JP4666009B2 - Output image adjustment for image files - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image adjustment technique for adjusting the image quality of an image file.

  The image quality of image data generated by a digital still camera (DSC), a digital video camera (DVC), a scanner, or the like can be arbitrarily adjusted by using an image retouching application on a personal computer. An image retouching application generally has an image adjustment function that automatically adjusts the image quality of image data. By using this image adjustment function, the image quality of image data output from an output device can be easily set. Can be improved. Known image file output devices include CRTs, LCDs, printers, projectors, television receivers, and the like.

  Also, a printer driver that controls the operation of a printer, which is one of the output devices, has a function of automatically adjusting the image quality of image data. Even if such a printer driver is used, printing is performed. The image quality of the image data can be easily improved.

  However, in the automatic image quality adjustment function provided by the image retouching application and the printer driver, image quality correction is executed with reference to image data having general image quality characteristics. On the other hand, since image data to be subjected to image processing can be generated under various conditions, even if the image quality automatic adjustment function is uniformly executed and the image quality parameter value of the image data is changed using the specified value, The image quality may not be improved.

  Some image data generation apparatuses such as DSC can arbitrarily adjust the image quality of image data when generating the image data, and the user can intentionally generate image data having a predetermined image quality. Alternatively, the user can generate image data suitable for the shooting conditions with the shooting image quality set in advance according to the shooting conditions. When the automatic image quality adjustment function is executed for such image data, even the intentional image quality of the image data is automatically adjusted based on the reference image quality. There was a problem that the adjustment could not be performed. In addition, there has been a problem that the shooting conditions set on the DSC side are not well reflected in automatic image quality adjustment. Such a problem is not limited to DSC, but is common to other image file generation apparatuses such as DVC.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to appropriately and automatically adjust the image quality corresponding to individual image data. It is another object of the present invention to automatically adjust the image quality of image data without impairing arbitrarily set image quality adjustment conditions.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is an image in which image processing is performed using an image file that includes image data and image processing control information used at the time of image quality correction of the image data. A processing apparatus that analyzes the image data and acquires image quality characteristic information acquisition means that acquires image quality characteristic information that is information indicating characteristics relating to image quality of the image data; the image processing control information; and the acquired Image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on image quality characteristic information is provided.

  The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention reflects the image processing control information used when adjusting the image quality of the image data and the image quality characteristic information of the acquired image data to reflect the image quality of the image data. Therefore, the image quality can be automatically adjusted appropriately corresponding to each image data. In addition, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted without impairing the arbitrarily set image processing control information.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image quality characteristic information is a combination of values of a plurality of image quality parameters indicating the image quality characteristics of the image data, and the image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment means is The image processing control information may be reflected to adjust the image quality of the image data. With such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the image quality of the image data by directly reflecting the image processing control information.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image quality characteristic information is a combination of values of a plurality of image quality parameters indicating the image quality characteristics of the image data, and the image quality adjustment means includes the plurality of image quality characteristics. Each of the parameter values has a reference image quality parameter value that is predetermined as a reference for image quality adjustment, and the image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment unit is based on the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value. Obtain a correction amount for correcting the image data, increase or decrease the correction amount based on the result of analyzing the image processing control information, and adjust the image quality of the image data to reflect the increased or decreased correction amount You may do it. With this configuration, the image quality of the image data can be brought close to or matched with the image quality adjustment reference, and the image processing control information can be indirectly reflected to adjust and improve the image data image quality. .

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the increase or decrease in the correction amount based on the result of analyzing the image processing control information is determined based on the result of analyzing the image processing control information. It may be executed by correcting the value, or may be executed by determining the application level of the correction amount based on the result of analyzing the image processing control information. In the former case, the reference image quality parameter value that is an adjustment index of the image quality parameter value can be corrected, so that the image quality adjustment can be performed without impairing the characteristics of the individual image data. In the latter case, the application level of the correction amount can be determined based on the result of analyzing the image processing control information, so that the image quality adjustment can be performed without impairing the characteristics of the individual image data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that performs image processing using an image file that includes image data and reference image quality information that is a correction target at the time of image quality correction of the image data in one file. To do. An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, an image quality parameter value acquisition unit that analyzes the image data and acquires an image quality parameter value indicating an image quality characteristic of the image data, and based on the reference image quality information , Reference image quality parameter value acquisition means for acquiring a reference image quality parameter value predetermined for the image quality parameter, and the image data based on the acquired reference image quality parameter value and the acquired image quality parameter value Image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the image.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the reference image quality parameter value that serves as an index of image quality adjustment is acquired based on the reference image quality information used at the time of image quality correction of the image data, and the acquired reference image quality parameter value Since the image quality of the image data is adjusted based on the image quality parameter and the image quality parameter, the image quality can be appropriately and automatically adjusted according to the individual image data. In addition, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted without impairing the arbitrarily set image processing control information. Furthermore, since the reference image quality parameter value that serves as an index for image quality adjustment can be acquired based on the reference image quality information, the reference image quality parameter value can be easily acquired.

  A third aspect of the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that performs image processing using an image file that includes image data and image processing control information used when adjusting the image quality of the image data in one file. An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: an image quality parameter value acquiring unit that analyzes the image data and acquires an image quality parameter value indicating an image quality characteristic of the image data; and the image processing control information A reference image quality parameter value correcting means for analyzing and correcting a predetermined reference image quality parameter value for the image quality parameter based on the analysis result; the corrected reference image quality parameter value; and the acquired image quality parameter And image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the value.

  According to the image processing device of the third aspect of the present invention, the reference image quality parameter value serving as an index of image quality adjustment is corrected, and the image quality of the image data is adjusted based on the corrected image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value. As a result, the image quality can be appropriately and automatically adjusted according to the individual image data. In addition, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted without impairing the arbitrarily set image processing control information.

  In the image processing device according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the reference image quality parameter value is selected from a plurality of values corresponding to the acquired image quality parameter value based on the image processing control information. It may be a combination of parameter values. The image processing control information may include correction information on at least one of information related to contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and noise removal, Further, the image processing control information may be stored in a user-defined area of the image file.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an output device that outputs image data using an image file that includes image data and image processing control information used during image processing of the image data in one file. An output device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes an image processing device according to any one of the image processing device according to the first invention of the present invention or the image processing device according to the third invention, and the image processing device. And image data output means for outputting image data subjected to image processing.

  According to the output device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing control information used when adjusting the image quality of the image data and the image quality characteristic information of the acquired image data are reflected in the individual image data. Correspondingly, it is possible to output image data whose image quality is automatically adjusted appropriately. Further, it is possible to output image data whose image quality has been adjusted without impairing arbitrarily set image processing control information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for executing image data image quality adjustment on an image file that includes image data and image processing control information used in image quality correction of the image data in one file. provide. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for analyzing the image data, obtaining a value of an image quality parameter indicating an image quality characteristic of the image data, and analyzing the image processing control information. A function of correcting a value of a reference image quality parameter predetermined for the image quality parameter based on a result, and an image quality of the image data based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the acquired image quality parameter value It is characterized by having a computer realize the function to be adjusted.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an image file generation device that generates an image file that can be used in an output device that outputs image data subjected to image quality adjustment processing. An image file generation device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an image data input unit that inputs image data to be output by the output device, and an image quality adjustment process of the image data that is executed by the output device. Image quality adjustment processing condition specifying means for specifying conditions, image quality adjustment data generating means for generating image quality adjustment data based on the specified image quality adjustment processing conditions, and the input image data and image quality adjustment data And image file generation means for generating one image file.

  According to the image file generation device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to generate one image file including image quality adjustment data and image data for designating image quality adjustment processing conditions in the image processing device and the output device. Therefore, image quality adjustment data and image data can be associated with each other appropriately, and automatic image quality adjustment for individual image data can be easily realized. In addition, since the image quality adjustment processing conditions arbitrarily set can be associated with the image data, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted to reflect the image quality adjustment processing conditions.

  In the image file generation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image quality adjustment data may be data for correcting a reference image quality parameter used as a reference for image quality adjustment processing in the image quality adjustment processing in the output device. good. When the image quality adjustment data is data for correcting the reference image quality parameter, the output device or the image processing device can execute the image quality adjustment processing after correcting the reference image quality parameter through analysis of the image quality adjustment data. The image quality adjustment data may be a reference image quality parameter value used as a reference value for image quality adjustment processing in image quality adjustment processing in the output device. When the image quality adjustment data is the reference image quality parameter, the output device or the image processing device can directly execute the image quality adjustment process using the reference image quality parameter without executing the change process. Further, the image quality adjustment data corresponds to an image quality parameter representing the image quality of the image data, and may be a combination of a plurality of reference image quality parameter values used as a reference value for image quality adjustment processing in the output device. good. When the image quality adjustment data is a combination of a plurality of reference image quality parameter values, the reference image quality parameter values can be combined according to specific shooting conditions.

  In the image file generation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image quality adjustment data includes a reference image quality parameter value used as a reference value for image quality adjustment processing in the output device, and an image quality parameter value representing the image quality of the image data. It may be data for designating the degree of application of the correction amount for correcting the image data obtained based on. In such a case, it is possible to realize correction of image data according to the degree of application of the specified correction amount. The image quality adjustment data corresponds to an image quality parameter representing the image quality of the image data, and designates a tendency of correction of a plurality of reference image quality parameter values used as a reference value for image quality adjustment processing in the output device. It may be data for In the case where the image quality adjustment data is data for designating a correction tendency of the reference image quality parameter value, the output device or the image processing apparatus executes correction of one or more reference image quality parameter values according to the specified tendency. The image quality adjustment process can be executed based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value. Further, the image quality adjustment data includes at least data indicating the correction tendency of the reference image quality parameter for contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and noise removal for each shooting condition. But it ’s okay.

In the image file generation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
The image quality adjustment processing condition specifying means is
Display means for displaying the image quality adjustment processing conditions;
A determining means for selecting and determining the image quality adjustment processing condition may be provided.

  In the image file generation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image file generation means may store the image quality adjustment data in a user-defined area of the image file. The image file generation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention may further comprise image data generation means for generating image data used for output by the output device. In such a case, image quality adjustment data can be generated corresponding to the generated image data.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a program for generating an image file that can be used in an output device that outputs image data on which image quality adjustment processing has been executed. A program according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a function of acquiring image data to be output by the output device, and a function of designating conditions for image quality adjustment processing of the image data executed in the output device And a computer that realizes a function of generating image quality adjustment data based on the specified image quality adjustment processing condition and a function of generating one image file including the generated image data and image output control data. And

  The program according to the seventh aspect of the present invention has the same effects as the image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, and is implemented in various aspects in the same manner as the sixth aspect of the present invention. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system for outputting image data from an image file including image data and image processing control information used at the time of image quality correction of the image data in one file. An image processing system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes:
Image data acquisition means for acquiring the image data;
Image quality adjustment processing condition designating means for designating image quality adjustment processing conditions for the image data;
Image quality adjustment data generating means for generating image quality adjustment data based on the specified image quality adjustment processing conditions;
An image file generation device comprising image file generation means for generating one image file including the acquired image data and image output control data;
Image quality characteristic information acquisition means for analyzing the image data and acquiring image quality characteristic information of the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image quality adjusting unit that adjusts an image quality of the image data reflecting the image quality adjustment processing condition and the acquired image quality characteristic information.

  According to the image processing system of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both effects brought about by the first to fifth aspects of the present invention and the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention.

Hereinafter, image adjustment of an image file according to the present invention will be described based on several embodiments with reference to the drawings in the following order.
A. Image processing system configuration:
B. Image file structure:
C. Image output device configuration:
D. Image processing in digital still cameras:
E. Image processing in the printer:
F. Other examples:

A. Image processing system configuration:
The configuration of an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera capable of generating an image file (image data) output from the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  An image processing system 10 includes a digital still camera 12 as an input device that generates an image file, a color printer as an output device that executes image processing based on the image file generated by the digital still camera 12 and outputs an image. 20 is provided. As the output device, in addition to the printer 20, a monitor 14 such as a CRT display or LCD display, a projector, or the like can be used. In the following description, the color printer 20 is used as the output device.

  The digital still camera 12 is a camera that acquires an image by imaging light information on a digital device (CCD or photomultiplier tube), and includes a CCD or the like for collecting optical information as shown in FIG. An optical circuit 121, an image acquisition circuit 122 for acquiring an image by controlling the optical circuit 121, an image processing circuit 123 for processing the acquired digital image, and a control circuit 124 including a memory and controlling each circuit I have. The digital still camera 12 stores the acquired image as digital data in a memory card MC as a storage device. As a storage format of image data in the digital still camera 12, a JPEG format is generally used, but other storage formats such as a TIFF format, a GIF format, a BMP format, and a RAW format can be used.

  The digital still camera 12 also has individual image processing control parameters such as brightness, contrast, exposure correction amount (exposure correction value), white balance, and a plurality of image processing control parameter values set in advance in accordance with shooting conditions. A selection / determination button 126 for setting a shooting mode, and a liquid crystal display 127 for previewing a shot image and setting a shooting mode and the like using the selection / determination button 126. The shooting mode and image quality parameter setting procedures using the selection / determination button 126 and the liquid crystal display 127 will be described later.

  The digital still camera 12 used in the image processing system 10 stores image processing control information GC of image data in the memory card MC as an image file GF in addition to the image data GD. That is, the image processing control information GC is automatically stored in the memory card MC as an image file GF together with the image data GD at the time of shooting. When a shooting mode suitable for shooting conditions such as a person, a night view, and a sunset scene is selected by the user, the parameter value of the image processing control parameter corresponding to the selected shooting mode or the exposure correction amount, When an image processing control parameter such as white balance is set to an arbitrary value, an image file GF including the set value of the set image processing control parameter as image processing control information GC is stored in the memory card MC. .

  When the digital still camera 12 performs shooting in the automatic shooting mode, the values of parameters such as exposure time, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, and lens focal length that are automatically set at the time of shooting are displayed in the image. Treated as processing control parameters, an image file GF including these image processing control parameters is stored in the memory card MC. It should be noted that parameters and parameter values applied to each shooting mode are held in a memory in the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12.

  The image file GF generated in the digital still camera 12 is sent to the color printer 20 via, for example, the cable CV, the computer PC, or via the cable CV. Alternatively, the memory card MC in which the image file GF is stored by the digital still camera 12 is connected to the printer 20 via the computer PC mounted in the memory card slot or directly to the printer 20. As a result, the image file is sent to the color printer 20. In the following description, the case where the memory card MC is directly connected to the color printer 20 will be described.

B. Image file structure:
A schematic configuration of an image file that can be used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the internal configuration of an image file that can be used in this embodiment. An image file GF includes an image data storage area 101 for storing image data GD, and an image processing control information storage area for storing image processing control information (image quality adjustment processing conditions) GC that is referred to and applied during automatic image quality adjustment of image data. 102. For example, the image data GD is stored in the JPEG format, and the image processing control information GC is stored in the TIFF format. Note that terms such as file structure, data structure, and storage area in this embodiment mean an image of a file or data in a state where the file or data is stored in the storage device.

  The image processing control information GC is information for specifying image processing conditions when image processing is performed on image data generated by an image data generation device such as the digital still camera 12, and an exposure time that can be arbitrarily set by the user. It may include parameters related to ISO sensitivity, aperture, shutter speed, focal length, and image processing control parameters such as exposure correction amount, white balance, shooting mode, and target color space that are arbitrarily set by the user. Alternatively, when the shooting mode is designated by the user, a combination of image processing control parameters related to the designated shooting mode can be automatically included as the image processing control information GC along with the shooting.

  The image file GF according to the present embodiment can be generated not only by the digital still camera 12 but also by an input device (image file generation device) such as a digital video camera or a scanner. When generated by a digital video camera, for example, an image file storing still image data and output control information, or a moving image file including moving image data such as MPEG format and output control information is generated. The When this moving image file is used, output control according to the output control information is performed on all or some of the frames of the moving image.

  The image file GF according to the present embodiment only needs to include the image data area 101 and the image processing control information storage area 102 described above, and has a file structure in accordance with an already standardized file format. be able to. The case where the image file GF according to the present embodiment is adapted to a standardized file format will be specifically described below.

  The image file GF according to the present embodiment can have a file structure in accordance with, for example, a digital still camera image file format standard (Exif). Exif file specifications are defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). A schematic internal structure of the file when the image file GF according to the present embodiment has a file format conforming to the Exif file format will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic internal structure of the image file GF according to this embodiment stored in the Exif file format.

  The image file GFE as an Exif file includes a JPEG image data storage area 111 that stores image data in JPEG format, and an attached information storage area 112 that stores various types of information related to the stored JPEG image data. The JPEG data storage area 111 corresponds to the image data storage area 101, and the attached information storage area 112 corresponds to the image processing control information storage area 102. That is, in the attached information storage area 112, image processing control information GC (image quality adjustment processing condition) that is referred to when outputting a JPEG image such as shooting date / time, exposure, shutter speed, white balance, exposure correction amount, target color space, and the like. ) Is stored. Further, in the attached information storage area 112, in addition to the image processing control information GC, thumbnail image data of JPEG images stored in the JPEG image data storage area 111 is stored in the TIFF format. As is well known to those skilled in the art, in an Exif format file, tags are used to identify each data, and each data may be called by a tag name.

  A detailed data structure of the attached information storage area 112 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the attached information storage area 112 of the image file GF that can be used in this embodiment.

  In the attached information storage area 112, as shown in the figure, parameter values for image processing control information GC such as exposure time, lens F value, exposure control mode, ISO sensitivity, exposure correction amount, white balance, flash, focal length, shooting mode, etc. Are stored according to the default address or offset value. On the output device side, the image processing control information GC can be acquired by designating an address or an offset value corresponding to desired information (parameter). The image processing control information GC is an undefined area in the attached information storage area 112 and is stored in a user-defined area that is released to the user.

C. Image output device configuration:
The schematic configuration of the image output apparatus according to this embodiment, that is, the color printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment.

  The color printer 20 is a printer that can output a color image. For example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are ejected onto a print medium. This is an ink jet printer that forms an image by forming a dot pattern. Alternatively, it is an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by transferring and fixing color toner onto a printing medium. In addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used as the color ink.

  As shown in the figure, the color printer 20 drives a print head 211 mounted on a carriage 21 to eject ink and form dots, and the carriage 21 is reciprocated in the axial direction of a platen 23 by a carriage motor 22. A mechanism for conveying the printing paper P by the paper feed motor 24, and a control circuit 30. The mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 21 in the axial direction of the platen 23 is an endless drive between the carriage motor 22 and the slide shaft 25 that slidably holds the carriage 21 laid in parallel with the axis of the platen 23. A pulley 27 that stretches the belt 26, a position detection sensor 28 that detects the origin position of the carriage 21, and the like. The mechanism for transporting the printing paper P includes a platen 23, a paper feed motor 24 that rotates the platen 23, a paper feed auxiliary roller (not shown), and a gear train that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 24 to the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller. (Not shown).

  The control circuit 30 appropriately controls the movement of the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the print head 211 while exchanging signals with the operation panel 29 of the printer. The printing paper P supplied to the color printer 20 is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller, and is fed by a predetermined amount according to the rotation angle of the platen 23.

  An ink cartridge 212 and an ink cartridge 213 are mounted on the carriage 21. The ink cartridge 212 contains black (K) ink, and the ink cartridge 213 contains light cyan (LC) in addition to other inks, that is, three color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). ), Light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY).

  Next, the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20. As shown in the figure, the control circuit 30 includes a CPU 31, a PROM 32, a RAM 33, a PCMCIA slot 34 for acquiring data from the memory card MC, a peripheral device input / output for exchanging data with the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the like. A unit (PIO) 35, a timer 36, a drive buffer 37, and the like are provided. The drive buffer 37 is used as a buffer for supplying dot on / off signals to the ink ejection heads 214 to 220. These are connected to each other via a bus 38 and can exchange data with each other. The control circuit 30 is also provided with an oscillator 39 that outputs a drive waveform at a predetermined frequency, and a distribution output device 40 that distributes the output from the oscillator 39 to the ink ejection heads 214 to 220 at a predetermined timing.

  The control circuit 30 reads the image file GF from the memory card MC, analyzes the attached information AI, and executes image processing based on the analyzed control information AI. The control circuit 30 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 37 at a predetermined timing while synchronizing with the movements of the paper feed motor 24 and the carriage motor 22. A detailed flow of image processing executed by the control circuit 30 will be described later.

D. Image processing in digital still cameras:
Hereinafter, image processing in the digital still camera 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating the image file GF in the digital still camera 12.

  The control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12 determines whether image processing control information (image processing control parameters) such as a white balance and an exposure correction amount is set by the user prior to image capture (image processing control parameter). Step S100). The setting of the image processing control information is executed by the user selecting a preset shooting mode displayed on the liquid crystal display 127 by operating the selection / setting button 126. Alternatively, it is executed by operating the selection / setting button 126 in the same manner and setting the values of image processing control parameters such as brightness and contrast on the liquid crystal display 127 by the user.

  A procedure for setting an image processing control parameter on the liquid crystal display 127 using the selection / setting button 126 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating exemplary display modes of the liquid crystal display 127. When the “image processing control” area A1 displayed on the liquid crystal display 127 is selected by operating the selection / setting button 126 (see FIG. 9), the “shooting mode” area A2 and the “image processing control parameter” area A3 are displayed. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display 127 (see FIG. 10). The shooting modes are numbers 1, 2,. . . The image processing control parameter is set by inputting a desired number. For example, when any of the shooting modes is set, the setting state of each image processing control parameter set in the set shooting mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 127 as shown in FIG. In this example, the setting state of each image processing control parameter is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the user, but a parameter value may be displayed.

  When the control circuit 124 determines that the image processing control information has been set (step S100: Yes), the control circuit 124 is defined by the set image processing control information in response to a shooting request, for example, pressing the shutter button. Image data GD is generated using the parameter values (step S110). The control circuit 124 stores the generated image data GD and image processing control information GC including arbitrarily set correction conditions and automatically given correction conditions as an image file GF in the memory card MC (step S120). ), This processing routine is terminated. Data generated by the digital still camera 12 is converted from the RGB color space and represented by the YCbCr color space.

  On the other hand, when determining that the image processing control information is not set (step S100: No), the control circuit 124 generates the image data GD in response to the photographing request (step S130). The control circuit 124 stores the generated image data GD and the image processing control information GC including the correction condition automatically given at the time of generating the image data as an image file GF in the memory card MC (Step S140). End the routine. Note that the image processing control information GC is stored in a user-defined area in a file structure having a predetermined file format as described above.

  Through the above processing executed in the digital still camera 12, the image file GF stored in the memory card MC is automatically given with the image data GD and the correction conditions that are automatically given when the image data is generated and the correction conditions that are arbitrarily set The image processing control information GC including is provided.

E. Image processing in the color printer 20:
Image processing in the color printer 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing in the color printer 20. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of automatic image quality adjustment processing in the color printer 20. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for automatic image quality adjustment in the color printer 20. In the image processing in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment, color space conversion processing is executed first, and automatic image quality adjustment is executed later.

  When the memory card MC is inserted into the slot 34, the control circuit 30 (CPU 31) of the color printer 20 reads the image file GF from the memory card MC, and temporarily stores the read image file GF in the RAM 33 (step S100). . The CPU 31 retrieves image processing control information GC indicating information at the time of image data generation from the attached information storage area 102 of the read image file GF (step S110). If the image processing control information can be retrieved and found (step S120: Yes), the CPU 31 acquires and analyzes the image processing control information GC at the time of image data generation (step S130). The CPU 31 executes image processing to be described in detail later based on the analyzed image processing control information GC (step S140), and prints out the processed image data (step S150).

  If the CPU 31 cannot retrieve / discover the image processing control information (step S120: No), it cannot reflect the image processing control information at the time of image data generation, so the color printer 20 holds it as a default value in advance. The acquired image processing control information, that is, various parameter values are acquired from the ROM 32, and normal image processing is executed (step S160). The CPU 31 prints out the processed image data (step S150) and ends this processing routine.

  Image processing executed in the color printer 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 of the color printer 20 extracts the image data GD from the read image file GF (step S200). The digital still camera 12 stores image data as a JPEG file as described above, and the JPEG file stores image data using the YCbCr color space in order to increase the compression rate.

  The CPU 31 executes a 3 × 3 matrix operation S in order to convert the image data based on the YCrCb color space into image data based on the RGB color space (step S210). The matrix operation S is an arithmetic expression shown below.

  The CPU 31 executes gamma correction and matrix operation M on the image data based on the RGB color space thus obtained (step S220). When executing gamma correction, the CPU 31 acquires the gamma value on the DSC side from the image processing control information GC, and executes gamma conversion processing on the video data using the acquired gamma value. That is, the gamma value is also included in the image processing control parameter value specified by the image processing control information GC. The matrix operation M is an operation process for converting the RGB color space into the XYZ color space. Since the image file GF used in the present embodiment can specify color space information to be used at the time of image processing, when the image file GF includes color space information, the CPU 31 executes a matrix operation M. In this case, the matrix operation is executed by referring to the color space information and using the matrix (M) corresponding to the designated color space. The matrix operation M is an arithmetic expression shown below.

  The color space of the image data GD obtained after execution of the matrix operation M is an XYZ color space. Conventionally, the color space used for image processing in a printer or computer is fixed to sRGB, and the color space of the digital still camera 12 cannot be used effectively. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when a color space is specified by the image file GF, a printer (printer driver) that changes the matrix (M) used for the matrix operation M corresponding to the color space information. Is used. Therefore, the color space of the digital still camera 12 can be effectively used to realize correct color reproduction.

  The CPU 31 executes processing for converting the color space of the image data GD from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space, that is, matrix operation N-1 and inverse gamma correction, in order to execute image adjustment based on the image processing control information GC. (Step S230). The wRGB color space is a wider color space than the sRGB color space. When executing gamma correction, the CPU 31 acquires a default gamma value on the printer side from the ROM 32, and executes an inverse gamma conversion process on the video data using the inverse of the acquired gamma value. When executing the matrix operation N-1, the CPU 31 executes the matrix operation using the matrix (N-1) corresponding to the conversion from the ROM 31 to the wRGB color space. The matrix operation N-1 is an arithmetic expression shown below.

  The color space of the image data GD obtained after execution of the matrix operation N-1 is the wRGB color space. As described above, the wRGB color space is a color space wider than the sRGB color space, and corresponds to a color space that can be generated by the digital still camera 12.

  The CPU 31 executes an automatic image quality adjustment process (step S240). The concept of image quality automatic adjustment processing in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image file GF includes image data GD to be subjected to image quality adjustment and image processing control information GC used for image quality adjustment. The color printer 20 (CPU 31) analyzes the image data GD to obtain an image statistical value (characteristic parameter value) SV indicating the characteristics of the image data GD, and analyzes the image processing control information GC to analyze the reference image quality parameter value SP. , And the manual correction parameter value MP is acquired. The color printer 20 determines the automatic image quality adjustment parameter AP based on the image statistical value SV and the reference image quality parameter value SP, and further determines the final image quality adjustment parameter FP = AP + MP. The color printer 20 adjusts the image quality of the image data GD using the determined final image quality adjustment parameter FP, and outputs the adjusted image data GD ′ to the printer driver.

  Details of the automatic image quality adjustment processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 31 analyzes the image data GD, acquires various characteristic parameter values (image statistical values) SV indicating the characteristics of the image data GD, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 32 (step S300). The CPU 31 acquires the image processing control information GC from the image file GF (step S310), and acquires the manual correction parameter value MP based on the image processing control information GC (step S320). Parameters acquired as the manual correction parameter value MP include image processing control parameters such as white balance, exposure correction amount, exposure time, aperture, ISO, and focal length. These manual correction parameter values MP are independent of the analysis result of the image data GD, that is, the image statistical value SV, and the values are reflected as they are in the final image quality adjustment parameter FP.

  The CPU 31 determines whether or not the acquired image processing control information GC includes a parameter value that designates a shooting mode (step S320). In this embodiment, in determining the automatic image quality adjustment parameter value AP, that is, the automatic image quality adjustment amount reflecting the image statistical value SV of the image data GD, a plurality of different image processing control parameters are combined for each shooting scene. Use shooting mode. In this embodiment, the shooting mode is 1, 2,. . . Therefore, when a shooting mode is specified, it is necessary to analyze and determine individual image processing control parameters that define each shooting mode based on the reference number. If the CPU 31 determines that the shooting mode is specified (step S330: Yes), the CPU 31 analyzes each shooting mode based on the specified reference number and acquires each image processing control parameter that defines the shooting mode. Then, the reference image quality parameter value SP is determined by the procedure described later (step S340). As described above, the manual correction parameter value MP can be specified in parallel even when the shooting mode is set.

  Combinations of image processing control parameters that define the shooting mode and combinations of numerical values that specify the shooting mode are as shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a combination of numerical values for designating a shooting mode, an image quality parameter, and a shooting mode. Items such as contrast and brightness for each shooting mode indicate the state of the image quality obtained as a result of the automatic image quality adjustment, and the state of the image quality designated by each item is analyzed by the CPU 31, and the state of the designated image quality In order to realize the above, one or a plurality of image processing control parameter values are set for each item. The shooting mode 1 is suitable for standard shooting conditions, for example, the shooting mode 2 is suitable for shooting conditions for shooting a person, for example, and the shooting mode 3 is suitable for shooting conditions for shooting a landscape, for example. Is suitable for, for example, photographing conditions for photographing a sunset scene, the photographing mode 5 is suitable for, for example, photographing conditions for photographing a night scene, and the photographing mode 6 is suitable for, for example, photographing conditions for photographing a flower. The shooting mode 7 is suitable for shooting conditions for macro shooting, for example, the shooting mode 8 is suitable for shooting conditions for shooting a person who is playing sports, for example, and the shooting mode 9 is for shooting conditions under backlight, for example. Suitably, the shooting mode 10 is suitable for shooting conditions for shooting autumn leaves, for example, and the shooting mode 11 is suitable for shooting conditions for shooting commemorative photography, for example. When the shooting mode is not set, the parameter indicating the set shooting mode is set to 0.

  When the CPU 31 determines that the shooting mode is not specified, that is, the shooting mode parameter is set to 0 (step S330: No), the image processing control individually set in the image quality adjustment processing is determined. The process proceeds to step S350 to reflect the parameters.

  The CPU 31 changes (corrects) the reference value set for each parameter while reflecting the value of the acquired image processing control parameter. The reference value set for each parameter is a value that assumes image data generated under general image generation conditions. Therefore, in order to realize automatic image quality adjustment that correctly reflects the intention of the photographer (image creator), the image processing control conditions that can be arbitrarily set by the photographer are considered in consideration of individual image processing control conditions. , Change the reference value. The reference value is an index value of a parameter that optimizes an output result of an image determined in advance by image evaluation based on quantitative evaluation and sensitivity evaluation.

  For example, when the shooting mode parameter is set to 2, the lightness reference value is changed from the standard value 128 to a slightly bright value 144, the saturation reference value is changed from the standard value 128 to a slightly weak value 102, and the sharpness reference value is set. The value is changed from the standard value 200 to a slightly weak value 150. Further, the contrast correction coefficient is changed from the standard value 5 to a slightly soft value 2, and the color balance correction coefficient is maintained at the standard value 5. The change of each reference value and each coefficient is realized, for example, by increasing or decreasing a numerical value with respect to each reference value and each coefficient, or by increasing or decreasing each reference value and each coefficient at a predetermined ratio. Alternatively, for example, with respect to the lightness reference value, 144 may be prepared as a slightly bright value and 112 as a slightly dark value, and the reference value may be replaced according to a correction tendency such as slightly bright or slightly dark.

  The CPU 31 obtains a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value SP modified as described above and the image quality parameter value SV, and determines the deviation as the automatic image quality adjustment parameter value AP (step S350). For example, when the image quality parameter value SV is lightness 160 and sharpness 155, automatic image quality adjustment parameter value AP = 160-144 = 16 for lightness and automatic image quality adjustment parameter value AP = 155-150 = 5 for sharpness. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 31 obtains a final image quality adjustment parameter FP (image data correction amount) = AP + MP from the determined automatic image quality adjustment parameter value AP and the acquired manual correction parameter value MP, and determines the final image quality adjustment parameter FP. Reflecting and executing automatic image quality adjustment (step S360). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing exemplary values of the parameters AP, MP, FP, and FP ′ for brightness and sharpness. For example, when the lightness +10 and the sharpness −10 are set as the manual correction parameter value MP, the final image quality adjustment parameter FP = 16 + 10 = 26 for lightness, and the final image quality adjustment parameter FP for sharpness = 5-10 = -5. The CPU 31 adjusts the tone curve (S) that associates the input level and the output level of the RGB component of the image data GD shown in FIG. Curve) to adjust the image quality. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tone curve that is changed to reflect the final image quality adjustment parameter FP. When adjusting image quality using tone curves, each tone curve is changed for each RGB component, reflecting each FP for each image quality parameter, and finally, each changed RGB component is supported. Input-output conversion is performed for each RGB component of the image data GD using each tone curve. As a result, image data GD with an adjusted image quality is obtained.

The automatic image quality adjustment processing for each image quality parameter is specifically executed as follows, for example.
For contrast, shadow, and highlight, the shadow point and highlight point are detected from the image data, level correction based on the reference value is executed, and histogram expansion is executed. Further, the tone curve is corrected based on the reference value based on the luminance standard deviation.
As for brightness, it is determined whether the image is dark (underexposure) or bright (overexposure) based on the brightness value calculated from each area obtained by dividing the image data into 14 parts, and based on the reference value Perform tone curve correction.
-For color balance, the color balance bias is analyzed from the R, G, and B component histograms of the image data, and the tone curves for the R, G, and B components are based on the reference values for the RGB components. Correct each to reduce color cast. Note that when the shooting mode is set to 4 or 5, the color balance is not adjusted automatically because it is an intentional color cast even if a color cast occurs, and the user's intention is reflected. Execute the selected image quality correction.
For saturation, the saturation distribution of the image data is analyzed, and saturation enhancement is executed based on the reference value. Therefore, the level of saturation enhancement increases as the image data has lower saturation.
For sharpness, correction is performed by analyzing the frequency and edge intensity distribution of the image data and performing an unsharp mask based on the reference value. The reference value is determined based on the frequency distribution, and the reference value decreases as the high-frequency image data (landscape or the like), and the reference value increases as the low-frequency image data (such as a person). The application amount of the unsharp mask depends on the edge intensity distribution, and the application amount of the image data having a blurred characteristic increases.
-Regarding the memory color, the color that seems to be preferable by extracting the corresponding layer from the image data for "skin color", "green", "sky blue", "red sky" etc. Execute correction so that
Noise removal is performed by reducing color noise by applying a smoothing filter to the color difference component CbCr of YCbCr.

  The image processing control parameter also includes a level designation parameter LP that designates the level of application of the final image quality adjustment parameter FP, that is, the degree to which the image data DG approaches the image data based on the reference value. The level designation parameter LP is used as, for example, FP ′ = AP * (LP / 5) + MP, and is reflected only on the automatic correction parameter value AP and not on the manual correction parameter value MP. Therefore, for example, when LP = 10, the value of the final image quality adjustment parameter AP is doubled as shown in FIG. 17, and when LP = 5, the value of the final image quality adjustment parameter AP is multiplied by 1. . The tone curve is changed based on FP '. When LP = 10, the tone curve change amount is doubled. Further, only the level that approaches the reference value may be changed based on the image processing control information GC without changing the reference value.

  Next, automatic image quality adjustment processing that reflects image processing control parameters corresponding to the operation (photographing) conditions of the digital still camera 12 such as the photometric method and the lens focal length will be described. When the photometric image processing control parameter indicates spot photometry, multi-spot photometry, or partial photometry, automatic image quality adjustment processing for brightness (brightness) is not performed. In general metering methods, the appropriate brightness is obtained by calculating the brightness of the entire screen, but in spot metering, exposure is performed so that the measured area is appropriate by measuring the partial brightness of the screen. decide. That is, the user is instructed to have a specific area of the screen be properly exposed. In such a case, if the brightness is automatically adjusted, an image quality adjustment process that does not reflect the user's intention is executed. Therefore, in these three metering modes, automatic brightness adjustment is not executed.

  The sharpness reference value is changed based on the lens focal length and F number at the time of shooting. In general, “blur” is determined by the focal length of the lens and the F number (aperture). Therefore, when automatically adjusting the sharpness, it is possible to execute the image quality adjustment process reflecting the blur assumed at the time of shooting by associating the reference value corresponding to the sharpness with the lens focal length and the F number. For example, in the case of F13 (large aperture) with a wide-angle lens (35 mm or less), the photographer generally intends to focus sharply on the entire screen from the front to the background for landscapes and commemorative photography. Can be determined to be. Therefore, in such a case, the sharpness reference value is decreased to give a sharpness effect to more imagers, and the image quality adjustment is executed so as to be sharper by increasing the amount of sharpness applied. On the other hand, in the case of F2 (open aperture) with a telephoto lens (100 mm or more), it is generally determined that the photographer has an intention of blurring the background in order to lift the subject with a portrait or the like. it can. Therefore, in such a case, the sharpness reference value is increased, the sharpness effect is not given to smooth areas such as skin, but only the boundary pixels between the background and the subject, and the sharpness application amount is reduced. Then, the image quality adjustment process is executed so as not to roughen the skin.

  If the blurring index obtained from the lens focal length f (mm) and the F number is defined as f / F, the relationship shown in FIG. 19 is obtained. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining f / F as a blurring index obtained from the lens focal length f (mm) and the F number.

  After executing the automatic image quality adjustment (step S360), the CPU 31 returns to the image processing routine which is the main routine.

  When finishing the automatic image quality adjustment process, the CPU 31 executes a wRGB color conversion process and a halftone process for printing (step S250). In the wRGB color conversion process, the CPU 31 refers to a look-up table (LUT) for conversion to the CMYK color space corresponding to the wRGB color space stored in the ROM 31, and changes the color space of the image data from the wRGB color space to the CMYK. Change to color space. That is, image data composed of R, G, and B tone values is converted to data of tone values of, for example, six colors of C, M, Y, K, LC, and LM used by the color printer 20.

  In the halftone process, the color-converted image data is received and the gradation number conversion process is performed. In this embodiment, the image data after color conversion is expressed as data having a 256 gradation width for each color. On the other hand, the color printer 20 of the present embodiment can only take one of the states of “form dots” or “do not form dots”, and the color printer 20 of this embodiment is locally on the second floor. Can only express the key. Therefore, the image data having 256 gradations is converted into image data expressed in 2 gradations that can be expressed by the color printer 20. As a representative method of the two gradation processing (binarization), there are a method called an error diffusion method and a method called a systematic dither method.

  In the color printer 20, prior to color conversion processing, when the resolution of image data is lower than the printing resolution, new data is generated between adjacent image data by performing linear interpolation, and conversely higher than the printing resolution. Performs a resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image data into the print resolution by thinning out the data at a constant rate. In addition, the color printer 20 executes an interlace process in which the image data converted into a format representing the presence / absence of dot formation is rearranged in the order to be transferred to the color printer 20.

  As described above, according to the digital still camera 12 in the present embodiment, the image processing control condition in the image quality adjustment process executed in the printer 20 can be set on the digital still camera 12. Therefore, it is possible to set desired image processing control conditions for image data at the time of shooting, and it is possible to realize image quality adjustment processing that appropriately reflects the image processing control conditions desired at the time of shooting. In addition, image data and image processing control conditions assumed at the time of shooting can be easily associated with each other, and individual image processing control conditions suitable for each image data can be attached. Furthermore, when the image quality of the image data is automatically adjusted, it is not necessary to set the image processing control condition again, and the image quality adjustment processing reflecting the image processing control condition can be facilitated.

  Further, according to the color printer 20 in the present embodiment, the image quality of the image data GD can be automatically adjusted by reflecting the image processing control information GC included in the image file GF. Therefore, automatic image quality adjustment suitable for individual image data can be executed reflecting the shooting conditions at the time of shooting. Furthermore, when image quality adjustment conditions for image data are arbitrarily set by the user, automatic image quality adjustment is performed reflecting the arbitrarily set image processing control conditions. It is possible to solve the problem in the conventional automatic image quality adjustment function that the adjustment condition is corrected and the user's intention cannot be reflected.

  Also, since the image quality can be automatically adjusted using the image processing control information GC included in the image file GF, the user can easily shoot without adjusting the image quality on the photo retouching application or the printer driver. It is possible to obtain a high-quality printing result reflecting the intention.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which image quality adjustment processing is automatically executed has been described. However, an automatic image quality adjustment button is provided on the operation panel of the color printer 20, and automatic image quality adjustment is selected by the image quality automatic adjustment button. The image quality automatic adjustment process of the above-described embodiment may be executed only when it is performed.

F. Other examples:
In the above embodiment, when the image processing control information GC is reflected, the image processing control information GC is analyzed, the image processing control parameters are acquired, and the reference value and the application level are changed. Based on this, the image data GD may be corrected directly. At this time, the image processing control information GC may include information on how much the image data GD is changed, for example, to increase the lightness correction amount by +10 or to increase the lightness by + 10%. In such a case, the correction tendency intended by the user can be reflected in the image quality adjustment process without being influenced by the image quality characteristics of the image data GD.

  In the above embodiment, all image processing is executed in the color printer 20 without using the personal computer PC, and a dot pattern is formed on the print medium according to the generated image data GD. Alternatively, a part may be executed on a computer or a server via a network. In this case, the image data processing application (program) such as a retouch application or a printer driver installed in a hard disk of a computer is provided with the image processing function described with reference to FIG. The image file GF generated by the digital still camera 12 is provided to the computer via a cable or a memory card MC. On the computer, an application is activated by a user operation, and reading of the image file GF, analysis of the image processing control information GC, conversion and adjustment of the image data GD are executed. Alternatively, by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC or by detecting the insertion of the cable, the application is automatically started, the image file GF is read, the image processing control information GC is analyzed, the image Conversion and adjustment of the data GD may be automatically performed.

  Furthermore, a characteristic parameter value for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected. For example, the color printer 20 may be provided with a parameter selection button or a shooting mode parameter selection button in which predetermined parameters are combined according to the subject, and parameters for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected with these selection buttons. When automatic image quality adjustment is executed on a personal computer, a parameter for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected on a user interface of a printer driver or a retouch application.

  In the image processing in the color printer 20, as shown in FIG. 20, automatic image quality adjustment processing may be executed first, and color space conversion may be executed later. Basic information may be processed.

  In the above-described embodiments, the color printer 20 is used as an output device. However, a display device such as a CRT, LCD, or projector can be used as the output device. In such a case, an image processing program (display driver) that executes the image processing described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 is executed by the display device as the output device. Alternatively, when a CRT or the like functions as a computer display device, an image processing program is executed on the computer side. However, finally output image data has an RGB color space instead of a CMYK color space.

  In such a case, the image processing control information GC at the time of image data generation is added to the display result on a display device such as a CRT in the same manner that the information at the time of image data generation can be reflected in the print result via the color printer 20. Can be reflected. Therefore, the image data GD generated by the digital still camera 12 can be displayed more accurately.

  As described above, the output device, the image processing device, and the program according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments. However, the embodiments of the present invention described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. It is not limited. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

  In the above embodiment, the shooting mode and image processing control parameters are set in the digital still camera 12, and after the set shooting mode and image processing control parameters are analyzed in the printer 20, the reference value is changed. That is, automatic image quality adjustment processing of the image data GD is executed using the image processing control command. However, the digital still camera 12 may execute processing for changing the reference value from the shooting mode and the image processing control parameter, and provide the printer 20 with the reference value, application level, that is, the value itself. In such a case, if the printer 20 has an image quality adjustment function using the reference value, the image quality adjustment process that matches the individual shooting conditions and the image quality adjustment process that reflects the user's intention are automatically executed. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, parameters such as the light source, exposure correction amount, target color space, brightness, and sharpness are used as the image processing control information GC, but which parameters are used as the image processing control information GC is an arbitrary decision. It is.

  Further, the values of the parameters illustrated in the table of FIG. 8 are merely examples, and the invention according to the present application is not limited by these values. Furthermore, the values of the matrices S, M, and N−1 in each formula are merely examples, and it is needless to say that the values can be appropriately changed depending on the target color space or the color space that can be used in the color printer 20. .

  In the above embodiment, the digital still camera 12 has been described as the image file generating device. However, a scanner, a digital video camera, or the like can be used. In the case of using a scanner, the specification of the captured data information of the image file GF may be executed on the computer PC, or a preset button assigned with setting information in advance for information setting on the scanner, an arbitrary setting A display screen and a setting button may be provided so that the scanner can be executed alone.

  In the above embodiment, when changing the color space characteristics from the sRGB color space to the wRGB color space, the matrix M and the matrix N-1 are independently processed, but the matrix M and the matrix N-1 are synthesized. You may perform by the matrix calculation using a synthetic | combination matrix (MN-1). Furthermore, various conversion system matrices may be combined as necessary. By combining the matrices, a series of matrix calculation processes can be speeded up.

  In the above embodiment, the Exif format file has been described as a specific example of the image file GF, but the format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any image file including image data generated by the image data generation device and image processing control information GC describing conditions (information) at the time of image data generation may be used. With such a file, the image quality of the image data generated by the image file generation device can be automatically adjusted appropriately and output from the output device.

  The digital still camera 12 and the color printer 20 used in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the configuration is not limited to the description of each embodiment. The digital still camera 12 only needs to have at least a function capable of generating the image file GF according to the above embodiment. Further, in the color printer 20, at least the image processing control information GC of the image file GF according to the present embodiment is analyzed, and the image quality is automatically adjusted to reflect the user's intention regarding the brightness, and the image is output ( Printing).

  In addition, in the image file GF including the image data and the image processing control information GC, association data for associating the image processing control information GC is generated, and one or a plurality of image data and the image processing control information GC are independent of each other. Also included is a file that can be stored in the above-mentioned file and that can associate the image data with the image processing control information GC by referring to the association data at the time of image processing. In such a case, although the image data and the image processing control information GC are stored in separate files, the image data and the image processing control information GC are inseparably integrated at the time of image processing using the image processing control information GC. This is because they function in the same manner as when they are stored in substantially the same file. That is, an aspect in which image data and image processing control information GC are used in association with each other at least at the time of image processing is included in the image file GF in the present embodiment. Furthermore, a moving image file stored in an optical disc medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM is also included.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image data processing system which can apply the image processing apparatus which concerns on a 1st Example. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital still camera capable of generating an image file (image data) to be processed by an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the internal structure of the image file which can be used in a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic internal structure of the image file stored in the Exif file format. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the attached information storage area 112 of the image file GF which can be used for a 1st Example. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a color printer 20 according to a first embodiment. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control circuit 30 of the color printer 20. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating an image file GF in the digital still camera 12. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an exemplary display mode of the liquid crystal display 127. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an exemplary display mode of the liquid crystal display 127. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an exemplary display mode of the liquid crystal display 127. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the color printer 20 in the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of image processing executed in the color printer 20 in the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the automatic image quality adjustment process in the color printer 20 in a 1st Example. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for automatic image quality adjustment in the color printer 20. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the combination of the reference number which designates imaging | photography mode, an image quality parameter, and imaging | photography mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example value of each parameter AP, MP, FP, and FP 'about lightness and sharpness. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the tone curve changed reflecting the final image quality adjustment parameter FP. It is explanatory drawing explaining f / F the blurring index calculated | required from lens focal distance f (mm) and F number. It is a flowchart which shows the process routine of the image process in another Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image processing system 12 ... Digital still camera 121 ... Optical circuit 122 ... Image acquisition circuit 123 ... Image processing circuit 124 ... Control circuit 126 ... Selection / decision button 127 ... Liquid crystal display 14 ... Display 20 ... Color printer 21 ... Carriage 211 ... Print head 212 ... Ink cartridge 213 ... Ink cartridge 214-220 ... Ink ejection head 22 ... Carriage motor 23 ... Platen 24 ... Paper feed motor 25 ... Slide shaft 26 ... Drive belt 27 ... Pulley 28 ... Position detection sensor 29 ... Operation Panel 30 ... Control circuit 31 ... Arithmetic processing unit (CPU)
32. Programmable read only memory (PROM)
33 ... Random access memory (RAM)
34 ... PCMCIA slot 35 ... Peripheral device input / output unit (PIO)
36 ... Timer 37 ... Drive buffer 38 ... Bus 39 ... Oscillator 40 ... Distribution output device 100 ... Image file (Exif file)
101 ... JPEG image data storage area 102 ... Attached information storage area 103 ... Makernote storage area MC ... Memory card

Claims (18)

Image file acquisition means for acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while specifying image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
Association determination means for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination means that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, the image data is subjected to image processing using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination unit determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The image processing apparatus, wherein the characteristic information is information indicating characteristics relating to image quality of the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 further includes:
An image processing apparatus comprising: characteristic information acquisition means for analyzing the image data and acquiring the characteristic information. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image processing control information includes at least one of information related to contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and noise removal. Image file acquisition means for acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while specifying image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
Association determination means for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination means that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, the image data is subjected to image processing using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination unit determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. When,
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit. Image file acquisition means for acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while specifying image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
Association determination means for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination means that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, the image data is subjected to image processing using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination unit determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing unit performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. When,
A display device comprising: display means for displaying the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing means. Obtaining an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination step of determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
If it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And performing image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data when it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data. An image processing method comprising: The image processing method according to claim 7.
The image processing method, wherein the characteristic information is information indicating characteristics relating to image quality of the image data. The image processing method according to claim 8 further includes:
An image processing method comprising a characteristic information acquisition step of analyzing the image data and acquiring the characteristic information. In the image processing method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
The image processing control information includes at least one of information relating to contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and noise removal. Obtaining an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination step of determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
If it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And performing image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data when it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data. When,
And a printing step of printing the image data subjected to the image processing in the image processing step. Obtaining an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination step of determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
If it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And performing image processing on the image data using characteristic information of the image data when it is determined in the association determination step that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data. When,
A display step of displaying the image data that has been subjected to image processing in the image processing step. A function of acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination function for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination function that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination function determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing function performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. Is realized by a computer. The image processing program according to claim 13,
The image processing program, wherein the characteristic information is information indicating characteristics relating to image quality of the image data. The image processing program according to claim 14 further includes:
An image processing program characterized by causing a computer to realize a characteristic information acquisition function for analyzing the image data and acquiring the characteristic information. In the image processing program according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
The image processing control information includes at least one of information relating to contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and noise removal. A function of acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination function for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination function that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination function determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing function performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. When,
A printing program for causing a printing function to print the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing function to be realized by a computer. A function of acquiring an image file including image data and image processing control information associated with the image data while designating image processing conditions for the image data in the image processing apparatus;
An association determination function for determining whether image processing control information is associated with the image data in the image file ;
When it is determined by the association determination function that the image processing control information is associated with the image data, image processing is performed on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data and the image processing control information. And when the association determination function determines that the image processing control information is not associated with the image data, the image processing function performs image processing on the image data using the characteristic information of the image data. When,
A display program for causing a display function to display the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing function to be realized by a computer.

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