JP3900871B2 - Image file generation device and image data output device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for combining and outputting second image data when outputting image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional single-lens reflex cameras, compact cameras, and the like that use photographic film generally have a function of simultaneously imprinting date information on the film during shooting. Such a function is very convenient because it can immediately recognize when the photograph was taken. However, the date information was imprinted on the image at a predetermined position and color, making it difficult to recognize when part of the subject is hidden and difficult to see, or when the color tone of the entire photo and the color of the date are similar. The problem of becoming.
[0003]
In digital still cameras that have been widely used in recent years, techniques for realizing functions similar to those of the conventional cameras as described above have been proposed. Since the digital still camera handles images as electronic data, the above problem can be solved with a relatively simple configuration by synthesizing date information with an image in a position and color desired by the user.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the following new problem arises in the date information composition processing using a digital still camera. In other words, by combining date information with an image, the problem of losing data in the portion where date information is combined in the original image data is lost, and every time a user shoots a subject, the date information is mixed into the background. The problem is that the color must be set so that it does not go wrong.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and prevents the loss of the original image data when generating an image file for synthesizing and outputting additional information such as date information to the image data. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of setting a color according to image data.
[0006]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration. That is, the image file generation device of the present invention is
An image file generation device for generating an image file,
An image data input unit for inputting image data;
A composite image information setting unit for setting composite image information for generating second image data to be output after being combined with the image data;
An image file generation unit that generates an image file integrally including the image data and the composite image information;
The composite image information includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
The gist of the color setting information includes information relating to the identifiability of the second image data with respect to the image data.
[0007]
According to such an image file generation device, since image data and composite image information are stored separately, it is possible to prevent loss of image data. Furthermore, according to the image file generation device of the present invention, the color of the second image data can be indirectly specified by a parameter of easy identification. The ease of identification means the degree of conspicuousness when the second image data is combined with the image data. For example, the predetermined reference color set based on the image data and the color of the second image data It can be defined as a parameter that defines the color difference. By using such parameters, it is possible to make the second image data stand out or not stand out from the image data without setting a specific color.
[0008]
The image file generation apparatus is not limited to an apparatus for newly generating an image file. An image file that already has composite image information and image data may be input and configured as a device that resets the composite image information. Alternatively, an image file that does not include composite image information may be input and new composite image information may be input. You may comprise as an apparatus which adds.
[0011]
In the above image file generation device,
The synthesized image information may include position information for synthesizing the second image data with the image data.
[0012]
According to such an image file generation device, the second image data can be synthesized at an arbitrary position of the image data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the main part of the image data from being hidden by the second image data.
[0013]
Furthermore, in the image file generation device,
The composite image information setting unit selects a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification with respect to a reference color set based on a color in a predetermined region in the image data specified by the position information. The color of the second image data may be used.
[0014]
According to such an image file generation device, the color of the second image data can be set more accurately with reference to the color included in the predetermined area of the image data specified by the position information with the specified ease of identification. Can do. The predetermined region does not necessarily have a certain area and may be a specific point. The entire image data may be used regardless of the position information.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the image file generation device,
The composite image information includes information related to a date on which the image data is input,
The second image data may be image data representing the date.
The second image data is not limited to image data representing a date, and may be image data representing, for example, the name of the image data or the name of the creator of the image data.
[0016]
Of course, the various image file generating devices described above can be configured as a digital still camera, and can be applied to devices capable of generating an image file, such as a digital video camera or a scanner. Further, when configured as a digital still camera, it can also be applied to moving image data such as MPEG. By adding the composite image information to the moving image file, the second image data such as a telop can be combined with all or a part of the frame of the moving image.
[0017]
The present invention can also be configured as an image data output device that can output image data based on the above-described image file. That is, the image data output device of the present invention is
An image data output device that outputs image data using an image file including predetermined composite image information and image data,
The composite image information is information for generating second image data that is output by being combined with the image data, and includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
An image file input unit for inputting the image file;
A second image data generation unit that generates the second image data based on the composite image information;
An image data output unit that synthesizes and outputs the image data included in the input image file and the generated second image data;
The color setting information includes information on the ease of identification of the second image data with respect to the image data,
The gist of the second image data generation unit is to use a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification as the color of the second image data.
[0018]
According to such an image data output device, the second image data can be generated in a color set in advance when the image file is generated based on the composite image information included in the input image file. Here, the output of image data includes a mode in which image data is visibly output such as printing and display, and a mode in which the synthesized image data itself is output as digital data.
[0019]
In the image data output device,
The combined image information includes position information for combining the second image data with the image data,
The image data output unit may be capable of combining the second image data with a predetermined area in the image data specified by the position information.
[0020]
According to such an image data output device, the second image data can be synthesized at a position desired by the user when the image file is generated.
[0021]
Furthermore, in the image data output device,
The second image data generation unit is a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification with respect to a reference color set based on a color in a predetermined region in the image data specified by the position information. May be the color of the second image data.
[0022]
According to such an image data output device, the color of the second image data is set based on the information regarding the ease of identification specified by the user when generating the image file. Since the color of the second image data is set with reference to the color of the image data to be synthesized, it is possible to more accurately reflect the information regarding the ease of identification.
[0023]
Furthermore, in the image data output device,
The composite image information includes information regarding a predetermined date,
The second image data generation unit may generate image data representing the date.
[0024]
According to such an image data output device, image data representing a date can be combined with image data. If this date is the date when the image data included in the input image file is generated, it can be recognized immediately when the image data is generated, so that the date is particularly useful.
[0025]
The various image data output devices described above are effective because they can print image data on which dates are displayed by configuring them as printers. Further, the present invention can be applied to various display devices such as a television, a CRT, and a liquid crystal display.
[0026]
Although various image data output devices have been described above, the present invention can also be configured as a method for outputting image data and a computer program for realizing the various functions described above. Such a computer program may be recorded on various computer-readable media such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, and an external storage device.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order, taking a digital still camera as an image file generation device and a printer as an image data output device.
A. Image output system:
(A1) System overview:
(A2) Other aspects:
B. Digital still camera schematic configuration:
C. Image file structure:
D. Printer schematic configuration:
E. Image file generation processing:
F. Printing process:
G. Date image data generation / synthesis processing:
[0028]
A. Image output system:
(A1) System overview:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image output system according to the present embodiment. The digital still camera 10 captures a person or landscape and generates image data (hereinafter referred to as original image data). The digital still camera 10 inputs information such as the date when the original image data was generated (hereinafter referred to as date data). The digital still camera 10 generates an image file 11 that integrally includes original image data and date data.
[0029]
A user of the digital still camera 10 takes out the memory card 12 stored in the digital still camera 10 and prints it in a predetermined memory card slot of the printer 13 when printing the captured image. The printer 13 reads the image file 11 from the attached memory card 12. The printer 13 generates date image data using the date data recorded in the image file 11. Thereafter, the printer 13 outputs image data (hereinafter referred to as final image data) obtained by combining the generated date image data and original image data.
[0030]
If the printer 13 does not have a function for directly inputting the image file 11 from the memory card 12, printing can be performed via the personal computer 14. In this case, the personal computer 14 inputs the image file 11 from the memory card 12 via a device such as an external memory card reader. The personal computer 14 generates optimal date image data according to the date data recorded in the input image file 11 and combines it with the original image data to obtain final image data. The personal computer 14 transfers the final image data to the printer 13, and the printer 13 performs printing based on the final image data.
[0031]
In addition to the above functions, the personal computer 14 resets the date data once set by the digital still camera 10 or adds new date data when an image file that does not include date data is input. Can also be provided.
[0032]
(A2) Other aspects:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the image output system according to the present embodiment. The image processing system can include a display 20 and a server 21 in addition to the digital still camera 10, the printer 13, and the personal computer 14 described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
The display 20 has a function of inputting the image file 11 and generating final image data. The generated final image data can be displayed by itself. Therefore, output independent of the personal computer 14 or the printer 13 is possible.
[0034]
The server 21 has a function of inputting the image file 11 via the network NE and generating final image data. The generated final image data can be output via the network NE. Therefore, the server 21 can perform date image data generation processing instead of these devices when the printer 13 and the display 20 do not have a function for generating date image data.
[0035]
Delivery of the image file 11 is not limited to delivery via the memory card 12. Direct delivery may be performed between the devices via a cable CV or a wired or wireless network NE.
[0036]
B. Digital still camera schematic configuration:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital still camera 10. The digital still camera 10 includes a control unit 30 that controls all functions of the digital still camera 10, a CCD unit 31 that converts light information into image data, and an operation unit 32 that performs shutter operations and input of various parameters. In addition, a liquid crystal display 33 for displaying captured images and various input parameters, a memory card slot 34 for mounting a memory card for recording generated image files, and the like are also provided. The operation unit 32 is also used for setting date data attached to image data.
[0037]
The control unit 30 includes a CPU 35, a ROM 36, a RAM 37, and the like. The CPU 35 performs various processes according to a program (firmware) recorded in the ROM 36. The RAM 37 is used as a work area for the CPU 35 to perform various processes. The control unit 30 is connected to a real time clock circuit 38 for acquiring the date on which image data is input from the CCD unit 31.
[0038]
Further, the digital still camera 10 may include a USB port capable of outputting an image file, a LAN port for outputting via a network, or the like, instead of the memory card.
[0039]
C. Image file structure:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an image file generated by the digital still camera 10. The image file 11 has a file structure according to Exif, which is a standard for digital still camera image files. Exif specifications are defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).
[0040]
The image file 11 includes an image data storage area 40 for storing original image data, and an attached information storage area 41 for storing various attached information related to the stored original image data. In the image data storage area 40, the original image data is stored in JPEG format. In the attached information storage area 41, attached information is stored in the TIFF format. The attached information storage area 41 manages addresses of various data recorded therein using an identifier called a tag.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure in the attached information storage area 41. As shown in the figure, in the attached information storage area 41, as date data, the date when the original image data was generated, the image size, the position where the date image data is synthesized, the degree of conspicuousness of the date image data relative to the original image data, the date image Various parameters such as a font for generating data, a font size, and a date generation format are recorded.
[0042]
In this embodiment, in addition to the date data, image quality correction data such as a color space and a gamma value used when the digital still camera 10 generates original image data is recorded in the attached information storage area 41. The image quality correction data is used for image processing for eliminating the difference in color reproducibility between the digital still camera 10 and the printer 13 when the image data is output by the printer 13 or the like.
[0043]
In this embodiment, the file structure conforming to the Exif standard is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image data can be in the BMP format, TIFF format, or the like instead of the JPEG format.
[0044]
D. Printer schematic configuration:
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer that outputs image data using the above-described image file. The printer 13 includes a printer control unit 60 that controls all the functions of the printer 13, a memory card slot 61 for mounting the memory card 12 in which the image file 11 is recorded, a printing unit 62 for printing image data, and the like. And an operation unit 63 for the user to issue a print instruction.
[0045]
The printer control unit 60 includes a CPU 64, a ROM 65, and a RAM 66, and the CPU 64 performs various processes according to a program (firmware) recorded in the ROM 65. The RAM 66 is used as a work area for the CPU 64 to perform various processes. The ROM 65 also stores font data for generating date image data, a gamma value unique to the printer 13, and the like.
[0046]
Further, the printer 13 may include a USB port for inputting an image file or a LAN port instead of the memory card.
[0047]
E. Image file generation processing:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of image file generation processing by the digital still camera 10. The CPU 35 of the digital still camera 10 inputs the original image data through the CCD unit 31 by the user's shutter operation by the operation unit 32 (step S100). The digital still camera 10 inputs image data from the CCD unit using an RGB color space such as an sRGB color space, an extended sRGB color space, or an NTSC color space according to the individual.
[0048]
As the color space, a color space called sRGB or NTSC is properly used depending on the camera model. Both spaces are common in that colors are defined in the RGB coordinate system, but NTSC is a coordinate system with a wider color reproduction range than sRGB. The sRGB color space is usually defined in a range of 8 bits (0 to 255), but this range is expanded to a negative value or a value of 256 or more (herein referred to as “extended sRGB space”). May be used.
[0049]
In step S100, the CPU 35 acquires the date when the original image data is input from the real-time clock circuit 38 simultaneously with the input of the original image data, and temporarily stores it in the RAM 37 as a date parameter.
[0050]
The CPU 35 converts the input original image data from the RGB color space to the YCbCr color space by a known matrix conversion. This is because an image file is generated as JPEG format data with a high compression rate. The original image data subjected to the color space conversion is temporarily stored in the RAM (step S101).
[0051]
Further, the CPU 35 inputs various parameters included in the date data shown in FIG. 5 from the user via the operation unit 32, and temporarily stores them in the RAM (step S102).
[0052]
The CPU 35 generates an image file integrally including the original image data and date parameters temporarily stored in the RAM 37 in step S100 and the various parameters input in step S102 according to the above-described file structure (step S103). At this time, the color space used when generating the original image data and the gamma value specific to the digital still camera 10 are also recorded in the image file.
[0053]
Finally, the CPU records the generated image file on the memory card inserted in the memory card slot 34 (step S104) and ends the process.
[0054]
The image file generated by the main image file generation process is configured to include original image data and date data for generating date image data in separate areas. Therefore, an image file can be provided to an image data output device such as a printer without losing a part of the original image data.
[0055]
F. Printing process:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of image data output processing using the above-described image file. In outputting an image, first, the user inserts the memory card 12 into the memory card slot 61 of the printer 13. The CPU 64 of the printer 13 inputs an image file from the attached memory card 12 (step S200).
[0056]
As described above, the image file of this embodiment holds the original image data in the JPEG format. Since the data in JPEG format is defined in the YCbCr color space, the CPU 64 converts the data into an RGB color space at the time of shooting, that is, a color space such as sRGB, extended sRGB, NTSC (step S201). This conversion is performed using an inverse matrix of the matrix used for conversion from the RGB space to the YCbCr space by the digital still camera 10. When converted to the extended sRGB color space, a negative value and a value of 256 or more are included at this point.
[0057]
Next, the CPU 64 performs gamma correction on the original image data (step S202). The gamma value used for this gamma correction is recorded in the image file as image quality correction parameters when generating the image file as information representing the characteristics of the digital still camera 10.
[0058]
When the gamma correction is completed, a process for converting the color space of the original image data into a wRGB color space defined in a color reproduction range wider than sRGB is performed. This is because if the original image data generated in the NTSC color space or the extended sRGB color space is processed in the sRGB color space with a narrow color reproduction range, the subject color may not be faithfully reproduced. From this point of view, the processing described below may be skipped for the original image data generated in the sRGB space. In this embodiment, since the color space parameter included in the image quality correction parameter does not distinguish between the sRGB space and the extended sRGB space, the image data captured in the sRGB space is also converted into the wRGB space. did. Even in such a case, in the extended sRGB space, since the original image data includes a negative value or a value of 256 or more, it is possible to identify the extended sRGB space and the sRGB space based on the presence or absence of these gradation values.
[0059]
The color space conversion processing to wRGB is performed by matrix calculation. The printer 13 in this embodiment can handle image data defined in the sRGB color space, the extended sRGB color space, and the NTSC color space. Although it is possible to define a matrix that directly converts from each color space to the wRGB color space, in this embodiment, the conversion is performed via a standard XYZ color space.
[0060]
That is, the CPU 64 first performs conversion from the RGB color space to the XYZ color space (step S203). This conversion process differs depending on the color space that defines the image data. In other words, two types of conversion matrix TM1 for sRGB color space or extended sRGB color space and conversion matrix TM2 for NTSC color space are prepared in advance, and conversion processing according to the color space at the time of shooting is realized by using them properly. To do. By this conversion, the original image data photographed in the individual color space is unified into the standard XYZ color space.
[0061]
Next, the CPU 64 performs conversion processing from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space (step S204). This process is also a matrix operation. Here, conversion can be performed using a single matrix regardless of the color space at the time of photographing. The matrix used for the calculation can be arbitrarily set according to the definition of the wRGB color space.
[0062]
As described above, since the original image data generated in the sRGB color space does not need to be converted into a wider color space, the processes in steps S203 and S204 may be skipped. Similarly, in the original image data generated in the NTSC color space, which is a color space wider than the sRGB color space, the processing in steps S203 and S204 may be skipped. As described above, the processes in steps S203 and S204 can be appropriately omitted depending on the relative relationship between the color space used when generating the original image data and the color space finally used.
[0063]
When the color space conversion process is completed, the CPU 64 performs inverse gamma correction (step S205). The gamma value used here is a gamma value peculiar to the printer to print the image data. In this embodiment, the gamma value is held in the ROM 65 in the printer 13.
[0064]
Subsequently, the CPU 64 generates date image data using the date data included in the image file 11 and synthesizes it with the original image data (step S206). This process will be described later.
[0065]
In outputting the final image data obtained in step S206, the CPU 64 performs processing for converting RGB image data into CMYK (step S207). This conversion is performed by referring to a conversion look-up table (LUT) that associates the two colors. In the case of this embodiment, the table LUTw for conversion from the wRGB color space to CMYK is normally used. However, in order to be able to handle image data defined in the sRGB space, the printer also includes a conversion table LUTs for the sRGB color space, and uses these tables depending on the color space in which the image data is defined. It is good. For example, when the color space conversion processing in steps S203 and S204 is skipped for the image data captured in the sRGB space, the LUTs are output without performing any processing for adjusting the image quality on the input image file 11. It can be applied to cases.
[0066]
The CPU 64 performs halftone processing on the final image data thus converted into CMYK gradation values (step S208). The halftone process is a process for expressing the gradation value of image data by the density of dots formed by a printer, and can be performed by a known method such as an error diffusion method or a systematic dither method. .
[0067]
In addition to these processes, the CPU 64 performs resolution conversion processing for adjusting the resolution of the final image data to the resolution of the printer 13, interlace for setting the data arrangement and the sub-scan feed amount so that the printer 13 performs the interlace recording. Data generation processing or the like may be performed.
[0068]
Through the conversion processing described in steps S207 and S208 above, the final image data is converted into a print data format that can be output immediately by the printer 13, and the printer 13 executes printing via the printing unit 62 based on this data. (Step S209).
[0069]
G. Date image data generation / synthesis processing:
In general, the degree of conspicuousness of a color is conspicuous by a combination of a high lightness color with respect to a low lightness color, a color having an opposite color relationship in hue, and a high saturation color with respect to a low saturation color. Color can be set. Further, by adjusting these differences, the degree of conspicuousness can be appropriately adjusted.
[0070]
In this embodiment, the user sets the conspicuity u in 11 levels from 0 to 10 when generating an image file. When u is 0, it means that the amount of change of lightness, saturation, and hue is 0, and when u is 10, it means that the amount of change is maximum. It is assumed that the amount of change during that time varies linearly according to u.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of date image data generation / combination processing in step S206 of the printing process described above. The flow of this process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 10A, the CPU 64 of the printer 13 calculates an area A in which date image data is to be combined with the original image data (step S300). The area A can be calculated by the date composition position parameter (x, y), the font parameter, and the font size parameter included in the input image file. Next, an average value is obtained for each of RGB colors of the pixels included in the region A (step S301).
[0073]
Subsequently, the CPU 64 determines whether the original image data is a color image or a gray scale image (step S302). If the original image data is grayscale, all the pixels of the region A are composed of pixels having the same value for each of the RGB components, so by examining this, it is determined whether the image is a color image or a grayscale image. It can be determined.
[0074]
When the original image data is a grayscale image, the degree of conspicuity can be adjusted by adjusting only the lightness among lightness, saturation, and hue. The CPU 64 sets the RGB value of the date image data by the following calculation using the conspicuousness degree parameter u recorded in the image file. In addition, the range of each value used in the following various calculations was set to R, G, B, S, and I as real numbers of 0 to 1, and H as real numbers of 0 to 2π.
[0075]
Since the average values of RGB in the area A are all the same value, if the brightness is I,
I = R = G = B
It becomes.
[0076]
The lightness change amount ΔI is determined as follows depending on the degree of conspicuity u (u = 0, 1,..., 10) (step S303).
・ When I is 0.5 or more
ΔI = u (0−I) / 10
・ When I is less than 0.5
ΔI = u (1-I) / 10
[0077]
The above calculation means the following. When I is 0.5 or more, that is, when the average value in the area A is relatively bright, the date image data is set to be dark according to the degree of conspicuous u. Since the case where I is less than 0.5 is a relatively dark case, the date image data is set to be bright.
[0078]
Finally, the brightness IM of the date image data can be obtained by the following calculation (step S304).
IM = I + ΔI
[0079]
With the above calculation, the RGB values of the date image data are R = IM, G = IM, and B = IM, respectively (step S305).
[0080]
When the original image data is a color image, first, the average value of RGB in the region A is converted into each element of hue H, saturation S, and brightness I by HSI conversion based on a hexagonal pyramid color model (see FIG. 11). (Step S306). As is well known, when the saturation is reduced by adjustment, the effect of changing the hue is reduced, so arbitrary lower limit values are set for the saturation and brightness. In this example, the lower limit value was set to 0.25.
[0081]
The lightness change amount ΔI and the saturation change amount ΔS are determined as follows depending on the degree of conspicuity u (u = 0, 1,..., 10) (step S307).
・ When I is 0.5 or more
ΔI = u (0.25−I) / 10
ΔS = u (0.25−S) / 10
・ When I is less than 0.5
ΔI = u (1-I) / 10
ΔS = u (1-S) / 10
The hue change amount ΔH is determined as follows (step S307).
ΔH = uπ / 10
[0082]
The calculation of ΔH is as follows.
ΔH = −uπ / 10
It does not matter.
For the above-described reason, even in the above calculation, the case is divided when I is 0.5 or more and less. In this embodiment, the case classification is performed by I, but the case classification may be performed by S or H.
[0083]
With the above calculation, the brightness IM, saturation SM, and hue HM of the date image data are
IM = I + ΔI
SM = S + ΔS
HM = H + ΔH
(Step S308).
[0084]
The CPU 64 obtains RGB values of the date image data from these HM, SM, and IM values by inverse HSI conversion (step S309) (step S305).
[0085]
The color of date image data is set by the above processing. The CPU 64 uses this color to refer to parameters that specify the font, font size, and year / month / day arrangement specified by the date data, and generate date image data as shown in FIG. S310). Finally, the date image data is synthesized with the original image data by a well-known overlay process (step S311) to obtain final image data shown in FIG. Finally, the process returns to step S207 of the print process described above.
[0086]
In the above description, the case where date image data is generated and combined by the printer 13 has been described. However, as described above, the same processing can be performed on the display 20 and the server 21. In this case, the above steps S200 to S206 are performed by these apparatuses. The display 20 directly displays the image data obtained in step S206 on the screen, and the server 21 performs step S200 via the network and transfers the image data obtained in step S206 to another device via the network. .
[0087]
Further, this processing can be realized as a program of a personal computer in addition to the printer 13, the display 20, and the server 21. In this case, it can be configured as a printer driver. The program can be recorded in various storage media, and a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, an external storage device, or the like can be used as the storage medium. When configured as a program, the processing from step S200 to step S207 of this processing is performed. The final image data obtained in step S207 can be output by transferring it to an output device such as a printer. The output device is not limited to a printer, and can be output to a CRT or the like connected to a personal computer.
[0088]
Further, as described above, by using a personal computer, it is possible to reset date data included in an image file, add new date data to an image file that does not include date data, and the like. .
[0089]
If a personal computer is used, the position where date image data is synthesized can be set with a simple operation by using a mouse or the like. At this time, if the configuration is such that the color is changed in real time by the above calculation, the color of the date image data can be confirmed immediately, and the configuration can be made more convenient. This is because the image file in this embodiment stores the original image data and date data separately. Even if the composition position of the date image data is changed from the initial position, a phenomenon that a part of the image is lost does not occur.
[0090]
In the date image data color setting process described above, the hue change amount is changed in accordance with the degree of conspicuousness desired by the user. However, the season in which the image was captured is determined from the date parameter included in the image file. The hue may be designated as pink when the season is spring, blue when summer, brown when autumn, and red when winter.
[0091]
In the above embodiment, instead of the conspicuous degree, information for directly specifying the color of the date image data may be included in the image file. In this case, the designation of the color may be performed by the user with the digital still camera 10 or may be calculated and set by the digital still camera 10. As the latter mode, there is a case where the digital still camera 10 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 based on the degree of conspicuousness set by the user.
[0092]
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The various processes described above can be realized by software, or may be realized by hardware.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image output system.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the image output system.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a structure of an image file generated by a digital still camera.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of an auxiliary information storage area included in an image file.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image file generation processing.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of output processing of image data using an image file.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of generation / combination processing of date image data.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram simply showing date image data generation / synthesis processing;
FIG. 11 is a reference diagram showing a hexagonal pyramid color model.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Digital still camera
11 ... Image file
12 ... Memory card
13 ... Printer
14 ... Personal computer
20 ... Display
21 ... Server
30 ... Control unit
32. Operation unit
33 ... Liquid crystal display
34 ... Memory card slot
38 ... Real-time clock circuit
40: Image data storage area
41 ... Attached information storage area
60. Printer control unit
61 ... Memory card slot
62: Printing section
63. Operation unit

Claims (14)

An image file generation device for generating an image file,
An image data input unit for inputting image data;
A composite image information setting unit for setting composite image information for generating second image data to be output after being combined with the image data;
An image file generation unit that generates an image file integrally including the image data and the composite image information;
The composite image information includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
The image file generation device, wherein the color setting information includes information relating to easy identification of the second image data with respect to the image data. The image file generation device according to claim 1,
The synthetic image information is a file generation device including position information for synthesizing the second image data with the image data. The image file generation device according to claim 2,
The composite image information setting unit selects a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification with respect to a reference color set based on a color in a predetermined region in the image data specified by the position information. An image file generation device for setting the color of the second image data. The image file generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The composite image information includes information related to a date on which the image data is input,
The image file generation device, wherein the second image data is image data representing the date.   5. The image file generation device according to claim 1, wherein the image file generation device is configured as a digital still camera. An image data output device that outputs image data using an image file including predetermined composite image information and image data,
The composite image information is information for generating second image data that is output by being combined with the image data, and includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
An image file input unit for inputting the image file;
A second image data generation unit that generates the second image data based on the composite image information;
An image data output unit that synthesizes and outputs the image data included in the input image file and the generated second image data;
The color setting information includes information on the ease of identification of the second image data with respect to the image data,
The image data output device, wherein the second image data generation unit uses a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification as a color of the second image data. The image data output device according to claim 6,
The combined image information includes position information for combining the second image data with the image data,
The image data output unit is configured to combine the second image data with a predetermined region in the image data specified by the position information. The image data output device according to claim 7,
The second image data generation unit is a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification with respect to a reference color set based on a color in a predetermined region in the image data specified by the position information. An image data output device using the color of the second image data. The image data output device according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The composite image information includes information regarding a predetermined date,
The second image data generation unit is an image data output device that generates image data representing the date. The image data output device according to claim 9,
The image data output device, wherein the predetermined date is a date when the image data included in the image file is generated.   11. The image data output device according to claim 6, wherein the image data output device is configured as a printer. An image data output method for outputting image data using an image file including predetermined composite image information and image data,
The composite image information is information for generating second image data that is output by being combined with the image data, and includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
An image file input step for inputting the image file;
A second image data generation step of generating the second image data based on the composite image information;
An image data output step of combining and outputting the image data included in the input image file and the generated second image data;
The color setting information includes information on the ease of identification of the second image data with respect to the image data,
An image data output method in which, in the second image data generation step, a color having a color difference corresponding to the ease of identification is used as the color of the second image data. A computer program for causing a computer to output image data using an image file including predetermined composite image information and image data,
The composite image information is information for generating second image data that is output by being combined with the image data, and includes color setting information for setting a color of the second image data,
An image file input function for inputting the image file;
A second image data generation function for generating the second image data based on the composite image information;
An image data output function for synthesizing and outputting the image data included in the input image file and the generated second image data is realized in a computer,
The color setting information includes information on the ease of identification of the second image data with respect to the image data,
The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the second image data generation function sets a color having a color difference according to the ease of identification as a color of the second image data.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 13 is recorded.

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