JP4269890B2 - Imaging apparatus, image processing method, program, and image printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus suitable for use in printing a captured image with a printer, and an image processing method and program used in the imaging apparatus. The present invention is also an image printing system comprising an imaging device, a PC (personal computer), and a printer, and is suitable for use when printing an image taken by the imaging device with a printer via the PC. About the system.

  In an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, captured image data can be recorded in an internal memory or an IC card, and the image data can be sent to a printer and printed as necessary. In this case, there are methods such as printing by directly connecting the imaging device to the printer, or printing the captured image by the printer via the PC by connecting the imaging device to the PC.

  Here, when a photographed image is printed by a printer, the color characteristic of the printer at that time causes a deviation between the color of the image obtained by the imaging device and the print color of the printer, which is intended by the user. The print result has been obtained with the color of the printed image.

  Usually, in order to correct such color misregistration, common color space information is set for the imaging device, the display device mounted on the imaging device, and the printer, and the color space information is set between the devices. Then, a method of performing color adjustment (calibration) is used. However, with this method, it is necessary to perform color adjustment between devices, and the adjustment work is complicated and troublesome, and it requires quite advanced skills, so no one can easily adjust the color. There is a problem. There is also a problem that each device must be a device having a function capable of taking calibration.

On the other hand, by adding shooting information including the model name and shooting conditions to the image shot by the imaging device, the received image is converted to a standard color based on the shooting information on the receiving side, A method of printing with a printer is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). However, since such a method simply converts the color characteristics of the imaging device to standard colors, for example, the color difference due to the characteristics of the printer model actually used for printing, such as the type of paper or ink, is completely eliminated. Cannot absorb.
JP 2002-57877 A

  As described above, the conventionally known methods for correcting color misregistration between an imaging device and a printer require advanced color adjustment work for each device, so that anyone can easily perform color adjustment. In addition, each device must have a common adjustment function.

  In addition, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 merely converts the color characteristics of the imaging device into standard colors, and cannot completely absorb the deviation from the color characteristics of the printer that is actually used for printing. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an imaging apparatus and an image processing method capable of correcting a color shift with a printer used for printing and printing a captured image with a simple color matching operation. An object is to provide a program and an image printing system.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention shoots a test pattern printing unit that applies a color matching test pattern to a printer to be subjected to color matching and prints it, and photographs a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the printer by the test pattern printing unit. Imaging means for performing, and table creation means for creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing the test pattern of the image photographed by the imaging means with the test pattern applied to the printer; And image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographed image printed by the printer using the color correction table created by the table creating means.

  According to such a configuration, a test pattern for color matching is printed by a printer, a printed matter obtained as a result of the printing is photographed by an imaging device, and an image reflecting the color characteristics of the printer is captured. The color correction table for correcting the color misregistration between the two can be easily created. After that, when the photographed image is printed, the color correction table is used to perform color correction and then the printer prints. As a result, it is possible to obtain a good printing result without color misregistration.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus of the present invention provides a test pattern printing unit that applies a color matching test pattern to a printer that is a target of color matching and prints it, and a printed matter obtained as a print result of the printer by the test pattern printing unit. A table for creating a color correction table for correcting a color misregistration with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image photographed by the photographing unit with a test pattern given to the printer Means for acquiring identification information for the printer, and a table storage for storing the color correction table created by the table creation means in association with the identification information for the printer obtained by the identification information obtaining means Means.

  Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, a model discriminating unit for discriminating the model of a printer used for printing a photographed image, and the table storage unit based on identification information corresponding to the printer model discriminated by the model discriminating unit And an image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographed image printed by the printer using the color correction table.

  According to such a configuration, a test pattern for color matching is printed by a printer, a printed matter obtained as a result of the printing is photographed by an imaging device, and an image reflecting the color characteristics of the printer is captured. Thus, it is possible to easily create a color correction table for correcting color misregistration between the two.

  At this time, this color correction table is stored in association with the identification information of the printer, so that the color correction table corresponding to the printer to be used at that time can be used for color correction thereafter when printing a captured image. By doing so, it is possible to obtain a good printing result without color misregistration.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention further includes a storage unit that stores the test pattern for color matching, and the test pattern printing unit reads the test pattern from the storage unit during color matching and is subjected to color matching. It is characterized by giving to a printer.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform color matching at any time by providing a test pattern to a printer used for printing by incorporating a test pattern for color matching in the imaging apparatus.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention displays a frame that defines the shooting position of the printed matter on the viewfinder screen when the photographed means captures a printed matter obtained as a result of printing the test pattern given to the printer. It is characterized by comprising a frame display means.

  According to such a configuration, when shooting a printed material that is the result of printing the test pattern, a frame that defines the shooting position of the printed material is displayed on the finder screen, so the user can print the printed material according to the frame. You can shoot at a fixed position.

  The image pickup apparatus according to the present invention further includes a focus control unit that adjusts a focus position with respect to the printed matter in accordance with a position of the frame.

  According to such a configuration, when the printed material is photographed in accordance with the frame, the focus position at that time is automatically adjusted according to the frame position, so that an error occurs in color matching when the focus is lost during photographing. This can be prevented.

The image printing system of the present invention is an image printing system in which an image captured by the imaging device is printed by a printer via the computer device by connecting the imaging device to the computer device. Test pattern printing means for applying a test pattern for matching to the printer for printing, a test pattern of an image obtained by photographing the printed matter obtained by the test pattern printing means as a printing result of the printer with the imaging device, and the printer And a table creation means for creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration between the imaging device and the printer by comparing with the test pattern given to the printer, and acquiring identification information from the imaging device and the printer, respectively. Identification information acquisition means and table creation Database registration means for registering the color correction table created by the stage in the database in association with the identification information of the imaging device and the printer obtained by the identification information acquisition means, and a captured image designated for printing from the imaging device. When printing by the printer, the corresponding color correction table is read from the database based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, and the photographed image designated for printing is read using the color correction table. Image processing means for correcting the color components, and print control means for sending the photographic image color-corrected by the image processing means to the printer for printing , and the color matching test pattern is the imaging Keep it in the device and send it to the computer equipment at the time of color matching Either, or may be recorded in a particular recording medium to be provided in the image pickup apparatus and set, characterized in providing said computing device via the recording medium.

  According to such a configuration, in a state where the imaging device and the printer are connected to the computer device, the computer device performs color matching between the imaging device and the printer using the test pattern for color matching, and the color correction table. Create The color correction table created at this time is registered in the database in association with identification information obtained from each of the imaging device and the printer. Then, when printing the captured image, based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, a color correction table corresponding to the imaging device and the printer is read from the database, and the captured image is used using the color correction table. After correcting the color components, the image is sent to the printer for printing.

  In this way, by creating and storing a color correction table corresponding to the combination of the imaging device and the printer on the computer device side, the color correction table corresponding to the imaging device and printer actually used at the time of printing can be obtained. By using them, color matching between the two can be performed to obtain a good printing result without color misregistration.

  The image printing system of the present invention is an image printing system in which an image taken by the imaging device is printed by a printer via the computer device by connecting the imaging device to a computer device. A test pattern printing means for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer to be color-matched for printing, a photographing means for photographing a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the test pattern printing means, and this Table creation means for creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image photographed by the photographing means with a test pattern given to the printer, and identification information of the printer ID information acquisition means for acquiring the table and the table Constituted by and a providing means for providing to the computing device with the identification information and its own identification information of the printer obtained by the identification information acquiring unit to the color correction table created by the formation means.

  On the other hand, the computer device includes a database registration unit that registers the color correction table provided by the providing unit of the imaging apparatus in a database in association with the identification information of the printer and the identification information of the imaging apparatus, and the imaging apparatus When the photographed image to be printed is printed by the printer, the corresponding color correction table is read from the database based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, and the color correction table is used to read the color correction table. The image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographic image designated for printing and the print control means for sending the photographic image color-corrected by the image processing means to the printer for printing.

  According to such a configuration, in a state where the imaging device and the printer are connected to the computer device, the imaging device performs color matching with the printer using the test pattern for color matching and creates a color correction table. Thereafter, the identification information of the printer and the identification information of the printer are added to the color correction table and sent to the computer device.

  In the computer device, the color correction table is registered in a database in association with the identification information of the printer and the identification information of the imaging device. Then, at the time of printing the photographed image, a color correction table corresponding to the imaging device and the printer is read from the database, the color component of the photographed image is corrected using the color correction table, and then sent to the printer for printing.

  In this way, by storing a color correction table corresponding to the combination of the imaging device and the printer on the computer device side, the color correction table corresponding to the imaging device and printer actually used is used during printing. By performing color matching between the two, it is possible to obtain a good print result without color misregistration.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the test pattern for color matching is printed by the printer that is the object of color matching, and the printed matter obtained as a result of the printing is simply taken by the imaging device. Thus, it is possible to easily obtain a good print result without color misalignment when printing a captured image by correcting the color characteristic misalignment with the printer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an external configuration when a digital camera is taken as an example of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (A) is mainly a front surface and FIG. 1 (B) is mainly a rear surface. It is a perspective view which shows the structure.

  The digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, a self-timer lamp 3, an optical viewfinder window 4, a microphone unit 5, a strobe light emitting unit 6, and a rubber grip 7 on the front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate body. A power key 8 and a shutter key 9 are arranged on the right end side (for the user).

  The rubber grip 7 is made of rubber so that the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger of the right hand can securely hold the housing when the user grips the digital camera 1 from the right side of the housing with the right hand at the time of shooting. It is a band-like projection. The power key 8 is a key that is operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 instructs the photographing timing in the photographing mode.

  On the back of the digital camera 1, a mode switch (SW) 10, a speaker unit 11, a menu key 12, a cross key 13, a set key 14, an optical finder 15, a strobe charge lamp 16, and a display unit 17 are arranged.

  The mode switch 10 is constituted by, for example, a slide key switch, and is used when switching between a recording mode “R” and a reproduction mode “P” which are basic modes. The menu key 12 is a key for selecting various menu items and the like. The cross key 13 is integrally formed with keys for moving the cursor in the up, down, left, and right directions, and is operated when moving a displayed menu item or the like. The set key 14 is disposed at the center position of the cross key 13 and is operated to set the contents of the menu item selected at that time.

  The strobe charge lamp 16 is an LED lamp disposed in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15, which is either when the user of the digital camera 1 is looking into the optical viewfinder 15 or looking at the display unit 17. However, the user can visually recognize the charge state of the strobe.

  The display unit 17 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight, has a screen of a predetermined size, displays a through image on the monitor as an electronic viewfinder in the recording mode, and selects a selected image in the playback mode. Is displayed.

  Although not shown, the digital camera 1 has a memory card slot for attaching and removing a memory card used as a recording medium, and a serial interface connector for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector or the like is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1.

  In the figure, in the state where the recording mode which is the basic mode is set, the focus position and the aperture position of the lens optical system 22 constituting the photographing lens 2 are adjusted by driving the motor (M) 21, and the lens A CCD 23, which is an image sensor disposed behind the photographic optical axis of the optical system 22, is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 24 and a vertical driver 25, and a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to an optical image formed at regular intervals. Is output for one screen.

  The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by the sample hold circuit 26, converted into digital data by the A / D converter 27, and color The process circuit 28 performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing to generate digital luminance signals Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, which are output to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 29.

  The DMA controller 29 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 28 by using the composite synchronization signal, memory write enable signal, and clock signal from the color process circuit 28 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 31 used as the buffer memory via the DRAM interface (I / F) 30.

  The control unit 32 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 32a, a ROM 32b that stores programs executed by the CPU 32a, and a RAM 32c that is used as a work memory. The control unit 32 controls the entire digital camera 1, and here performs processing related to color matching with a printer used for printing a captured image.

  When the luminance and color difference signals are transferred to the DRAM 31, the control unit 32 reads the luminance and color difference signals from the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30 and writes them into the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33. The digital video encoder 35 periodically reads out the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 17.

  As described above, the display unit 17 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the recording mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 35, the display unit 17 receives from the VRAM controller 33 at that time. An image based on the stored image information is displayed in real time.

  When the shutter key 9 constituting the key input unit 36 is operated at a timing when still image shooting is desired in a state where the image at that time is displayed in real time as a monitor image on the display unit 17 as described above, a trigger signal is generated. appear. In response to this trigger signal, the control unit 32 immediately stops the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 immediately after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen captured from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 is completed. Transition to record save state.

  In this record storage state, the control unit 32 outputs the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 31 through the DRAM interface 30 for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels horizontally. Are read in units called basic blocks of the data and written in a Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group (JPEG) circuit 37. The JPEG circuit 37 is an ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), which is an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.

  Then, the obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 37 as a data file of one image, and the memory card 38 that is detachably attached as a recording medium of the digital camera 1 or is fixedly incorporated in the digital camera 1. To either one of the built-in memories 39. In addition, the control unit 32 activates the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 again with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of the writing of all the compressed data into the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39.

  Further, an audio processing unit 40, a USB interface (I / F) 41, and a strobe driving unit 42 are connected to the control unit 32.

  The audio processing unit 40 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM sound source, digitizes the audio signal input from the microphone unit (MIC) 5 when recording audio, and performs a predetermined data file format such as MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer 3). ) Compress data according to the standard to create an audio data file and send it to the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39. On the other hand, when playing back audio, the audio data file sent from the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39 is not compressed. And the speaker unit (SP) 11 is driven to emit loud sounds.

  The USB interface 41 performs data transmission / reception processing with an external device, in this case, a printer 42 or a PC (personal computer) 43, which is wired via a USB connector. The strobe driving unit 42 charges a large-capacitance capacitor for strobe (not shown) during still image shooting, and then drives the strobe light emitting unit 6 to flash based on the control from the control unit 32.

  The key input unit 36 includes the power key 8, the mode switch 10, the menu key 12, the cross key 13, the set key 14 and the like in addition to the shutter key 9 described above. The signal is sent directly to the control unit 32.

  On the other hand, at the time of shooting a moving image instead of a still image, a memory card of a still image data file in which the above-described still image data is compressed by the JPEG circuit 37 while the shutter key 9 of the key input unit 36 continues to be operated. 38 or the built-in memory 39 is continuously recorded in time, and when a predetermined time limit, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the series of still image data files are recorded. Set the data as a motion JPEG data file all at once.

  In the playback mode, which is the basic mode, the control unit 32 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39, and the procedure is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the recording mode by the JPEG circuit 37. The decompressed image data is decompressed, and the decompressed image data is held in the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30, and the content held in the DRAM 31 is stored in the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33. The image data is periodically read out to generate a video signal, which is reproduced and output by the display unit 17.

  When the selected image data is not a still image but a moving image, the playback of the individual still image data constituting the selected moving image file is executed continuously in time, and the playback of all the still image data is finished. At that time, the image is reproduced and displayed using only the still image data located at the head until the next reproduction instruction is given.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing the data contents of the ROM 32b constituting the control unit 32 provided in the digital camera 1. As shown in FIG.

  The ROM 32b stores in advance a program 51 for realizing the present invention, a color matching test pattern 52, and the like. The color matching test pattern 52 is for checking a deviation between the color characteristics of the digital camera 1 and the color characteristics of the printer 42 used for printing. Specifically, a color correction table (to be described later) such as a gray area for adjusting white balance, a gray chart for gradation correction, and image data having a color patch of a predetermined color for color correction is used. An image necessary for creation is configured by a test pattern on which an image is printed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data contents of the RAM 32 c constituting the control unit 32 provided in the digital camera 1.

  The RAM 32c stores a color correction table 53 created using the test pattern 52. The color correction table 53 is a table for correcting color misregistration between the digital camera 1 and the printer 42, and is provided for each printer. In the example of FIG. 4, a color correction table 53 corresponding to three types of printers is shown. ID1, ID2, and ID3 in the figure are identification information of these printers. When color matching is performed, the color correction table 53 corresponding to the printer that is the color matching target device is read from the RAM 32c based on the identification information. It is.

  In the color correction table 53, correction values for all possible RGB values are set. That is, for example, when the RGB value is (128, 128, 128), a correction value (+3, -1, +1) is set with an R value of +3, a G value of -1, and a B value of +1. Is (64, 192, 255), a correction value (+2, +3, -2) is set, in which the R value is +2, the G value is +3, and the B value is -2.

  It is not always necessary to set correction values for all RGB values in advance in the color correction table 53. For example, every eight RGB values have only correction values for them, and the RGB values between them. The correction value for can be interpolated by calculation.

  Further, as the test pattern 52 for obtaining such a color correction table 53, for example, all the RGB value pixels are printed and photographed to determine how much the respective RGB value pixels are shifted. It is also possible to set a value for correcting the amount of deviation in the color correction table 53 by measuring whether or not the color has occurred. In this case, as described above, without printing all the pixels of the RGB values, only the pixels of the thinned RGB values are printed, and the correction values of the pixels of the RGB values between them are interpolated by calculation. A method is also possible.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image printing system in the first embodiment, and shows the configuration when the digital camera 1 is directly connected to the printer 42. The digital camera 1 and the printer 42 are connected via a USB cable 45. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, there is a method of printing by connecting the digital camera 1 to the PC 43, but here, description is made assuming that printing is performed by directly connecting the digital camera 1 and the printer 42. To do.

  The digital camera 1 has a test pattern 52 for color matching described above. First, the test pattern 52 is sent to the printer 42 to be color matched and printed. 44 in the figure is a printed matter obtained by the printer 42, that is, a print image of a test pattern.

  Next, the test pattern of the printed matter 44 is captured by photographing the printed matter 44 with the digital camera 1. Then, by comparing the captured test pattern of the printed matter 44 with the original test pattern 52 given to the printer 42, a color characteristic shift between the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 is detected, and the color shift is detected. A color correction table 53 for correction is created.

  Thereafter, when printing a photographic image, the photographic image is color-corrected using the color correction table 53 and then sent to the printer 42, whereby an image having the same hue as that of the digital camera 1 can be obtained as a print result. Further, it is possible to easily obtain an image with the same hue regardless of the type of printer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example when the digital camera 1 photographs the printed matter 44 obtained by the printer 42.

  The display unit 17 provided in the digital camera 1 functions as an electronic viewfinder at the time of shooting, and a through image is displayed on the display screen (finder screen). At this time, when photographing the printed matter 44, a frame 17a serving as a guide for adjusting the photographing position of the printed matter 44 is displayed on the display screen (finder screen).

  In addition, 17b in the figure indicates a message, and when the frame 17a is displayed, for example, a message 17b such as “Please shoot in accordance with the frame” is displayed at a position that does not interfere with shooting on the display screen. The

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  Note that the processes shown in the following flowcharts are executed by the CPU 32a of the control unit 32 mounted on the digital camera 1 reading a program.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing operation at the time of color matching of the image printing system in the first embodiment. Assume that the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 are connected via the USB cable 45 as shown in FIG. In this state, when the user selects the printer color adjustment function provided in the digital camera 1 by a predetermined operation, for example, the user selects an item such as “printer color adjustment” by operating the menu key 12 provided in the digital camera 1. The CPU 32a performs the following processing.

  First, the CPU 32a reads a color matching test pattern 52 stored in advance in the ROM 32b (step A11), and transmits it to the printer 42 for printing (step A12). The color matching test pattern 52 is made up of image data having a predetermined number of color patterns, and is sent to a printer 42 to be subjected to color matching for printing, whereby a printed matter 44 as shown in FIG. 5 is obtained. . This printed matter 44 is obtained by color-printing the test pattern 52 with the printer 42 and reflects the color characteristics of the printer 42.

  Here, when the user gives a test pattern capture instruction by a predetermined operation (Yes in step A13), a frame as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen (finder screen) of the display unit 17 functioning as an electronic viewfinder. 17a is displayed (step A14), and a message 17b such as “Please shoot in accordance with the frame” is displayed on the screen (step A15). The message 17b may be output as audio data from the speaker unit 11 provided in the digital camera 1 to provide guidance to the user.

  In accordance with this message 17b, the user determines the camera position so that the printed matter 44 overlaps the frame 17a displayed on the display screen of the display unit 17, and then instructs shooting by pressing the shutter key 9 (Yes in step A16). Then, the AF (automatic focusing) function of the digital camera 1 works, and the focus distance of the lens optical system 22 with respect to the printed matter 44 as the subject is automatically adjusted (step A17). At that time, the predetermined focus distance is compared with the focus distance automatically adjusted by the AF function (step A18).

  The predetermined focus distance is an optimum focus distance for taking in a test pattern printed on the printed matter 44, and the distance corresponds to a focus position calculated when the printed matter 44 is set on the frame 17a. is doing.

  If the difference between the predetermined focus distance and the current focus distance exceeds the allowable range (No in step A19), for example, an NG message such as “Please correct the frame and re-shoot” is displayed on the display unit. 17 is displayed on the display screen 17 (step A20).

  On the other hand, if the difference between the predetermined focus distance and the current focus distance is within an allowable range (Yes in step A19), it is assumed that the printed matter 44 is set at the correct position, and the printed matter 44 is detected by the digital camera 1. Photographing is performed (step A21), and image data obtained by the photographing is stored, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 32c (step A22). Since the photographing operation has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 2, the description thereof is omitted here.

  As described above, when the printed matter 44 is photographed, the frame 17a indicating the photographing position is displayed on the display screen (finder screen) of the display unit 17 provided in the digital camera 1, and the printed matter 44 is aligned with the frame 17a. Since shooting is performed at the optimum focus distance, it is possible to prevent an error in color matching due to a loss of focus during shooting.

  If the digital camera 1 is equipped with an automatic zoom function (optical zoom), taking into account the amount of light around the lens, it can be automatically zoomed to a position where it does not cause a problem before shooting. good. In this way, it is possible to improve the color matching accuracy by adjusting problems that affect color correction, such as a drop in the amount of light around the lens, to an optimal state according to the zoom position.

  When the photographed image of the printed matter 44 is obtained in this way, the CPU 32a compares the photographed image with the original color matching test pattern image, so that the color characteristics of the digital camera 1 and the color characteristics of the printer 42 are compared. A color correction table 53 for detecting the shift and correcting the shift is created (step A23).

  Specifically, the test pattern images of both are compared for each RGB signal, a value for correcting the shift of the color component is obtained for each of these signals, and a color correction table 53 having a correction value for each of the RGB signals is obtained. create.

  The hue shift at the time of shooting by the camera itself is stored in the camera in advance as a known one, and it is purely not to affect the creation of the color correction table 53. This is desirable from the viewpoint of enabling color correction only for the printer.

  The CPU 32a adds the ID (identification information) of the printer 42 to the created color correction table 53 and stores it in the RAM 32c (step A24). The ID (identification information) is, for example, the model name of the printer 42, which may be arbitrarily input by the user through the key input unit 36, or may be acquired through communication between the digital camera 1 and the printer 42. good.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing operation at the time of printing of the image printing system in the first embodiment. The color correction table 53 created in the processing of FIG. The processing when printing is performed is shown.

  At the time of shooting, when the mode switch 10 of the digital camera 1 is switched to the recording mode “R” (step B11) and the shutter key 9 is pressed (Yes in step B12), an image of the subject is shot (step B13). The image data is recorded in a predetermined memory (memory card 38 or built-in memory 39) (step B14). Note that the operation from when an image of a subject is taken and recorded in the memory is as described above with reference to FIG.

  Color correction is not performed when a captured image is recorded. This is because if recording was performed after color correction each time at the time of shooting, the processing takes time and the shooting response decreases. In addition, when there are a plurality of printers 42 that can be used for printing, it is impossible to know which printer 42 is used to print the captured image, and once correction is made in correspondence with a certain printer, This is because it is considered difficult to perform recorrection corresponding to another printer.

  Here, the user selects an image to be printed from each photographed image recorded in the memory card 38 or the built-in memory 39 of the digital camera 1 by a predetermined key operation such as the menu key 12 and the like. Is instructed to print (Yes in step B15). Upon receiving this instruction, the CPU 32a first determines the model of the printer 42 used for printing (step B16).

  As a printer model discrimination method, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a list screen of printer models capable of color correction by the digital camera 1 is displayed with reference to each color correction table 53 currently created in the RAM 32c. From the printer 42 by allowing the user to select a printer model for printing from among them or by communicating with the printer 42 connected to the digital camera 1 as shown in FIG. There are methods such as automatically acquiring model information.

  When the model of the printer 42 used for printing is determined, the CPU 32a selects the color correction table 53 corresponding to the printer 42 from the color correction tables 53 stored in the RAM 32c based on the ID (identification information) corresponding to the printer model. Is selected (step B17).

  Then, the CPU 32a performs color correction processing on the photographed image using the selected color correction table 53 (step B18). That is, using the correction values for each RGB value set in the color correction table 53, the RGB signals of the photographed image are adjusted in accordance with the color characteristic deviation from the printer 42. After such color correction processing, the CPU 32a transmits the corrected image data to the printer 42 for printing (step B19).

  In this way, the color matching test pattern 52 is given to the printer 42 for printing, and the printed matter 44 is photographed and captured by the digital camera 1 so that the color characteristics of the printer 42 can be grasped. When printing a photographic image using the printer 42, the photographic image is color-corrected in consideration of the color characteristic deviation from the printer 42 and then given to the printer 42, so that the same color characteristic as the digital camera 1 is obtained. It is possible to obtain a printing result having

  In this case, as the color matching work performed by the user, since the test pattern 52 is simply printed by the printer 42 and the printed matter 44 is photographed, anyone can easily perform it without requiring any advanced skills. .

  Further, when there are a plurality of printers 42, if the same color matching operation as described above is performed (that is, a color correction table 53 is created for each printer), any printer 42 is used. A print result having the same color characteristics as the digital camera 1 can be obtained. That is, any model that selects the model of the printer 42 can be supported.

  Further, since the color matching test pattern 52 is built in the digital camera 1, there is an advantage that it is possible to respond immediately even when printing is performed using a different printer while on the go. .

  In the first embodiment, the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 are connected by the USB cable 45. However, the connection form is not particularly limited. For example, infrared rays can be used. Alternatively, the two may be electrically connected using wireless communication such as Bluetooth (R). The Bluetooth (R) is a wireless communication system conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard, and for example, realizes wireless communication of about 10 m using a radio wave of 2.45 GHz ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band. is there.

  In the first embodiment, the test pattern 52 for color matching is stored in advance in the ROM 32b of the digital camera 1, but the test pattern 52 is recorded on an external recording medium such as the memory card 38, for example. In addition, it may be installed in the digital camera 1 as necessary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, color matching between the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 is performed under the control of the PC 43 in an image printing system that performs printing with the PC 43 interposed between the digital camera 1 and the printer 42. It is a feature.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image printing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and shows a configuration when the digital camera 1 is connected to the printer 42 via the PC 43. The digital camera 1 and the PC 43, and the PC 43 and the printer 42 are connected via USB cables 45a and 45b, respectively.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the digital camera 1 has a test pattern 52 for color matching. By sending this test pattern 52 to the PC 43, color matching with the printer 42 is performed under the control of the PC 43. That is, the test pattern 52 is printed by the printer 42. The printed matter 44 obtained by the printer 42 is photographed by the digital camera 1.

  When the PC 43 obtains a photographed image of the printed matter 44 from the digital camera 1, it creates a color correction table 53 corresponding to the printer 42 from the pattern of the photographed image and the original test pattern 52. The created color correction table 53 is registered in the database (DB) 46 in association with the identification information of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42.

  Thereafter, when printing an image taken by the digital camera 1, the PC 43 reads out the color correction table 53 corresponding to the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 currently connected from the database (DB) 46, and this color correction. The photographed image of the digital camera 1 is color-corrected using the table 53, and the photographed image after the color correction is printed by the printer 42.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another system configuration.

  The difference from the configuration of FIG. 11 is that the same color matching test pattern 52 that the digital camera 1 has is recorded on a recording medium 47 such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium 47 is provided to the user as a set with the digital camera 1.

  The PC 43 is provided with a medium reading device 48 (for example, a CD-ROM drive) for reading the recording medium 47. Therefore, when performing color matching, it is not necessary to send the test pattern 52 from the digital camera 1 to the PC 43, and the PC 43 may read the test pattern 52 from the recording medium 47 through the medium reading device 48. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 43.

  The PC 43 is a general-purpose computer. The PC 43 includes a CPU 61, an input device 62 connected to the CPU 61, a display device 63, a communication unit 64, a ROM 65, a RAM 66, a USB interface (I / F) 67, and the like.

  The CPU 61 controls the entire PC 43. Here, the CPU 61 reads a program stored in the ROM 65 or the like, and executes processing related to color matching as shown in FIGS.

  The input device 62 includes an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a tablet, for example, and inputs data and gives instructions. The display device 63 includes a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode-ray tube), and displays data. The communication unit 64 performs data communication with an external device via a network such as the Internet.

  The ROM 65 stores various information including programs in advance. The RAM 66 stores information necessary for the processing operation of the CPU 61. A database (DB) 46 is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 66.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a large number of color correction tables 53 created for each combination of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 are registered in the database (DB) 46. These color correction tables 53 are assigned identification information of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 corresponding to each of them. In the example of FIG. 14, a color correction table 53 corresponding to a combination of three types of digital cameras 1 and a printer 42 is shown. In the figure, ID11, ID12, and ID13 are identification information of the digital camera, and ID21, ID22, and ID23 are identification information of the printer.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the color correction table 53 is a table in which correction values for all possible RGB values are set. The contents of the color correction table 53 differ depending on the combination of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42.

  The USB interface (I / F) 67 performs data transmission / reception processing with the digital camera 1 and the printer 42.

  Although not particularly shown, in the case of the system configuration shown in FIG. 12, a medium reading device 48 for reading the recording medium 47 on which the color matching test pattern 52 is recorded is connected to the CPU 61. .

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations during color matching of the image printing system according to the second embodiment, and shows processing of the digital camera 1, the PC 43, and the printer 42 in order from the left.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the digital camera 1 is connected to the printer 42 via the PC 43, the PC 43 (CPU 61) first determines the model of the printer 42 that is the target of color matching. Then, environmental information is requested from the printer 42 (step C11). The environment information is information related to the printer 42 connected to the PC 43, and includes identification information (printer ID) such as a model name. In response to this request, the printer 42 transmits environmental information including its own identification information to the PC 43 (step C12).

  When the PC 43 obtains the environmental information from the printer 42, the PC 43 stores it in, for example, the work area of the RAM 66 (step C13), and then requests the digital camera 1 for a test pattern 52 for color matching (step S13). C14). In response to this request, the digital camera 1 reads the color matching test pattern 52 built in the device in advance and transmits it to the PC 43 (step C15).

  When the PC 43 obtains the test pattern 52 from the digital camera 1 (step C16), the PC 43 sends this as print data to the printer 42 to instruct printing (step C17). As shown in FIG. 12, when the test pattern 52 of the digital camera 1 can be provided by the recording medium 47, it is not necessary to send the test pattern 52 from the digital camera 1, and the PC 43 records through the medium reader 48. The test pattern 52 is read from the medium 47 and sent to the printer 42 to instruct printing.

  When the printed matter 44 is obtained by the printer 42 (step C18), it is photographed by the digital camera 1 (step C19). This printed matter 44 is obtained by color printing a test pattern, and the color characteristics of the printer 42 are reflected in the image printed there. The photographing process of the digital camera 1 with respect to the printed matter 44 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  The image data of the printed matter 44 photographed by the digital camera 1 is sent to the PC 43 (step C20). At that time, the digital camera 1 attaches its own identification information (camera ID) to the image data and sends it to the PC 43.

  When the PC 43 acquires the photographed image of the printed matter 44 from the digital camera 1 together with the camera ID (step C21), the color correction is performed based on the test pattern of the photographed image and the original test pattern, as in the first embodiment. A table 53 is created (step C22). The PC 43 registers the created color correction table 53 in the database (DB) 46 in association with the printer ID included in the environment information obtained from the printer 42 and the camera ID obtained from the digital camera 1 (step C23).

  For example, if the identification information of the digital camera 1 is ID11 and the identification information of the printer 42 is D21, the created color correction table 53 is associated with ID11 and ID21 as shown in FIG. 46 will be registered.

  Further, by performing the same color matching process as described above for the combination of other digital cameras and printers, the color correction table 53 used for each of these combinations is stored in the database (DB) 46 together with the identification information. Will be registered.

  FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations at the time of printing of the image printing system in the second embodiment. The captured image is color-corrected using the database (DB) 46 created by the processing of FIG. The process in the case of printing is shown, and similarly to the above, the processes of the digital camera 1, the PC 43, and the printer 42 are shown in order from the left.

  First, at the time of printing, first, the PC 43 (CPU 61) requests environmental information from the printer 42 in order to determine the model of the printer 42 used for printing (step D11). In response to this request, the printer 42 transmits environmental information including its own identification information (printer ID) to the PC 43 (step D12). When the PC 43 obtains the environment information from the printer 42, the PC 43 holds it in the work area of the RAM 66, for example, and then waits for a photographed image from the digital camera 1 (step D13).

  Here, when an image photographed by the digital camera 1 is sent as a print target together with identification information (camera ID) of the digital camera 1 (steps D14 and D15), the PC 43 receives the photographed image. (Step D16), the corresponding color correction table 53 is read by searching the database (DB) 46 based on the printer ID included in the environmental information of the printer 42 and the camera ID of the digital camera 1 (Step D17). .

  In this case, if the identification information of the digital camera 1 currently connected is ID11 and the identification information of the printer 42 is ID21, the color correction table having ID11 and ID21 from the database (DB) 46 shown in FIG. 53 is read out.

  Then, the PC 43 performs color correction processing on the captured image using the color correction table 53 (step D18). That is, as in the first embodiment, using the correction value for each RGB value set in the color correction table 53, the RGB signals of the photographed image are converted to the color characteristics of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42. Adjust according to the deviation.

  After such color correction processing, the PC 43 sends the corrected image data to the printer 42 to instruct printing (step D19). In response to this instruction, the printer 42 performs color printing of the photographed image (step D20). In this case, since printing is performed based on image data that has been color-corrected in advance, a print result having the same color characteristics as the digital camera 1 can be obtained.

  As described above, even when the digital camera 1 is connected to the PC 43 and printing is performed by the printer 42, as in the first embodiment, the user does not need troublesome color matching work, and the digital camera 1 A printing result having the same color characteristics as 1 can be easily obtained. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, since a series of processing relating to color matching is performed on the PC 43 side, the processing burden on the digital camera 1 can be reduced.

  Further, by registering a large number of color correction tables 53 corresponding to the combination of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 in the database (DB) 46 on the PC 43 side, the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 that are actually used at the time of printing. By reading the color correction table 53 corresponding to the above from the database (DB) 46, it is possible to perform color matching between them and obtain a good print result without color misregistration.

  In the second embodiment, a series of processes related to color matching including the process of creating the color correction table 53 is performed on the PC 43 side. However, for example, as in the first embodiment, a digital camera The color correction table 53 may be created on one side so as to be provided to the PC 43.

  In this case, when the color correction table 53 is created, the digital camera 1 acquires identification information (printer ID) of the printer 42 that is a corresponding device at that time, and acquires the printer ID and its own identification information (camera ID). Is attached to the color correction table 53 and provided to the PC 43. As a method for acquiring the printer ID, as in the first embodiment, the user may arbitrarily input through the key input unit 36 of the digital camera 1, or the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 are connected by a USB cable or the like. In such a state, it may be acquired by communication between the two.

  In the PC 43, the color correction table 53 provided from the digital camera 1 is registered in the database (DB) 46 in association with the printer ID and camera ID attached thereto. The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. That is, the corresponding color correction table 53 is read by searching the database (DB) 46 based on the identification information of the digital camera 1 and the printer 42 that the PC 43 actually uses for printing. After correcting the color component of the photographed image using this, the photographed image after the color correction is sent to the printer 42 for printing. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a good printing result without color misregistration.

  In the second embodiment, the digital camera 1 and the PC 43, and the PC 43 and the printer 42 are connected by the USB cables 45a and 45b, respectively. However, the connection form between the devices is particularly limited. Instead, for example, wireless communication such as infrared rays or Bluetooth (R) may be used.

  In each of the embodiments, the digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to all electronic devices having a camera function such as a mobile phone with a camera.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the effects described in “Problems to be solved by the invention” can be solved, and are described in the “Effects of the invention” column. If the effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  In addition, the method described in the above-described embodiment can be applied to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc. as a program that can be executed by a computer. The program can be written and applied to various apparatuses, or the program itself can be transmitted through a transmission medium such as a network and applied to various apparatuses. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium or a program provided via a transmission medium, and performs the above-described processing by controlling operations by this program.

  In addition to the above-mentioned recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, for example, next-generation optical discs and red lasers using blue lasers such as Blu-ray Disc (R) and Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) It is possible to implement the present invention using various large-capacity recording media that will be developed in the future, such as HD-DVD 9 to be used and Blue Laser DVD using a blue-violet laser.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration when a digital camera is taken as an example of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera in the embodiment. The figure which shows the data content of ROM with which the digital camera in the embodiment was equipped. It is a figure which shows the data content of RAM with which the digital camera in the embodiment was equipped. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image printing system according to the embodiment, and illustrates a configuration when a digital camera is directly connected to a printer. The figure which shows the example of a display when image | photographing the printed matter obtained with the printer in the embodiment with a digital camera. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation at the time of color matching of the image printing system in the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing processing operations during printing of the image printing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a printer model list screen displayed on the digital camera according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring model information from a printer connected to the digital camera according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image printing system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the structure at the time of connecting a digital camera to a printer via PC. The figure which shows the structure in the case of recording and providing the same thing as the test pattern for color matching which a digital camera has as another system structure on a recording medium. The block diagram which shows the structure of PC in the same embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the content of the database with which PC was provided in the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations during color matching of the image printing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing operations during printing of the image printing system according to the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 2 ... Shooting lens, 3 ... Self-timer lamp, 4 ... Optical finder window, 5 ... Microphone part (MIC), 6 ... Strobe light emission part, 7 ... Rubber grip, 8 ... Power key, 9 ... Shutter key DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mode switch (SW), 10a ... Movie shooting key, 11 ... Speaker part (SP), 12 ... Menu key, 13 ... Cross key, 14 ... Set key, 15 ... Optical viewfinder, 16 ... Strobe charge lamp, 17 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Display part, 21 ... CCD for imaging | photography, 22 ... CCD for focus, 23 ... Half mirror, 24 ... Timing generator (TG), 25 ... Vertical driver, 26 ... Sample hold circuit (S / H), 27 ... A / D converter 28 ... Color process circuit 29 ... DMA controller 30 ... DRAM interface (I / F) 31 ... DRAM 2 ... Control unit, 33 ... VRAM controller, 34 ... VRAM, 35 ... Digital video encoder, 36 ... Key input unit, 37 ... JPEG circuit, 38 ... Memory card, 39 ... Built-in memory, 40 ... Audio processing unit, 41 ... USB Interface (I / F), 42... Printer, 43 .. PC, 51... Program, 52 .. test pattern for color matching, 53.

Claims (15)

A test pattern printing means for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer for color matching and printing it;
Photographing means for photographing a printed matter obtained as a printing result of the printer by the test pattern printing means;
A table creating means for creating a color correction table for correcting a color shift with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image photographed by the photographing means with a test pattern given to the printer;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that corrects a color component of a photographed image to be printed by the printer using a color correction table created by the table creating unit. A test pattern printing means for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer for color matching and printing it;
Photographing means for photographing a printed matter obtained as a printing result of the printer by the test pattern printing means;
A table creating means for creating a color correction table for correcting a color shift with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image photographed by the photographing means with a test pattern given to the printer;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the printer;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a table storage unit that stores the color correction table created by the table creation unit in association with the identification information of the printer obtained by the identification information acquisition unit. A model discriminating means for discriminating the model of a printer used for printing a photographed image;
Based on the identification information corresponding to the printer model determined by the model determination means, the corresponding color correction table is read from the table storage means, and the color components of the photographed image printed by the printer using the color correction table The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an image processing unit that corrects the image. Storage means for storing the test pattern for color matching;
3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test pattern printing unit reads out the test pattern from the storage unit at the time of color matching and supplies the test pattern to a printer to be subjected to color matching.   A frame display unit for displaying a frame defining a shooting position of the printed material on a finder screen when the printed material obtained as a result of printing the test pattern given to the printer is photographed by the photographing device; The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a focus control unit that adjusts a focus position with respect to the printed matter according to a position of the frame. An image processing method used in an imaging apparatus,
Providing a color matching test pattern to a color matching printer for printing; and
Photographing a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the printer;
Creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing the test pattern of the image obtained as a result of the photographing with the test pattern given to the printer;
An image processing method comprising: correcting a color component of a photographed image to be printed by the printer using the color correction table. An image processing method used in an imaging apparatus,
Providing a color matching test pattern to a color matching printer for printing; and
Photographing a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the printer;
Creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing the test pattern of the image obtained as a result of the photographing with the test pattern given to the printer;
Obtaining identification information of the printer;
An image processing method comprising: storing the created color correction table in a predetermined memory in association with identification information of the printer. Determining the type of printer used to print the captured image;
Based on the identification information corresponding to the printer model obtained as a result of the discrimination, the corresponding color correction table is read from the memory, and the color component of the photographed image to be printed by the printer is corrected using the color correction table. The image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising: a step. A program executed by a computer mounted on an imaging device,
In the computer,
A function for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer for color matching and printing;
A function of photographing a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the printer;
A function of creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image obtained as a result of photographing and a test pattern given to the printer;
And a function for correcting a color component of a photographed image to be printed by the printer using the color correction table. A program executed by a computer mounted on an imaging device,
In the computer,
A function for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer for color matching and printing;
A function of photographing a printed matter obtained as a result of printing by the printer;
A function of creating a color correction table for correcting color misregistration with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image obtained as a result of photographing and a test pattern given to the printer;
A function of acquiring identification information of the printer;
A program for realizing the function of storing the color correction table in a predetermined memory in association with the identification information of the printer. A function to determine the model of the printer used to print the captured image;
Based on the identification information corresponding to the printer model obtained as a result of the discrimination, the corresponding color correction table is read from the memory, and the color component of the photographed image to be printed by the printer is corrected using the color correction table. The program according to claim 11 for further realizing the function. In an image printing system for printing an image photographed by the imaging device by a printer via the computer device by connecting the imaging device to a computer device,
The computer device is:
Test pattern printing means for giving a test pattern for color matching to the printer for printing;
The test pattern printing means compares the test pattern of the image obtained by photographing the printed matter obtained as the printing result of the printer with the imaging device with the test pattern applied to the printer, and the colors of the imaging device and the printer. A table creation means for creating a color correction table for correcting a shift;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring respective identification information from the imaging device and the printer;
Database registration means for registering the color correction table created by the table creation means in a database in association with identification information of the imaging device and the printer obtained by the identification information acquisition means;
When a captured image designated for printing from the imaging device is printed by the printer, the corresponding color correction table is read from the database based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, and the color correction table Image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographic image designated for printing using
Printing control means for sending the photographic image color-corrected by the image processing means to the printer for printing ,
The color printing test pattern is held in the imaging device and is sent to the computer device during color matching . In an image printing system for printing an image photographed by the imaging device by a printer via the computer device by connecting the imaging device to a computer device,
The computer device is:
Test pattern printing means for giving a test pattern for color matching to the printer for printing;
The test pattern printing means compares the test pattern of the image obtained by photographing the printed matter obtained as the printing result of the printer with the imaging device with the test pattern applied to the printer, and the colors of the imaging device and the printer. A table creation means for creating a color correction table for correcting a shift;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring respective identification information from the imaging device and the printer;
Database registration means for registering the color correction table created by the table creation means in a database in association with identification information of the imaging device and the printer obtained by the identification information acquisition means;
When a captured image designated for printing from the imaging device is printed by the printer, the corresponding color correction table is read from the database based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, and the color correction table Image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographic image designated for printing using
Printing control means for sending the photographic image color-corrected by the image processing means to the printer for printing ,
The image printing system , wherein the test pattern for color matching is recorded on a specific recording medium provided as a set with the imaging apparatus, and is provided to the computer device via the recording medium . In an image printing system for printing an image photographed by the imaging device by a printer via the computer device by connecting the imaging device to a computer device,
The imaging device
A test pattern printing means for giving a color matching test pattern to a printer for color matching and printing it;
Photographing means for photographing a printed matter obtained as a printing result of the printer by the test pattern printing means;
A table creating means for creating a color correction table for correcting a color shift with the printer by comparing a test pattern of an image photographed by the photographing means with a test pattern given to the printer;
Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the printer;
Providing means for providing the computer device with the identification information of the printer obtained by the identification information acquisition means and the identification information of the printer obtained by the color correction table created by the table creation means;
The computer device is:
Database registration means for registering the color correction table provided by the providing means of the imaging apparatus in a database in association with the identification information of the printer and the identification information of the imaging apparatus;
When a captured image designated for printing from the imaging device is printed by the printer, the corresponding color correction table is read from the database based on the identification information of the imaging device and the identification information of the printer, and the color correction table Image processing means for correcting the color component of the photographic image designated for printing using
An image printing system comprising: a print control unit configured to send a photographed image color-corrected by the image processing unit to the printer for printing.

Images