JP2002135605A - Network system for conducting color management - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent delays in providing of images from a network server by reducing the load on the network server. SOLUTION: When an accessing client is a game machine low in throughput, an image server 30 receives a profile for an output device from the game machine and color-matching processing is performed by the side of the server 30 from the image data, a profile for the second output device and a profile for an input device stored by itself. When the accessing client is a personal computer 40 of high throughput, the server 30 transmits the image data to the personal computer 40 with the profile with the input device, without conducting color-matching processings. The personal computer 40 performs color-matching processings on the side of itself with a profile for the first output device stored in itself, the profile for the input device and the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a technique for performing color management of a color image in a network in which a network server and a network terminal are connected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various color management systems have been proposed for realizing accurate color matching between devices such as monitors, scanners, and printers. A standard color space is prepared as a device-independent color space, and all color exchanges between devices are performed through this standard color space to achieve accurate color matching. Specifically, a profile for an input device including a conversion table for converting a color space specific to an input device such as a scanner and a digital camera into a standard color space, and a standard color space based on a color space specific to an output device such as a display and a printer By preparing a profile for an output device having a conversion table for performing conversion to the image data, and performing a color correction process (that is, a color matching process) of the image data based on the two profiles,
The image obtained on the input device is reproduced on the output device with an image of the correct color.

On the other hand, with the recent development of the Internet, the transmission of images in a network system is frequently performed. In a network system, image data of a color image obtained by an input device is prepared in a network server, and this image data is transmitted to a network terminal, and the image data is reproduced on a display connected to the network terminal. Is done. As a configuration for performing color management in this network system, a network server receives a profile for a display connected to the network terminal from the network terminal,
In this network server, a color matching process using an input device profile and a display profile has been proposed.

[0004]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, when requests for providing images to a plurality of network terminals overlap, the load on the network server becomes too large. For this reason, there has been a problem that provision of image data from the network server is delayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce the load on a network server and prevent a delay in providing an image from the network server.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems and Actions and Effects Thereof, the following structure is adopted as means for solving at least a part of the above-mentioned problems.

A network system for performing color management according to the present invention comprises: a network server for providing image data of a color image obtained using an input device;
A network terminal that receives image data from the network server via a network and outputs the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, the network terminal comprising:
A storage unit for storing an output device profile including conversion data between the output device-specific color reproduction characteristics and the reference color reproduction characteristics, wherein the network server includes the input device-specific color reproduction characteristics and the reference color reproduction characteristics. Storage means for storing a profile for an input device including conversion data for conversion correction between characteristics, reception means for receiving the profile for an output device from storage means of the network terminal, and a storage device for the input device. A color correction unit configured to perform a color correction process on image data obtained using the input device using the profile and the received profile for the output device; and transmitting the color corrected image data to the network terminal. Transmitting means for transmitting the color correction data when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Control means for prohibiting the execution of the above, and causing the transmission means to transmit the input device profile together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed, and the network terminal has satisfied the predetermined condition. Sometimes, color correction processing is performed on the image data sent from the network server using the input device profile sent from the network server and the output device profile stored in the storage unit. Thus, the gist of the invention is to include a color correction unit that creates image data to be output to the output device.

Here, the reference color reproduction characteristic is a reproduction characteristic of a reference color, for example, a reproduction characteristic of a standard color representing an original color. Instead,
For the purpose of simulating the appearance in a specific output environment, a specific color output from a specific output environment (for example, a large printing press in a printing company) is used as a reference color, and the reproduction characteristic of the specific color is used. It can also be. In addition,
In the configurations of the inventions described below, the reference color reproduction characteristic may be a reproduction characteristic for a standard color or a reproduction characteristic of a specific color.

In the network system for performing color management having this configuration, the network server receives an output device profile from a network terminal, and uses the output device profile and the input device profile stored therein to input data. The color correction processing is performed on the image data obtained from the device. In particular, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server performs the color correction processing together with the input device profile without performing the color correction processing. Is transmitted to the network terminal. The network terminal performs color correction processing on the side of the network terminal based on the output device profile, the input device profile, and the image data stored therein.

For this reason, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server does not need to perform the color correction processing. Therefore, even when the image providing requests to a plurality of network terminals overlap, the network server does not need to perform the color correction processing. The load on the server does not become too large. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server.

In the network system for performing color management according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the predetermined condition may be that the network terminal has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more.

According to this configuration, when the network terminal has a high processing capability, the color correction processing can be performed on the network terminal side. For this reason, even though the load of the network server is shifted to the network terminal side, the network terminal is not overloaded, so that the resources of the entire network system can be used efficiently.

[0013] In the network system for performing color management having the configuration just described, the network terminal includes environment information reading means for reading environment information capable of determining a processing capability, and the network terminal includes a network server and a network terminal. One is
From the environment information read by the environment information reading means,
The network terminal may be configured to include a determination unit configured to determine whether the network terminal has a processing capability higher than a predetermined level, and a unit configured to transmit the determination result to the other of the network server and the network terminal. it can.

According to this configuration, one of the network server and the network terminal determines whether or not the network terminal has a processing capability higher than a predetermined level based on the environment information read from the network terminal. The determination result is transmitted to the other of the network server and the network terminal. For this reason, both the network server and the network terminal can know with a simple configuration whether the network terminal has a high processing capability.

In the network system for performing color management having the configuration described immediately above, when the determination result by the determination means indicates that the processing capability is high, an operation command is received from an operator and the operation is performed. A configuration may be provided including means for switching the determination result according to a command.

According to this configuration, even when the network terminal has a high processing capability, the determination result can be switched according to the operation command of the operator. For this reason, if the operator determines that he does not want to perform the color correction processing on the network terminal side even though the network terminal has high processing capability, the color correction processing can be performed on the network server side. it can.

In the network system for performing color management according to the present invention having the above configuration, the input device is a digital camera capable of taking a color image,
The input device profile may be configured to be a profile including conversion data from a color space specific to the same lighting conditions as the digital camera and the same illumination conditions as the image data shooting, to a reference color space.

In the case of a digital camera, a profile for an input device is not unique to an apparatus like an image scanner, but the color of an image is greatly affected by an illumination environment such as a light source. According to this configuration, since the profile for the input device is specific to the digital camera and its lighting conditions, it is also possible to perform color matching on image data captured by the digital camera.

In the network system for performing color management according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the network server has a function as a world wide web server of a shopping site that provides product data, and the color image includes the product. It can be configured to be a product image corresponding to the data.

According to this configuration, it is possible to support a shopping site.

In the network system for performing color management according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, a world wide web server connected to the Internet and receiving a request from the network terminal and providing information on a predetermined website to the network terminal is provided. ,
The network server may be configured to provide the image data to the network terminal when receiving a request to provide an image from the world wide web server.

According to this configuration, it is possible to support a shopping site. In particular, in this configuration, the function of providing images from the world wide web server can be separated to the network server side, so that the load on the world wide web server can be reduced.

The network server of the present invention is connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, and stores an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. A network server for providing, via a network, image data of a color image obtained using an input device to a network terminal including a storage unit, the color reproduction characteristics and the reference color reproduction characteristics specific to the input device. Storage means for storing an input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between the input device profile, reception means for receiving the output device profile from the storage means of the network terminal, and the stored input device profile And using the received output device profile, the image data obtained by using the input device Color correction means for performing color correction processing, and transmission means for transmitting the image data having undergone the color correction processing to the network terminal. Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, execution of the color correction means The gist of the invention is that the transmission means includes control means for causing the transmission means to transmit the input device profile together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed.

The network server having this configuration receives the output device profile from the network terminal and uses the output device profile and the input device profile stored therein to convert the image data obtained from the input device. In particular, when predetermined conditions are satisfied, the image data not subjected to the color correction processing is transmitted to the network terminal together with the input device profile without performing the color correction processing. I do. This allows the network terminal to perform color correction processing on the network terminal side based on the output device profile, the input device profile, and the image data stored in the network terminal.

For this reason, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server does not need to perform the color correction processing. Therefore, even if the image providing requests to a plurality of network terminals are overlapped, the network server is not required. The load on the server does not become too large. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server.

[0026] In the network server of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the predetermined condition may be that the network terminal has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more.

According to this configuration, when the network terminal has a high processing capability, the color correction processing can be performed on the network terminal side. For this reason, even though the load of the network server is shifted to the network terminal side, the network terminal is not overloaded, so that the resources of the entire network system can be used efficiently.

[0028] In the network server of the present invention having the above configuration, the input device is a digital camera capable of taking a color image, and the profile for the input device is the same as that of the digital camera and the image data. It may be configured to be a profile including conversion data from a color space unique to an illumination condition to a reference color space.

In the case of a digital camera, an input device profile is not unique to an apparatus as in an image scanner, but the color of an image is greatly affected by an illumination environment such as a light source. According to this configuration, since the profile for the input device is specific to the digital camera and its lighting conditions, it is also possible to perform color matching on image data captured by the digital camera.

In the network server of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the network server has a function as a world wide web server of a shopping site that provides product data, and the color image is a product image corresponding to the product data. be able to.

According to this configuration, it is possible to support a shopping site.

The network terminal according to the present invention includes storage means for storing an input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and the input device. A network terminal that receives the image data via a network from a network server that provides image data of a color image obtained by using the same, and outputs the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, A storage unit for storing an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic specific to an output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and a storage unit of the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Receiving means for receiving a network profile, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server By using the transmitted input device profile and the output device profile stored in the storage means, performing color correction processing on the image data transmitted from the network server, The gist of the invention is to provide a color correction unit for creating image data to be output.

In the network terminal having this configuration, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the profile for the input device can be received from the network server together with the image data obtained from the input device. The color correction processing can be performed on the network terminal side based on the input profile, the input device profile, and the image data.

For this reason, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server does not need to perform the color correction processing. Therefore, even if the image providing requests to a plurality of network terminals are overlapped, The load on the server does not become too large. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server.

[0035] In the network terminal of the present invention having the above configuration, the predetermined condition may be that the network terminal has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more.

According to this configuration, when the network terminal has a high processing capability, the color correction processing can be performed on the network terminal side. For this reason, even though the load of the network server is shifted to the network terminal side, the network terminal is not overloaded, so that the resources of the entire network system can be used efficiently.

In the network terminal of the present invention having the above configuration, the input device is a digital camera capable of taking a color image, and the profile for the input device is the same as that of the digital camera and the image data. It may be configured to be a profile including conversion data from a color space unique to an illumination condition to a reference color space.

In the case of a digital camera, an input device profile is not unique to an apparatus like an image scanner, but the color of an image largely depends on an illumination environment such as a light source. According to this configuration, since the profile for the input device is specific to the digital camera and its lighting conditions, it is also possible to perform color matching on image data captured by the digital camera.

[0039] In the network terminal of the present invention having the above configuration, the network server has a function as a world wide web server of a shopping site that provides product data, and the color image is:
It may be configured to be a product image corresponding to the product data.

According to this configuration, it is possible to support a shopping site.

The image data providing / reproducing method of the present invention
In a network in which a network server that stores image data of a color image obtained using an input device and a network terminal that has an output device capable of reproducing a color image are connected to each other, an image is sent from the network server to the network terminal. An image data providing / reproducing method for providing data and reproducing image data on said output device of said network terminal, wherein: (a) said network terminal provides a color reproduction characteristic and a reference color reproduction characteristic specific to said output device. And (b) converting the network server to perform conversion correction between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. Storing in advance a profile for an input device comprising data; Receiving the output device profile from the network terminal, and (d) the network server using the input device by using the stored input device profile and the received output device profile. (E) transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal; and (f) transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server prohibits execution of the step (d) and transmits the input device profile to the network terminal together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed. (G) when the network terminal satisfies the predetermined condition, By performing a color correction process on the image data sent from the network server using the input device profile sent from the input device profile and the output device profile stored in the step (a), And a step of creating image data to be output to an output device.

The image data providing / reproducing method having the above configuration is as follows.
It has the same operation and effect as the network system for performing color management according to the above invention, and can prevent the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server.

An image data providing method according to the present invention is connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image and includes a profile for an output device including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. Image data providing method for providing, via a network, image data of a color image obtained by using an input device to a network terminal that stores the image data. A step of storing in advance an input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting a reference color reproduction characteristic; (b) receiving the output device profile from the network terminal; and (c) storing the profile. Using the input device profile and the received output device profile, for the image data obtained using the input device And performing color correction processing, (d)
Transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal; and (e) prohibiting the execution of the step (c) when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Transmitting the input device profile to the network terminal together with the image data that has not been subjected to the color correction processing.

The image data providing method having the above configuration has the same operation and effect as the network server of the present invention, and prevents the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server. can do.

The image data receiving / reproducing method according to the present invention comprises:
An input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between a color reproduction characteristic unique to an input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic is stored, and image data of a color image obtained using the input device is provided. An image data receiving / reproducing method for receiving image data from a network server via a network and outputting the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, comprising: (a) a color reproduction characteristic and a reference unique to the output device; (B) storing in advance an output device profile including conversion data between color reproduction characteristics, and (b) receiving the input device profile from the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied; A) when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the input device profile sent from the network server and Performing a color correction process on the image data sent from the network server using the stored output device profile, thereby creating image data to be output to the output device. That is the gist of that.

The image data receiving / reproducing method having the above configuration is as follows.
It has the same operation and effect as the network terminal of the above invention, and can prevent the network server from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the network server.

The first recording medium of the present invention is for an output device connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image and having conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. A computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for providing image data of a color image obtained using an input device to a network terminal storing a profile via a network, comprising: A) a function of storing in advance an input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between the color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and the reference color reproduction characteristic; and (b) a profile for the output device from the network terminal. (C) using the stored input device profile and the received output device profile A function of performing color correction processing on image data obtained by using the input device; (d) a function of transmitting the image data having undergone the color correction processing to the network terminal; and (e) a predetermined condition. When established,
A function for prohibiting the execution of the function (c) and transmitting the input device profile to the network terminal together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed. The gist is a computer-readable recording medium on which the recording is performed.

By executing the computer program recorded on the first recording medium having the above configuration, the same operations and effects as those of the network server of the present invention and the image data providing method of the present invention are provided, and the network server is overloaded. As a result, it is possible to prevent delay in the provision of image data from the network server.

The second recording medium of the present invention stores an input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and stores the input device profile. Computer readable recording of a computer program for receiving image data via a network from a network server providing image data of a color image obtained using the network, and outputting the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image (A) a function of storing in advance an output device profile including conversion data between the color reproduction characteristics specific to the output device and the reference color reproduction characteristics, and (b) a predetermined condition being satisfied. When receiving the input device profile from the network server, and (c) when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The color correction process is performed on the image data sent from the network server using the input device profile sent from the network server and the output device profile stored by the function (a). The gist of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program for causing a computer to realize the function of creating image data to be output to the output device.

By executing the computer program recorded on the second recording medium having the above-described configuration, the network server according to the present invention and the image data receiving / reproducing method according to the present invention have the same functions and effects as those of the network server. It is possible to prevent a delay in provision of image data from the network server due to a load.

[0051]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention includes the following other embodiments. The first aspect is an aspect as a computer program having the same function as that of the recording medium of the present invention. The second aspect is an aspect as a program supply device that supplies the computer program via a communication path. In the second aspect, the above-described apparatus and method are realized by placing a computer program on a server or the like on a computer network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program. Can be.

[0052]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on examples. This description is divided into the following items. 1. 1. Overall system configuration Preparation work 3. 3. Computer processing on server and client Modified example

1. Overall system configuration: The network system of this embodiment uses the Internet. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a network system as one embodiment. As shown
The network system of this embodiment is the Internet 1
The image server 30 includes a WWW (World Wide Web) server 20 and an image server 30 connected to the Internet. Internet 10
A personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) 40 as a network terminal (hereinafter, referred to as a client) and a game machine 50 that can be connected to the PC.

The WWW server 20 has a CPU, ROM, R
It comprises a well-known computer having an AM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a network control circuit and the like, and provides a Web site of a shopping mall. This Web site uses HTML (Hyper Text Marku
p Language) is provided as display data.

The image server 30 has a CPU, ROM, RA
M, a hard disk drive (HDD), a well-known computer having a network control circuit, and the like, and provides color image data of products used on the Web site of the shopping mall.

The personal computer 40 has a CPU, ROM, RA
M, a hard disk drive (HDD), a known computer having a network control circuit, and the like, and a CRT display (hereinafter simply referred to as a display) 41 as a peripheral device and a printer 42 are connected. The HDD stores computer software of a Web browser. The personal computer 40 executes the computer software of the Web browser and accesses the WWW server 20 by specifying the URL of the Web site of the shopping mall from the Web browser. Then, an image indicated by the display data provided by the WWW server 20 and the image data of the product provided by the image server 30 is displayed on the display 41.

The game machine 50 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
M, a so-called low-function computer comprising a network control circuit, etc.
1 is connected. The ROM stores computer software of a Web browser. The game machine 50 executes the computer software of the web browser, and specifies the URL of the website of the shopping mall from the web browser,
Access the WWW server 20. And WWW
An image represented by the display data provided by the server 20 and the image data of the product provided by the image server 30 is displayed on the television monitor 51.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the personal computer 40 sends the WWW server 2
FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing an operation state of the network system when accessing a Web site provided by the network system 0. As shown in the figure, the URL of the Web site of the shopping mall is specified from the personal computer 40 and the WW
When the W server 20 is accessed, the WWW server 20
Transmits the display data using the HTML of the website to the personal computer 40 of the service providing destination, and transmits a product image providing request to the image server 30. Generally, display data using HTML provided from a WWW server includes all information constituting a page of a Web site, such as text, images, and multimedia files. In this embodiment, a shopping mall is used. Does not include information about the image of the product included in the page of the Web site. Instead, the WWW server 20 sends a product image providing request to the image server 30 for each product image. The display data sent to the personal computer 40 is sent to the display 41 by a function (not shown) of the personal computer 40.

Upon receiving the product image providing request sent from the WWW server 20, the image server 30 provides the personal computer 40 with the image data of the product specified by the request. When the number of product image providing requests is plural, image data of a plurality of products specified by each request is provided. The image server 30 includes an image data storage unit 31, an input device profile storage unit 32, and a first transmission unit 33 in order to realize a function of providing image data of the product. The image data storage unit 31 stores in advance image data of the product obtained by a digital camera (not shown). The input device profile storage unit 32 stores in advance a collection of data called a profile (hereinafter, referred to as an input device profile). The input device profile includes a digital camera and a conversion table from a color space (color space) specific to the same lighting conditions as the shooting using the digital camera to a standard color space. The image data and the input device profile stored in the two storage units 31 and 32 are transmitted to the personal computer 40 via the Internet 10 by the first transmission unit 33.

The personal computer 40 includes a first receiving unit 45, a first output device profile storage unit 46, a color matching unit 47, and a first output unit 45 for realizing a function of displaying image data provided from the image server 30. An output unit 48 is provided. The first receiving unit 45 receives the image data and the profile for the input device sent from the image server 30. The first output device profile storage unit 46 stores a profile (hereinafter, referred to as a first output device profile). This profile for the first output device is:
It is provided with a conversion table from a standard color space to a color space unique to the display 41. Using the profile for the first output device and the profile for the input device received by the first receiving unit 45, the color matching unit 47 performs color correction processing (that is, color matching processing) on the image data received in the same manner. Do. After that, the color matching-processed image data is output to the display 41 by the first output unit 48.

As a result, the display 41 connected to the personal computer 40 displays an image represented by the display data provided by the WWW server 20 and the image data of the product provided by the image server 30. .

FIG. 3 shows that the game machine 50 sends the WWW server 2
FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing an operation state of the network system when accessing a Web site provided by the network system 0. As shown in the figure, the URL of the Web site of the shopping mall is designated from the game machine 50 and the WW
When the W server 20 is accessed, the WWW server 20
Transmits the display data using HTML of the website to the game machine 50 of the service providing destination, and transmits a product image providing request to the image server 30. The display data sent to the game machine 50 is sent to the television monitor 51 by a function (not shown) of the game machine 50.

Upon receiving the product image providing request from the WWW server 20, the image server 30 provides the game machine 50 with the image data of the product specified by the request. The image server 30 includes, in addition to the image data storage unit 31 and the input device profile storage unit 32 described above, a reception unit 34, a color matching unit 35, And a transmission unit 36. The second output device profile (described later) sent from the game device 50 is received by the receiving unit 34, and the second output device profile and the input device profile stored in the input device profile storage unit 32 are stored. The color matching unit 35 performs a color correction process (ie, a color matching process) on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 31 using the profile. After that, the color matching-processed image data is transmitted to the game machine 50 via the Internet 10 by the second transmission unit 36.

The game machine 50 includes a second receiving section 55 and a second output section 56 for displaying the image data provided from the image server 30 on the television monitor 51. The color matching-processed image data sent from the image server 30 via the Internet is received by the second receiving unit 55, and the image data is directly received by the second receiving unit 55.
The output is output to the television monitor 51 by the output unit 56. In addition,
The game device 50 further includes a second output device profile storage unit 57 and a transmission unit 58. The second output unit profile storage unit 57 stores a profile (referred to as a second output unit profile). The profile for the second output device includes a conversion table from a standard color space to a color space unique to the television monitor 51. The transmitting section 58 transmits the second output device profile to the image server 30.

As a result, an image indicated by the display data provided by the WWW server 20 and the image data of the product provided by the image server 30 is displayed on the television monitor 51 connected to the game machine 50. Is displayed.

In the network system of this embodiment,
When the service providing destination of the Web site is the personal computer 40, the function of the image server 30 is switched to the first operation state described with reference to FIG. 2. When the service providing destination is the game machine 50, FIG. By switching to the second operation state described above, the display of the image data portion of the product included in the Web site is performed.
Each of the storage units 31, 32, and 57 in each of the functional blocks shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a RAM, an HDD, and the like. It is composed of each CPU in the server 30, the personal computer 40 and the game machine 50 and a computer program for causing each CPU to execute a predetermined process. It should be noted that each functional block may be constituted by a discrete electronic circuit so as to be constituted by hardware.

Each of the computer programs is installed on the image server 30, the personal computer 40, and the game machine 50 from a recording medium by activating a predetermined installation program. Note that the recording medium is stored in a portable recording medium (portable recording medium) such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, magneto-optical disk, or IC card. This computer program is obtained by downloading program data provided via a computer network from a specific server connected to a computer network (for example, the Internet 10) and transferring the program data to a RAM or a hard disk. You can also.

2. Preparation work: In this network system, the input device profile is previously stored in the input device profile storage unit 32 of the image server 30 as described above. The procedure for creating the input device profile will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating an input device profile. As shown, first, a digital camera, a light source, and a color chart are prepared (step S1). The color chart is, for example,
ANSI (American Standards Institute) Technical Committee IT8 SC4
What is called IT8 standardized in the above is used. Next, a color chart is photographed with a digital camera (step S2). In this photographing, the color chart is photographed under the same lighting conditions as when photographing a product included in the Web site. Next, from the captured color chart image, color information (R
(GB value) (step S3).

In the color chart, since the original color information (standard color information) of the color batch is prepared in advance by the manufacturer, the standard color information is obtained (step S4). As a result of steps S3 and S4, the RAM of the image server 30 stores the color information obtained in step S3 and the color information (RGB values) for each of the RGB colors for the standard color information obtained in step S4. Will be. Next, data indicating the correspondence between the color information acquired in step S3 and the original color information is created (step S3).
5). In the case of IT8, only information on the correspondence of 928 colors, which is the number of colors of a color patch, can be obtained.
In this step S5, the value of the color in the portion not included in the color patch is estimated by the interpolation operation between the colors, and data indicating a sufficient number of colors is created. Thereafter, from the data indicating the correspondence, a look-up table is created that indicates the digital camera, the lighting conditions for shooting with the digital camera, and the conversion from a unique color space to a standard color space (step S6).

Thereafter, the lookup table is stored in an IC
The image server 30 is used as an ICC profile in a format specified by the International Color Consortium (C).
Is stored in the input device profile storage unit 32 (step S
7). This ICC profile corresponds to the input device profile described above.

The procedure for creating an input device profile is to create an input device profile for one product. When there are a plurality of products and the lighting conditions at the time of shooting are different, it is necessary to create an input device profile for each product individually. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the image data of one or a plurality of products is stored in the image data storage unit 31 of the image server 30,
The input device profile storage unit 32 stores the same number of input device profiles as the image data, which individually correspond to each image data. The correspondence between the image data and the input device profile is clearly associated with each other by a pointer or the like.

In this embodiment, the color chart is photographed separately from the product under the same lighting conditions as when the product was photographed. However, as shown in FIG. Take a color chart with a digital camera,
An image portion of a product and a portion of a color chart may be extracted from the obtained image, and the image of the color chart may be used in the processes after step 3. According to this configuration, it is easy to photograph the color chart under the same lighting conditions as when photographing the product.

Next, another embodiment of the procedure for creating the input device profile will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating an input device profile according to another aspect. The procedure of this other embodiment is the same in steps S1 to S4 as compared with the procedure shown in FIG. 4, and the processing of the subsequent steps is different. In this other aspect, following the step S4, a process of creating a histogram of the density distribution for each of the RGB from the color information (RGB values) acquired in the step S3 is performed (step 10). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a histogram for each RGB created in the step 10. As shown in the figure, the histogram is represented by the density on the horizontal axis and the frequency of occurrence on the vertical axis.

As shown in FIG. 6, thereafter, a process of creating a density distribution histogram for each of RGB from the standard color information (RGB values) obtained in step 4 is performed (step 1).
1). This histogram, like the histogram created in step 10, is represented by the density on the horizontal axis and the frequency of occurrence on the vertical axis. Subsequently, a comparison is made between the histogram created in step 10 and the histogram created in step 11 to create a look-up table indicating a conversion such that the former is similar to the latter histogram (step 12). Thereafter, the look-up table is stored in the RAM of the image server 30 as an ICC profile in a format defined by the ICC (step S13).

Note that steps 10 to S13 are realized by the CPU of the image server 30 and a computer program executed by the CPU. Therefore,
In the procedure for creating a profile for an input device according to this aspect, the image server 30 automatically generates a digital camera and a profile for the input device specific to the same lighting conditions as when the digital camera shoots, from the specific image data of the color chart. Can be created in a typical way.

3. 8 to 13 show WWW server 20, image server 30, client (PC 40, game machine 5)
3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine executed by each CPU of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, when the process is started, the CPU of the client performs a process of starting a Web browser in accordance with a work instruction by a worker using a mouse (step S100). Then, according to a work command by a worker using a mouse and a keyboard, W
The WWW server 20 is accessed by specifying the URL of the Web site of the shopping mall from the web browser (step S102).

When the processing is started, the CPU of the WWW server 20 determines whether or not there is access from the personal computer 40 or the game machine 50 as a client (step S200). Here, it is determined that there is no access. Then, the CPU repeats the process of step S200 and waits for an access. On the other hand, step S200
When it is determined that there is an access, the CPU first transmits a request for creating an image display environment to the image server 30 (step S202). The request for creating an image display environment is a command requesting to create an environment for displaying a product image.

When the processing is started, the CPU of the image server 30 first receives an image display environment creation request sent from the WWW server 20 (step S30).
0). Next, the CPU transmits the Cookie information to the client (step S302).

The CPU of the client is the image server 30
Receives the Cookie sent from (step S
104), a process for creating an output device profile is performed (step S106). This profile for the output device is transmitted to the client (the personal computer 40 or the game device 50).
(Here, the output device is a display device that displays an image and is the display 41 or the television monitor 51). The output device includes a conversion table from a color space specific to a standard color space to an output device. ,
When the client is the personal computer 40, the client device corresponds to the first output device profile, and the client
In the case of 0, it corresponds to the second output device profile.

In step S106, the client C
The PU examines the characteristics of the display 41 or the television monitor 51, creates a conversion table for a standard color space known in advance, and converts the conversion table into an ICC profile in a format specified by the ICC.
And the like. This ICC profile is the output device profile. After that, the output device profile is written in the Cookie received in step S104 (step S108). Step S106
The processing in step S108 is executed at the time of the first processing after the model of the output device is changed, and the processing of steps S106 and S108 is skipped in the processing of the second and subsequent times. The Cookie that has been written at the time of the first processing is used as it is. It should be noted that whether or not the model of the output device has been changed may be based on an instruction from a worker using a mouse or a keyboard, or may be automatically determined by looking at the connected output device. It may be.

As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU of the client
Then, the environment variable indicating at least the type of the client OS and the browser is transmitted to the WWW server 20 (step S110).

Subsequently, the CPU of the image server 30 receives the environment variables sent from the client (step S304). Thereafter, the CPU executes a client ability determination routine for determining whether or not the client has the ability to perform color matching processing based on the environment variables (step S306).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the client ability determination routine. As shown in the figure, when the processing shifts to this ability determination routine, the CPU of the image server 30 first includes a Windows (registered trademark) or Mac (registered trademark) OS as the OS based on the environment variables. It is determined whether or not there is (step S400). Here, when a negative determination is made, the client does not have the ability to perform the color matching process, and determines “processing impossible” (step S402). On the other hand, in step S400, Windows
When it is determined that ws or MacOS is included, the CPU determines whether or not the client includes Microsoft Internet Explorer (hereinafter referred to as MSIE) as a browser based on the environment variables (step S1). S404).

If it is determined in step S404 that MSIE is included, the CPU determines that the client has the capability of performing color matching processing and determines that "processing is possible" (step S406). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S404 that MSIE is not included, the CPU determines that the client does not have the ability to perform the color matching process as “process unknown” (step S408). . When the processing in step S402, S406, or S408 is completed, the process exits to “Return” and proceeds to step S308.
(FIG. 9). When the process proceeds to step S308, the CPU of the image server 30 transmits the determination result of step S306 to the client (step S30).
8).

That is, in the client ability determination routine, the client determines whether the client is Windows or Mac.
If a high-level OS such as an OS is not installed, the client does not have the ability to perform the matching process and determines that the processing cannot be performed.
In the case where the client has the SIE, it is determined whether or not the MSIE is installed. Only when it is determined that the MSIE is installed, the client has the ability to perform the color matching process. Defined as "processable". On the other hand, if a high-level OS such as Windows or MacOS is installed, but the MSIE is not installed, it is determined that the client does not have the ability to perform color matching processing and it is determined as “processing unknown”. ing. This is because when the MSIE is installed, it has a sufficiently high processing capability necessary for performing the color matching process.
This is because if the SIE is not mounted, the capability may be insufficient when performing color matching.

Returning to FIG. 9, the CPU of the client subsequently receives the determination result sent from the image server 30 (step S112). Thereafter, a process for displaying a window WD for setting a matching process for setting which side of the client or the server performs the color matching process on the display 41 or the television monitor 51 is performed (step S114).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a window WD for setting a matching process. As shown in the figure, radio buttons BT1 and BT2 for selectively selecting a side on which color matching processing is to be performed between a client and a server are provided in a window WD for setting a matching processing.
Is provided. Note that both radio buttons BT1, BT
2 defaults to the image server 30 in step S112.
It is determined according to the determination result received from. That is, when the determination result is “processable”, the radio button BT1 of “client (recommended)” is selected as a default, while the determination result is “processing impossible” or “processing unknown”. In some cases, the "server" radio button BT1 is selected as a default.

The operator clicks radio buttons BT1 and BT2 in the matching processing setting window WD with a mouse to select whether to perform color matching processing on the client or the server. can do. In this embodiment, if the determination result received from the image server 30 in step S112 is “processing impossible”, the radio button BT1 of “client (recommended)” cannot be selected. It is configured.

Returning to FIG. 9, when the window WD is displayed in step S114, the CPU of the client thereafter sets the radio buttons BT1, B
A mouse operation command for selecting T2 is read, and it is set whether the side on which color matching processing is performed is a client or a server (step S116). Then, the CPU of the client transmits the result of the setting to the image server 30 (step S118), and transmits a shopping catalog display request to the WWW server 20 (step S120). The shopping catalog display request is a command for requesting the WWW server 20 to provide a service for displaying a shopping catalog.

On the other hand, the CPU of the image server 30 receives the setting result sent from the client (step S310).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU of the WWW server 20 receives the shopping catalog display request sent from the client (step S).
204). Next, display data using HTML is transmitted to the personal computer 40 or the game machine 50 as a client (step S206). Note that the display data does not include the image data of the product included in the Web page, as described above. Then, W
The CPU of the WW server 20 sends an
A product image providing request for each image is transmitted (step S208). Thereafter, the CPU proceeds with the process to “return”, and ends this processing routine once.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU of the image server 30 receives all the product image providing requests sent from the WWW server 20 (step S3).
12). Subsequently, the CPU sequentially retrieves one product image providing request from all the product image providing requests received in step S206, and converts the image data designated by the one product image providing request into RA data.
The image data is read from the image data storage unit 31 composed of M, HDD and the like (step S314). Then the CPU
Determines whether the setting result received from the client in step S310 (FIG. 9) is a client or a server that performs color matching processing (step S316). Here, if it is determined that the image data is on the client side, the image data read in step S314 and the image data prepared in the input device profile storage unit 32 including the RAM and HDD of the image server 30 are stored. And the input device profile associated therewith is transmitted to the client of the service providing destination (step S318). Here, it is assumed that the client is the personal computer 40.

After that, the CPU of the personal computer 40
The display data transmitted from the server 20 is received (step S122), and the display data is output to the display 41 (step S124). Subsequently, it receives the image data and the input device profile sent from the image server 30 (step S126).

Subsequently, the CPU of the personal computer 40 outputs the profile for the output device (the profile for the first output device in the case of the personal computer 40) stored as the cookie in step S108 and the profile for the input device received in step S126. , A color matching process is performed on the image data also received in step S126 (step S128). FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mechanism of the color matching process. As shown in the figure, image data of a product photographed by the digital camera DC was converted from a color space specific to the digital camera and the lighting conditions at the time of photographing to a standard color space by a color matching process using an input device profile. Convert to image data. Thereafter, the converted image data is converted from a standard color space to image data conforming to a color space unique to the display 41 by a color matching process using an output device profile.

For this reason, all color exchanges from the digital camera DC to the display 41 are performed via a device-independent standard color space. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce on the display 41 an image that accurately reflects the color and brightness of a product to be photographed by the digital camera.

Thereafter, the CPU of the personal computer 40 outputs the image data subjected to the matching processing in step S128 to the display 41 (step S130). continue,
The CPU determines whether or not the image data and the input device profile received in step S126 are final (step S132). If it is determined that the received profile is not final, the process proceeds to step S126. The process is returned to receive the next image data and the input device profile. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that the processing is final, the CPU proceeds to “return” and temporarily ends the processing routine.

After the execution of step S318, the CPU of the image server 30 advances the process to step S320, and determines whether or not the image data read in step S314 is final (step S320). If it is determined that it is not the last one, step S31
Then, the process returns to 4 to read out the next image data according to the product image providing request. On the other hand, step S32
If the CPU is determined to be final at 0, the CPU
The process proceeds to "return", and this processing routine is temporarily ended.

On the other hand, when the client to which the service is provided is the game machine 50, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU of the game machine 50 executes steps S122 and S124, which are the same as the processing on the personal computer 40 side, and then executes step S122. S10
8 in which the profile for the output device (for the game device 50, the profile for the second output device described above) is written.
ie is transmitted (step S150).

Thereafter, the CPU of the image server 30 receives the Cookie in which the profile for the second output device sent from the game device 50 is written (step S32).
2). Subsequently, the CPU performs a color matching process on the image data read in step S314 (step S324). The color matching process includes an input device profile associated with the image data prepared in the input device profile storage unit 32 including the RAM, the HDD, and the like of the image server 30;
The process is based on the output device profile written in the cookie received in step S322 and is the same as the process in step S128 described above, that is, the process of the mechanism shown in FIG. 15 (the display 41 in FIG. (Instead of the monitor 51).

Thereafter, the CPU of the image server 30 transmits the color-matched image data to the game device 50 as the client to which the service is to be provided (step S326). After that, the CPU proceeds to FIG.
The process proceeds to step S320.

Returning to FIG. 13, the CPU of the game machine 50
After the execution of step S150, the matching-processed image data sent from the game machine 50 is received (step S152), and the matching-processed image data is output to the television monitor 51 (step S154).
Subsequently, the CPU determines whether or not the image data received in step S152 is the final image data (step S156). If it is determined that the image data is not the final image data, the CPU proceeds to step S152. Then, the next image data and the profile for the input device are received. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S156 that the processing is final, the CPU proceeds to “return” and temporarily ends the processing routine.

The printing routine executed by the CPU of the personal computer 40 will be described below. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing this printing routine. This print routine executes a browser and displays a Web page including an image of a product on the display 41 by the processing of FIGS. 8 to 13 described above, and issues an instruction to print the displayed Web page. This is executed when output is performed in accordance with an operation performed by the operator using a mouse or the like.

As shown in the figure, when a command to print is issued and the processing is started, first, the CP of the personal computer 40 is started.
U determines whether or not printing from the printer 42 at the printing destination set in the printer properties is the first time (step S400). If it is determined that this is the first time, a process for creating a profile for the printer 42 is performed (step S410). This printer profile is converted from the standard color space to the printer 4.
2 is provided with a conversion table for conversion into a color space unique to 2. In step S410, the CP of the personal computer 40
U examines the characteristics of the printer 42, creates a conversion table for a known standard color space, and stores the conversion table in a memory such as a RAM as an ICC profile in a format specified by the ICC. This I
The CC profile is a printer profile.

If it is determined in step S400 that the process is not the first time, the process for creating a printer profile in step S410 is not performed, and the first created printer profile is used as it is. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S420, and a color matching process is performed on the image data also received in step S126 using the printer profile and the input device profile received in step S126 (step S420). ). This color matching process
The same processing as in step S128 described above, that is, FIG.
(Display 41 in FIG. 15)
(Instead of the printer 42).

Thereafter, the CPU of the personal computer 40 checks the color-matched image data with the image data of step S1.
At step S22, print page data is created from the display image data received from the WWW server 20 (step S4).
30), and outputs the print page data to the printer 42 (step S440). Thereafter, the processing of this printing routine is terminated.

According to the network system of this embodiment configured as described above, the image server 30 is connected to the game machine 50 having a low processing capacity.
In the case of, the profile for the second output device is received from the game machine 50, and the color matching processing is performed on the image server 30 based on the image data, the profile for the second output device, and the profile for the input device stored therein. Perform on the side. On the other hand, if the accessing client is a personal computer 40 having a high processing capability that is at least high enough to perform the color matching process, the image server 30
Transmits the image data to the personal computer 40 together with the input device profile without performing the color matching process. The personal computer 40 performs a color matching process on the personal computer 40 side based on the first output device profile, the input device profile, and the image data stored therein.

For this reason, when the accessing client is the personal computer 40 having a high processing capability, the image server 30 does not need to perform the color matching process. Even when the requests overlap, the load on the image server 30 does not become too large. For this,
It is possible to prevent the image server 30 from being overloaded and delaying the provision of image data from the image server 30.

If the client has a high processing capability as described above, the color matching processing can be performed on the client side. For this reason, even though the load of the image server 30 is shifted to the client side, the client is not overloaded, so that the resources of the entire network system can be efficiently used.

Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the client has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more.
This is performed based on the type of OS and application programs installed in the client. For this,
It is possible to easily determine the level of the processing capability of the client.

In this embodiment, when it is determined that the client has a high processing capability, the client operator performs the color matching processing using the matching processing setting window WD displayed on the display 41. The performer can be set in the server. For this reason, if the operator determines that he does not want to perform the color correction processing on the network terminal side even if the network terminal has a high processing capacity, the operator can switch the color matching processing to the network server side. Because it is possible, it is possible to meet the demands of workers.

Further, in this embodiment, the personal computer 40
When printing a Web page including an image of a product displayed on a screen, color matching is performed again using the image data received from the image server 30 and the profile for the input device at the time of displaying the Web page. Printer 42
You can also match the color. Therefore, the correct color can be reproduced even if the image data is output to any device by the personal computer 40.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the WWW server 2
Since the function of providing the image data of the color image of the product is separated from the image server 30 from 0, the individual loads on the WWW server 20 and the image server 30 can be further reduced. .

4. Modification: Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the profile is based on the standard color space. Alternatively, in order to simulate the appearance in the specific output environment, a specific output environment (for example, a printing company) is used. , A specific color output from a large-size printing press may be used as a reference color via a color space of the specific color.

(2) In the above embodiment, the WWW server 20
Has been configured to separate the function of providing the color image data of the product into the image server 30. Instead, the function of providing the color image data of the product to the WWW server 20 is provided. It is also possible to adopt a configuration having

(3) In the above embodiment, the network server and the network terminal are connected via the Internet. Alternatively, the network server and the network terminal may be connected via another network such as a dedicated line. it can.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the personal computer 40 and the game machine 50 are used as the network terminals. Instead, any device that can be connected to the Internet 10 may be used. For example,
WebTV or the like may be used.

(5) In the above embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the client has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more is made based on the type of the OS and the application program installed in the client. Alternatively, for example, if the model has an ActiveX component, information such as the CPU of the client may be acquired from the ActiveX component, and the processing capability may be determined from the acquired result. Further, instead of the configuration for automatically reading the environment information of the network terminal, the configuration may be such that the processing capability is determined based on a manual operation command from the network terminal by the user.

(6) In the above embodiment, the color matching process is switched to the client side when the client has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more. Instead, the color matching process is simply performed based on the instruction from the worker. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which switching is performed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, it can be implemented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system as one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing an operation state of the network system when a personal computer 40 accesses a Web site provided by a WWW server 20.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing an operation state of the network system when accessing a Web site provided by WWW server 20 from game machine 50.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for creating an input device profile.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating that a color chart is photographed with a digital camera together with a product when a profile for an input device is created.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a procedure for creating a profile for an input device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a density part distribution histogram for each of RGB.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first part of a processing routine executed by each CPU of the WWW server 20, the image server 30, and the client (the personal computer 40, the game machine 50).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the next part of a processing routine executed by each CPU of the image server 30 and the client.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of a client ability determination routine executed by the CPU of the image server 30;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the next part of the processing routine executed by the CPU of the WWW server 20;

FIG. 12 shows an image server 30 and a client (PC 4).
11 is a flowchart showing the next part of the processing routine executed by each CPU in (0).

FIG. 13 shows an image server 30 and a client (game machine 5).
11 is a flowchart showing the next part of the processing routine executed by each CPU in (0).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a window WD for setting a matching process;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mechanism of a color matching process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a printing routine executed by the CPU of the personal computer 40.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Internet 20 ... WWW server 30 ... Image server 31 ... Image data storage part 32 ... Input device profile storage part 33 ... First transmission part 34 ... Reception part 35 ... Color matching part 36 ... Second transmission part 40 ... PC 41 ... Display 42 ... Printer 45 ... First receiving unit 46 ... First output device profile storage unit 47 ... Color matching unit 48 ... First output unit 50 ... Game machine 51 ... TV monitor 55 ... Second receiving unit 56 ... Second Output unit 57: Profile storage unit for second output unit 58: Transmission unit BT1: Radio button BT2: Radio button DC: Digital camera WD: Matching processing setting window

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasushi Hiraoka 2-27, Chuo 2-chome, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano F-term in AI Software Co., Ltd. 5B057 AA11 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE16 CH12 CH18 5C077 LL18 MP08 PP37 PP66 PP71 PQ19 PQ22 PQ23 SS05 TT09 5C079 HA02 LA01 LB02 MA01 MA11 MA19 NA03 NA13 PA00 PA03

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A network server for providing image data of a color image obtained by using an input device, receiving image data from the network server via a network, and outputting the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image. In a network system comprising: a network terminal that outputs data; the network terminal comprises: a storage unit that stores an output device profile including conversion data between the output device-specific color reproduction characteristics and a reference color reproduction characteristic; A network server configured to store a profile for an input device including conversion data for performing conversion correction between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic; and the output from the storage unit of the network terminal. Receiving means for receiving a device profile, and the stored input Color correction means for performing color correction processing on image data obtained using the input device, using the input device profile and the received output device profile, and transmitting the color corrected image data to the network. A transmission unit for transmitting to the terminal, further comprising: when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the network server prohibits the execution of the color correction unit, and the transmission unit performs the color correction process. A control unit for transmitting the input device profile together with the image data, wherein the network terminal transmits the input device profile and the storage unit transmitted from the network server when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Using the stored output device profile, the image data sent from the network server By performing the correction processing, the network system for performing color management, characterized by having the color correction means for creating image data to be output to the output device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the network terminal has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more.
A network system for performing the color management according to claim 1. 3. The network system for performing color management according to claim 2, wherein the network terminal includes environment information reading means for reading environment information capable of determining a processing capability, and the network server and the network terminal. One of the above, from the environment information read by the environment information reading means,
A network for performing color management, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether the network terminal has a processing capability higher than a predetermined level; and a unit configured to transmit the determination result to the other of the network server and the network terminal. system. 4. A system according to claim 3, further comprising means for receiving an operation command from an operator when the result of the determination by said determination means is a high processing capability, and switching the result of the determination in accordance with the operation instruction. A network system for performing the color management described in 1. 5. The input device is a digital camera capable of photographing a color image, and the input device profile is obtained from a color space unique to the same lighting conditions as the digital camera and the same photographing conditions as for the image data. The network system for performing color management according to claim 1, wherein the network system is a profile including data converted to a reference color space. 6. The network server according to claim 1, wherein the network server has a function as a world wide web server of a shopping site that provides product data, and the color image is a product image corresponding to the product data. 6. A network system for performing color management according to claim 5. 7. A network system for performing color management according to claim 1, wherein said network system is connected to the Internet, and receives a request from said network terminal to transmit information of a predetermined website. A world wide web server for providing to the network terminal, wherein the network server is configured to provide the image data to the network terminal when receiving a request for providing an image from the world wide web server. A network system that performs color management. 8. A network which is connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image and has storage means for storing an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. A network server for providing, via a network, image data of a color image obtained using an input device to a terminal, wherein a conversion between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic is performed. Storage means for storing an input device profile including conversion data for correction; receiving means for receiving the output device profile from the storage means of the network terminal; and storing the stored input device profile and the received output. Color correction for performing color correction processing on image data obtained using the input device, using a device profile Means for transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal, and further comprising: when a predetermined condition is satisfied, prohibiting execution of the color correction means, And a control unit for transmitting the input device profile together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed. 9. The predetermined condition is that the network terminal has a high processing capability equal to or higher than a predetermined level.
A network server that performs the color management according to claim 8. 10. The input device is a digital camera capable of taking a color image, and the input device profile is obtained from a color space specific to the same lighting conditions as the digital camera and the same lighting conditions as the shooting of the image data. The network server according to claim 8, wherein the profile is a profile including data converted to a reference color space. 11. The product according to claim 8, further comprising a function as a world wide web server for a shopping site that provides product data, and wherein the color image is a product image corresponding to the product data. A network server according to. 12. A storage device for storing an input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting between a color reproduction characteristic unique to an input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and obtained by using the input device. A network terminal that receives the image data via a network from a network server that provides image data of the color image, and outputs the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, wherein the output device-specific color Storage means for storing an output device profile including conversion data between a reproduction characteristic and a reference color reproduction characteristic; and reception of receiving the input device profile from the storage means of the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Means, and a processor for the input device sent from the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied. By performing a color correction process on the image data sent from the network server using the file and the output device profile stored in the storage unit, image data to be output to the output device is obtained. A network terminal, comprising: a color correction unit that creates the color correction unit. 13. The network terminal according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined condition is that the network terminal has a high processing capability of a predetermined level or more. 14. The input device is a digital camera capable of photographing a color image, and the profile for the input device is obtained from a color space specific to the same lighting condition as that for photographing the digital camera and the image data. 14. The network terminal according to claim 12, wherein the network terminal is a profile including conversion data to a reference color space. 15. The product according to claim 12, wherein the network server has a function as a world wide web server of a shopping site that provides product data, and the color image is a product image corresponding to the product data. A network terminal according to any one of claims 14 to 14. 16. In a network in which a network server that stores image data of a color image obtained using an input device and a network terminal that has an output device capable of reproducing a color image are connected to each other, An image data providing / reproducing method for providing image data to the network terminal and reproducing the image data on the output device of the network terminal, wherein (a) the network terminal has a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device. And a step of storing in advance an output device profile including conversion data between the reference color reproduction characteristics,
(B) a step in which the network server previously stores an input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic; and (c) the network server. A server receiving the output device profile from the network terminal; and (d) the network server using the stored input device profile and the received output device profile to connect the input device. Performing a color correction process on the image data obtained by using the
(E) the network server transmits the color-corrected image data to the network terminal; and (f) the network server executes the step (b) when a predetermined condition is satisfied. (d) prohibiting the execution of d) and transmitting the input device profile to the network terminal together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed; and (g) determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, the image data sent from the network server is color-coded using the input device profile sent from the network server and the output device profile stored in the step (a). Creating image data to be output to the output device by performing a correction process. Image data providing and reproducible way. 17. A network terminal connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image and storing an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. An image data providing method for providing image data of a color image obtained using an input device via a network,
(A) a step of storing in advance an input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between the color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic; and (b) the output terminal from the network terminal. And (c) performing a color correction process on the image data obtained by using the input device, using the stored input device profile and the received output device profile. And (d) transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal.
(E) When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the execution of the step (c) is prohibited, and the input device profile is transmitted to the network terminal together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed. A method of providing image data, comprising: 18. An input device profile including conversion data for performing conversion correction between a color reproduction characteristic unique to an input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and a color image obtained using the input device. An image data receiving / reproducing method for receiving image data via a network from a network server providing image data, and outputting the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image,
(A) a step of storing in advance an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and (b) the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied. (C) receiving the input device profile sent from the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the output device profile stored in the step (a). And performing a color correction process on the image data sent from the network server, thereby creating image data to be output to the output device. Reception and reproduction method. 19. A network terminal connected to an output device capable of reproducing a color image and storing an output device profile including conversion data between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the output device and a reference color reproduction characteristic. A computer-readable recording medium which records a computer program for providing image data of a color image obtained using an input device via a network,
(A) a function of storing in advance an input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting between a color reproduction characteristic unique to the input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic; (C) using the stored input device profile and the received output device profile to perform color correction processing on image data obtained using the input device. (E) transmitting the color-corrected image data to the network terminal;
A function of prohibiting the execution of the function (c) when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and transmitting the input device profile to the network terminal together with the image data on which the color correction processing has not been performed. A computer-readable recording medium that records a computer program to be realized by a computer. 20. An input device profile including conversion data for converting and correcting between a color reproduction characteristic unique to an input device and a reference color reproduction characteristic, and a color image obtained by using the input device. A computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for receiving image data from a network server that provides image data via a network and outputting the image data to an output device capable of reproducing a color image, comprising: a)
A function of storing in advance an output device profile including conversion data between the color reproduction characteristics specific to the output device and the reference color reproduction characteristics; and (b) inputting the input from the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied. A function for receiving a device profile, and (c) an input device profile sent from the network server when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and an output device profile stored by the function (a). A computer recording a computer program for realizing a function of creating image data to be output to the output device by performing a color correction process on image data sent from the network server. A readable recording medium.