JP2002314809A - Adjustment of output image of image data - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically adjust the image quality of image data without impairing arbitrarily set output conditions. SOLUTION: When a memory card MC is inserted into a slot 34, the control circuit 30 of a color printer 20 acquires image output control information GI from the card MC and analyzes the information GI. When an exposure correction amount other than zero is set, a CPU 31 corrects a standard brightness value Bstd to a brightness parameter by reflecting the set exposure correction amount in the parameter. The CPU 31 finds a corrected brightness level Brev by correcting a representative brightness value Brep so as to bring the value Brep nearer to the standard brightness value Bstd and adjusts the image quality of the image data by reflecting the corrected brightness level Brev in the quality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image adjustment technique for adjusting the image quality of image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The image quality of image data generated by a digital still camera (DSC), digital video camera (DVC), scanner or the like can be arbitrarily adjusted by using an image retouching application on a personal computer. Generally, an image retouching application is provided with an image adjustment function for automatically adjusting the image quality of image data. By using this image adjustment function, the image quality of image data output from an output device can be easily adjusted. Can be improved. As an image file output device, for example, a CRT, an LCD, a printer, a projector, a television receiver, and the like are known.

A printer driver for controlling the operation of a printer, which is one of the output devices, is also provided with a function for automatically adjusting the image quality of image data. In addition, the image quality of image data to be printed can be easily improved.

[0004]

However, in the automatic image quality adjustment function provided by the image retouching application and the printer driver, the image quality is corrected based on image data having general image quality characteristics. On the other hand, since image data to be subjected to image processing can be generated under various conditions, even if the image quality automatic adjustment function is executed uniformly and the image quality parameter value of the image data is changed using the specified value, In some cases, the image quality cannot be improved.

[0005] Some image data generating apparatuses such as DSCs can arbitrarily adjust the image quality of image data when generating image data, and users can intentionally generate image data having a predetermined image quality. Can be. When the image quality automatic adjustment function is performed on such image data, even the intentional image quality of the image data is automatically adjusted based on the reference image quality, and an automatic image reflecting the user's intention is obtained. There was a problem that adjustment could not be performed. These problems are not limited to DSC,
This is a common problem in other image file generation devices such as a VC.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and has as its object to appropriately and automatically adjust the image quality in accordance with individual image data. It is another object of the present invention to automatically adjust the image quality of image data without damaging arbitrarily set output conditions.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects / Effects of the Invention In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide at least image data and exposure correction amount information at the time of generation of the image data. Provided is an output device that outputs image data using the associated image output control information. An output device according to a first aspect of the present invention analyzes the image data and obtains at least an image quality parameter value obtaining unit that obtains a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to lightness of the image data; A reference image quality parameter value predetermined for the image quality parameter value, the acquired image quality parameter value,
And image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the exposure correction amount, and output means for outputting the image data having the image quality adjusted.

According to the output device of the first aspect of the present invention, at least the image quality of the image data is determined based on at least the reference image quality parameter value for the image quality parameter value for brightness, the image quality parameter value for brightness, and the exposure correction amount information. Since the image quality is adjusted, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted without deteriorating the output conditions set arbitrarily, for example, the brightness condition, and the image quality can be automatically adjusted appropriately for each image data. Can be adjusted. Therefore, when a bright output result is intended, a bright output result is obtained, and when a dark output result is intended, a dark output result is obtained.

In the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image quality adjustment means reduces or eliminates a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. The image quality of the image data may be adjusted. By providing such a configuration, the image quality of the image data is adjusted so as to reduce or eliminate the deviation of the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. For example, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted without deteriorating the brightness condition, and the image quality can be appropriately automatically adjusted corresponding to each image data.

In the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image quality adjusting means calculates an image quality adjustment amount from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and reflects the exposure correction amount information to calculate the image quality adjustment amount. Modify the image quality adjustment amount,
The image quality of the image data may be adjusted using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. Alternatively, the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention further includes a reference image quality parameter value correction unit that corrects the reference image quality parameter value based on the exposure correction amount information, wherein the image quality adjustment unit includes the reference image quality adjustment unit. Adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the obtained image quality parameter value instead of the image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information Is also good.

According to the output device of the first aspect of the present invention, the image quality adjustment amount is calculated from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and the image quality adjustment amount is corrected by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. The image quality of the image data can be adjusted using the adjusted image quality adjustment amount. Alternatively, the reference image quality parameter value with respect to at least the brightness image quality parameter value can be corrected, and the image quality of the image data can be adjusted based on at least the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the brightness image quality parameter value. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the image quality of the image data without deteriorating the output conditions arbitrarily set, for example, the brightness condition, and appropriately automatically adjust the image quality corresponding to each image data. it can. Therefore, if a bright output result is intended, a bright output result is obtained,
If a dark output result is intended, a dark output result is obtained.

[0012] In the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reference image quality parameter value correcting means may determine that the exposure correction amount is set to 0 as a result of the analysis of the image output control information. It is not necessary to correct the reference image quality parameter value. In such a case, it can be determined that an arbitrary output condition has not been set for the lightness, and therefore, even if the reference image quality parameter value is not corrected, an output result contrary to the photographer's intention is not produced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided image data for processing image data using image data and image output control information associated with the image data, the information including at least exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data. A processing device is provided. An image data processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a capturing unit that captures the image data and the image output control information, and analyzes the captured image data to determine at least a characteristic relating to the brightness of the image data. Image quality parameter value obtaining means for obtaining the value of the image quality parameter indicated, and a reference image quality parameter value predetermined for at least the image quality parameter value for the brightness, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information Image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the above.

According to the image data processing device of the second aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the output device of the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. Further, the second aspect of the present invention
The image data processing device according to the aspect can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for adjusting image quality of image data. An image quality adjusting method according to a third aspect of the present invention includes acquiring image data and image output control information associated with the image data while including at least exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data. Analyzing, acquiring at least a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to brightness of the image data, analyzing the image output control information, acquiring an exposure correction amount from the exposure correction amount information, and setting a predetermined reference value. Image quality parameter value,
The image quality of the image data is adjusted based on the acquired image quality parameter value and the exposure correction amount.

According to the image quality adjusting method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. Further, the image quality adjusting method according to the third aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a program for adjusting image quality of image data. Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention
The program according to the aspect, image data, a function of obtaining at least image output control information associated with the image data at least including exposure correction amount information at the time of image data generation, and analyzing the image data, at least A function of acquiring an image quality parameter value indicating characteristics relating to brightness of the image data, a function of analyzing the image output control information and acquiring an exposure correction amount from the exposure correction amount information, and a predetermined reference image quality A function of adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the parameter value, the acquired image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount is realized by a computer.

According to the program of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the output device of the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. Further, the program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the output device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus for generating image data associated with image processing conditions of image data in an output device. An image data generation device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes an image data generation unit that generates image data, an exposure correction amount information obtaining unit that obtains exposure correction amount information, and analyzes the generated image data. An image quality parameter value obtaining means for obtaining at least an image quality parameter value indicating a characteristic relating to the brightness of the image data; a reference image quality parameter value predetermined for the image quality parameter value for the brightness;
Image processing condition generating means for generating the image processing condition based on the obtained image quality parameter value and the exposure correction amount information; and outputting the generated image processing condition and the image data in association with each other. Output means.

According to the image file generation device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image data of the image data in the output device is obtained based on the reference image quality parameter value, the image quality parameter value for brightness, and the exposure correction amount information. Since the processing conditions are generated, image processing of the image data can be easily performed without obtaining the image processing conditions in the output device. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically adjust the image quality of image data without deteriorating arbitrarily set output conditions, for example, the brightness condition, and appropriately automatically adjust the image quality corresponding to individual image data. it can. Therefore,
A bright output result is obtained when a bright output result is intended, and a dark output result is obtained when a dark output result is intended. The image data and the image processing conditions may be stored in the same file in association with each other.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The adjustment of an output image of an image file according to the present invention will be described below based on some embodiments with reference to the drawings in the following order. A. Configuration of Image Data Output System: Configuration of Image File: C. Configuration of image data output system that can use image file: Image processing in digital still camera: Image processing in printer: Other embodiments:

A. Configuration of Image Data Output System: The configuration of an image data output system to which an image output device that achieves image output adjustment according to the present embodiment can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image data output system to which the image output device according to the first embodiment can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital still camera capable of generating an image file (image data) output by the image output device according to the first embodiment.

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

The digital still camera 12 is a camera for acquiring an image by forming light information on a digital device (CCD or photomultiplier tube), and as shown in FIG. 2, a CCD for collecting light information. An optical circuit 121 including an optical circuit 121, an image acquisition circuit 122 for controlling the optical circuit 121 to acquire an image, an image processing circuit 123 for processing an acquired digital image, a control including a memory and controlling each circuit The circuit 124 is provided. The digital still camera 12 stores the acquired image as digital data in a memory card M as a storage device.
Save to C. As a storage format of image data in the digital still camera 12, a JPEG format is generally used. In addition, a TIFF format, a GIF format, and a BMP format are also available.
A storage format such as a format can be used.

The digital still camera 12 also uses a selection / decision button 126 for setting a photography mode, an exposure compensation amount (exposure compensation value), a light source, etc., a preview of a photographed image, and a selection / decision button 126. A liquid crystal display 127 for setting a shooting mode and the like is provided. The exposure correction amount set in the digital still camera 12 is represented by an exposure amount EV, and when there is no exposure correction, EV = ± 0 is recorded. When it is desired to correct the exposure to be brighter than the appropriate exposure automatically set in the digital still camera 12, + 0.1EV, + 0.1EV
The exposure compensation amount is set on the plus side like 2.0 EV,
If you want to correct the exposure to be darker than the proper exposure,
The exposure correction amount is set on the negative side, such as 0.1 EV and -2.0 EV.

The digital still camera 12 used in the image data output system 10 stores image output control information GI of image data in addition to the image data GD in the memory card MC as an image file GF. That is, the image output control information GI is automatically stored in the memory card MC as an image file GF together with the image data GD at the time of shooting. When the user has previously selected a shooting mode such as portrait or night view, the parameter value of the image quality parameter corresponding to the selected shooting mode, or the parameters such as the exposure correction amount and the light source are arbitrary. If the value is set to a value, an image file GF including the set value of the set parameter as image output control information GI is stored in the memory card MC.

When the digital still camera 12 performs photographing in the automatic photographing mode, the values of parameters such as the exposure time, light source, aperture, shutter speed, and lens focal length at the time of photographing are stored in the image output control information. Is stored in the memory card MC. The parameters applied to each shooting mode,
The parameter values are stored in a memory in the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12.

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

B. Configuration of Image File: A schematic configuration of an image file that can be used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the internal configuration of an image file that can be used in the present embodiment.
The image file GF includes an image data storage area 101 for storing image data GD, and an image output control information storage area 102 for storing information (image output control information) GI for controlling the output state of the image data. Image data GD
Are stored in, for example, the JPEG format, and the image output control information GI is stored in the TIFF format. In addition,
The terms such as file structure, data structure, and storage area in the present embodiment mean an image of a file or data in a state where the file or data is stored in the storage device.

The image output control information GI is information (image quality generation information) related to the image quality when image data is generated (photographed) by an image data generation device such as the digital still camera 12 or the like. The parameters relating to the exposure time, ISO sensitivity, aperture, shutter speed, and focal length that are automatically generated accordingly, and the exposure correction amount, light source, shooting mode arbitrarily set by the user,
It may include output control parameters such as a target color space.

The image file GF according to the present embodiment is
In addition to the digital still camera 12, an input device (image file generating device) such as a digital video camera and a scanner
Can also be generated by

The image file GF according to the present embodiment basically only needs to include the above-described image data area 101 and the image output control information storage area 102. Can take structure. Hereinafter, a case where the image file GF according to the present embodiment is adapted to a standardized file format will be specifically described.

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

Image file GFE as Exif file
Is a JPEG image data storage area 111 for storing JPEG image data, and an auxiliary information storage area 1 for storing various information related to the stored JPEG image data.
12 are provided. JPEG data storage area 111
Corresponds to the image data storage area 101, and the auxiliary information storage area 112 corresponds to the image output control information storage area 10.
Equivalent to 2. That is, in the attached information storage area 112, image output control information (image output control information GI) referred to when a JPEG image is output, such as shooting date and time, exposure, shutter speed, light source, exposure correction amount, target color space, and the like. Is stored. Also, the attached information storage area 11
2 stores, in TIFF format, thumbnail image data of a JPEG image stored in the JPEG image data storage area 111 in addition to the image output control information GI. As is well known to those skilled in the art, tags are used to specify each data in the Exif format file, and each data may be referred to by a tag name.

The detailed data structure of the attached information storage area 112 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an auxiliary information storage area 11 of the image file GF which can be used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of No. 2;

As shown, parameter values for information such as an exposure time, a lens F value, an exposure control mode, an ISO sensitivity, an exposure correction amount, a light source, a flash, and a focal length are stored in the attached information storage area 112 in accordance with a predetermined address. Is stored. On the output device side, desired information (parameters)
, The image output control information GI can be obtained.

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

The color printer 20 is a printer capable of outputting a color image. For example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) are printed on a printing medium. This is an inkjet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink to form a dot pattern. Alternatively, it is an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by transferring and fixing a color toner on a print medium. As the color ink, in addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used.

As shown, the color printer 20
A mechanism for driving the print head 211 mounted on the carriage 21 to eject ink and form dots, a mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 21 in the axial direction of the platen 23 by the carriage motor 22, and a paper feed motor 24
And a control circuit 30 for transporting the printing paper P. The mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 21 in the axial direction of the platen 23 includes an endless drive between a carriage shaft 22 and a slide shaft 25 slidably holding the carriage 21 erected in parallel with the shaft of the platen 23. It is composed of a pulley 27 on which a belt 26 is stretched, a position detection sensor 28 for detecting the origin position of the carriage 21, and the like. The mechanism for transporting the printing paper P includes a platen 23,
It comprises a paper feed motor 24 for rotating the platen 23, a paper feed auxiliary roller (not shown), and a gear train (not shown) for transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor 24 to the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller.

The control circuit 30 controls the operation panel 2 of the printer.
9 while appropriately controlling the movements of the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the print head 211. The printing paper P supplied to the color printer 20
Is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller, and is fed by a predetermined amount according to the rotation angle of the platen 23.

The ink cartridge 2 is mounted on the carriage 21.
12 and the ink cartridge 213 are mounted. The ink cartridge 212 contains black (K) ink,
The ink cartridge 213 has another ink, that is,
In addition to three color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y), inks of a total of six colors of light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM) and dark yellow (DY) are stored.

Next, the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20. As shown in FIG.
CPU 31, PROM 32, RAM 33, PCMCIA slot 34 for acquiring data from memory card MC,
A peripheral device input / output unit (PIO) 35 for exchanging data with the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the like, a timer 36, a drive buffer 37, and the like are provided. The drive buffer 37 includes ink ejection heads 214 to 220
Is used as a buffer for supplying a dot on / off signal to the. These are connected to each other by a bus 38 so that data can be exchanged with each other. The control circuit 30 includes an oscillator 3 that outputs a drive waveform at a predetermined frequency.
9 and a distribution output device 40 for distributing the output from the oscillator 39 to the ink ejection heads 214 to 220 at a predetermined timing.

The control circuit 30 reads the image file 100 from the memory card MC, analyzes the attached information AI,
Image processing is performed based on the analyzed control information AI.
The control circuit 30 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 37 at a predetermined timing while synchronizing with the movements of the paper feed motor 24 and the carriage motor 22. Control circuit 3
The detailed flow of the image processing executed by 0 will be described below. .

D. Image processing in digital still camera: Digital still camera 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.
2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of generating the image file GF in the digital still camera 12.

Control circuit 1 of digital still camera 12
In step S100, it is determined whether the user has set a shooting mode or image output control information such as a light source and an exposure correction amount before shooting. The setting of these image output control information is performed by the selection / setting button 126
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 127,
The processing is executed by the user selecting from the shooting modes prepared in advance. Alternatively, the operation is performed by operating the selection / setting button 126 in the same manner and changing the set value on the liquid crystal display 127 by the user.

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

On the other hand, when the control circuit 124 determines that the image output control information is not set (step S100: No), it generates the image data GD in response to the photographing request (step S130). . Control circuit 124
Is image output control information GI including generated image data GD and output conditions automatically given when the image data is generated.
Are stored in the memory card MC as an image file GF (step S140), and this processing routine ends.

By the above processing executed in the digital still camera 12, the image file GF stored in the memory card MC includes image data GD and image output control information GI including the value of each parameter at the time of image data generation. Will be provided.

E. Image Processing in Color Printer 20: Image processing in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine of a printing process in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing in the color printer 20. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for automatic image adjustment in the color printer 20. In the image processing in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment, the color space conversion processing is executed first, and then the automatic image adjustment is executed.

The control circuit 30 (CP) of the color printer 20
U31) reads the image file 100 from the memory card MC when the memory card MC is inserted into the slot 34, and stores the read image file 100 in the RAM 33.
(Step S100). CPU31
Is the attached information storage area 1 of the read image file 100
02 is searched for image output control information GI indicating information at the time of generating image data (step S110). CPU31
If the image output control information can be searched for and found (step S120: Yes), the image output control information GI at the time of generating the image data is acquired and analyzed (step S13).
0). The CPU 31 executes image processing described later in detail based on the analyzed image output control information GI (step S1).
40), print out the processed image data (step S150).

The CPU 31 searches for image output control information.
If not found (step S120: N
o) Since the image output control information at the time of generating the image data cannot be reflected, the image output control information stored in the color printer 20 as a default value in advance,
That is, various parameter values are obtained from the ROM 32 and normal image processing is executed (step S160). CP
U31 prints out the processed image data (step S150), and ends this processing routine.

The image processing executed in the color printer 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 of the color printer 20 extracts the image data GD from the read image file GF (step S20).
0). The digital still camera 12 stores image data as a JPEG format file as described above.
Image data is stored using the CbCr color space.

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

[0054]

(Equation 1)

The CPU 31 executes the gamma correction and the matrix operation M on the image data based on the RGB color space thus obtained (step S22).
0). When performing gamma correction, the CPU 31 obtains a DSC-side gamma value from the image output control information GI, and performs gamma conversion processing on video data using the obtained gamma value. The matrix operation M is an operation for converting an RGB color space into an XYZ color space. Since the image file GF used in the present embodiment can include color space information at the time of generating an image, if the image file GF includes color space information, the CPU 3
1 executes a matrix operation M by referring to color space information and using a matrix (M) corresponding to a color space at the time of image generation. The matrix operation M is an operation expression shown below.

[0056]

(Equation 2)

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

The CPU 31 converts the color space of the image data GD from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space, that is, executes the matrix operation N ⁻¹ and the inverse gamma correction in order to perform image adjustment based on arbitrary information. (Step S230). Note that the wRGB color space is a color space wider than the sRGB color space. When performing gamma correction, the CPU 31 obtains a default gamma value on the printer side from the ROM 32, and performs an inverse gamma conversion process on video data using a reciprocal of the obtained gamma value.
When executing the matrix operation N ^-1 , the CPU 31
Performs a matrix operation using a matrix (N ^-1 ) corresponding to conversion from the ROM 31 to the wRGB color space. The matrix operation N- ¹ is an operation expression shown below.

[0059]

(Equation 3)

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

The CPU 31 executes an image quality automatic adjustment process (step S240). In the image quality automatic adjustment process according to the present embodiment, the image data GD included in the image file GF is analyzed to obtain a characteristic parameter value indicating the image quality, and the image output control information GI included in the image file GF is reflected. Then, automatic adjustment of the image quality for correcting the acquired characteristic parameter values is executed. This image quality automatic adjustment process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the CPU 31 analyzes the image data GD to obtain various characteristic parameter values indicating the characteristics of the image data GD, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 32 (step S300). The lightness parameter indicating the lightness characteristic is obtained as a lightness representative value Brep among the image statistical values obtained by analyzing the image data GD. CPU31
Analyzes the image output control information GI and obtains control parameter (information) values for controlling (designating) image output such as a light source, an exposure correction amount, an exposure time, an aperture, an ISO, and a focal length (step S310). .

The CPU 31 changes (corrects) the reference value and coefficient set for each parameter while reflecting the obtained control parameter value (step S320). The reference value and coefficient set for each parameter are values assuming image data generated under general image generation conditions (output control conditions). Therefore, in order to realize automatic image quality adjustment that correctly reflects the intention of the photographer (image creator), in particular, the output control conditions that can be arbitrarily set by the photographer are considered in consideration of the individual output control conditions. Change the value and coefficient. Note that the reference value and the coefficient are index values of parameters for which an output result of an image predetermined by image evaluation based on quantitative evaluation and sensitivity evaluation is optimal.

First, the case where the brightness reference value set for the brightness parameter among the characteristic parameters is corrected will be described. The brightness reference value Bstd is, for example, 0 to 2
This is 8-bit information that can take a value of 55, and its standard value is set to 128. For this standard value, 0.
The brightness reference value Bstd is corrected by adding or subtracting a value calculated using a conversion formula of 1EV (exposure correction amount) = 2 (brightness correction value) to or from the brightness standard value 128. That is, Bstd = 128 + lightness correction value. For example, if the exposure correction amount is +1.0 EV correction, the brightness correction value is
(1.0 / 0.1) * 2 = 20, and the lightness reference value Bstd
Is 128 + 20 = 148. On the other hand, if the exposure correction amount is -0.5 EV correction, the brightness correction value is-(0.5 /
0.1) * 2 = -10, and the lightness reference value Bstd is 1
28-10 = 118.

When the exposure correction amount is set to a value other than 0, the photographer can determine that the photographing has been performed by intentionally changing the brightness. Therefore, in order to reflect the photographer's intention, the brightness reference value Bstd is corrected based on the exposure correction amount,
This realizes automatic brightness adjustment reflecting the photographer's intention.

The CPU 31 executes automatic image quality adjustment for correcting the image data GD so as to approach the changed reference value (step S330). The correction for bringing the brightness value of the image data GD closer to the reference value is executed based on the following equation.

[0067]

(Equation 4)

Referring to FIG. 12, the relationship between the input level and the output level used when executing the correction for bringing the brightness value of the image data GD closer to the reference value will be described. FIG.
Is a graph conceptually showing the relationship between the brightness input level and output level for each pixel of the image data. When the exposure correction amount is a positive value and the correction for increasing the brightness is executed, for example, the output levels OL1 and OL2 are raised in accordance with the correction level at a point of 1/4 of the input level. On the other hand, when the exposure correction amount is a negative value and the correction for darkening the brightness is executed, for example, 3 /
Output point OL3 at point 4 according to the correction level
Lower. Values excluding the point corresponding to the correction level are interpolated by a spline curve.

For example, when the representative value of the lightness Brep = 100 and the exposure correction amount = 0, the lightness correction level B
rev = 10 (OL1). On the other hand, the representative value of the brightness Brep =
When 100 and the exposure correction amount = 16, the brightness correction level Brev = 13 (OL3) is obtained from the above equation. If the lightness reference value Bstd is not corrected in consideration of the exposure correction amount,
As long as the lightness representative value Brep is the same, it was not reflected in the output result of the image data. However, by correcting the lightness reference value Bstd in consideration of the exposure correction amount, the lightness correction level Brev is considered in consideration of the exposure correction amount. The correction is made three levels higher than in the case of not performing. Therefore, the photographer's intention to brighten the output result can be reflected in the output result of the image data.

Alternatively, the lightness correction level Brev may be directly increased or decreased without correcting the lightness reference value Bstd. For example, when a conversion formula of 0.1 EV = 2 (level) is used and the exposure correction amount is set to 0.5 EV, (0.5 / 0.1) * 2 = 10, and the brightness correction level Brev = 10 + lightness reference value Bstd. If the brightness reference value Bstd = 10, as a result, the brightness correction level Brev
= 20. As described above, this value is used for correcting a tone curve for determining an output level with respect to an input level of the brightness value of the image data GD, and the brightness value of each pixel of the image data GD is corrected. The brightness of the image data GD is adjusted.

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

When the image quality automatic adjustment processing is completed, the CPU 31 executes wRGB color conversion processing and halftone processing for printing (step S250). In the wRGB color conversion process, the CPU 31 refers to a lookup table (LUT) for conversion to the CMYK color space corresponding to the wRGB color space stored in the ROM 31 and changes the color space of the image data from the wRGB color space to the CMYK. Change to color space. That is, image data consisting of R, G, and B gradation values is used in the color printer 20, for example, C, M
-Conversion into gradation value data of each of the six colors Y, K, LC, and LM.

In the halftone processing, the color-converted image data is received, and the gradation number conversion processing is performed. In the present embodiment, the image data after the color conversion is expressed as data having 256 gradation widths for each color. In contrast,
The color printer 20 according to the present embodiment can take only one of the states of “form dots” and “do not form dots”.
Only gradation can be expressed. Therefore, image data having 256 gradations is converted into image data represented by two gradations that can be represented by the color printer 20. As a typical method of the binarization (binarization) processing, there is a method called an error diffusion method and a method called an organized dither method.

In the color printer 20, prior to the color conversion processing, if the resolution of the image data is lower than the print resolution, linear interpolation is performed to generate new data between adjacent image data, and conversely, the new data is generated based on the print resolution. If the image data is higher, a resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image data to the print resolution is performed by thinning out the data at a fixed rate.
In addition, the color printer 20 executes an interlace process of rearranging the image data converted into a format indicating the presence or absence of dot formation into an order to be transferred to the color printer 20.

As described above, according to the color printer 20 of this embodiment, the image quality of the image data GD can be automatically adjusted by reflecting the image output control information GI included in the image file GF. Therefore, even when the output control condition of the image data is arbitrarily set by the user, the arbitrary output control condition is corrected by executing the image quality automatic adjustment, and the intention of the user can be reflected. It is possible to solve the problem in the conventional image quality automatic adjustment function that cannot be performed.

In particular, the color printer 2 in this embodiment
According to 0, when automatically adjusting the image quality of the image data GD, by correcting the brightness reference value Bstd in consideration of the exposure correction amount, the brightness correction level Brev is larger than in the case where the exposure correction amount is not considered. Or it is corrected smaller.
Therefore, the intention of the photographer to make the output result brighter or darker can be reflected in the output result of the image data. When the exposure correction amount is 0,
Since the photographer can judge that he does not want an intentional output result regarding the brightness, the brightness reference value Bstd is not corrected.

Further, since the image quality can be automatically adjusted using the image output control information GI included in the image file GF, the image quality can be easily adjusted without performing the image quality adjustment on the photo retouching application or the printer driver. It is possible to obtain a high quality print result reflecting the user's photographing intention.

Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the image quality adjustment processing is automatically executed, the image quality automatic adjustment button is provided on the operation panel of the color printer 20.
The image quality automatic adjustment process of the above embodiment may be executed only when the image quality automatic adjustment is selected by the image quality automatic adjustment button.

F. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, all image processing is executed in the color printer 20 without the intervention of the personal computer PC, and a dot pattern is formed on a print medium in accordance with the generated image data GD. All or part of the image processing may be executed on a computer. In this case, the image processing function described with reference to FIG. 11 is provided to the image data processing application such as the retouch application and the printer driver installed on the hard disk or the like of the computer. The image file GF generated by the digital still camera 12 is transmitted via a cable or
It is provided to the computer via the memory card MC. On the computer, an application is started by a user's operation to read the image file GF, analyze the image output control information GI, and convert and adjust the image data GD. Alternatively, by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC, or alternatively, by detecting the insertion of the cable, the application starts automatically, reads the image file GF, analyzes the image output control information GI, Conversion and adjustment of the data GD may be automatically performed.

In the above embodiment, the automatic adjustment of the image quality has been described focusing on the correction of the brightness in consideration of the exposure correction amount. In addition, for example, the shadow / contrast point, the contrast, the color balance, Automatic adjustment of image quality reflecting image output control information GI can be performed on characteristic parameter values of image data GD such as saturation and sharpness.

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

Image processing in the color printer 20 is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 13, the image quality automatic adjustment processing may be executed first, and then the color space conversion may be executed later. Basic information may be processed.

In the above embodiments, the color printer 20 is used as an output device.
A display device such as an LCD and a projector can also be used. In such a case, for example, an image processing program (display driver) for executing the image processing described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 is executed by the display device as the output device. Alternatively, when a CRT or the like functions as a display device of a computer, the computer executes an image processing program. However, the finally output image data is not in the CMYK color space but in RG
It has a B color space.

In such a case, similarly to the case where the information at the time of generating the image data is reflected in the print result via the color printer 20, the image output control at the time of generating the image data is performed on the display result on the display device such as the CRT. The information GI can be reflected. Therefore, the digital still camera 12
Can be displayed more accurately.

Although the image output apparatus according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the above embodiments of the present invention are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and limit the present invention. Not something. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiment, the light source, the exposure correction amount, the target color space, the brightness,
Although parameters such as sharpness are used, which parameter is used as the image output control information GI is an arbitrary decision item.

The values of the parameters illustrated in the table of FIG. 8 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited by these values. Further, the values of the matrices S, M, and N ^-1 in each mathematical expression are merely examples, and the target color space or the color printer 20 may be used.
Needless to say, it can be appropriately changed depending on the available color space and the like.

In the above embodiment, the digital still camera 12 has been described as the image file generating device.
In addition, a scanner, a digital video camera, or the like can be used. When using a scanner, the image file G
The designation of the captured data information of the F may be executed on the computer PC, or a preset button, a display screen for arbitrary setting, and a setting button assigned to the scanner in advance for setting information are set on the scanner. This may be provided, and the scanner may be executable by itself.

In the above embodiment, an Exif format file has been described as a specific example of the image file GF.
The format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, any image file may be used as long as the image file includes the image data generated by the image data generating apparatus and the image output control information GI that describes conditions (information) at the time of generating the image data. With such a file, the image quality of the image data generated by the image file generation device can be automatically adjusted appropriately and output from the output device.

The digital still camera 12 and the color printer 20 used in the above embodiments are merely examples, and the configuration is not limited to the contents described in each embodiment. The digital still camera 12 only needs to have at least the function of generating the image file GF according to the above embodiment. In the color printer 20, at least the image file G according to the present embodiment is used.
It suffices if the image output control information GI of F is analyzed, and the image quality is automatically adjusted to reflect the user's intention with respect to the brightness in particular, and the image can be output (printed).

In the above embodiment, the case where the image data GD and the image output control information GI are included in the same image file GF has been described as an example. However, the image data GD and the image output control information GI are not necessarily the same. It does not need to be stored in the file. That is, it is sufficient that the image data GD and the image output control information GI are associated with each other. For example, association data for associating the image data GD with the image output control information GI is generated, and one or a plurality of image data and the image output control The information GI and the information GI may be stored in independent files, and the associated image output control information GI may be referred to when processing the image data GD. In such a case, although the image data and the image output control information GI are stored in separate files, at the time of the image processing using the image output control information GI, the image data and the image output control information GI cannot be integrated. And the function is substantially the same as that in the case of being stored in the same file. That is, at least at the time of image processing, a mode in which the image data and the image output control information GI are used in association with each other is included in the image file GF in the present embodiment. Furthermore, CD-ROM, CD-R,
A moving image file stored in an optical disk medium such as a DVD-ROM or a DVD-RAM is also included.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image data output system to which an image output device according to an embodiment can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital still camera capable of generating an image file (image data) output by the image output device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the internal structure of an image file that can be used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic internal structure of an image file stored in an Exif file format.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of an attached information storage area 112 of an image file GF that can be used in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a color printer 20 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a control circuit 30 of the color printer 20.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process of refining an image file GF in the digital still camera 12.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine of a printing process in the color printer 20 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image processing in the color printer 20 according to the embodiment.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for automatic image adjustment in the color printer 20. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a graph conceptually showing a relationship between an input level and an output level of lightness.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine of a printing process in a color printer 20 according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An output device that outputs image data using image data and image output control information associated with the image data, the information including at least exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data. Analyzing the image data, at least an image quality parameter value obtaining means for obtaining a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to the brightness of the image data, at least a reference image quality parameter value predetermined for the image quality parameter value for the brightness, An output device comprising: an image quality adjustment unit that adjusts the image quality of the image data based on the acquired image quality parameter value and the exposure correction amount information; and an output unit that outputs the image data whose image quality has been adjusted. 2. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the image quality adjusting unit reflects or reduces the deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. An output device for adjusting image quality of image data. 3. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the image quality adjustment unit calculates an image quality adjustment amount from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and reflects the exposure correction amount information to obtain the image quality. An output device, wherein the adjustment amount is corrected, and the image quality of the image data is adjusted using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. 4. The output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a reference image quality parameter value correcting unit that corrects the reference image quality parameter value based on the exposure correction amount information. Adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the obtained image quality parameter value instead of the image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information. An output device characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. The output device according to claim 4, wherein the reference image quality parameter value correcting unit determines the reference image quality when an exposure correction amount is set to 0 as a result of the analysis of the image output control information. An output device that does not execute correction of parameter values. 6. An image processing apparatus for processing image data using image data and image output control information associated with the image data, the information including at least exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data, the image processing apparatus comprising: Capturing means for capturing data and the image output control information; image quality parameter value obtaining means for analyzing the captured image data data to obtain at least a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to brightness of the image data; Image quality adjustment means for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the reference image quality parameter value predetermined for the image quality parameter value for the brightness, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information; An image data processing device comprising: 7. The image data processing device according to claim 6, wherein the image quality adjustment unit reduces or eliminates a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. Image data processing apparatus, wherein the image quality of the image data is adjusted. 8. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image quality adjustment unit calculates an image quality adjustment amount from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and reflects the exposure correction amount information. An image data processing apparatus, wherein the image quality adjustment amount is corrected, and the image quality of the image data is adjusted using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. 9. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a reference image quality parameter value correction unit that corrects the reference image quality parameter value based on the exposure correction amount information; Adjusting the image quality of the image data based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the obtained image quality parameter value instead of the reference image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information An image data processing apparatus, comprising: 10. The image data processing device according to claim 9, wherein the reference image quality parameter value correction unit is configured to determine whether an exposure correction amount is set to 0 as a result of analyzing the image output control information. An image data processing apparatus, wherein correction of a reference image quality parameter value is not performed. 11. A method for adjusting image quality of image data, comprising: acquiring image data and image output control information associated with the image data at least including exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data; To obtain at least a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to brightness of the image data, analyze the image output control information, obtain an exposure correction amount from the exposure correction amount information, and An image quality adjusting method for adjusting the image quality of the image data based on a reference image quality parameter value, the acquired image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount. 12. The image quality adjusting method according to claim 11, wherein the image quality of the image data is reduced so as to reduce or eliminate a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. An image quality adjustment method characterized by adjusting. 13. The image quality adjustment method according to claim 11, wherein an image quality adjustment amount is calculated from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and the image quality adjustment amount is corrected by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. Adjusting the image quality of the image data using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. 14. The image quality adjustment method according to claim 11, further comprising: reflecting a predetermined reference image quality parameter value for at least the image quality parameter value for the brightness by reflecting the obtained exposure correction amount. Correcting the reference image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information, and replacing the image data based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the obtained image quality parameter value. An image quality adjustment method characterized by adjusting image quality. 15. The image quality adjusting method according to claim 14, wherein when the obtained exposure correction amount is 0, the reference image quality parameter value is not corrected. 16. A program for adjusting image quality of image data, wherein the program acquires image data and image output control information including at least exposure correction amount information at the time of generating the image data and associated with the image data. A function of analyzing the image data to obtain at least a value of an image quality parameter indicating a characteristic relating to the brightness of the image data; and analyzing the image output control information to calculate an exposure correction amount from the exposure correction amount information. A program for realizing, by a computer, a function of acquiring the image data and a function of adjusting the image quality of the image data based on a predetermined reference image quality parameter value, the image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount. 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the function of adjusting the image quality of the image data reduces or eliminates a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. A program for adjusting the image quality of the image data. 18. The program according to claim 16, wherein the function of adjusting the image quality of the image data calculates an image quality adjustment amount from the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value, and reflects the exposure correction amount information. And correcting the image quality adjustment amount, and adjusting the image quality of the image data using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. 19. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 16, further comprising: a computer reflecting a reference image quality parameter value predetermined for at least the image quality parameter value for the brightness by reflecting the acquired exposure correction amount. The function of adjusting the image quality of the image data is performed by replacing the reference parameter value, the image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount with the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter. A program implemented by a computer based on a value. 20. The program according to claim 19, wherein when the acquired exposure correction amount is 0, a function of not correcting the reference image quality parameter value is realized by a computer. . 21. An image data generating device for generating image data associated with image processing conditions of image data in an output device, comprising: image data generating means for generating image data; and exposure correction amount information. An exposure correction amount information acquiring unit; an image quality parameter value acquiring unit that analyzes the generated image data to acquire at least an image quality parameter value indicating a characteristic relating to the brightness of the image data; and the image quality parameter value for the brightness An image processing condition generating means for generating the image processing condition based on a predetermined reference image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information; An image data generation apparatus, comprising: an output unit that outputs a condition in association with the image data. 22. The image data generation device according to claim 21, wherein the image processing condition generation unit reduces a deviation between the reference image quality parameter value and the image quality parameter value by reflecting the exposure correction amount information. An image data generation apparatus, wherein the image processing condition is generated so as to be eliminated. 23. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said image processing condition generating means calculates an image quality adjustment amount from said reference image quality parameter value and said image quality parameter value, and outputs said exposure correction amount information. An image data generation apparatus, wherein the image quality adjustment amount is corrected to reflect the image quality, and the image quality of the image data is adjusted using the corrected image quality adjustment amount. 24. The image data generation device according to claim 21, further comprising: a reference image quality parameter value correction unit configured to correct the reference image quality parameter value based on the exposure correction amount information. The means, instead of the reference image quality parameter value, the obtained image quality parameter value, and the exposure correction amount information, is configured to execute the image processing condition based on the corrected reference image quality parameter value and the obtained image quality parameter value. Generating an image data. 25. The image data generation apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the reference image quality parameter value correction unit corrects the reference image quality parameter value when the acquired exposure correction amount is 0. An image data generating apparatus characterized in that there is no image data. 26. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image data is stored and output in the same file as the image processing conditions. .