Information processing apparatus

An information processing apparatus includes: a setting unit configured to set a parameter; an export unit configured to perform export processing of a RAW moving image using the set parameter; a first selecting unit configured to select at least one of RAW moving images on which export processing is performed, in accordance with a user operation; and a second selecting unit configured to automatically select, from RAW moving images not selected by the first selecting unit, a RAW moving image whose a parameter used for export processing matches that of a RAW moving image selected by the first selecting unit, wherein the export unit collectively performs re-export processing which uses a parameter different from the parameter used for the export processing, on the RAW moving image selected by the first selecting unit and the RAW moving image selected by the second selecting unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that develops a RAW moving image captured by an imaging device.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, an imaging device (such as a digital video camera) capable of capturing a RAW moving image (RAW-format moving image) has attracted attention in the field of image production. Information acquired from image sensors of the imaging device is recorded in the RAW moving image as information (an image) of each frame as it is (for example, without performing image processing). Therefore, a RAW moving image has a characteristic that “the image quality can be freely adjusted by performing development (development processing) with an information processing apparatus (such as a personal computer (PC)) after shooting.” Through development, a RAW moving image is converted into a moving image of a general file format (file format) such as digital picture exchange (DPX). Processing of converting (developing) the file format of a RAW moving image and storing the converted (developed) moving image is called “export” or the like.

When moving images are handled with a color grading system, generally, a RAW moving image is converted into a moving image of a file format giving priority to the image quality (for example, an uncompressed RGB format) and color grading is performed using the converted moving image. Hereinafter, development with a setting giving priority to the image quality is referred to as “material development” and a moving image obtained through material development is referred to as a “material moving image.”

On the other hand, other editing work such as cut editing often does not require high-quality moving images. Therefore, when moving images are handled with such another editing system, generally, a RAW moving image is converted into a moving image having a relatively small data size through processing such as reduction or compression and editing work is performed using the converted moving image. Hereinafter, development with a setting not giving priority to the image quality is referred to as “proxy development” and a moving image obtained through proxy development is referred to as a “proxy moving image.”

Through cut editing, the section of a moving image to be finally used is determined using the proxy moving image. Then, the editing system for cut editing outputs an edit decision list (EDL) in which time code information of the determined section is described. Thereafter, the color grading system reads the EDL and the material moving image and performs final color adjustment or the like for the section designated through the EDL using the material moving image. In a workflow for performing cut editing and color grading or the like, two types of moving images, a material moving image and a proxy moving image, are generated and used from a RAW moving image as described above.

Generally, the processing load (processing time) of development is large and it is necessary to determine development parameters for each piece of content or each scene of a moving image. A technique for reducing the processing load and work time of development is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-10090. An image processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-10090 stores a plurality of development results (developed moving images) corresponding to a plurality of development parameters in advance and displays a development result corresponding to development parameters designated by a user when development has been performed with the development parameters designated by the user.

Here, the user may desire to change development parameters for a plurality of RAW moving images that have been developed with specific development parameters to develop the moving images again and save (export) the developed moving images. For example, the user may desire to generate proxy moving images for a plurality of RAW moving images for which material moving images have been generated. In such a case, the user needs to specify a plurality of RAW moving images that have been developed with specific development parameters. However, the user cannot easily specify desired RAW moving images and re-export them efficiently, for example, when there are many developed RAW moving images or when a group of development parameters (a combination of development parameters) used in one development is diversified. Before development, a similar problem also occurs when changing development parameters for a plurality of RAW moving images for which specific development parameters have been set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in its first aspect provides a technique for efficiently performing re-export and parameter change of a plurality of RAW moving images.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention, includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: a setting unit configured to set a parameter for export processing of a RAW moving image; an export unit configured to perform export processing to develop a RAW moving image and save the developed moving image in a predetermined storage area, using the parameter set by the setting unit; a first selecting unit configured to select at least one of a plurality of RAW moving images on which export processing of the export unit is performed, in accordance with a user operation; and a second selecting unit configured to automatically select, from a plurality of RAW moving images not selected by the first selecting unit, a RAW moving image whose a parameter used for export processing matches that of a RAW moving image selected by the first selecting unit, wherein the export unit collectively performs re-export processing which uses a parameter different from the parameter used for the export processing, on the RAW moving image selected by the first selecting unit and the RAW moving image selected by the second selecting unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. An information processing apparatus according to the following embodiments is an apparatus that exports a moving image and is, for example, a personal computer (PC). In the following embodiments, export refers to processing including development of a RAW moving image (RAW-format moving image), specifically processing of converting (developing) the file format of a RAW moving image and saving the converted (developed) moving image in a predetermined storage area.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a PC100(information processing apparatus) according to the first embodiment. The PC100includes a CPU101, a ROM102, a RAM103, an HDD104, an external IF105, a user IF106, a VRAM107, an image processing unit108, a display control unit109, and an internal bus115.

The CPU101performs overall control of the PC100. The ROM102is a memory for storing a control program describing a processing procedure of the CPU101. The RAM103is used as a work memory for temporarily storing the control program and data. The HDD104is a hard disk drive for storing various programs such as applications and an operating system (OS) and various data. The external IF105is an interface for connecting the PC100to an external storage medium111(such as a flash memory card150or an external hard disk160). The user IF106receives a user operation performed on the PC100. Specifically, the user IF106performs processing of operation information output from an input device112(such as a mouse113or a keyboard114) in accordance with a user operation performed using the input device112. The PC100and the input device112may be integrally configured (the input device112may be a part of the PC100). The VRAM107is a memory in which the PC100stores an image for display on a display110(such as a liquid crystal display). The PC100and the display110may be integrally configured (the display110may be a part of the PC100). The image processing unit108performs various image processing such as export. The display control unit109displays the image stored in the VRAM107on the display110. The internal bus115is a transmission path for various signals (such as control signals) and various data (such as image data). The CPU101, the ROM102, the RAM103, the HDD104, the external IF105, the user IF106, the VRAM107, the image processing unit108, and the display control unit109are connected to the internal bus115. Transmission and reception of various signals and various data between these components is performed via the internal bus115. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that RAW moving images are stored in the HDD104. RAW moving images may also be stored in the storage medium111.

An export application according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B.

FIG. 2Ashows an example of a basic screen200of the export application. The CPU101starts the export application and controls the VRAM107, the display control unit109, and the like such that the basic screen200is displayed on the display110. A list of RAW moving images stored in the HDD104or the like is displayed in a moving image list display area210of the basic screen200. “AAAA,” “BBBB,” “CCCC,” and “DDDD” in the moving image list display area210are the names of RAW moving images, A RAW moving image selected (designated) by a user is reproduced and displayed in a preview area220. A reproduction control portion230is a portion that receives a user operation for performing reproduction control (such as normal playback, frame advance, or frame rewind) of the RAW moving image displayed in the preview area220. A development parameter setting portion240is a portion that receives a user operation for setting (designating) development parameters such as those of brightness, color temperature, sharpness, color space, gamma, and high-speed development setting (high-speed development enabling/disabling). An export setting dialog display button251is a button for displaying an export setting dialog. The export setting dialog is a dialog for setting (designating) other parameters relating to export. An export queue addition button252is a button for adding the selected RAW moving image to an export queue. An export start button253is a button for starting export of RAW moving images in the export queue.

FIG. 2Bshows an example of the export setting dialog260. When the export setting dialog display button251inFIG. 2Ahas been pressed, the CPU101controls the VRAM107, the display control unit109, and the like such that the export setting dialog260is displayed on the display110. A save folder setting portion261is a portion that receives a user operation for setting (designating) a save folder of the moving image (moving image file) to be saved through export. An export file format setting portion262is a portion that receives a user operation for setting (designating) a file format of the moving image to be saved through export (the moving image generated through development). Hereinafter, the file format of the moving image to be saved through export (the moving image generated through development) is referred to as an “output format.” An output resolution setting portion263is a portion that receives a user operation for setting (designating) the resolution of the moving image to be saved through export. Hereinafter, the resolution of the moving image to be saved through export is referred to as an “output resolution.”

FIG. 3Ashows an example of an export queue window300that displays information on RAW moving images in the export queue and the progress of export thereof. For example, when the export queue addition button252inFIG. 2Ahas been pressed, the CPU101sets parameters for export for the selected RAW moving image and adds the selected RAW moving image to the export queue. Specifically, the CPU101sets a plurality of parameters designated through the development parameter setting portion240inFIG. 2Aand the save folder setting portion261, the export file format setting portion262, and the output resolution setting portion263inFIG. 2B. Then, the CPU101controls the VRAM107, the display control unit109, and the like such that an export queue window300is displayed on the display110. When the export queue window300has already been displayed, the CPU101adds information of the RAW moving image added to the export queue to the displayed export queue window300.

A list of RAW moving images (RAW moving images to be exported) in the export queue is displayed in an export content display portion301. The name of the RAW moving image, the progress of export, and parameters for export (such as a save folder, an output format, an output resolution, and development settings (development parameters)) are displayed for each RAW moving image in the list displayed in the export content display portion301. In the example ofFIG. 3A, RAW moving images AAAA, BBBB, and CCCC are in the export queue. Brightness, color temperature, sharpness, color space, gamma, and high-speed development settings are also displayed as development settings in this order. Each row of the list displayed in the export content display portion301is one task. In the example ofFIG. 3A, three tasks are in the export queue. The entire progress of export (such as the number of unexecuted tasks and a remaining time until export is completed) is displayed in an export progress display portion302. When the export start button253inFIG. 2Ahas been pressed, the CPU101controls the image processing unit108to start export (execution of tasks in the export queue) using the set parameters. Then, the CPU101sequentially updates display of the export progress display portion302and display of the progress in the export content display portion301according to the progress of export.

FIG. 3Bshows an example of an export result window310that displays export results. For example, when export has been completed, the CPU101controls the VRAM107, the display control unit109, and the like such that the export result window310is displayed on the display110. A list of exported RAW moving images is displayed in an export result display portion311. The name of the RAW moving image and parameters for export (such as those of a save folder, an output format, an output resolution, and development settings) are displayed for each RAW moving image in the list displayed in the export result display portion311. In the example ofFIG. 3B, an export execution history shows that RAW moving images EEEE, FFFF, . . . , and ZZZZ have been exported.

The PC100can export the exported RAW moving images again.FIG. 4is a flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the PC100(the export application) when re-export is performed. The operation ofFIG. 4starts, for example, in accordance with display of the export result window310ofFIG. 3B.

In step S401, the CPU101determines whether or not the user has issued an instruction to re-export a specific RAW moving image that has been exported. The CPU101repeals the processing of step S401until a re-export instruction (user operation) is issued. When a re-export instruction has been issued, the CPU101selects a specific RAW moving image in accordance with the instruction and advances the processing to step S402. The CPU101also sets parameters for re-export. Specifically, the CPU101sets a plurality of parameters that have been designated through the development parameter setting portion240inFIG. 2Aand the save folder setting portion261, the export file format setting portion262, and the output resolution setting portion263inFIG. 2B.

FIG. 5Ashows an example of the export result window310. As shown inFIG. 5A, the CPU101displays a context menu513in accordance with a user operation of designating a specific RAW moving image from the export result display portion311(the list of exported RAW moving images). The context menu513is a menu for inquiring of the user whether or not to re-export the specific RAW moving image (the RAW moving image designated by the user). The re-export instruction is a user operation for designating “re-development” in the context menu513. Here, it is assumed that an instruction to re-export a RAW moving image KKKK has been issued.

In step S402, the CPU101acquires parameters used in the past export of the specific RAW moving image (the RAW moving image which has been selected in step S401and for which a re-export instruction (user operation) has been issued). Specifically, the CPU101acquires parameters (a save folder, an output format, an output resolution, and development settings) displayed in association with the RAW moving image KKKK in the export result display portion311inFIG. 5A.

In step S403, the CPU101acquires current parameters set for re-export, Specifically, the CPU101acquires a plurality of parameters that have been designated through the development parameter setting portion240inFIG. 2Aand the save folder setting portion261, the export file format setting portion262, and the output resolution setting portion263inFIG. 2B. That is, the CPU101acquires the brightness, color temperature, sharpness, color space, gamma, high-speed development setting, save folder, output format, and output resolution that have been designated.

In step S404, the CPU101compares the parameters acquired in step S402with the parameters acquired in step S403and determines whether or not they differ from each other. Specifically, the CPU101determines whether or not a type of which a parameter acquired in step S402and a parameter acquired in step S403differ from each other is included in a plurality of types of the plurality of parameters, if such a type is included, the processing proceeds to step S405. If such a type is not included (the plurality of parameters acquired in step S402completely match the plurality of parameters acquired in step S403), the processing proceeds to step S411.

In step S411, the CPU101provides predetermined notification (notification control). Specifically, the CPU101displays a message (warning) on the display110to notify the user that re-export is going to be performed using the same parameters as those in the past. Then, the CPU101ends the operation ofFIG. 4without performing re-export.

In step S405, the CPU101determines whether or not a RAW moving image other than the RAW moving image selected in step S401is present in the export result display portion311(the list of exported RAW moving images) inFIG. 5A. The processing proceeds to step S406if such a RAW moving image is present, and otherwise proceeds to step S410.

In step S406, the CPU101acquires parameters used in the past export of all RAW moving images that have been determined to be present in step S405. Then, the CPU101determines whether or not there is a RAW moving image which has been determined to be present in step S405and whose parameter used in the past export matches a parameter acquired in step S402. The processing proceeds to step S407if there is such a RAW moving image, and otherwise proceeds to step S410.

Note that the RAW moving image detected in step S406may be or may not be a RAW moving image of which a plurality of parameters used in the past export all match those of the specific RAW moving image (the RAW moving image selected in step S401). The RAW moving image detected in step S406may be a RAW moving image of which some of a plurality of parameters used in the past export matches that of the specific RAW moving image. The RAW moving image detected in step S406may be a RAW moving image of which only an output format in the past export matches that of the specific RAW moving image. The RAW moving image detected in step S406may be a RAW moving image of which only a specific type(s) of parameter(s), which is some or all of a plurality of parameters used in the past export, matches that of the specific RAW moving image.

The specific type used for the determination of step S406is, for example, a type designated by the user.FIG. 6shows an example of a dialog600for determining specific types. The user can designate specific types by performing a user operation of checking checkboxes in a dialog. In the example ofFIG. 6, an output format, an output resolution, a color space, a gamma, and a high-speed development setting have been designated as specific types.

The specific types may be determined in advance by a manufacturer of the export application or the like or may be automatically determined (changed) by the CPU101(the export application). When a plurality of RAW moving images have been selected in step S401, a parameter commonly used in the past export of the plurality of RAW moving images may be used as a specific type of parameter. For example, only the color space and gamma are used as specific types of parameters if color space and gamma values used in the past export of a plurality of selected RAW moving images match and the other parameters do not match.

Reference is now made back toFIG. 4. In step S407, the CPU101inquires of the user whether or not to also re-export the RAW moving images detected in step S406(the RAW moving images determined to be present). Specifically, the CPU101displays a dialog500for inquiring of the user whether or not to re-export the RAW moving images detected in step S406on the display110as shown inFIG. 5B. A list of the RAW moving images detected in step S406or the like is displayed in the dialog500. In the example ofFIG. 5B, a list of RAW moving images LLLL, MMMM, and NNNN is displayed by the names of the images. Shooting settings, development settings, a thumbnail, and the like of each RAW moving image may be further displayed.

In step S408, the CPU101determines whether or not the user has issued a re-export instruction (reply) in response to the inquiry of step S407. The processing proceeds to step S409when an instruction has been issued (when a “YES” button has been pressed in the dialog500ofFIG. 5B) and proceeds to step S410when no instruction has been issued (when a “NO” button has been pressed in the dialog ofFIG. 5B).

In step S409, the CPU101adds the RAW moving image selected in step S401and the RAW moving images detected in step S406to the export queue. Then, the operation ofFIG. 4ends.FIG. 5Cshows an example of the export queue window300after the processing of step S409. In the example ofFIG. 5Cthe RAW moving images KKKK, LLLL, MMMM, and NNNN are in the export queue. Parameters of the RAW moving images KKKK, LLLL, MMMM, and NNNN inFIG. 5Care the current parameters set for re-export and differ from those ofFIG. 5A. The RAW moving image selected in step S401and the RAW moving images detected in step S406are exported collectively (sequentially) when the export start button253inFIG. 2Ahas been pressed after the processing of step S409.

In step S410, the CPU101adds only the RAW moving image selected in step S401to the export queue. Then, the operation ofFIG. 4ends.

According to the first embodiment, re-export can be performed collectively for a selected RAW moving image and RAW moving images whose parameter used for export matches that of the selected RAW moving image as described above. Thus, it is possible to efficiently re-export a plurality of RAW moving images.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. An example in which RAW moving images other than a specific RAW moving image designated by a user are detected and re-export is performed collectively for these RAW moving images has been described in the first embodiment. However, the timing at which the user desires to change parameters for export is not limited to after performing export. Before performing export, the user may also desire to change parameters that have been set. For example, after adding a RAW moving image to the export queue, the user may notice errors in parameters and issue an instruction to change the parameters before performing export. An example in which RAW moving images other than a specific RAW moving image designated by the user are detected and parameters are changed collectively for these RAW moving images before export is performed will be described in the second embodiment. In the following, different portions (components and processing) from the first embodiment will be described in detail and description of the same portions as the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 7is a flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the PC100(the export application) when changing set parameters before export is performed. The operation ofFIG. 7starts, for example, in accordance with display of the export queue window300ofFIG. 3A.

In step S701, the CPU101determines whether or not the user has issued an instruction to change parameters that have been set for a specific RAW moving image. The CPU101repeats the processing of step S701until a change instruction (user operation) is issued. When a change instruction has been issued, the CPU101selects a specific RAW moving image in accordance with the instruction and advances the processing to step S702.

FIG. 8Ashows an example of the export queue window300. As shown inFIG. 8A, the CPU101displays a context menu813in accordance with a user operation of designating a specific RAW moving image from the export content display portion301(a list of RAW moving images in the export queue). The context menu813is a menu for inquiring of the user whether or not to change parameters that have been set for the specific RAW moving image (the RAW moving image designated by the user). The instruction to change parameters is a user operation for designating “change export settings” in the context menu813. Here, it is assumed that an instruction to change parameters that have been set for a RAW moving image CCDD has been issued.

In step S702, the CPU101acquires parameters (parameters before change) that have been set for the RAW moving image which has been selected in step S701(for which the parameter change instruction (user operation) has been issued). Specifically, the CPU101acquires parameters (a save folder, an output format, an output resolution, and development settings) displayed in association with the RAW moving image CCDD in the export content display portion301inFIG. 8A.

In step S703, the CPU101acquires parameters after change. Specifically, the CPU101acquires a plurality of parameters that have been designated through the development parameter setting portion240inFIG. 2Aand the save folder setting portion261, the export file format setting portion262, and the output resolution setting portion263inFIG. 2B. That is, the CPU101acquires the brightness, color temperature, sharpness, color space, gamma, high-speed development setting, save folder, output format, and output resolution that have been designated.

In step S704, the CPU101compares the parameters acquired in step S702with the parameters acquired in step S703and determines whether or not they differ from each other. Specifically, the CPU101determines whether or not a type of which a parameter acquired in step S702and a parameter acquired in step S703differ from each other is included in a plurality of types of the plurality of parameters. If such a type is included, the processing proceeds to step S705. If such a type is not included (the plurality of parameters acquired in step S702completely match the plurality of parameters acquired in step S703), the processing proceeds to step S711.

In step S711, the CPU101provides predetermined notification. Specifically, the CPU101displays a message (warning) on the display110to notify the user that the parameters are the same before and after change. Then, the CPU101ends the operation ofFIG. 7without performing the processing for changing parameters.

In step S705, the CPU101determines whether or not a RAW moving image other than the RAW moving image selected in step S701is present in the export content display portion301(the list of RAW moving images for which parameters have been set) inFIG. 8A. The processing proceeds to step S706if such a RAW moving image is present, and otherwise proceeds to step S710.

In step S706, the CPU101acquires parameters that have been set for all RAW moving images that have been determined to be present in step S705. Then, the CPU101determines whether or not there is a RAW moving image which has been determined to be present in step S705and whose parameter that has been set matches a parameter acquired in step S702. The processing proceeds to step S707if there is such a RAW moving image, and otherwise proceeds to step S710.

Note that the RAW moving image detected in step S706may or may not be a RAW moving image of which a plurality of parameters that have been set all match those of the specific RAW moving image (the RAW moving image selected in step S701). The RAW moving image detected in step S706may be a RAW moving image of which some of a plurality of parameters that have been set matches that of the specific RAW moving image. The RAW moving image detected in step S706may be a RAW moving image of which only an output format that has been set matches that of the specific RAW moving image. The RAW moving image detected in step S706may be a RAW moving image of which only a specific type(s) of parameter(s), which is some or all of a plurality of parameters that have been set, matches that of the specific RAW moving image. The specific type (the specific type of parameter) may be determined in advance or may be determined using various methods as described in the first embodiment.

In step S707, the CPU101inquires of the user whether or not to also change parameters that have been set for the RAW moving images detected in step S706(the RAW moving images determined to be present). Specifically, the CPU101displays a dialog800for inquiring of the user whether or not to also change parameters that have been set for the RAW moving images detected in step S706on the display110as shown inFIG. 813. A list of the RAW moving images detected in step S706or the like is displayed in the dialog800, In the example ofFIG. 8B, a list of RAW moving images AABB and EEFF is displayed by the names of the images. Shooting settings, development settings, a thumbnail, and the like of each RAW moving image may be further displayed.

In step S708, the CPU101determines whether or not the user has issued a parameter change instruction (reply) in response to the inquiry of step S707. The processing proceeds to step S709when an instruction has been issued (when a “YES” button has been pressed in the dialog800ofFIG. 8B) and proceeds to step S710when no instruction has been issued (when a “NO” button has been pressed in the dialog ofFIG. 8B).

In step S709, the CPU101collectively changes the parameters that have been set for the RAW moving image selected in step S701and the RAW moving images detected in step S706. Then, the operation ofFIG. 7ends.FIG. 8Cshows an example of the export queue window300after the processing of step S709. In the example ofFIG. 8C, the parameters set for the RAW moving images AABB, CCDD, and EEFF have been changed from those ofFIG. 8A.

In step S710, the CPU101changes only the parameters that have been set for the RAW moving image selected in step S701. Then, the operation ofFIG. 7ends.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to collectively change parameters that have been set for a selected RAW moving image and RAW moving images whose parameter that has been set matches that of the selected RAW moving image as described above. Thus, it is possible to efficiently change parameters for a plurality of RAW moving images.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the invention.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently perform re-export or parameter change of a plurality of RAW moving images.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No 2019-078658, filed on Apr. 17, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.