JP2002290760A - Image data generation device, image processor, image processing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the regeneration of gradation from lowering even in the case that the gradation of a recorded image is increased. SOLUTION: When image data GD obtained by an imaging element 101 are recorded on a record medium 109, conversion information CD is generated in the case that image conversion lowering gradation by performing image analysis is performed, and the image data GD without performing the image conversion and the conversion information CD are related to each other to be recorded on the record medium 109.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data generating apparatus for generating image data, such as a digital camera or a scanner, an image processing apparatus for performing image processing on image data generated by the image data generating apparatus, and the like. The present invention relates to an image processing system including an image data generation device and an image processing device, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image data generating apparatus such as a digital camera or a scanner, image data relating to a color image is generated by photoelectrically converting light from an object. Such an apparatus is configured to record or output the generated image data as digital data.

Further, by inputting image data obtained by an image data generating device to a computer and performing image processing by the computer, a color image obtained by the image data generating device can be processed according to the user's preference. Has also been practiced.

[0004]

However, since the image data is digital data, there is no problem if the image data is used as it is, but image processing for increasing the number of gradations of the image data is not performed. If a new original image data is to be created by doing so, there is a problem that bit omission occurs and the reproducibility of gradation is remarkably deteriorated.

For example, in an image data generating device such as a digital camera, a variable gain amplifier is provided for each color component of a color image obtained as a result of photographing to adjust the white balance of the color image. When an image is taken under tungsten light using this digital camera, the amount of light component incident on a pixel for detecting the R (red) component of the image sensor increases, but the R component of the R component is adjusted by adjusting the white balance. Data is suppressed. For this reason, if the user subsequently performs data processing to increase the redness component of the image in order to faithfully reproduce an image captured under tungsten light, bit omission will occur at that point, and the gradation will be reduced. The smoothness (resolution) of the image.

In the case of performing γ conversion (γ correction), for example, predetermined γ conversion is performed on 12-bit input data to generate 8-bit output data. If image processing is performed to increase the number of tones of the image data, bit omission will occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has been made in consideration of the above-described problems. It is an object to provide a processing device, an image processing system, and a program.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus for generating image data, the apparatus comprising: Imaging means for generating an image; conversion information generating means for analyzing the color image and generating conversion information for appropriately performing predetermined image conversion on the color image; image data and the conversion information for the color image And output means for associating with each other and outputting.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus for generating image data, wherein an image pickup means for generating a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object, and analyzing the color image. Image conversion means for generating first image data by performing first image conversion for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range; The image processing apparatus includes a conversion information generating unit that generates conversion information indicating the content of the processing, and an output unit that outputs the first image data and the conversion information in association with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image data generating apparatus according to the second aspect, the image conversion means comprises:
Further, a second image conversion is performed on the color image to generate second image data, and the output unit exchanges the first image data, the second image data, and the conversion information with each other. And is output in association with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image data generating apparatus according to the third aspect, the second image conversion is an image conversion process for optimally displaying the color image. And

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 2 to 4.
In the image data generation device according to any one of the above, the image conversion means determines whether or not the image of the color component included in the color image has a bias in the histogram distribution, and the color component having a bias in the histogram distribution. The first image data is generated by subjecting the first image to the first image conversion.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the program, wherein:
A computer that analyzes a color image obtained from the imaging unit and generates conversion information for appropriately performing a predetermined image conversion on the color image; a conversion information generating unit that converts image data and the conversion information regarding the color image; It is characterized by functioning as output means for outputting in association with each other.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the program comprises:
The computer performs a first image conversion by analyzing a color image obtained from an imaging unit and performing a first image conversion for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range. Functioning as image conversion means for generating image data, conversion information generation means for generating conversion information indicating the contents of the enlargement processing, and output means for associating the first image data with the conversion information and outputting the data. It is characterized by having

The invention according to claim 8 is an image processing apparatus for processing a color image, wherein image data relating to the color image and conversion information for performing image conversion on the color image are associated with each other. Data input means for inputting the converted data, image processing means for performing image conversion on the image data based on the conversion information, and display means for displaying a color image subjected to image conversion by the image processing means, Have.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for processing a color image, wherein a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image is expanded within a dynamic range. Data input means for inputting data in which first image data generated by performing the first image conversion and conversion information indicating the content of the enlargement processing are associated with each other; The image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit that analyzes the content of the enlargement process and performs image processing on the first image data, and a display unit that displays a color image on which the image processing has been performed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to input data in which image data relating to a color image and conversion information for performing image conversion on the color image are mutually associated. Means for performing image conversion on the image data based on the conversion information, and functioning as image processing means for displaying the color image subjected to the image conversion.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the program performs the first image conversion in which the computer enlarges the gradation distribution of the pixel data in the color component image included in the color image within the dynamic range. Data input means for inputting data in which the first image data generated by the above and the conversion information indicating the contents of the enlargement processing are associated with each other, analyzing the contents of the enlargement processing based on the conversion information The image processing means performs image processing on the first image data and functions as an image processing means for displaying a color image on which the image processing has been performed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system including an image data generating device and an image processing device, wherein the image data generating device converts a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object. Imaging means for generating, conversion information generating means for analyzing the color image and generating conversion information for appropriately performing a predetermined image conversion on the color image, image data and the conversion information for the color image Output means for outputting an image file associated with each other to the image processing device, wherein the image processing device performs image conversion on the image data based on the conversion information. Image processing means for performing color conversion, and display means for displaying a color image having undergone image conversion by the image processing means. It is characterized in.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system comprising an image data generation device and an image processing device, wherein the image data generation device converts a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object. A first image conversion unit configured to analyze the color image and perform a first image conversion for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range. Image conversion means for generating image data, conversion information generation means for generating conversion information indicating the content of the enlarging process, output means for outputting the first image data and the conversion information in association with each other, Data input means for inputting data in which the first image data and the conversion information are associated with each other, and the conversion information Image processing means for analyzing the content of the enlargement processing based on the image processing to perform image processing on the first image data, and display means for displaying a color image on which the image processing has been performed. And

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. First Embodiment> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a case where the image data generating device is a digital camera will be described as an example. An image processing system including a digital camera and a computer is also taken as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 includes an imaging device 10
1 and CDS (interphase double sampling unit) 102 and A / D
A converter 103, a pixel interpolation unit 104, a γ conversion unit 105, a color difference matrix unit 106, an image compression unit 107, and an output unit 10.
8, a recording medium 109, and a conversion information generation unit 110. Note that the recording medium 109 is configured to be detachable from the digital camera 1.

The image pickup device 101 is an image pickup means composed of a two-dimensional CCD image pickup device or the like, has a plurality of pixels on a light receiving surface, and performs an image signal relating to a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object (subject). Generate This image signal is supplied to the CDS 102, and the CDS 102 reduces noise included in the image signal. The noise-reduced image signal is guided to the A / D converter 103,
The image signal is digitized in the / D converter 103 to generate image data GD. The image data GD is, for example, image data for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components forming a color image. The image data of each color component is represented as, for example, 12-bit data for each pixel. This image data is provided to the pixel interpolation unit 104 and the conversion information generation unit 110.

The pixel interpolation unit 104 performs pixel interpolation of the image data GD of each color component of RGB. For example, the image sensor 101
Has a pixel configuration of the Bayer array, data of adjacent pixels is lost in the image data GD of each color component of RGB, and interpolation processing of the lost data is performed.

The gamma converter 105 assumes that the image obtained by the image sensor 101 is to be observed on a display or the like.
It corrects the inverse characteristics of the input / output characteristics of the display or the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the γ characteristic. When an input signal (for example, 12 bits) is input to the γ conversion unit 105, an output signal (for example, 8 bits) is subjected to conversion based on a γ curve as shown in FIG. Such a γ characteristic is determined so that reproducibility when displaying an image obtained by photographing is optimal. Note that, for example, when the input signal is 12 bits and the output signal is 8 bits, a bit drop occurs in the γ conversion unit 105. However, the number of input bits and the number of output bits in the γ characteristic match. In such a case, bit omission may not occur.

The color difference matrix section 106 converts RGB color components into YUV (Y: luminance signal, U: RY color difference signal, V:
The color data is converted into a color system of (BY color difference signal), and the converted data is provided to the image compression unit 107. The image compression unit 107 compresses the image data provided from the color difference matrix unit 106 by a predetermined image compression process such as JPEG. The image data GD subjected to the image compression is provided to the output unit 108.

The conversion information generation unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 111
, And the image analysis unit 111 includes the A / D converter 103
Input image data GD obtained from the
The content of the image indicated by D is analyzed. Then, based on the analysis result, the conversion information generation unit 110 determines what kind of white balance adjustment should be performed on the image data GD to optimize the color reproducibility in the color image, and A gain value to be set for each color component is determined. Then, the conversion information generation unit 110 supplies the gain value for each color component to the output unit 108 as conversion information CD. Note that the conversion information generation unit 110 obtains a gain value for each color component, as in the conventional auto white balance adjustment technology, but does not perform image conversion based on the gain value.

The output unit 108 generates an image file GF in which the image data GD input from the image compression unit 107 and the conversion information CD input from the conversion information generation unit 110 are associated. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image file GF generated by the output unit 108. As shown in FIG. 3, the image file GF includes image data GD and conversion information CD. The output unit 108 outputs the image file GF in which the image data GD and the conversion information CD are associated to a portable recording medium 109 such as a memory card, and records the image file GF obtained as a result of shooting on the recording medium 109. save.

As described above, the digital camera 1 is configured to record the image file GF on the recording medium 109 without performing white balance adjustment on the image data GD obtained from the image sensor 101. There is no bit drop problem caused by performing white balance adjustment.

When a user displays an image on a computer using the image file GF recorded as described above, the computer can adjust the optimum white balance by referring to the conversion information CD included in the image file GF. It is possible to do.

Further, even when the user processes the image data GD on the computer side to generate a new original image, the image data GD without white balance adjustment can be processed. So
For example, even when image processing for increasing the redness of an image is performed, a high-quality original image can be obtained without impairing the smoothness (resolution) of gradation.

Next, an image processing apparatus for performing image processing using the image file GF will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 2. The image processing apparatus 2 is configured by a computer, and includes a recording medium 109, a conversion information input unit 201, an image data input unit 202, a data decompression unit 203, an image recording unit 204, an image processing unit 210, an image processing operation unit 205, and a display unit 206. And Note that the recording medium 109 is detachable from the image processing apparatus 2, and is mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 in a state where the image file GF is recorded in the digital camera 1.

The conversion information input unit 201 is a data input unit that acquires the conversion information CD from the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 and inputs the conversion information CD to the image processing device 2. give. Also,
The image data input unit 202 is a data input unit that acquires the image data GD from the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 and inputs the image data GD to the image processing apparatus 2, and provides the image data GD to the data decompression unit 203.

The data expansion section 203 performs data expansion processing on the image data GD obtained from the recording medium 109 and subjected to image compression. This data decompression process corresponds to an inverse conversion process of the image compression process performed in the digital camera 1. As a result, the image data GD is restored to a state before the image compression is performed by the image compression unit 107 of the digital camera 1. Then, the restored image data GD is guided to the image processing unit 210.

The image processing section 210 is a function realized by the microcomputer executing a predetermined program, and can perform various image processing on the image data GD. The image processing unit 210 is provided with a white balance adjustment unit 211. When displaying an image based on the image data GD on a display unit 206 such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, the conversion information CD
Perform white balance adjustment based on. As a result, the image displayed on the display 206 is an image that does not cause a sense of strangeness visually, and the reproducibility of the image display can be improved. For example, even in the case of an image captured under tungsten light, an image in which red is suppressed is displayed on the display 206, and the image becomes visually unnatural.

On the other hand, when the user wants to create a desired original image by performing image processing on the image displayed on the display unit 206, the user inputs the content of the image processing from the image processing operation unit 205. . Image processing unit 21
0 performs image processing on the image data GD based on a user operation.

For example, when the user performs an image processing operation to increase the red component of an image obtained by shooting under tungsten light, the image processing unit 210 outputs the image data GD
Is subjected to image processing such that the R component becomes relatively strong. At this time, since the image data GD to be processed is image data on which white balance adjustment has not been performed, even if image processing for strengthening the R component in the image data is performed, bit loss or the like occurs. It is unlikely that a smooth gradation image can be obtained and a high-quality original image can be generated.

In other words, according to the image processing apparatus 2, when the user visually recognizes the display image on the display unit 206, the user can visually recognize the image on which the white balance has been adjusted, and without causing a bit loss. The color tone in the image can be changed.

When the image processing section 210 performs image processing based on a user's instruction, the image data GD after the image processing is given to the image recording section 204. The image recording unit 204 records the image data subjected to the image processing on the recording medium 109.

As described above, the image processing device 2 inputs the image data GD relating to the color image and the conversion information CD associated with the color image, and the image processing unit 210 converts the image data GD into the image data GD based on the conversion information CD. The image conversion is performed, and the converted image is displayed on the display 206. In this embodiment, the conversion information CD is information relating to a gain value set for each color component so that the color reproducibility in a color image is optimal.
Since the image conversion can be performed by applying the gain value determined in (1), it is possible to display a color image with an optimum color reproducibility. That is, it is possible to display the same image on the display 206 of the image processing apparatus 2 as when displaying the image on which the white balance adjustment has been performed on the digital camera 1 side.

When processing a color image based on a user's instruction, image processing can be performed on image data GD that has not been subjected to image conversion such as white balance adjustment. A high quality image can be generated without any problem.

<2. Second Preferred Embodiment> Next, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in this embodiment, a case where the image data generating device is a digital camera will be described as an example. Further, an image processing apparatus configured by a computer is also taken as an example.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 1a. In FIG. 5, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As in the first embodiment, the digital camera 1a includes an image sensor 101, a CDS (interphase double sampling unit) 102, an A / D converter 103, and a pixel interpolation unit 10.
4, a γ conversion unit 105, a color difference matrix unit 106, an image compression unit 107, an output unit 108, a recording medium 109, and a conversion information generation unit 110. Note that the recording medium 109 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 1.

An image signal relating to a color image obtained by photoelectric conversion by the image pickup device 101 is transmitted to the A
The data is input to the / D converter 103 and is converted into image data GD by the A / D converter 103.

The image data GD is, for example, image data for each color component of RGB constituting a color image. The image data of each color component is represented by, for example, 12-bit data for each pixel. And the conversion information generation unit 110.

Pixel interpolator 104, color difference matrix 10
6 and the image compression unit 107 perform the same processing as the processing described in the first embodiment. Also, the γ conversion unit 105
In order to reduce the amount of image data to be recorded, for example, an 8-bit output signal is output for a 12-bit input signal.

The conversion information generation unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 111
, And the image analysis unit 111 includes the A / D converter 103
Input image data GD obtained from the
The content of the image indicated by D is analyzed.

The image analysis unit 111 evaluates the histogram distribution of the pixel data (pixel value) of each color component included in the color image and analyzes whether or not the histogram distribution of each color component is biased.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the histogram distribution of the image data of each color component. For example, when the histogram distribution of the pixel data extends over the entire dynamic range DR as shown in FIG. 6, the image analysis unit 111 determines that the image data is good. In contrast, FIG.
When the histogram distribution of the pixel data is distributed only in a certain area of the dynamic range DR as shown in (1), the image analysis unit 111 determines that the histogram distribution of the pixel data is biased. As a specific determination method, for example, FIG.
As shown in (1), a threshold value TH is set for pixel data (pixel value) having a histogram distribution, and most of the data (for example, 10
(0%), it is possible to adopt a method of determining that there is a bias in the histogram distribution, or another determination method.

As a result, when it is determined that there is a bias in the pixel data and the γ conversion unit 105 performs the γ conversion as shown in FIG. 2, the resolution of the image data obtained from the image sensor 101 is significantly increased. Will be reduced.

For example, in the case of a histogram distribution as shown in FIG. 6, by performing γ conversion as shown in FIG. 2, gradation compression can be performed well. However, in the case of the histogram distribution as shown in FIG. 7, the entire 8 bits of the output signal as shown in FIG. 2 cannot be used.

This phenomenon will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the state of the output signal with respect to the γ characteristic of FIG. In the case of the histogram distribution of FIG. 6, since the histogram distribution is spread over the entire dynamic range DR, when the γ conversion is performed, an 8-bit output signal is generated in the region R1 corresponding to the entire region of the input signal. ,
Good gradation compression is performed. However, in the case of the histogram part in FIG. 7, since the histogram distribution is intensively distributed in the area below the threshold value TH in the dynamic range DR, even if the γ conversion is performed, the entire area R1 of 8 bits can be effectively used. Cannot be used, and the 8-bit region R
Only an output signal corresponding to the region R2 which is a part of the signal R1 is obtained. For this reason, when the histogram distribution has a bias, if the γ conversion is performed in the γ conversion unit 105 in the conventional manner, the resolution of the 8-bit output signal is reduced, and the gradation value is increased for the resulting image data. When intentional image processing is performed, bit omission is likely to occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the γ conversion unit 10
In order to suppress a decrease in the resolution of the image data in 5, the conversion information generation unit 110 controls the conversion processing in the γ conversion unit 105 based on the image analysis result of the image analysis unit 111.

The conversion information generation unit 110 generates an output signal without lowering the resolution.
If it is determined in step 1 that the histogram distribution is biased, any one of the following first to third processes is performed.

In the first process, the γ conversion function in the γ conversion section 105 is stopped, and the 12
This is a process of directly outputting the bit image data to the color difference matrix unit 106 without performing γ conversion.
By causing the conversion information generation unit 110 to stop the γ conversion unit 105, the problem of dropped bits can be solved.

In the second processing, the γ conversion section 105 does not perform γ conversion, but converts the area in which the image data is distributed from the 12-bit input signal into an output signal represented by 8 bits and outputs the converted signal. In other words, in the histogram distribution shown in FIG. 7, the gain is increased so that the area of the dynamic range DR equal to or less than the threshold value TH becomes 8 bits, and an output signal is generated and output. By performing such processing, the biased gradation distribution of the pixel data can be expanded within the dynamic range, and the problem of bit omission can be solved.

In the third process, the gain is increased so that only the area where the image data is distributed in the 12-bit input signal is represented by 12 bits, and then the γ conversion is performed.
That is, in the histogram distribution shown in FIG. 7, by generating a signal whose gain is increased so that the area equal to or less than the threshold value TH of the dynamic range DR becomes 12 bits,
By performing gamma conversion by enlarging the biased gradation distribution of pixel data within the dynamic range, the problem of bit omission is solved.

By performing any one of the above-described first to third processes, the problem of missing bits can be solved even when the histogram distribution of pixel data is biased.

The conversion information generation unit 110 generates processing signals for each color component in order to generate an output signal without lowering the resolution. An HD is generated and given to the γ conversion unit 105,
Controls the operation so that any one of the first to third processes is performed.

Note that the conversion information generation unit 110 is
When the second or third processing is instructed to the area 05, the area where most of the data exists in the histogram distribution of the pixel data is specified, the threshold value TH is determined, and the area for performing the gain increase is determined. The processing information HD includes information related to the area specification.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the conversion information generation unit 110 performs what kind of white balance adjustment on the image data GD based on the image analysis result.
It is determined whether the reproducibility of the color in the color image is optimal, and the gain value VD set for each color component of the color image is determined.

Then, the conversion information generation unit 110 supplies the processing information HD and the gain value VD for each color component to the output unit 108 as conversion information CD. By referring to the processing information HD included in the conversion information CD, it is possible to recognize what processing has been performed in the γ conversion unit 105. When the conversion information generation unit 110 instructs the γ conversion unit 105 to perform the first process, an output signal is generated without performing γ conversion in the γ conversion unit 105. It is preferable to include information on the γ characteristic to be applied to the conversion information CD.

The gamma converter 105 assumes that the image obtained by the image sensor 101 is to be observed on a display or the like.
It corrects the inverse characteristics of the input / output characteristics of the display or the like, and functions based on the processing information HD provided from the conversion information generation unit 110. That is, when the histogram distribution has a bias, any one of the first to third processes is performed. On the other hand, when the histogram distribution is good, an
Data conversion based on the γ characteristic is performed to generate an 8-bit output signal. Therefore, the γ conversion unit 105
In, the output signal may be generated without performing the γ conversion.

The image data GD finally subjected to image compression by the image compression unit 107 is supplied to the output unit 108.

The output unit 108 generates an image file GF that associates the image data GD input from the image compression unit 107 with the conversion information CD input from the conversion information generation unit 110, and stores the image file GF in the recording medium 109. Record and save.

The digital camera 1a includes the image data GD obtained from the image sensor 101 as in the first embodiment.
Since the image file GF is recorded on the recording medium 109 without performing white balance adjustment, there is no problem of bit omission caused by performing white balance adjustment.

Further, the digital camera 1a according to the present embodiment is configured such that when performing γ conversion, which is a type of image conversion, image conversion for expanding a histogram distribution (gradation distribution) within a dynamic range is performed. Therefore, the process of performing the γ conversion can be performed efficiently without lowering the resolution of the image data.

The information (processing information HD) indicating what kind of γ conversion has been performed in the γ conversion section 105 is included in the image file GF as the conversion information CD. When performing image display based on the image file, the computer can generate appropriate image data by referring to the conversion information CD included in the image file GF.

Further, even when the user processes the image data GD on the computer side to generate a new original image, image conversion is performed so that the resolution of the image data does not decrease during the γ conversion. Therefore, the possibility of image quality deterioration is reduced. For example, even when image processing for increasing the gradation value of 8-bit image data is performed, smoothness (resolution) of gradation is not impaired.
High quality original images can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the image processing apparatus for performing image processing using the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment. (See FIG. 4).

When displaying an image on the display unit 206, the white balance adjustment unit 211 in the image processing unit 210
Performs appropriate white balance adjustment, and generates appropriate image data based on what kind of γ conversion has been performed by the image processing unit 210. That is, the image processing apparatus analyzes the enlargement processing of the gradation distribution within the dynamic range based on the conversion information CD, performs image processing on the image data GD, and displays the image data GD on the display 206.

When the user wants to create a desired original image by performing image processing on the image displayed on the display unit 206, the user inputs the contents of the image processing from the image processing operation unit 205. . The image processing unit 210 performs image processing on the image data GD based on a user operation. For example, even if it is desired to convert 8-bit data to 10-bit data to increase the number of gradations, the γ conversion unit 105 in the digital camera 1a performs processing so that the resolution does not decrease.
If image processing is performed on the image data GD based on the conversion information CD, it is possible to obtain an image having a relatively small number of missing bits, a smooth gradation, and a high-quality original image.

<3. Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in this embodiment, a case where the image data generating device is a digital camera will be described as an example. An image processing system including a digital camera and a computer is also taken as an example.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital camera 1b. In FIG. 9, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The digital camera 1 b includes an image sensor 101, a CDS (interphase double sampling unit) 102, an A / D converter 103, a conversion information generator 110, and a first image converter 12.
0, the second image converter 130, and the white balance controller 1
40, an output unit 108, and a recording medium 109. The image sensor 101, the CDS 102, and the A / D converter 103 are the same as those in the above embodiments. In addition,
Also in this embodiment, the recording medium 109 is the digital camera 1
You may be comprised so that it can be attached to and detached from.

The first image conversion section 120 is an image conversion section for performing the same processing as in the second embodiment for a specific color component among the color components constituting a color image. The first image conversion unit 120 performs pixel interpolation on image data of a specific color component specified by the conversion information generation unit 110, and performs γ conversion on a conversion target area specified by the conversion information generation unit 110. Conversion unit 12 that performs
3 and an image compression unit 124 for compressing image data of a specific color component.

On the other hand, the second image converter 130 has the same configuration as that of a conventional digital camera or the like. The second image converter 130 converts a color image into a general optimum state by performing the same image conversion as a conventional one. Is an image conversion unit for performing the image conversion. The second image conversion unit 130 sets a gain value for each color component based on an instruction from the white balance control unit 140 to adjust the white balance, and performs pixel interpolation on the image data of each color component. , A γ conversion unit 134 that performs γ conversion based on a predetermined γ characteristic, a color difference matrix unit 135 that converts color information into image data represented by color differences, and an image compression unit that performs image compression 136.

Image sensor 101, CDS 102 and A / D
The image data GD is converted by the converter 103 into a conversion information generator 110, a first image converter 120, and a second image converter 13.
0 and the white balance control unit 140.

The conversion information generation unit 110 includes an image analysis unit 111
And a link information generation unit 112. The image analysis unit 111 performs an image analysis of the image data GD, and specifies a color component having a bias in the histogram distribution from the image data of each color component forming the color image. The conversion information generation unit 110 instructs the pixel interpolation unit 122 to specify a color component to be subjected to pixel interpolation so that the first image conversion unit 120 performs image conversion on the specified color component. Further, the conversion information generation unit 110 performs the γ conversion unit 123 on the specified color component without lowering the resolution.
In order to perform the image conversion in, in the same manner as in the second embodiment, a conversion target area for an input signal for generating an 8-bit output signal after γ conversion is specified, and the area for specifying the area is specified. Generate the area designation information HD. The area designation information HD is provided to the γ conversion unit 123. Also,
The conversion information generation unit 110 provides the output unit 108 with the color component and the area designation information HD specified as having a bias in the histogram distribution as the conversion information CD.

In the first image conversion section 120, the pixel interpolation section 122 performs pixel interpolation processing only for the specific color specified by the conversion information generation section 110, and converts the image data of the specific color subjected to pixel interpolation to the γ conversion section. Give to 123. The γ conversion unit 123 performs γ conversion on the image data of the specific color obtained from the pixel interpolation unit 122 based on the area designation information HD. By this γ-conversion, image conversion for enlarging the biased histogram distribution within the dynamic range is performed at the same time as general γ-conversion. Processing for performing γ conversion can be performed without lowering the resolution. Then, image data (first image data) GD1 for the specified color component is generated by performing predetermined image compression in the image compression unit 124.

When obtaining the image data from the A / D converter 103, the white balance control unit 140 analyzes the contents of the image indicated by the image data, and if any white balance adjustment is performed on the image data, the color image It is determined whether or not the reproducibility of the color at is optimum. Then, a gain value to be set for each color component of the color image is determined, and the gain value for each color component is given to the white balance adjustment unit 131.

In the second image conversion section 130, the white balance adjustment section 131 includes a white balance control section 140
Performs image conversion processing of each color component based on the gain value of each color component specified by. Then, the pixel interpolation unit 132 performs a pixel interpolation process on the image data of each color component, and the γ conversion unit 134 performs a γ conversion process as in the related art. Then, after the color conversion is performed by the color difference matrix unit 135, the image compression unit 1
At 36, predetermined image compression such as JPEG is performed to generate image data (second image data) GD2. This image data GD2 is similar to image data generated by a conventional digital camera.

The image data GD1 generated by the first image converter 120 and the image data GD2 generated by the second image converter 130 are supplied to the output unit 108, respectively.

On the other hand, when the conversion information generation unit 110 receives the image data GD from the A / D converter 103, it also functions as the link information generation unit 112, and the input image data GD
Corresponding to the first image conversion unit 120 and the second image conversion unit 1
30 output image data GD1 and G
The link information LD for associating D2 with the conversion information CD is generated. The link information LD is included in the conversion information CD, and is output together with the conversion information CD to the output unit 10.
8 given.

The output unit 108 receives the image data GD1 input from the first image conversion unit 120 and the first image conversion unit 120
Data GD2 input from the CPU and the conversion information generation unit 11
Conversion information CD including link information LD input from 0
To generate an image file GF in which. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image file GF generated by the output unit 108. As shown in FIG. 10, the image file GF includes first image data GD1, second image data GD2, and conversion information CD. The conversion information CD includes link information LD. The output unit 108 outputs the image file GF associated with these data to a portable recording medium 109 such as a memory card, and records and saves the image file GF obtained as a result of shooting in the recording medium 109.

As described above, the digital camera 1b provides the image data GD for which the white balance has been adjusted
2 and image data GD generated without performing white balance adjustment for color components having a bias in the histogram distribution.
1 is recorded on the recording medium 109.

When the user displays an image on a computer using the image file GF recorded as described above, if the image is displayed based on the image data GD2, an optimum color image is displayed on the computer side. can do.

Further, when the user processes the image data on the computer side to generate a new original image, the processing can be performed using the image data GD1 on which the white balance adjustment has not been performed. Even if image processing that increases the redness of the image is performed, the smoothness (resolution) of the gradation is not impaired.
High quality original images can be obtained.

Next, an image processing apparatus for performing image processing using the image file GF will be described.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing device 2b. The image processing device 2b is configured by a computer, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the image processing device shown in FIG. Note that the recording medium 109 is detachable from the image processing apparatus 2, and is mounted on the image processing apparatus 2 in a state where the image file GF is recorded in the digital camera 1.

The conversion information input unit 201 is a data input unit that acquires the conversion information CD from the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 and inputs the conversion information CD to the image processing device 2. give. Also,
The image data input unit 202 is a data input unit that acquires the image data GD from the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 and inputs the image data GD to the image processing apparatus 2, and provides the image data GD to the data decompression unit 203.

The data decompression unit 203 performs data decompression processing on the image data GD obtained from the recording medium 109 and subjected to image compression. This data decompression process corresponds to an inverse conversion process of the image compression process performed in the image compression units 124 and 136 of the digital camera 1. As a result, the image data GD1 and GD2 are restored to a state before the image compression is performed by the image compression unit 107 of the digital camera 1. Then, the restored image data GD is guided to the image processing unit 210.

The image processing section 210 is a function realized by a microcomputer executing a predetermined program, and can perform various image processing on the image data GD1 and GD2. When displaying an image on the display unit 206, the image processing unit 210 uses the image data GD
2 is displayed. As a result, the display 20
The image displayed in No. 6 is an image that does not have a visually unnatural feeling, and the reproducibility of the image display can be improved. For example, even in the case of an image captured under tungsten light, an image in which red is suppressed is displayed on the display 206, and the image becomes visually unnatural.

On the other hand, when the user wants to create a desired original image by performing image processing on the image displayed on the display unit 206, the content of the image processing is input from the image processing operation unit 205. . Image processing unit 21
0 performs image processing using the image data GD1 based on a user operation. At this time, the image processing unit 210 can extract the image data GD1 based on the link information LD, and recognizes what kind of γ conversion has been performed on the image data GD1 based on the conversion information CD. Can be. Since the image data GD1 is not normal γ conversion but is data generated by performing γ conversion for expanding a dynamic range, performing image processing using the image data GD1 reduces bit loss and the like. It is unlikely to produce a smooth gradation image,
High quality original images can be generated.

That is, according to the image processing device 2b, when the user visually recognizes the display image on the display 206,
The image on which the white balance has been adjusted can be immediately viewed, and the color tone of the image can be changed without causing bit loss.

When the image processing section 210 performs image processing based on a user's instruction, the image after the image processing is displayed on the display 206 and the image data is given to the image recording section 204. Image recording unit 204
Records image data subjected to image processing on the recording medium 109.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 2b operates the first image data G generated by the image conversion corresponding to the color image.
D1 and second image data GD2 relating to a color image
And the conversion information CD indicating the contents of the image conversion are input in association with each other, the first image data GD1 is processed based on the conversion information CD, and an image based on the second image data GD2 or The image obtained by the image processing unit 210 is configured to be displayed on the display unit 206. Therefore, the image on which the white balance adjustment has been performed can be immediately displayed on the digital camera 1b side, and when a color image is processed based on a user's instruction, image conversion such as white balance adjustment is performed. Image processing can be performed on the missing image data GD1. Therefore, a high-quality image can be generated without the problem of bit omission during image processing.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which first image conversion section 120 of digital camera 1b generates image data GD1 for a specified color component of a plurality of color components forming a color image. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration for performing image conversion as described in the second embodiment is directly applied to the first image conversion unit 120, and the first image conversion unit 120 converts a color image. The image data GD1 may be generated for all the color components of the plurality of color components. However, such a configuration has a disadvantage that the data amount of the image file GF recorded on the recording medium 109 increases.

<4. Fourth Preferred Embodiment> Next, a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a case where the image data generating device is a scanner will be described as an example, and an image processing system including a scanner and a computer will be described as an example.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing system 3. As shown in FIG. The image processing system 3 includes a scanner 4 as an image data generating device and a computer 5 as an image processing device.

The scanner 4 has an image sensor 401 and a CDS 40
2, an amplifier 403, an A / D converter 404, a conversion information generation unit 405, and a data communication unit 407, and are connected to a computer 5 serving as an image processing device via a cable or the like. The computer 5 includes a γ conversion unit 501, a color difference matrix unit 502, an image compression unit 503, a data communication unit 507, an output unit 508, and a recording medium 509. The recording medium 509 may be removable from the computer 5, such as a memory card, or may be built in the computer 5, such as a magnetic disk device.

An image pickup device 401 is an image pickup means constituted by a CCD line sensor or the like, has a plurality of pixels in a straight line, and scans the surface of an object (document film or the like) to photoelectrically convert light to be received. To generate an image signal for a color image. This image signal is supplied to the CDS 402, and the CDS 402 reduces noise included in the image signal. The noise-reduced image signal is guided to the amplifier 403, and a gain value is set for each color component. To properly set this gain value,
The image sensor 401 performs two image readings, a pre-scan and a main scan, determines an optimal gain value by the pre-scan, and performs signal processing using the gain value determined at the time of the main scan.

The image signal obtained from the image sensor 401 during the pre-scan is converted from the conversion information generation unit 405 by the amplifier 403.
It is led to. The conversion information generation unit 405 includes the image analysis unit 40
6 for analyzing prescanned images. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the gradation distribution of the image signal of each color component is distributed over the entire dynamic range, and a color component that is not distributed over the entire dynamic range is specified. Then, conversion information CD for performing the gradation enlargement process so that the image signal of the specified color component is distributed in the entire region of the dynamic range is obtained. That is, the conversion information CD is a gain setting value for performing gradation expansion. The conversion information CD is provided to the gradation enlargement unit 403a of the amplifier 403 and also to the data communication unit 407. In addition,
The conversion information CD provided to the data communication unit 407 includes conversion information such as γ characteristics applied in the γ conversion unit 501 of the computer 5.

The amplifier 403 sets a gain value for performing tone expansion for the color component specified by the conversion information generation unit 405 with respect to the image obtained at the time of the main scan.
Image conversion based on the gain value is performed in the gradation enlargement unit 403a. On the other hand, for a color component that is not instructed, a predetermined gain value is set and image conversion is performed. Therefore, the amplifier 403 is pre-scanned.
Is designated for each color component.

At the time of the main scan, the amplifier 403 performs an operation on the image signal for each color component based on the gain value obtained from the conversion information generation unit 405 at the time of the pre-scan or a predetermined gain value. In particular, the tone enlargement unit 403a performs tone enlargement processing on the color components specified by the conversion information generation unit 405 so that the image signal is distributed over the entire dynamic range based on the conversion information CD.

The image signal of the color image obtained in this manner is guided to the A / D converter 404, and the A / D converter 4
In 04, the image signal is digitized and the image data G
D is generated. The image data GD is, for example, image data for each of RGB color components forming a color image. Then, the A / D converter 404 outputs the image data to the computer 5 via a cable or the like.

The data communication unit 407 is configured to communicate control information with the data communication unit 507 provided in the computer 5. When the conversion information CD is input from the conversion information generation unit 405, the data Communication unit 5
07, the conversion information CD is transmitted.

Data communication unit 50 in computer 5
7 supplies the conversion information CD to the γ conversion unit 501 and the output unit 508.

The gamma conversion unit 501 specifies a color component whose gradation has been enlarged based on the conversion information CD, performs gamma conversion based on the conversion information CD for a specific color component, and performs gamma conversion for other color components. Performs a predetermined γ conversion.

The color difference matrix section 502 converts the color information into image data represented by color differences, and converts the color information into image data.
3 performs predetermined image compression such as JPEG on image data obtained from the color difference matrix unit 502 and outputs the image data to the output unit 50.
8 is given image data GD.

Upon receiving the conversion information CD obtained from the data communication unit 507 and the image data GD obtained from the image compression unit 503, the output unit 508 generates an image file GF correlating them and records the image file GF. The information is output to the medium 509 and recorded.

The scanner 4 according to the present embodiment operates on the entire dynamic range of the image data of the color components whose gradation distribution is not distributed over the entire dynamic range of the image data obtained from the image sensor 401. Since the configuration is such that gradation expansion is performed, the resolution of image data is not reduced. Further, when recording the image data, the conversion information CD is recorded together with the image data GD. Therefore, if the conversion information CD is referred to when processing the image data GD, what kind of image conversion is performed on the image data GD Can be recognized whether or not
Processing of image data can be performed without deteriorating image quality.

<5. Fifth Preferred Embodiment> Next, a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Also in this embodiment, a case where the image data generating apparatus is a scanner will be described as an example, and an image processing system including a scanner and a computer will be described as an example.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing system 3a. The image processing system 3a includes a scanner 4a serving as an image data generating device and a computer 5a serving as an image processing device. In addition,
In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the fourth embodiment.

The scanner 4a has an image sensor 401 and a CDS4.
A computer 5 which includes an amplifier 403, an A / D converter 404, a conversion information generation unit 405, a data communication unit 407, and a gradation enlargement unit 408, and serves as an image processing apparatus.
Connected via a cable or the like. Further, the computer 5a includes the γ conversion units 501 and 504 and the color difference matrix unit 50.
2, an image compression unit 503, 505, a data communication unit 507, an output unit 508, and a recording medium 509.

An image signal obtained from the image pickup device 401 at the time of pre-scanning is supplied from the amplifier 403 to the conversion information generation unit 405.
It is led to. The conversion information generation unit 405 includes the image analysis unit 40
6 for analyzing prescanned images. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the gradation distribution of the image signal of each color component is distributed over the entire dynamic range, and a color component that is not distributed over the entire dynamic range is specified. Then, conversion information CD for performing the gradation enlargement process so that the image signal of the specified color component is distributed in the entire region of the dynamic range is obtained. That is, the conversion information CD is a gain setting value for performing gradation expansion. The conversion information CD is provided to the gradation enlargement unit 408 and also to the data communication unit 407. Further, the specified color component is instructed to the amplifier 403. The data communication unit 4
The conversion information CD given to 07 also includes conversion information such as γ characteristics applied in the γ conversion unit 504 of the computer 5a.

The amplifier 403 performs image conversion on the image obtained at the time of the main scan based on a predetermined gain value, and converts the image signal before image conversion for the color component specified by the conversion information generation unit 405. Tone expansion section 40
Give 8 Accordingly, an image signal obtained by performing image conversion based on a predetermined gain value for each of the RGB color components is guided from the amplifier 403 to the A / D converter 404, and the color component specified by the conversion information generation unit 405 is provided. The image signal before image conversion is supplied to the gradation enlargement unit 408.

The gradation enlargement unit 408 converts an image signal of a specific color component supplied from the amplifier 403 from the color image obtained at the time of the main scan into an image conversion based on the conversion information CD obtained from the conversion information generation unit 405. I do.

An image signal obtained from each of the amplifier 403 and the gradation enlargement unit 408 is supplied to an A / D converter 404, and the A / D converter 404 digitizes each image signal to generate image data GD1 and GD2. Is generated. The image data GD2 is, for example, image data for each color component of RGB constituting a color image, whereas the image data GD1 is image data of only a specific color component. The A / D converter 404 outputs the image data GD
1 and GD2 to a computer 5a via a cable or the like.

The data communication unit 407 is configured to communicate control information with the data communication unit 507 provided in the computer 5a. When the conversion information CD is input from the conversion information generation unit 405, the data of the computer 5a is output. The conversion information CD is transmitted to the communication unit 507.

In the computer 5a, the data communication unit 5
07 supplies the conversion information CD to the γ conversion unit 504 and the output unit 508. The γ conversion unit 504 uses the conversion information CD
Γ conversion is performed for a specific color component based on the conversion information CD. Then, after predetermined image compression is performed in the image compression unit 505, image data GD1 for the specific color is provided to the output unit 508.

On the other hand, the γ conversion section 501, the color difference matrix section 502, and the image compression section 503 are for performing image conversion on a color image as in the prior art.
01 performs gamma conversion on image data for each color component based on a predetermined gamma characteristic, converts a color difference matrix into image data representing color information by color difference, and obtains an image compression unit 503 from the color difference matrix unit 502. A predetermined image compression such as JPEG is performed on the image data, and the image data GD2 is provided to the output unit 508. Therefore, the image data GD2 is data obtained by using a conventional scanner or the like.

When the output unit 508 receives the conversion information CD obtained from the data communication unit 507 and the image data GD2 and GD1 obtained from the image compression units 503 and 505, the output unit 508 generates an image file GF associating them. The image file GF is output to the recording medium 509 and recorded.

The scanner 4 according to this embodiment performs normal image conversion on a color image obtained from the image sensor 401, and obtains image data of color components whose gradation distribution is not distributed over the entire dynamic range. In particular, the configuration is such that the tone enlargement process is separately performed over the entire dynamic range. Therefore, the resolution of the image data is not reduced. Further, at the time of recording the image data, the image data GD1 subjected to the gradation enlargement process
In addition, since the image data GD2 subjected to normal image conversion and the conversion information CD are recorded, if the conversion information CD is referred to at the time of processing the image data, an image having a reduced resolution is obtained. It is possible to recognize what kind of image conversion has been performed on the data GD1, and by using the image data GD1, it becomes possible to process the image data without deteriorating the image quality.

The above is the case where a color CCD of RGB or the like is used, but a monochrome CCD in which the exposure time can be changed for each color.
When a plurality of CDs are used, gain adjustment is not performed by the gradation enlargement unit 408 but is performed based on the exposure time. This has the advantage that it is also advantageous for noise.

<6. Modifications> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

The case where the image data generating apparatus is a digital camera or a scanner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus that can generate image data by photoelectrically converting light from an object. Other devices such as a digital video camera, a camera-equipped mobile phone, a camera-equipped computer and the like may be used.

The functions of each part (excluding the functions of the image sensor and the recording medium) of the image data generating apparatus described in each of the above embodiments are executed by a computer built in the image data generating apparatus. It may be configured to be realized by the above. In this case, the program is installed in the image data generating device, thereby realizing the function of each unit.

Further, the functions of each part of the image processing apparatus shown in each of the above embodiments (excluding the functions of the display, the image processing operation unit and the recording medium) are executed by a computer built in the image processing apparatus by a predetermined program. May be configured to be realized by executing In this case, the function of each unit is realized by installing the program in the image processing apparatus.

[0134]

As described above, according to the first, sixth and twelfth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to analyze a color image obtained from an image pickup means and appropriately perform a predetermined image conversion on the color image. It is configured to generate conversion information and output the image data related to the color image and the conversion information in association with each other, so that a predetermined image conversion can be performed on the image data related to the color image, and Image conversion can also be performed. Therefore,
Even when performing image processing such as increasing the gradation on an image on which predetermined image conversion has been performed, image processing can be performed using image data on a color image obtained from the imaging unit. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reproducibility of gradation.

According to the second, seventh and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the color image obtained from the imaging means is analyzed, and the gradation distribution of the pixel data in the color component image included in the color image is analyzed within the dynamic range. First image data is generated by performing first image conversion for enlarging processing, and conversion information indicating the content of the enlarging processing is generated,
Since the first image data and the conversion information are configured to be associated with each other and output, the conversion information is referred to,
Since image processing can be performed using the first image data whose resolution has not significantly decreased, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reproducibility of gradation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second image conversion is performed on the color image to generate the second image data, and the first image data, the second image data and the conversion information are generated. Are output in association with each other, and by performing image processing using the conversion information and the first image data, it is possible to suppress a decrease in reproducibility of gradation.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the second image conversion is an image conversion process for optimally displaying a color image, the gradation is increased for the optimally displayed color image. When performing such image processing, it is possible to perform image processing using the first image data, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in gradation reproducibility.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image conversion means determines whether or not the image of the color component included in the color image has a bias in the histogram distribution, and determines whether the color component having the bias in the histogram distribution is biased. Since the first image data is generated by performing the first image conversion on the image, it is possible to generate the first image data for a color component that may reduce the reproducibility of gradation.

According to the eighth, tenth, and twelfth aspects of the present invention, image conversion is performed on image data based on the conversion information, and the converted color image is displayed. Even when the displayed image is processed, image processing can be performed on the image data before image conversion, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in gradation reproducibility.

According to the ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the contents of the enlargement processing within the dynamic range are analyzed based on the conversion information to perform image processing on the first image data. Since the processed color image is configured to be displayed, even if the displayed color image is processed, the image processing can be performed using the first image data whose resolution has not been reduced. Can,
It is possible to suppress a decrease in reproducibility of gradation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a γ characteristic.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image file according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a digital camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a histogram distribution of image data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a histogram distribution of image data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a state of an output signal with respect to a γ characteristic.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a digital camera according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image file according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image processing system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image processing system according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b Digital camera (image data generating device) 2, 2b Image processing device 3, 3a Image processing system 4, 4a Scanner (image data generating device) 5, 5a Computer (image processing device) 101, 401 Image sensor ( Imaging unit) 110, 405 Conversion information generation unit (conversion information generation unit) 108 Output unit (output unit) 407 Data communication unit (output unit) 210 Image processing unit (image processing unit) 206 Display (display unit)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 1/46 H04N 1/40 101E 9/68 1/46 Z F term (reference) 5B057 BA02 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CE11 CE16 DC23 5C066 AA01 AA11 BA20 CA08 EA03 EA14 EB01 EE05 GA02 GA05 GA32 GB01 HA02 JA01 KA12 KD06 KE02 KE19 KL13 KM01 KM11 5C076 AA26 AA27 BA06 5C011 LL19 MP08 H01 PP19 PP08 MA17 NA05

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image data generating apparatus for generating image data, comprising: an imaging unit that generates a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object; Image data comprising: conversion information generating means for generating conversion information for appropriately performing image conversion; and output means for outputting image data relating to the color image and the conversion information in association with each other. Generator. 2. An image data generating apparatus for generating image data, comprising: an imaging unit for generating a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object; and analyzing the color image and being included in the color image. Image conversion means for generating first image data by performing a first image conversion for enlarging a gradation distribution of pixel data in a color component image within a dynamic range, and conversion information indicating the content of the enlarging process An image data generating apparatus, comprising: conversion information generating means for generating the first image data; and output means for outputting the first image data and the conversion information in association with each other. 3. The image data generation device according to claim 2, wherein the image conversion unit further performs a second image conversion on the color image to generate second image data, and outputs the image data. The image data generating apparatus, wherein the means outputs the first image data, the second image data, and the conversion information in association with each other. 4. The image data generation device according to claim 3, wherein the second image conversion is an image conversion process for optimally displaying the color image. 5. The image data generation device according to claim 2, wherein the image conversion unit determines whether or not an image of a color component included in the color image has a biased histogram distribution. An image data generating apparatus, wherein the first image data is generated by performing the first image conversion on an image of a color component having a biased histogram distribution. 6. A computer, comprising: a conversion information generating unit that analyzes a color image obtained from an imaging unit and generates conversion information for appropriately performing a predetermined image conversion on the color image; A program functioning as output means for outputting the conversion information in association with each other. 7. A first image conversion for analyzing a color image obtained from an imaging unit and enlarging a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range. Image conversion means for generating first image data by performing the conversion, conversion information generation means for generating conversion information indicating the content of the enlarging process, and outputting the first image data and the conversion information in association with each other A program characterized by functioning as output means. 8. An image processing apparatus for processing a color image, comprising: a data input device for inputting data in which image data relating to the color image and conversion information for performing image conversion on the color image are associated with each other Means, an image processing means for performing image conversion on the image data based on the conversion information, and a display means for displaying a color image subjected to image conversion by the image processing means. Processing equipment. 9. An image processing apparatus for processing a color image, wherein a first image conversion for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range is performed. The first generated by
Data input means for inputting data in which the image data and the conversion information indicating the content of the enlarging process are correlated with each other; analyzing the content of the enlarging process based on the conversion information; An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data; and a display unit that displays a color image on which the image processing has been performed. 10. A computer, comprising: data input means for inputting data in which image data relating to a color image and conversion information for performing image conversion on the color image are associated with each other; A program that functions as image processing means for performing image conversion on data and displaying a color image on which the image conversion has been performed. 11. A first method for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in a color image within a dynamic range by a computer.
Data input means for inputting data in which the first image data generated by performing the image conversion and the conversion information indicating the content of the enlargement processing are associated with each other, the enlargement based on the conversion information A program for analyzing the contents of processing, performing image processing on the first image data, and functioning as image processing means for displaying a color image on which the image processing has been performed. 12. An image processing system comprising an image data generation device and an image processing device, wherein the image data generation device generates a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object; A conversion information generating unit that analyzes a color image and generates conversion information for appropriately performing a predetermined image conversion on the color image, and an image file in which image data related to the color image and the conversion information are associated with each other. Output means for outputting to the image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing apparatus comprises: a data input means for inputting the image file; an image processing means for performing image conversion on the image data based on the conversion information; Display means for displaying a color image subjected to image conversion by the image processing means. Management systems. 13. An image processing system comprising an image data generation device and an image processing device, wherein the image data generation device generates a color image by photoelectrically converting light from an object; Image conversion for generating a first image data by analyzing a color image and performing a first image conversion for expanding a gradation distribution of pixel data in an image of a color component included in the color image within a dynamic range. Means, conversion information generating means for generating conversion information indicating the content of the enlargement processing, and output means for outputting the first image data and the conversion information in association with each other, the image processing apparatus Data input means for inputting data in which the first image data and the conversion information are associated with each other, and the expansion based on the conversion information. An image processing system comprising: an image processing unit that analyzes the contents of processing and performs image processing on the first image data; and a display unit that displays a color image on which the image processing has been performed. .