities of the result of gray density computaion gray. The gradation computing process is divided into two steps, i.e. that for setting a gradation conversion parameter and that for preparing gradation table; as the gradation conversion parameters highlight density, shadow density and a curve number are used.The highlight density and the shadow density are obtained from the result of the computation for highlight point and shadow point. The pattern, the skin color cumulative histogram, the total cumulative histogram and the curve number are inputted, and discriminated to select the most preferable curve for gradation reproduction out of several tens of standard curves which are preset to produce a gradation table by linear transformation (parallel displacement and enlargement/reduction) on thus selected curve using the result of the color fogging amount computation, highlight density and shadow density data.

The method of preparing the gradation table is described hereinbelow.

Fig. 20A indicates the group of standard curves which have been set in advance while Fig.

20B indicates a standard curve of f0 (D) which is selected by the method described above. The one-dot chain in Fig. 20C represents the standard curve f0 (D) while the solid line represents the curve f0 (aD + b) which is obtained by linear-transforming the input side of the standard curve from the highlight density and the shadow density data. In Fig. 20C the curves f0 (D) and f0 (aD + b) take an identical value dH at respective highlight densities D80 and D8.

There holds the above relation epxpressed by the formulae. Then the formulae (19) and (20) subsequently hold.

Out of the above formulae, coefficients a and b are computed as shown below:

The above coefficients a and b determined by the above formulae (21) and (22) are computed from the highlight density DHO and shadow density D80 of the standard curve and a gradation table g(D) is obtained according to the following formula.

g(D) = fO (aD + b) (23) In this manner, a gradation table which maintains the characteristic of standard curves and yet possesses desired highlight density and the shadow density is obtained.

The color correction computing process is executed by inputting the results of computation for images, color correction and gradation. In other words, color correction parameters are selected to make the color sharp for respective cases. The degree of color correction must be determined by considering the particular conditions as some pattern needs sharper color while others not.

Further, a color may become turbid by gradation conversion which sometimes increases the output picture image density. The color correction amount data thus determined is transformed into a color correction parameter. The color correction parameters are computed to obtain a weighted mean using the results of the pattern, color correction amount and the gradation processing finally.

Parameters of the color correction, the enhancement of sharpness and gradation are thus determined. Each parameter is set in the computer 51 via the micro processor 53 for each unit of the picture image output on the output drum 30 either immediately before the output or the storage in the memory 43. Then the input/output drums are controlled in a manner described in the foregoing. Although one graphic pattern is singly controlled, as such controlling operation can be sequentially and continously conducted, lay-out picture images are automatically outputted without requiring the intervention of an operator.

As described in the foregoing, the system according to the present invention does not need the preparation of the rough sketch base paper and masks, stripping after registering (positioning) and the multiple exposure which have been heretofore conducted manually. It can automatically control all of the operation sequentially for each of the dutput graphic patterns by inputting process condition parameters of the each of original color picture and the positional data of the original color picture mounted on a transparent base and the graphic pattern data, thereby remarkably saving labor, time and resources. Unlike the total lay-out retouch system, it does not require a large scale exterior memory and/or a high speed central processing unit for editing and yet can construct an excellent system capable of a higher performance at a lower cost.The description above concerns the output of a color pictue image, but the system may be applied for a processing step at a printing plant by color separating again the color picture image outputs in a color scanner to obtain a color separated film. The color picture image per se can be applied for graphic art field as well as various other fields.

As described in detail in the foregoing, as the positioning method for inputting original picture according to this invention comprises the steps of placing an input original picture on a transparent base, providing register pin holes on the transparent base while providing pins on an input drum and a digitizer and engaging the pins with the pin holes, it is possible to make the coordnates on the input drum to correspond with the coordinates on the digitizer of the input original picture correctly and easily, thereby facilitating the coordinates controlling.

As the base position which is indicated by absolute address is set on a graphic pattern and the picture elements on the periphery of the pattern are indicated by relative address in respect of the base position, the coordinates of graphic data become controllable and the capacity of the memory to store the graphic pattern data can be reduced.

Claims (21)

1. A picture image input/output apparatus, which comprises: a) a digitizer which inputs graphic information; b) a console which inputs necessary information and operation commands: c) a graphic display of an interactive type which displays the graphic pattern which has been command-inputted by said digitizer and said console; d) a read means which optically reads original pictures mounted on a predetermined position on an input drum; e) a color processing/memory section which first stores the picture image data of said original pictures which have been read by said read means after a color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion process; f) a picture image output means which outputs picture images using the picture image data from said color processing/memory section on a recording material mounted on an output drum; and g) a computer system which is coupled respectively to said digitizer, said console and said graphic display, and arranged to supervise correspondence between the coordinates of said digitizer and the coordinates of said output drum, and correspondence between the coordinates of said input drum and said output drum, and to control said read means, and said picture image output means and the operational timing of said color processing/memory section; and in which the original pictures on said input drum are outputted in a lay-out form on the recording material of said output drum in graphic patterns and at positions commanded by said digitizer and at designated magnifications respectively.

2. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said read means is adapted to optically read the original pictures mounted at predetermined positions on said input drum which is rotated at a given speed in the direction of main scanning by means of a read-head which is driven by a first pulse motor in the direction of sub scanning.

3. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said picture image output means includes an output-head which is driven by a second pulse motor to sub scanning direction on the recording material mounted on the output drum rotated at a given speed in the main scanning direction.

4. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the movement in said sub scanning direction is conducted by a lead screw coupled with the respective pulse motor.

5. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 as dependent on claim 3, wherein said picture image output means comprises a laser beam printer which converts digital picture image data transmitted from said color processing/memory section into an analog value as a converted signal and exposes the recording material through said outputhead.

6. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said color processing/memory section stores first said picture image data and then processes for color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion.

7. A picture image input/output apparatus, which comprises: a) a digitizer which inputs graphic information; b) a console which inputs necessary information and operation commands; c) a graphic display of an interactive type which displays the graphic pattern which has been command-inputted by said digitizer and said console; d) a read means which optically reads original pictures mounted on a predetermined position on an input drum which is rotated in a main scanning direction at a given speed by a read-head which is driven by a first pulse motor in a sub scanning direction;; e) a color processing/memory section which digitizes the picture image data of said original pictures read out by said read-head, and first processes the same for color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion, and then stores the same in a memory of two systems which alternate functions of input and of output; f) an output-head which is driven by a second pulse motor in the direction of scanning on a recording material mounted on an output drum which is rotated at said given speed in a main scanning direction; g) a laser beam printer which converts the digital picture image data from said color processing/memory section into analog values as conversion signals and exposes the recording material through said out-put head; and h) a computer system coupled to said digitizer, said console and said graphic display respectively, and arranged to supervise correspondence between the coordinates of said digitizer and said output drum and that between the coordinates of said input drum and said output drum, and to control the sub scanning direction position of said read means and the outputhead through said first and second pulse motors, and the operational timing of said color processing/memory section;; and in which at the time of outputting picture images, said second pulse motor is rotated at a constant rate while the revolution rate of said first pulse motor is varied in correspondence with a designated magnification ratio, and write-in timing of the digital picture image data in the main scanning direction which has been stored in said memory is varied, thereby obtaining a picture image output at the designated magnification, the original pictures on said input drum can be outputted on the recording material on said output drum in lay-out of patterns and at positions which are inputted by said digitizer.

8. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said color processing/memory section includes a logarithmic circuit which converts the color separation signal from said read-head into a density signal and then digitizes the same.

9. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein said computer system comprises a computer coupled with said digitizer, said console and said graphic display and micro processor of an inferior system which controls said sub scanning direction position as well as the operational timing of said color processing/memory section.

10. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, in which the correspondence between the coordinate system of said digitizer and that of said input drum is made via a transparent base mounted on the surface of said input drum.

11. A picture image input/output apparatus as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein said color processing/memory section first stores said digital picture image data in said memory and then processes the picture image data outputted from said memory of output system for color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion.

12. A picture image input/output system of the type which enlarges/reduces each of plural original color pictures at designated magnification, obtains color separation signals for each, processes said color separation signals and sequentially outputs picture images in lay-out on a recording surface of an output drum, said system comprising a digitizer which inputs graphic information, a console which inputs data commands, and a graphic display of interactive type which displays graphic patterns and commands inputted by said digitizer and said console, and in which respective processing conditions for color correction, sharpness enhancement and gradation conversion of said color separation signals are automatically set by said console which command-inputs attribute information of said original color pictures and selects one of a plurality of gradation setting curves which have been prepared in advance.

1 3. A picture image input/output system as claimed in claim 12, wehrein the attribute information of said original color pictures includes the types of photographic materials of said original color pictures, image type, highlight point coordinates, shadow point coordinates, skin color point coordinates, gray point coordinates, background point coordinates and color correction amount to be added to said original color pictures, unsharp mask amount and color fogging amount and magnification.

14. A method of positioning an input original picture for a picture image input/output system of the type which outputs an original picture placed on an input drum onto a recording material on an output drum in lay-out and at a designated position and magnification, which is characterized in that register pin holes are provided at plural positions on a base which is flexible as well as mountable on said input drum and the digitizer, while register pins are provided on said input drum and digitizer for engaging with said register pin holes respectively, thereby positioning said base at each predetermined position with the engagement between said register pins and said register pin holes eventually and facilitating correspondence between the coordinate system on said digitizer of said original picture mounted on said base and that on said input drum.

15. A positioning method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said base is formed with a transparent material in a square sheet form.

16. A coordinate supervising method for graphic data in a picture image input/output system of the type which outputs original pictures on an input drum to a recording material on an output drum in lay-out in the pattern, position and magnification designated by a digitizer and a console, which is characterized in that graphic data of said original pictures on said input and output drums are defined by an absolute coordinate system which designates reference positions with an absolute coordinate and by a relative coordinate system which displays the graphic patterns with the relative address having said reference positions as the origin.

1 7. A method of inputting a graphic pattern in a picture image input/output system which outputs in lay-out original pictures on an input drum to a recording material on an output drum in the pattern and position and at a magnification designated by a digitizer and a console, which is characterised in that the method comprises the step of inputting graphic patterns which receives graphic patterns from said digitizer and corresponds said digitizer with the pictures on said output drum, and the step of base manuscript input which corresponds said original pictures with the pattern inputted by said step of inputting patterns in position and magnification.

1 8. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said graphic pattern input step comprises corresponding the coordinates of said digitizer and the coordinates of said output drum, designating the output size on said output drum by said console, displaying the output size frame converted in a suitable ratio, inputting pattern codes and necessary coordinates by said digitizer as a rough sketch and displaying the pattern at a designated position and in a designated size.

1 9. A method as claimed in claim 18, which further includes hidden surface processing.

20. A method as claimed in claim 17, 1 8 or 19, wherein said base manuscript input step comprises positioning and fixing a transparent base with said original pictures mounted thereon on said digitizer, transforming the coordinate system of said transparent base fixed on said digitizer to the coordinate system of said input drum, and corresponding the rough sketch inputted by said pattern input step with the coordinates of said original pictures on said transparent base in magnification.

21. Apparatus, system or methods substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.