JP2003030670A - Generation of image file where image processing and layout can be specified - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the technique of performing image processing corresponding to the preference of a user to image data and outputting them in a preferred layout. SOLUTION: An image output system for outputting the image data generated with a digital still camera 12 by using a color printer 20 is constructed. The digital still camera 12 generates an image file including the image data, image processing control data and layout data. In the image file, a plurality of the image data, the image processing control data and the layout data can be included. The color printer 20 applies the image processing using the image processing control data to the image data and outputs images arranged according to the layout data on the basis of the image file.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to generation of an image file including image data, image processing control data used for image processing of the image data, and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital still cameras have become popular. Digital still cameras use charge-coupled devices (C
An image is converted into an electric signal by using a semiconductor element such as a CD) which responds to light, and is stored in a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory as digital data. Image data captured by a digital still camera can be output using a monitor of a general-purpose personal computer or an image output device such as a printer.

With the spread of such digital still cameras, various conveniences have been improved in outputting image data. For example, DPOF (Digital Print Or
By using a format called derFormat), it is possible to print a plurality of images on one sheet of printing paper, print by specifying sizes, and output in a specified order. In addition, a plurality of images can be output in a layout desired by the user by associating the plurality of image data with the layout information that specifies the layout at the time of outputting them and transmitting them to the image output device.

[0004]

However, even if the layout or the like is set by the DPOF, there is often a gap between the image intended by the user and the image actually output. This is because the digital still camera may have different brightness and color tone of the generated image depending on its manufacturer and model, and may have different brightness and color tone of the output image depending on the model of the image output device.

Although a digital still camera has been described as an example here, a similar problem may similarly occur in an image data generating device such as a digital video camera or a scanner.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for subjecting image data to image processing according to a user's preference and outputting the image in a desired layout. To aim.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problem and Its Action / Effect] In order to solve at least a part of the above problem, the present invention adopts the following configuration. An image file generation device of the present invention is an image file generation device that generates an image file including image data and output control data that controls output of the image data, and an image data input unit that inputs the image data. An output control data input unit for inputting output control data for controlling the output of the image data, and an image file generation unit for generating an image file in which the image data and the output control data are stored in association with each other. The gist is that the output control data includes image processing control data used for image processing of the image data and layout data that specifies an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data.

The image file generating device of the present invention generates an image file in which image data and output control data are stored in association with each other. The output control data includes image processing control data for controlling the image processing performed on the image data and layout data for designating the arrangement of the image data at the time of output. The image processing control data may include various parameters such as “contrast”, “brightness”, “color balance”, “saturation”, “sharpness”, “gamma value”, and “target color space”. The “target color space” is, for example, sRGB color space or NTSC.
It is a parameter that specifies the color space used during image processing according to the color space used during generation of image data, such as the color space.

By analyzing the output control data contained in the image file on the side of the image output device, the image processing control data is used to perform image processing according to the user's preference and the layout data is used. The image can be output in a desired layout.

The image file generated by the image file generating device of the present invention is capable of designating the layout of the output image on the image output device side and is used in the description of an HTML (HyperText Markup Langu).
age) and XML (eXtensible Markup Language). However, in the technology using these markup languages, the image data is not included in one file and is described by a hyperlink, whereas in the present invention, the image data and the output control data are included in one file. It differs in that it includes.

In the image file generating apparatus of the present invention,
The image file may include a plurality of image data.

By doing so, it is possible to output a plurality of images in a layout desired by the user.

In the image file generating apparatus, the image processing control data can be set commonly to the plurality of image data, but it is preferable that the image processing control data can be set to each of the image data.

By doing so, it is possible to flexibly perform image processing for each image data and output it in a desired arrangement.

In the image file generating apparatus of the present invention,
The layout data may include decoration instruction data for decorating the image data.

The "decoration instruction data" is instruction data for decorating an output image, and data for designating decoration image data and character data for decorating an image which is a main output target, and those It contains data that directs the placement of the. The character data includes standard characters and decorative characters. According to the present invention, it is possible to perform image processing and output a decorated image in a desired arrangement.

In the image file generating device, the decoration instruction data may include frame instruction data for instructing a frame of the image data.

By doing so, it is possible to output an image decorated with a frame (edge).

Further, the decoration instruction data may include data for specifying the location on the network of the decoration image data used for decoration of the image data.

Thus, even if the decoration image data is not held in the image file generation device, the decoration image can be output only by instructing the location on the network. Therefore, the memory of the image file generation device can be reduced.

A plurality of decoration instruction data may be set for one image data. Further, a plurality of the image processing control data may be set for the one image data.

By doing so, the degree of freedom regarding the generation of the image file can be increased, and the convenience can be improved.

The present invention can be configured in the form of an output image data generating device in addition to the image file generating device described above. This aspect corresponds to the relationship between the image file generating device and the sub-combination described above.

An output image data generation device of the present invention is an output image data generation device for subjecting image data to predetermined image processing to generate output image data to be output by an image output device. Image processing control data used for image processing of data and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of output of the image data, and output control data for controlling output of the image data and the image data are associated with each other. An image file input unit for inputting the stored image file, and an output image for performing the image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data and for generating the output image data based on the layout data. The gist is to include a data generation unit.

By doing so, output image data can be generated based on the image file generated by the image file generating device and output by the image output device.

In the output image data generating device of the present invention, the output control data further includes decoration instruction data for decoration of the image data, and the decoration instruction data is used for decoration of the image data. A communication unit may be provided that includes data specifying the location of the image data on the network, and that accesses the location and acquires the decoration image data.

By doing so, it is possible to obtain the decoration image data from the location on the network specified by the decoration instruction data and generate the output image data even if the decoration file is not included in the image file. it can.

The present invention relates to the above-mentioned image file generating device,
In addition to the configuration as the output image data generation device, the invention can be configured as an invention of a method of generating an image file and a method of generating output image data. In addition, it is possible to realize in various forms such as a computer program for realizing these, a recording medium recording the program, and a data signal embodied in a carrier wave including the program. It is possible to apply the various additional elements shown above in each aspect.

When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium recording the program, it may be configured as an entire program for driving the image file generating device and the output image data generating device. It is also possible to configure only the part that fulfills the function of. The recording medium may be a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punched card, a printed matter on which codes such as a bar code are printed, or an internal storage device of a computer (memory such as RAM or ROM). ) And external storage devices, and various computer-readable media can be used.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on Examples. A. Configuration of image output system: B. Image file generating device: C.I. Image file structure: D. Image output device: E. Generation of image file: F. Image Processing in Image Output Device: G. Other examples:

A. Configuration of Image Output System: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system 10 as one embodiment. The image output system 10 of the present embodiment is a digital still camera 1 as an image file generating device.
2 and a color printer 20 as an image processing device and an image output device.

The digital still camera 12 can set various photographing conditions and output control data PIM. The shooting conditions mean acquisition conditions of image data such as shutter speed, exposure, and aperture. The output control data PIM is data for controlling print processing including image processing in the color printer 20, and includes print commands and image processing control data used for image processing. The digital still camera 12 performs shooting (image data generation) under shooting conditions set by the user, and generates an image file that integrally includes image data and output control data PIM.
The generated image file is stored in the memory card MC.

The color printer 20 has an image processing function. The color printer 20 inputs an image file via the memory card MC or via a cable (not shown), and analyzes the output control data PIM included in the image file. Since the output control data PIM includes image processing control data, this is acquired and image processing is performed on the image data. Then, printing is executed.

As described above, in the image output system 10 of this embodiment, the printing process of the color printer 20 is controlled from the digital still camera 12 side to perform the printing reflecting the intention of the digital still camera (photographer). be able to. Details of the digital still camera, image file, and color printer will be described later.

The image output system 10 can take various modes. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of the image output system 10. Image output system 10
In addition to the digital still camera 12 and the color printer 20 shown in FIG. 1, the personal computer can include a personal computer PC having a built-in image processing function, a server SV, and a monitor 14 as an image output device. These are connected by cable CV or wireless communication directly or via a network and exchange data. It is also possible to connect a scanner or a digital video camera as the image file generating device.

B. Image File Generation Device: FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital still camera 12. The digital still camera 12 is a camera that acquires an image by forming light information on a digital device (CCD or photomultiplier). The digital still camera 12 includes an optical circuit 121 including a CCD for collecting optical information, an image acquisition circuit 122 for controlling the optical circuit 121 to acquire an image, and a processing process of the acquired digital image. Image processing circuit 123
And a control circuit 124 for controlling each circuit as well as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

The digital still camera 12 saves the acquired image as digital data in the memory card MC as a storage device. The JPEG format is generally used as a storage format for image data in the digital still camera 12, but other storage formats such as TIFF format, GIF format, and BMP format may be used.

The digital still camera 12 also has a selection / confirmation button 126 for making various settings for the shooting mode and image processing control data, and a liquid crystal display for previewing a shot image and displaying various setting screens. It is equipped with 127. The “shooting mode” is a set of parameters of image acquisition conditions set according to various shooting scenes. This parameter includes exposure time, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, lens focal length, and the like. Each parameter value is automatically set by the user selecting the shooting mode. The “image processing control data” is data relating to image output such as contrast, brightness and color balance, and is data used for image processing in the color printer 20.
In this embodiment, a plurality of sets of image processing control data are prepared corresponding to the shooting modes. The correspondence between the shooting mode and the image processing control data will be described later by way of example.
The image processing control data includes a gamma value and a color space used by the digital still camera 12 at the time of shooting. This is because these are parameters that do not depend on the shooting mode but are used for subsequent image processing.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional blocks of the digital still camera 12. The digital still camera 12 includes an image data generation unit 12a, an image data input unit 12b, an output control data input unit 12c, an image file generation unit 12d, an image data storage unit 12e, and an image processing control data storage unit 12f. A layout data storage unit 12g and a layout editing unit 12h are provided.

The image data input unit 12b inputs the image data generated by the image data generation unit 12a or the image data held in the image data storage unit 12e. The image data storage unit 12e includes the image data generation unit 12
The image data generated in a is held. It also holds decoration image data for decorating the image and frame image data for framing the image.

The output control data input unit 12c inputs image processing control data and layout data from the image processing control data storage unit 12f and the layout data storage unit 12g, respectively. Here, the layout data is
In a broad sense, it means data that designates a layout location of an image at the time of output, and in a narrow sense, it designates a decoration image, a frame image, and decoration instruction data (frame designation data) that designates their layout location. Layout data storage unit 1
2 g holds a plurality of sets of decoration instruction data that specify layouts of images, decoration images, and frame images at the time of output.

The output control data input unit 12c includes an image processing control data storage unit 12g and a layout data storage unit 12g, as well as an external storage device (a hard disk of a personal computer PC or a server S) that stores them.
Each data can be input from V) or a recording medium. Also, the user can input data arbitrarily set. The input data can be stored in each of the image processing control data storage unit 12f and the layout data storage unit g.

The layout editing section 12h can edit by referring to existing layout data, decoration image data, and frame image data. The edited layout data can be stored in the layout data storage unit 12g. Further, when the decoration image data and the frame image data are stored in, for example, a server SV on the Internet that can be accessed by a color printer to be described later, the URL (Uniform Resour
You can also specify a decoration image and a frame image by specifying (ce Locator).

The image file generator 12d generates an image file in which image data, image processing control data and layout data are stored in a predetermined format.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of sets of image processing control data are prepared corresponding to the photographing modes. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters of image processing control data and setting contents thereof. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, presets corresponding to 11 types of shooting scenes are prepared in advance. The preset is "Contrast",
Seven types of parameters of "brightness", "color balance", "saturation", "sharpness", "memory color", and "noise removal" are included. These are the settings prepared by the manufacturer of the digital still camera 12. These are stored in the image processing control data storage unit 12f. The image processing control data storage unit 12f also has an area for storing presets set by the user.

The digital still camera 12 creates an image file that integrally includes image data, image processing control data, and layout data. Select each data
It is set by the user using the enter button 126 (see FIG. 3). In addition to the preset image processing control data shown in FIG. 5, the image file stores the gamma value of the digital still camera 12 and the color space used at the time of shooting as image processing control data. Further, the image file also stores shooting conditions such as exposure time, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, and lens focal length set at the time of shooting. Parameters relating to these shooting conditions, parameter values, and the like are stored in the ROM in the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12.

C. Image File Structure: FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the structure of the image file 100. The image file 100 has a file structure according to the image file format standard (Exif) for digital still cameras. The specifications of the Exif file are defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

The image file 100 has an image data storage area 101 for storing image data and an attached information storage area 102 for storing various attached information regarding the stored image data. Image data is stored in the image data storage area 101 in the JPEG format. The attached information is stored in the attached information storage area in the TIFF format.
The attached information storage area 102 includes a MakerNote data storage area 103. MakerNote data storage area 103
Is an undefined area open to the makers of the digital still camera 12. The image processing control data and layout data in this embodiment are stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103. As is well known to those skilled in the art, in Exif format files, tags are used to identify each data, and for the data stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103, MakerNote is used as a tag name. Is assigned and is called the MakerNote tag.

In this embodiment, the image file 100 is
Although it is described as an if-format file, it is not limited to this. The image file may have a structure in which image data, image processing control data, and layout data are stored in association with each other in a usable format.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed hierarchical structure of the image file 100. FIG. 7A shows the data structure of the MakerNote data storage area 103. Figure 7
(B) shows the PrintMatching data storage area 104 defined in the MakerNote data storage area 103. PrintMatching data corresponds to image processing control data and layout data.

The MakerNote data storage area 103 of the image file 100 also has a structure capable of identifying the data stored by the tag, and the tag of Print Matching is assigned to the image processing control data. Maker
Each tag in the Note data storage area 103 is designated by a pointer with an offset value from the top address of the MakerNote data storage area 103. In the MakerNote data storage area 103, the top address is the maker name (6 bytes), then the reserved area (2 bytes), the number of local tag entries (2 bytes), and each local tag offset (1
2 bytes) of information is stored. A terminating code of 0x00 indicating a character terminating string is added after the maker name.

In the PrintMatching data storage area 104, a PrintMatching identifier indicating that PrintMatching parameters are stored, a parameter designation number indicating the number of designated parameters, and a parameter number assigned in advance for each parameter are designated. The parameter number in which the (identifying) value is stored, the parameter setting value information in which the parameter setting value of the specified parameter number is stored, and the like are stored. The parameter number is
For example, it is information stored in a 2-byte area, and the parameter setting value is information stored in a 4-byte area. On the image output device side, image processing control data (each parameter value) and layout data can be acquired using the PrintMatching tag as an index.

D. Image Output Device: An outline of the color printer 20 as an image output device will be described. The color printer 20 is a printer capable of outputting a color image, and includes, for example, cyan (C), light cyan (light cyan, LC), magenta (M), light magenta (light magenta, LM), yellow (Y), It is an inkjet printer that forms an image by ejecting seven color inks of dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) black (K) onto a print medium to form a dot pattern. Various printers such as an electrophotographic printer that transfers and fixes color toner onto a print medium to form an image may be applied.

The control circuit 22 of the color printer 20 uses the memory card MC mounted in the memory card slot 24.
The image file 100 is read from, the image processing control data and the layout data are analyzed, and the image processing described below is performed on the image data based on the analyzed image processing control data. Further, the control circuit 22 generates output image data according to the processed image data and layout data. Then, the printing of the image is executed. The control circuit 22 includes a communication unit capable of exchanging data with the outside via a network. The control circuit 22 is
When the read image file stores data indicating that the data used to generate the output image data is located at the location on the network, the location can be accessed from the communication unit to acquire the data. The location on the network is designated by a URL, for example. The network may be a wide area such as the Internet, or may be a relatively limited area such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The control circuit 22 corresponds to the output image data generation device of the present invention.

E. Image File Generation: The digital still camera 12 has a mode for generating a normal image file and a mode for generating an image file (called an “edited image file”) for outputting an image with decoration and layout editing. It is prepared. These can be selected by the select / enter button 126 according to the user interface displayed on the liquid crystal display 127. First, generation of a normal image file will be described. The edited image file will be described later.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a normal image file 100 generation process. The photographer sets a photographing mode prior to photographing (step S100). The shooting mode is set by operating the selection / confirmation button 126 and selecting by the user from the default shooting modes displayed on the liquid crystal display 127.
The shooting mode settings include "portrait", "landscape",
Parameters such as exposure, white balance, shutter speed, and aperture value suitable for each shooting scene prepared in advance such as “sports” can be automatically set. A "full auto mode" that the digital still camera 12 automatically sets at the time of shooting regardless of the shooting mode and a "manual mode" that the photographer sets according to his / her preference are also provided. When the shooting mode is set, the preset image processing control data shown in FIG. 5 is automatically set (step S11).
0). The control circuit 124 responds to a shooting request, for example, pressing down the shutter button, to set shooting conditions (shooting mode)
Image data is generated using the parameter values automatically set from (step S120). Then, the control circuit 124 uses the parameters corresponding to the set shooting mode and the image processing control data to generate the image file 10.
0 is generated (step S130). Finally, the control circuit 124 stores the generated image file 100 in the memory card MC and ends the generation process of the image file 100.

In the generation of image data in step S120, the color space used at the time of shooting may differ depending on the model of the digital still camera. Examples of this color space include an sRGB color space and an NTSC color space. Further, the sRGB color space is usually defined in a range of 8 bits (0 to 255), but a color space in which this range is expanded to a negative value or a value of 256 or more (hereinafter referred to as "extended sRGB space"). ) Is sometimes used.

In this embodiment, the image processing control data is set according to the setting of the photographing mode.
The preset shown in FIG. 5 may be stored in association with the image processing mode regardless of the shooting mode so that the shooting mode and the image processing mode can be set separately.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a process of generating an edited image file. First, the control circuit 124 inputs the image data designated by the user (step S200). The image data may be one or plural. Further, as described above, the image data includes image data generated by the digital still camera 12 and other devices, frame image data for decorating the image data, and decorative image data. Next, output control data is input (step S210). The output control data includes image processing control data and layout data, as described above.
These data can be edited by the user. Then, an image file including the image data and the output control data is generated (step S220).

Based on the image file thus generated, the color printer 20 performs image processing and decoration to obtain an output image with a specified layout. Image processing in the color printer 20 will be described later.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output image based on the edited image file. An example in which the three images Img1, Img2, Img3, the three frame images FR1, FR2, FR3, the comment C1, and the decoration image D1 are arranged on the printing paper P has been shown. The image Img1 and the frame image FR1 are in the region R1 on the printing paper P, the image Img2 and the frame image FR2 are in the region R2, the image Img3 and the frame image FR3 are in the region R3, the comment C1 is in the region R4, and the decoration image D1 is the region. Each was placed in R5. Three images Img1, Img2, Img
3 is subjected to image processing using preset 1, preset 2 and preset 3 shown in FIG. 5, respectively.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view conceptually showing the structure of the edited image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG. As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, the edited image file 100A also has an image data storage area 101A and an attached information storage area 102A, similar to the normal image fill 100. Then, the auxiliary information storage area 102A is
A kerNote data storage area 103A is provided. Figure 11
An example of data stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103A is conceptually shown in a table format on the right side of. The symbols in the right column of the table correspond to the symbols in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the MakerNote data storage area 103A, image data to be output, its image processing control data, image placement location, frame image data that decorates the image, data designating the location of the frame image, etc. are stored. It is stored so that it can be identified. For convenience of illustration, the image processing control data is represented by “Preset1” or the like, but the individual parameter values such as “contrast” and “brightness” shown in FIG. 5 are stored. In the MakerNote data storage area 103A,
A command for setting the print direction to portrait and the image size at the time of output are also stored.

Three image data Img1, Img2, I
mg3 and three frame image data FR1, FR2
FR3 and the decoration image data D1 are the image file 100
The image data is stored in the image data storage area 101A of A so that it can be identified. Since the comment C1 is not image data, it is stored in the attached information storage area 102A.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the output image based on the edited image file. In this variation,
An example is shown in which the frame image FR4 is commonly used for the six images Img4 to Img9. The images and the frame images are arranged in the areas R6 to R7 on the printing paper P.
It is assumed that the six images Img4 to Img9 are subjected to image processing using preset 4 to preset 9 shown in FIG. 5, respectively.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view conceptually showing the structure of the edited image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG. Also in this case, each output control data is stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103A as in the case shown in FIG. Regarding the commonly used frame images, it is noted that one frame image is used at a plurality of arrangement locations, as shown in the lower two rows of the table on the right side of FIG. Image data Img4 to Img9 and frame image data F
R4 is stored in the image data storage area 101A.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another modification of the output image based on the edited image file. In this modification, the image Img1 is displayed on the printing paper P in six areas R6 to R6.
The frame images FR5 and FR5 are arranged in each area.
An example of arranging FR6, FR7, FR4, FR8, FR9 is shown. Image processing using the preset 1 shown in FIG. 5 in common is performed on the six images Img1. Image processing may be performed on the six images Img1 using different presets.
The frame image data FR9 is the Internet I
It is stored in the server SV on NT and its URL is
It is assumed to be "http: //www.○○○.co.jp/FR9.jpg".

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view conceptually showing the structure of the image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG. MakerNote data storage area 10 for output control data
The storage in 3A is the same as that in the above modification. However, as described above, since the frame image data FR9 is held in the server SV on the Internet INT, the designation of the frame image FR9 is performed as shown in the second from the bottom of the table on the right side of FIG. The URL "http: //www.○○○.co.jp/FR9.jpg" where the image data FR9 exists is used. The color printer 20 can access this URL and acquire the frame image data FR9.

The edited image file 100A described above
The image obtained by the image processing desired by the user is further decorated with a desired layout, and the color printer 2
It can be output at 0.

F. Image processing in image output device: FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an image output processing routine in the color printer 20 as an image output device.
When the memory card MC is inserted into the memory card slot 24, the CPU in the control circuit 22 of the color printer 20 reads the image file (or the edited image file) from the memory card MC, and the read image file is temporarily stored in the RAM. Store (step S300). Then, the header of the read image file is analyzed (step S310), and it is determined whether the image file includes output control data (step S320).

When the CPU does not find the output control data, the CPU acquires each parameter value of the image processing control data which the color printer 20 holds in advance from the ROM, and the normal image for the image data is obtained. Processing is performed (step S350).

When the output control data is found, the CPU
Acquires output control data, and acquires image processing control data in the output control data (step S330).
Then, image processing is performed on the image data based on the image processing control data (step S340).

When the CPU performs the predetermined image processing on the image data, the CPU prints out the processed image data (step S360) and ends this processing routine.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the flow of image processing based on the image processing control data in step S340. This is a process executed by the CPU of the color printer 20.

The CPU of the color printer 20 extracts the image data from the read image file (step S
400). Since the image data of this embodiment is defined in the YCbCr color space, it is converted into the RGB color space at the time of shooting (step S410). This conversion is performed using the inverse matrix of the matrix used for conversion from the RGB space to the YCbCr space in the digital still camera 12.

Next, the CPU performs gamma correction on the image data (step S420). The gamma value used for this gamma correction is included in the image processing control data as information indicating the characteristics of the digital still camera 12.

Since the color printer 20 can reproduce the color of the wRGB color space defined in the color reproduction range wider than sRGB, when the gamma correction is completed, the color space of the image data is wider than sRGB. Processing for converting into the wRGB color space defined by the color reproduction range is performed. NTS
Image data captured in a color space having a wider reproduction range than the sRGB color space, such as the C color space, is converted into an sRG having a narrow color reproduction range.
This is because processing in the B color space may not faithfully reproduce the color of the subject.

The conversion processing of the color space into wRGB is performed by matrix calculation. As described above, in this embodiment, the image data defined in the sRGB color space and N
It handles image data defined in the TSC color space. Although it is possible to define a matrix for directly converting each color space to the wRGB color space, in the present embodiment, conversion is performed via the standard XYZ color space.

That is, the CPU first performs conversion from the RGB color space to the XYZ color space (step S430). This conversion process differs depending on the color space that defines the image data. That is, two types of conversion matrix TM1 for the sRGB color space or extended sRGB color space and conversion matrix TM2 for the NTSC color space are prepared in advance, and by using these two types properly, conversion processing according to the color space at the time of shooting is realized. To do. By this conversion, the image data shot in the individual color spaces is unified into the standard XYZ color space.

Next, the CPU selects wRG from the XYZ color space.
Conversion processing to the B color space is performed (step S440). This processing is also processing by matrix calculation. Here, conversion can be performed using a single matrix regardless of the color space at the time of shooting. The matrix used for the calculation is
It can be arbitrarily set according to the definition of the wRGB color space.

If the image data is image data photographed in the sRGB color space, there is no need to convert the image data into a wider color space, so steps S430 and S440.
The process of may be skipped. Further, in the color printer 20, for example, when the NTSC color space is used as a color space wider than the sRGB color space, and when the image data is image data captured in the NTSC color space, steps S430 and S440 are performed. You may skip the process. Thus, steps S430 and S44
The processing of 0 can be appropriately omitted depending on the relative relationship between the color space used at the time of shooting and the color space finally used.

When the color space conversion process is completed, the CPU
Performs inverse gamma correction (step S450). The gamma value used here is a value set based on the color reproduction characteristics of the output device. In this embodiment, the gamma value of the color printer 20 is used.

The CPU further executes the automatic adjustment processing of the image quality in order to reflect the intention at the time of photographing (step S460). In the present embodiment, the image processing control data includes adjustment parameters such as contrast. CPU
Automatically adjusts the image quality based on these parameters. Since the image quality adjustment method based on each parameter is well known, detailed description will be omitted.

Then, it is determined whether or not the above processing is completed for all the image data (step S465). If not completed for all image data, step S4
The processing from 00 to step S460 is repeated.

By the above processing, the correction processing of the image data reflecting the color reproduction characteristics of the digital still camera 12 and the intention at the time of photographing is completed.

Next, the CPU arranges the image of which the image quality is adjusted according to the layout data in the output control data, the decoration image, and the frame image, and performs the color conversion process on the RGB image data (step S470). ). RGB
Is a process of converting the color system of CMYK color system used in the color printer 20. This conversion process is performed by a conversion look-up table (LUT) that associates the two colors.
Is done by referring to. In this example, wRGB
A table LUTw for conversion from color space to CMYK will normally be used. However, since the image data defined in the sRGB space can be handled, the color printer 20 has a conversion table LUTs for conversion into the sRGB color space.
Also, these tables are used properly according to the color space in which the image data is defined. s
The conversion table LUTs for the RGB color space is, for example,
The present invention can be applied to the case where the color space conversion processing in steps S430 and S440 is skipped for image data captured in the sRGB space, and the image data is output without any processing for adjusting the image quality. .

The CPU performs halftone processing on the image data thus converted into the CMYK gradation values (step S480). The halftone process is a process for expressing the gradation value of image data by the density of dots formed by the color printer 20, and is performed by a known method such as an error diffusion method or a systematic dither method. You can

In addition to these processes, the CPU performs an interface conversion process for adapting the resolution of the image data to the resolution of the color printer 20, a data array for interlaced recording, and a sub-scan feed amount. Race data generation processing may be performed.

By the conversion processing described in steps S470 and S480, the image data is stored in the color printer 2.
When it is 0, the print data is immediately converted into a print data format.
The color printer 20 can execute printing based on this data.

G. Other Embodiments: In the embodiment described above, all image processing is executed in the color printer 20 without using the personal computer PC, and dot patterns are formed on the print medium according to the generated image data. All or part of the image processing may be executed on the computer or on the server SV via the network. In order to be executed on the personal computer PC, an image data processing application (program) such as a retouching application or a printer driver installed in the hard disk of the computer should have the image processing function described with reference to FIG. Is realized by The image files 100 and 100A generated by the digital still camera 12 are provided to the computer via a cable or a memory card MC. On the computer, the application is started by the user's operation, and the image files 100, 1
00A is read, image processing control data is analyzed, image data is converted, and adjustment is performed. Alternatively, by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC, or,
The application may be automatically started by detecting the insertion of the cable, and the image file reading, the image processing control data analysis, the image data conversion, and the adjustment may be automatically performed.

Even when the image processing is executed on the server SV, the application for executing the image processing function shown in FIG. 17 is stored in the hard disk of the server SV and the image files 100 and 100A are received. When this is done, the image processing specified by the image processing control data is executed, and the image file 100 that has undergone the image processing,
The 100A or the image data may be transmitted to the transmission source personal computer PC or the output destination color printer 20. For example, the digital still camera 12 is provided with a wireless communication function, the digital still camera 12 directly transmits an image file including the global IP address of the output destination to the server SV, and the server SV outputs the global IP address of the output destination. By sending the image files 100, 100A or the image data that have undergone the image processing to the color printer 20 to which is assigned, the computerless printing can be realized.

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

Although the color printer 20 is used as the output device in the above embodiment, the output device is a CRT or LC.
It is also possible to use a display device such as a D projector.
In this case, the display device as the output device executes the image processing program (display driver) that executes the image processing described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, for example. Alternatively, when the CRT or the like functions as a display device of a computer, the image processing program is executed on the computer side. However, the finally output image data has the RGB color space instead of the CMYK color space.

In this case, similarly to the fact that the user's preference at the time of image data generation can be reflected in the print result via the color printer 20, the user at the time of image data generation is displayed in the display result on the display device such as a CRT. Can reflect the taste of.

Image file 10 used in this embodiment
You may use 0,100A as an image file at the time of capturing the predetermined frame (scene) of digital television broadcasting. Since image data in digital television broadcasting is also data based on the YCbCr color space, the present invention can be applied similarly to the case of the digital still camera 12. Specifically, a scene instructed to be captured is captured as image data, image processing control data corresponding to the captured image data is set, and image files 100 and 100A including the image data and the image processing control data are generated. To do. As a result, when the image data is output, it is possible to output an image with high saturation like the color in digital television broadcasting.

Although the image file generating device, the output image data generating device, the image output system, and the program according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention described above facilitate understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.
It goes without saying that the present invention can be improved and includes the equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiment, parameters such as gamma value, color space, brightness and sharpness are used as the image processing control data, but which parameter is used as the image processing control data is an arbitrary decision matter.

Further, the values of the various parameters illustrated in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the values do not limit the invention of the present application. Further, it goes without saying that the matrix values used in the image processing of FIG. 17 can be appropriately changed depending on the color space used by the digital still camera 12 at the time of shooting, the color space available in the color printer 20, and the like. Further, since each value of the matrix is one of the parameters that affect the output image, this may be applied as the image processing control data.

In the above embodiment, the digital still camera 12 was used as the image file generating device, but
Other than this, a scanner, a digital video camera or the like may be used. Image file 1 when using a scanner
The designation of the captured data information of 00, 100A may be executed on the computer PC, or the preset button to which the setting information is previously assigned for the information setting on the scanner, the display screen for arbitrary setting and the setting A button may be provided so that the scanner can be executed independently.

When a digital video camera is used, it is applicable not only to still image data but also to moving image data such as MPEG. By adding the output control information to the moving image file, it is possible to perform output control on the image output device side for all or some of the frames or fields of the moving image.

In the above embodiment, the image files 100, 1
Although the Exif format file has been described as a specific example of 00A, the format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any image file including the image data generated by the image data generation device and the output control data may be used. Furthermore, the image data and the output control data do not have to be included in one file, and may be configured as separate files associated with each other. With such a file, it is not necessary to set the image processing condition for each print at the output device, and immediately the image processing is executed based on the specified image processing condition, and the image data generated by the image file generating device is processed. The image quality can be automatically adjusted appropriately and output from the output device.

Further, in the above embodiment, the edited image file 100A includes a plurality of image data, but it may be one. The edited image file 100A generally needs to include image data, image processing control data, and layout data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system 10.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of the image output system 10.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera 12.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks of a digital still camera 12.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters of image processing control data and setting contents thereof.

6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of an image file 100. FIG.

7 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed hierarchical structure of an image file 100. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of generating a normal image file 100.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of generating an edited image file.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output image based on an edited image file.

11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure of an edited image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of an output image based on an edited image file.

13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure of an edited image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another modified example of the output image based on the edited image file.

15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure of an image file 100A for obtaining the output shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an image output processing routine in the color printer 20.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of image processing based on image processing control data.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Image output system 12 ... Digital still camera 12a ... Image data generation unit 12b ... Image data input section 12c ... Output control data input section 12d ... Image file generator 12e ... Image data storage unit 12f ... Image processing control data storage unit 12g ... Layout data storage unit 12h ... Layout editing section 121 ... Optical circuit 122 ... Image acquisition circuit 123 ... Image processing circuit 124 ... Control circuit 126 ... Select / Enter button 127 ... Liquid crystal display 14 ... Display 20 ... Color printer 22 ... Control circuit 24 ... Memory card slot 100 ... Image file (Exif file) 100A ... Edited image file 101, 101A ... Image data storage area 102, 102A ... Attached information storage area 103, 103A ... MakerNote data storage area 104 ... Print Matching data storage area

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP06 HH03 HJ06 HK04                       HN05 HN06 HN15                 2C087 AA15 BB10 BD01 BD46 CA02                 5B050 AA09 BA06 BA15 CA08 DA02                       DA04 EA09 EA15 FA02 FA03                 5C052 FA02 FA03 FA04 FB01 FD01                       FD02 FD03 FD08 FE04 GA02                       GA05 GA06 GB01 GB06 GB08                       GC04 GC05 GE08                 5C076 AA14 AA17 AA19

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image file generation device for generating an image file including image data and output control data for controlling output of the image data, the image data input unit inputting the image data, and the image data. An output control data input unit for inputting output control data for controlling the output of, an image file generation unit for generating an image file storing the image data and the output control data in association with each other,
An image file generation device, wherein the output control data includes image processing control data used for image processing of the image data, and layout data that specifies a layout at the time of outputting the image data. 2. The image file generating device according to claim 1, wherein the image file includes a plurality of image data. 3. The image file generation device according to claim 2, wherein the image processing control data can be set in each of the image data. 4. The image file generation device according to claim 1, wherein the layout data includes decoration instruction data for decorating the image data. 5. The image file generation device according to claim 4, wherein the decoration instruction data includes frame instruction data for instructing a frame of the image data. 6. The image file generation device according to claim 4, wherein the decoration instruction data includes data specifying a location on the network of the decoration image data used for decoration of the image data. apparatus. 7. The image file generating device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the decoration instruction data can be set for one image data. 8. The image file generation device according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of the image processing control data can be set for the one image data. 9. An output image data generation device for subjecting image data to predetermined image processing to generate output image data to be output by an image output device, wherein the image is used for image processing of the image data. An image inputting an image file containing processing control data and layout data designating an arrangement of the image data at the time of output, and controlling the output of the image data and the image data in association with each other. An output image data generation unit that performs image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data and generates the output image data based on the layout data. Image data generation device. 10. The output image data generation device according to claim 9, wherein the output control data includes decoration instruction data for decorating the image data, and the decoration instruction data is the image data. An output image data generation device including a communication unit that includes data for specifying a location on a network of decoration image data used for decoration of the decoration, and includes a communication unit that accesses the location and acquires the decoration image data. 11. An image file generating method for generating an image file including image data and output control data for controlling output of the image data, the method comprising: (a) acquiring the image data; Obtaining output control data for controlling the output of the image data, the image control data including image processing control data used for image processing of the image data, and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data; ) Generating an image file that stores the image data and the output control data in association with each other. 12. An output image data generation method for subjecting image data to predetermined image processing to generate output image data for output by an image output device, comprising:
(A) output control data for controlling the output of the image data, including image processing control data used for image processing of the image data and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data; And (b) performing image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data, and outputting the output image data based on the layout data. And a step of generating an output image data generation method. 13. A computer program for generating an image file including image data and output control data for controlling output of the image data, the function of inputting the image data, and image processing of the image data. A function of inputting output control data for controlling the output of the image data, including image processing control data and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data, and the image data and the output control data. A computer program that causes a computer to realize the function of generating an image file that stores and are associated with. 14. A computer program for subjecting image data to predetermined image processing to generate output image data to be output by an image output device, the image processing being used for image processing of the image data. A function for obtaining an image file in which output data including control data and layout data designating an arrangement at the time of outputting the image data, and controlling the output of the image data, and the image data are stored in association with each other; A computer program for causing a computer to realize a function of performing image processing on the image data based on the image processing control data and generating the output image data based on the layout data. 15. A recording medium in which the computer program according to claim 13 or 14 is recorded in a computer-readable manner.