Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded therein image processing program

An image processing method for an image processing apparatus including:

• an output portion capable of outputting image data of an image designated in an image output instruction inputted through an operation by an operator;
• and a storage portion configured to store first image data of a first image that includes a photographic-subject image of another individual who is different from the operator, and that is provided with restriction information for restricting output of the image data through the output portion, the image processing method comprising:
• a first step of determining, based on the restriction information and when the first image is designated in the image output instruction, whether or not the operator is a restricted subject who is restricted from outputting through the output portion;
• a second step of executing, when the operator is determined to be the restricted subject at the first step, a restriction process to restrict output, through the output portion, of the first image data of the first image designated in the image output instruction;
• a third step of approving, when the operator is determined not to be the restricted subject at the first step, output, through the output portion, of the first image data of the first image designated in the image output instruction;
• and
• a fourth step of determining, when the operator is determined to be the restricted subject at the first step, whether or not sharpness of the first image is larger than a predetermined first threshold, wherein
• the fourth step determines that the sharpness of the first image is not larger than the predetermined first threshold when a total number of individuals contained in the first image designated in the image output instruction is larger than a predetermined second threshold, and determines that the sharpness of the first image is larger than the predetermined first threshold when the total number of individuals is not larger than the predetermined second threshold,
• the second step executes the restriction process when the sharpness of the first image is determined to be larger than the predetermined first threshold at the fourth step, and
• the third step approves output of the first image data through the output portion when the sharpness of the first image is determined to be not larger than the predetermined first threshold at the fourth step.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium comprising:

• an image processing program recorded therein for an image processing apparatus including:
• an output portion capable of outputting image data of an image designated in an image output instruction inputted through an operation by an operator;
• and a storage portion configured to store first image data of a first image that includes a photographic-subject image of another individual who is different from the operator, and that is provided with restriction information for restricting output of the image data through the output portion,
• the image processing program including:
• a first step of determining, based on the restriction information and when the first image is designated in the image output instruction, whether or not the operator is a restricted subject who is restricted from outputting through the output portion;
• a second step of executing, when the operator is determined to be the restricted subject at the first step, a restriction process to restrict output, through the output portion, of the first image data of the first image designated in the image output instruction;
• a third step of approving, when the operator is determined not to be the restricted subject at the first step, output, through the output portion, of the first image data of the first image designated in the image output instruction;
• and
• a fourth step of determining, when the operator is determined to be the restricted subject at the first step, whether or not sharpness of the first image is larger than a predetermined first threshold, wherein
• the fourth step determines that the sharpness of the first image is not larger than the predetermined first threshold when a total number of individuals contained in the first image designated in the image output instruction is larger than a predetermined second threshold, and determines that the sharpness of the first image is larger than the predetermined first threshold when the total number of individuals is not larger than the predetermined second threshold,
• the second step executes the restriction process when the sharpness of the first image is determined to be larger than the predetermined first threshold at the fourth step, and
• the third step approves output of the first image data through the output portion when the sharpness of the first image is determined to be not larger than the predetermined first threshold at the fourth step.