JP2003250122A - Image recording apparatus and image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus and an image printer for executing image processing on the basis of display characteristic information or environment information when browsing of an image in printing the image and permitting ease of printing the image with hue, gradation and lightness equivalent to those of an image which a user views by a display means. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording apparatus includes: a display means 168 for displaying an image; an acquisition means (photometry sensor 122 or the like) for acquiring display characteristic information associated with display characteristics such as gamma characteristics, hue characteristics, gradation characteristics, and model information of the display means 168, display characteristic information associated with the luminance of a backlight 197, and environment information associated with the lightness around the display means 168 and the color temperature; and an output means (recording medium interface 179 or the like) for outputting the displayed image and the display characteristic information or the environment information acquired as above in cross-reference with each other to a recording medium 177. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image printing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image recording apparatus that records or outputs image pickup information and the like in association with an image, and acquires and prints an image from a recording medium or the like. The present invention relates to an image printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an image captured by an electronic camera is displayed and output on a display device, an electronic camera for preventing the appearance of color of the image from being different for each display device, a control method for the electronic camera, and The recording medium is JP-A-11-127415.
Issue of the publication.

In the electronic camera or the like, conversion means for converting an optical image of a subject into corresponding data, recording means for recording the image data obtained by the conversion means, and desired recording means recorded in the recording means. Read-out means for reading out image data, selection means for selecting a desired display device for displaying the image data read out by the read-out means, and selection by the selecting means for the image data read out by the read-out means A processing means for performing image processing corresponding to the selected display device, and an output means for outputting the image data subjected to the image processing by the processing means to the display device selected by the selecting means. It has a feature.

[0004]

However, in the electronic camera and the like disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-127415, special image processing is performed at the time of backlighting or when using a strobe, but in addition to these factors. There are also items that require correction. Therefore, JP-A-11-12741
Even when the image was corrected with an electronic camera or the like shown in the publication of No. 5, the color appearance of the image on the liquid crystal display panel equipped with the camera was printed out as compared with the appearance of the color of the actual subject. The appearance of colors in images does not always match. This is not a problem to be solved by simply correcting the image data according to the type of recording paper and the profile for the LCD (display device).

The displayable color space of a liquid crystal display panel or printer paper is remarkably limited with respect to the natural color space. Furthermore, the color appearance changes depending on the observation conditions such as the brightness of the surroundings. In the case of a liquid crystal display panel, the light emission intensity of the backlight (in the case of a transmissive liquid crystal display device), the liquid crystal display surface and the finish line are Depending on the positional relationship etc.,
The color appearance changes. For this reason, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-1274
It is difficult to make the color appearance of other liquid crystal panel display images and print images match the color appearance of the actual subject even if the electronic camera etc. shown in the publication of No. 15 is corrected. It's difficult.

Therefore, in the conventional printing apparatus, the image displayed on the display means is browsed to correct the color,
When this is considered good and actually printed, there is a problem in that an image completely different from the color of the image displayed on the display device is output and it is disappointing.

Further, when the color displayed on the display means and the color of the printed image are different, R, G, and
It is difficult to know which color of each primary color such as B should be corrected and to what extent, and since the color of the image displayed on the display means and the color printed out are different, it is completely upset, and the color correction work is performed. It was a waste of time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. When an image is printed, image processing is performed based on display characteristic information or environment information at the time of viewing the image, and the user can An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus and an image printing apparatus capable of easily printing an image having the same hue, gradation, and brightness as the image viewed on the display means.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a display means for displaying an image, a gamma characteristic of the display means for displaying the image,
Hue characteristics, gradation characteristics, type information of display means, other display characteristic information, display characteristic information about the brightness of the backlight provided in the display means, environmental information about the brightness and color temperature around the display means And an output means for outputting the displayed image and the acquired display characteristic information or environment information in association with each other to a recording medium or an output means for outputting to another communication device. It has a feature.

According to the present invention, the image recording apparatus acquires the display characteristic information of the display unit displaying the image or environment information around the display unit, the displayed image and the acquired image. Since the output means for outputting to the recording medium in association with the display characteristic information or the environment information, or the output means for outputting to another communication device, is provided, when the output image is printed, the display characteristic information or the environment information is displayed. The image processing can be performed based on this, and the user can easily acquire an image having the same hue, gradation, and brightness as the image viewed by the display unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image pickup means for picking up a subject image, a display means for displaying the picked up image, and a gamma of the display means for displaying the image. Characteristics, hue characteristics, gradation characteristics, display characteristic information regarding display type and other display characteristics, display characteristic information regarding luminance of a backlight provided in the display means, and brightness and color temperature around the display means An acquisition unit for acquiring environment information, and an output unit for outputting to a recording medium or another communication device by associating the displayed image with the acquired display characteristic information or environment information. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, the image recording apparatus includes an image pickup means for picking up a subject image and an acquisition means for obtaining display characteristic information of the display means displaying the picked-up image or environmental information around the display means. Since the display device is provided with an output unit that outputs the displayed image and the acquired display characteristic information or environment information to the recording medium in association with each other or outputs the output image to another communication device, the captured image is printed. At this time, image processing is performed based on the display characteristic information or environment information when the image is browsed, and an image having the same hue, gradation, and brightness as the image browsed by the user is displayed. It is possible to obtain it easily.

In order to achieve the above object, an image printing apparatus according to the present invention relates to gamma characteristics, hue characteristics, gradation characteristics of an image and display means for displaying the image, model information of the display means and other display characteristics. Display characteristic information, display characteristic information relating to the brightness of the backlight provided in the display means, environmental information relating to the brightness and color temperature of the surroundings of the display means, obtaining means for obtaining from a recording medium, or obtaining for obtaining from other communication equipment. Means, image processing means for performing processing for converting color, gradation, or brightness on the acquired image based on the acquired display characteristic information or environment information, and printing the image on which the image processing has been executed. And a printing means for performing the printing.

According to the present invention, the image printing apparatus acquires the image and the display characteristic information of the display unit displaying the image or the environmental information around the display unit from the recording medium or another communication device, and acquires the acquired information. Since the image that has been subjected to the image processing is printed after performing the image processing for converting the color, gradation, or brightness on the acquired image based on the display characteristic information or the environmental information, use It is possible for a person to easily acquire an image having the same hue, gradation, and brightness as the image viewed by the display means.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of an image recording apparatus and an image printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic camera according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 which is one form of an image recording apparatus has a lens barrel 100 in which an image pickup lens for forming a subject image on an image pickup means is housed,
A finder 103 in which the user confirms the subject at the time of imaging
A power switch 105 for instructing start and stop of functions of the electronic camera 10, a release button 106 for instructing the user to capture an image and record audio, and a mode for setting various modes provided in the electronic camera 10. A switching dial 107 and a photometric sensor 122 (acquisition unit) that acquires the surrounding visual environment information (brightness, color temperature, etc.) when using the liquid crystal display unit 168 are provided.

The photometric sensor 122 may be provided with the dedicated photometric sensor 122 as described above.
Generally, a photometric sensor that is built into a camera when taking an image,
Alternatively, the ambient brightness and the like may be detected by using a CCD for imaging.

Further, the electronic camera 10 has a display means 16
8, a cancel button 109 that is operated when canceling a desired item or image from the items displayed in 8, an execution button 110 that inputs an instruction to select and execute the item by moving the cursor to the desired item, and a display unit. A menu button 111 for instructing a menu display of setting items in 168 and a cross button 113 used when moving the cursor displayed on the display unit 168 are provided.

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving carrier waves and data when transmitting / receiving information to / from another communication device by wireless communication, and a communication connector serving as a communication port for wired communication. 162,
A display unit 168 for displaying a captured image and information on processing and operation of the electronic camera 10, an image signal connector 173 which is an output port for outputting an image signal for display to an external device, and information such as images and sounds. A recording medium 177 for recording / removing is provided.

In the example shown in the figure, the display means 168 is provided.
The image captured by the user is reproduced and displayed on the screen, together with information on the processing mode currently set in the electronic camera 10, information on the compression ratio of the image at the time of image capturing, and the frame number display 104 of the image. It is displayed.

The display means 1 on the back of the electronic camera 10
An auxiliary lens for detecting the position of the user or the position of the user's eyes and auxiliary image pickup means are provided in the vicinity of 68, and the positions of the user's face and eyes are processed by image processing from the image captured by the auxiliary image pickup means. The determination may be made to detect the direction or angle of the line of sight of the user.

When the display unit 168 is a liquid crystal display device, the color and gradation of the image displayed on the display unit 168 are changed and observed depending on the direction of the line of sight of the user.
Therefore, by detecting the direction in which the user is observing the image, the information processing means 18 is obtained from the color change characteristics and gradation characteristics due to the parallax when observing the display means 168.
A value of 0 makes it possible for the user to estimate the color or gradation actually observed. Then, the information regarding the user's observation direction may be recorded in the image additional information recording portion of the image file.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of an electronic camera which is one form of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention.

In the image processing section of the electronic camera 10 which is one form of the image processing apparatus having the image pickup means, the image pickup means 150 (which forms an image of the subject on the light receiving surface, photoelectrically converts it, and outputs it as an image signal). (Acquisition means), image processing means 153 for performing processing such as image size change, sharpness correction, contour processing, and contrast correction on the analog signal, and A for converting the analog image signal into digital image data.
A / D converter 154 is provided.

Further, the communication means of the electronic camera 10 for transmitting / receiving information to / from other communication devices is an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving information such as image data on carrier waves such as radio waves.
And a transmission / reception unit 157 (output unit) for transmitting or receiving image data or other information acquired from the information processing unit or the memory to or from another communication device, and information such as image data or the like via another communication unit. It is composed of a communication connector 162 that transmits and receives to and from the device via a communication cable.

Further, the electronic camera 10 is provided with a compression / expansion means 167 for performing compression processing or thinning processing on information such as image data by the method shown in JPEG-2000 or the like, and expansion / expansion processing of compressed image data. Display means 168
OSD169 for on-screen display of various characters and message data displayed on the screen along with images
A frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data for display, a D / A converter 172 for converting digital image data into a composite signal for display, and a display for external display equipment. And an image signal connector 173 (not shown in FIG. 2) that outputs the signal of FIG.

The electronic camera 10 has a power switch 1
05, release button 106, mode switching dial 10
7, an input unit 174 including a cancel button 109, an execute button 110, a menu button 111, a cross button 113, and the like, and input / output of input information input via the input unit 174 and display information such as LEDs. I / O17
And 5 are provided.

The I / O 175 has a photometric sensor 122.
Are connected, and the information processing unit 180 is connected to the photometric sensor 1
The information about the amount of light in the outside world acquired by the I / O 17
It is possible to obtain it via the 5. If the light amount information output from the photometric sensor 122 is an analog voltage signal or current signal corresponding to the light amount, the photometric sensor 122 and the A / D converter 154 are connected to each other, and the information processing means 180 is connected. Alternatively, the light amount information acquired by the photometric sensor 122 may be acquired via the A / D converter 154.

Further, the electronic camera 10 has a recording medium 177.
A recording medium mounting portion 178 for removably mounting the recording medium and a recording medium interface 179 (output means) for recording and reading information such as image data on the recording medium 177 are provided. The recording medium 177 is a semiconductor such as a memory card, or a removable recording medium typified by a magnetic recording type typified by MO or the like, or an optical recording type.

The electronic camera 10 includes the electronic camera 10
An information processing unit 180 that performs overall control as well as image data sampling timing control, image data recording control, communication control, control related to image and audio recording, display control, image processing control, and information rewriting. And a non-volatile memory 182 capable of continuously storing information such as stored various constants for adjustment even after power-off, and unique identification information such as model name and serial number of the electronic camera 10, operation Program, each constant, display means 1
ROM 183 in which information about 68 is stored,
A RAM 184, which is a recording unit capable of high-speed reading and writing, is provided as a work area when the program is executed.

Further, the electronic camera 10 has a calendar clock 190 that keeps time, a timer 190A that counts time based on an instruction from the information processing means 180, and a light emission that emits light to a subject at the time of image pickup to compensate for insufficient light quantity. Means 193, a light emission control means 194 for adjusting the light emission timing of the light emitting means 193 and the amount of light emitted, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Dispersion).
The backlight 197 for enhancing the visibility of the display means 168 such as play) and the backlight control means 198 for controlling the brightness and the lighting / non-lighting state of the backlight 197 based on the instruction of the information processing means 180. It is provided.

As shown in the figure, the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 and each circuit around it are connected by a bus 199, so that information can be transmitted at high speed to each other, and at the same time, the information processing means. It is possible to control each peripheral circuit based on the processing program executed by 180.

The ROM 183 stores the display characteristic information on the gamma characteristic, the hue characteristic, the gradation characteristic of the display means 168, the type information of the display means 168 and other display characteristics, and the information processing means 180 (acquisition means). ) Is a recording medium interface 179 (output means) that reads and acquires these display characteristic information and associates them with the browsed image.
It is possible to output to the recording medium 177 via. Further, the information processing unit 180 (acquisition unit) reads out and acquires the display characteristic information from the ROM 183, and outputs the display characteristic information in association with the browsed image to another communication device such as the printer 70 via the transmission / reception unit 157 (output unit). It is possible.

In the recording means such as the non-volatile memory 182, display characteristic information relating to the brightness of the backlight 197 provided in the display means 168 is recorded.
The information processing unit 180 (acquisition unit) can acquire the brightness information of the backlight 197, output it to the recording medium 177 via the recording medium interface 179 (output unit) in association with the browsed image. ing.
The information processing unit 180 (acquisition unit) reads out and acquires the brightness information of the backlight 197 from the recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 182, and the transmission / reception unit 157 (output unit).
It is possible to output by associating with an image browsed to another communication device such as the printer 70 via.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the image pickup processing and the recording processing of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

When the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 is set to the image pickup mode and activated, the processing executed by the information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 is S100 "Activate in photographing mode".
(Hereinafter, it is abbreviated and described like S100.).

Electronic camera 10 set to the photographing mode
The image of the subject to be captured is captured by the image pickup lens 1
An image is formed on the light receiving surface of 50, and the formed object image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing unit 153. The image processing means 153 performs image processing such as correlated double sampling, amplification and noise reduction processing on this image signal, and outputs it to the A / D converter 154 for conversion into digital data.

The image data converted into the digital data is processed by the signal processing means 17 according to a command from the information processing means 180.
At 0, the image is subjected to image processing such as white balance, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion processing, and then transferred to the frame memory 171. The image data stored in the frame memory 171 is sequentially transmitted to the D / A converter 172 and displayed on the display unit 168 together with information such as characters generated from the OSD 169.

When the user presses the release button 106 for instructing image pickup provided on the input means 174, the information of the image pickup instruction is read by the information processing means 180 via the I / O 175. Then, the process performed by the information processing unit 180 proceeds to S102 "shooting" to enter a mode for shooting a subject. Then, the information processing unit 180 temporarily records the image data converted into digital data by the A / D converter 154 in the RAM 184.

When a still image is taken, it is generally 2
By using the step release button 106, the first step is used for preparation of image pickup such as adjustment of AE and AF, and the second step is used for instruction of actual image pickup. When capturing a moving image, the moving image may be captured only while the release button 106 is being pressed.
Double-action 06 and release button 1
It is also possible to instruct to start / stop the imaging each time the button 06 is pressed.

When creating an image file for output, the information processing means 180 sequentially reads out the image data temporarily recorded in the RAM 184, and the white balance of the image, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, the number of pixels. After performing image processing such as conversion processing, compression / expansion means 167
To perform image compression processing. Information processing means 1
Reference numeral 80 generates one image file in which the compressed image data is associated with image auxiliary information such as image capturing conditions when the image is captured, and the FI of the RAM 184 is re-created.
Temporarily record in the work area for LE. The image file is then converted into recording data.

At the next step S 104 “Record in image file”, the information processing means 180 records the image file in the recording medium 17.
7 is recorded, the image file stored in the RAM 184 is read and output to the recording medium interface 179. The recording medium interface 179 stores the acquired image file in the recording medium mounting unit 1.
The recording process is sequentially performed on the recording medium 177 via 78. At this time, the information processing unit 180 may generate a still image thumbnail and a moving image thumbnail, create an image file associated with the main image, and record the image file in the recording medium 177.

When outputting the image file to another communication device via the transmitting / receiving means 157, the information processing means 180 sends the generated image file to the transmitting / receiving means 15
The process of outputting to 7 is performed. The transmitting / receiving unit 157 that has acquired the image file starts a communication connection with another communication device such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal via the communication connector 162 or the antenna 156, and performs a process of transmitting the image file.

In the above description, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention is described as an electronic camera having an image pickup means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image recording apparatus is not limited to this. The object of the present invention can be achieved even with an electronic device such as a personal computer that acquires an image from a recording medium or an external device and displays the image and outputs an image file.

When viewing an image recorded on the recording medium 177 or the like, the user operates the mode switching dial to set the processing mode of the electronic camera 10 to the reproduction mode. When the reproduction mode is set, the processing executed by the information processing unit 180 proceeds to S106 “reproduction mode”, and the display unit 168 displays a list of reduced images of the images recorded on the recording medium 177.

When the user operates the cross button 113 or the like to select a desired image to instruct full-screen display, the information processing means 180 reads the main image of the image instructed by the user from the recording medium 177. , And temporarily records the data in the RAM 184. Next, the information processing unit 180 is a RAM
The image data temporarily recorded in 184 is read out, and the compression / expansion means 167 expands the image. Next, the information processing unit 180 converts the expanded image into the number of pixels and gradation suitable for the display capability of the display unit 168, and then outputs the converted image to the signal processing unit 170.

The signal processing means 170 that has acquired the image for display displays the white balance of the image, gamma correction, and YC.
After performing image processing such as conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion processing, the image data is transferred to the frame memory 171. The image data stored in the frame memory 171 is sequentially transmitted to the D / A converter 172 and displayed on the display unit 168 together with information such as characters generated from the OSD 169.

When the user adjusts the brightness of the backlight 197 in order to make the displayed image easy to see, the menu button 111 is operated to display the function setting screen, and the backlight 197 is displayed. Select the mode for brightness adjustment. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, on the right side of the display unit 168, the backlight brightness setting display 12 is displayed.
4 is displayed.

When the user operates the cross button 113 in the vertical direction while the brightness setting display 124 is displayed,
The information is read by the information processing unit 180 via the I / O 175, and the backlight 197 corresponding to the user's instruction is read.
A command to adjust the amount of emitted light is output to the backlight control means 198. The backlight control unit 198 can change the amount of light emitted by the backlight 197 based on the instruction from the information processing unit 180.

For example, when the user operates the cross button 113 in the upward direction, the information processing unit 180 acquires the operation information via the I / O 175, and the backlight control unit 1
A command to increase the light emission amount of the backlight 197 by one step is output to 98. Then, the light emission amount of the backlight 197 increases.

On the contrary, when the user operates the cross button 113 in the downward direction, the information processing means 180 acquires the operation information via the I / O 175, and the backlight control means 198 receives the backlight 197. Outputs a command to further reduce the light emission amount of. Then, the light emission amount of the backlight 197 decreases.

When the adjustment of the amount of light emitted by the backlight 197 of the display means 168 is completed, the user operates the execute button 110. Then the information is I / O175
The information processing unit 180 reads the information via the, and records the information about the light emission amount of the backlight 197 at that time in the image attached information recording portion of the image file.

The information processing means 180 is the photometric sensor 1
The ambient light amount information read by 22 is read via the I / O 175. Next, the information processing means 180 calculates the peripheral light intensity based on the read ambient light intensity information and records it in the image attached information portion of the image file. Further, the information processing unit 180 may record the information about the type of liquid crystal of the display unit 168 and the information about the color temperature of the light emitted from the backlight 197 in the image attached information recording portion together.

In the next step S108 "adjustment of color information", the information processing means 180 carries out image adjustment processing such as white balance of the image. If the desired image is not obtained even if the above adjustment is performed in S108, the process returns to S102 based on the user's instruction, and the imaging condition is changed again to perform imaging. If it is determined in S108 that the image desired by the user has been obtained, the process proceeds to S110 "photometry of the liquid crystal display panel surface".

In S110, the information processing means 180 causes the information about the light emission amount (intensity) currently instructed to the backlight control means 198 and the color temperature of the display means 168 including the light emission color temperature of the backlight 197. Display conditions such as characteristics and white balance are recorded in a recording unit such as the nonvolatile memory 182. It should be noted that these imaging conditions are later recorded in the image additional information recording portion of the image file. Also,
At this time, as one of the characteristic information of the display unit 168, information as to whether the light source used by the display unit 168 is a backlight or a sidelight, and the display acquired by the photometric sensor 122 at the time of browsing the image. Information about the brightness around the means 168 (photometric information on the liquid crystal panel surface) is also recorded.

In the next step S112 "Add to image file", the information processing means 180 reads various information recorded in the recording means such as the non-volatile memory 182 in step S110, and the image is recorded. A process of additionally writing to a predetermined location of the image attached information recording portion of the image file is performed.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of an image file in which an image is recorded.

As shown in the figure, the image file of a still image includes an image attached information recording portion (Tag information recording portion) in which attached information of the main image is described, and a thumbnail image of the main image (for example, 160 × 120). (Reduced image of pixels) is recorded, and a portion in which a main image of XGA size is recorded is provided. The main image is, for example, JPEG-compressed image data having 1024 × 764 pixels. On the other hand, the thumbnail image is, for example, 160 × 12.
It is JPEG-compressed image data with 0 pixels and is obtained by spatially reducing the data of the main image. Even if the image file is a moving image file, the object of the present invention can be achieved.

In the image attached information recording portion, the photographing date of the main image, the photographing mode, the white balance at the time of photographing,
The focus information recording part that records whether the focusing method at the time of imaging was autofocus or manual focus for determining the focus position by the user, and information such as whether or not the auxiliary light was emitted. An imaging condition recording portion including a strobe information recording portion to be recorded is provided.

According to the present invention, the image additional information recording portion is provided with a reproduction display condition recording portion in addition to the image pickup condition recording portion. In the reproduction display condition recording portion, liquid crystal type information indicating the type of liquid crystal used in the display unit 168 of the electronic camera 10 and a portion in which the characteristics of the emission color temperature of the backlight 197 are recorded, A portion that records the brightness of the backlight 197 when an image is displayed and information about the amount of peripheral light obtained when the image is viewed are recorded.

As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal type information is recorded with a manufacturer name for specifying the characteristics of the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 and information regarding the model of the display means 168. The liquid crystal type information includes gamma characteristics, gradation characteristics, color characteristics of the display unit 168, information on whether the element that drives the liquid crystal is a transistor or a diode, information on a change in transmittance with respect to an applied voltage, and a filter. Information about color change or other information may be recorded. The display means 16
If 8 is a display means other than liquid crystal (a plasma display, organic EL or other display means), information to that effect is recorded.

The backlight color temperature information is not limited to the color temperature information shown in FIG.
The object of the present invention can be achieved even with color information and the like obtained by combining GB primary colors. The backlight intensity may be% information or information indicating the amount of light at a predetermined position. If deterioration occurs according to the usage time, the usage time or deterioration The light amount information may be recorded.

In the reproduction / display condition recording portion, the information processing means 180 writes various display information after the user reproduces and displays. Therefore, immediately after imaging, the reproduction display information recording portion is blank.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the signal processing system of the printer according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the information transmitting / receiving section of the printer 70 has a predetermined antenna for transmitting / receiving information to / from an antenna 756 used as a short distance wireless communication means or a long distance wireless network communication means. Via a transmission / reception means 757 (acquisition means) for converting data into a format, a communication connector 759 for connecting and receiving wired communication means such as a communication cable, and transmitting / receiving information, and a public line 760 or a communication network such as a communication network. Transmission / reception means 765 for transmitting / receiving information to / from other communication devices such as the electronic camera 10
(Acquisition means) is provided.

Further, the printer 70 has a display means 768 for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display control means 769 for outputting a display image signal to the display means 768 based on a command from the information processing means. And the user input means 77
I / O 7 which reads various information input via 4 and transmits it to information processing means described later, or outputs a display command to a notification means such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing means.
And 75 are provided.

The printer 70 has a recording medium 777.
A recording medium mounting portion 778 for removably mounting the recording medium and a recording medium interface 779 (acquisition unit) for recording and reading information such as image data on the recording medium 777 are provided. The recording medium 777 is a recording medium similar to the recording medium 177 mounted on the electronic camera 10.

Further, the printer 70 includes an information processing means (CPU) 780 (including functions of an image processing means and an acquisition means) for controlling the entire printer 70, and an information processing means 7.
A memory 781 including a ROM in which a program for operating 80 and various constants is recorded and a RAM serving as a recording unit that serves as a work area when the information processing unit 780 executes processing is provided.

The information processing means 780 changes the image size, sharpness correction, contour processing, and
It is possible to perform image processing such as contrast correction, gradation conversion, and hue conversion.

Further, the printer 70 has a white balance correction means 784 (image processing means) for correcting white balance for an image to be printed, displayed or output, and an automatic brightness for an image to be printed, displayed or output. An AE correction unit 785 (image processing unit) that corrects the height is provided, and it is possible to automatically perform white balance correction and brightness correction on the acquired image.

Further, the printer 70 prints the acquired image on paper or the like and outputs the print engine 789 (printing means), and outputs print information to the print engine 789 based on an instruction from the information processing means 780. In addition, a printer interface 787 is provided for acquiring status information output by the print engine 789, information regarding sheets, and the like and outputting the information to the information processing unit 780.

Information processing means 780 in the printer 70,
Peripheral circuits including the display control unit 769, I / O 775, memory 781, printer interface 787, etc. are connected by a bus 799, and each peripheral circuit is controlled based on a processing program executed by the information processing unit 780. Is possible.

The short-distance wireless communication means is a communication means using light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays as carrier waves. When radio waves are used, it may be based on the specifications of wireless communication such as wireless LAN (local area network).

When the image recorded on the recording medium 777 is to be printed by the printer 70, the user must select the recording medium 7
77 is mounted on the recording medium mounting portion 778. Then, the information processing unit 780 reads out one or a plurality of image files recorded in the recording medium 777 via the recording medium interface 779 (acquisition unit), and extracts the reduced images (thumbnail images) described in the image file. Processing for displaying the list on the display unit 768 is performed.

The user inputs, via the input means 774, an instruction to select a desired image from the reduced images displayed on the display means 768. The information instructed by the user is read by the information processing means 780 via the I / O 775, and the main image described in the image file of the instructed image and the reproduction when the user browses the main image A process of reading information about display conditions is performed.

When printing an image received from another communication device via wired or wireless communication with the printer 70, the user operates the input unit 774 to operate the printer 7.
Set 0 to the mode of communication. Then, the information processing means 78
0 is a transmission / reception means 757 (acquisition means) or a transmission / reception means 76.
One or a plurality of reduced images are acquired from another communication device (electronic camera 10 or the like) via 5 (acquisition unit).

Then, the information processing means 780 performs a process of displaying the received list of reduced images on the display means 768.
The user inputs, via the input unit 774, an instruction to select a desired image from the reduced images displayed on the display unit 768. The information specified by the user is I / O77.
The information processing unit 780 reads the image file through 5 and sends a request to send the image file of the instructed image to another communication device via the sending / receiving unit 757 or the sending / receiving unit 765.

When the image file in which the image desired by the user is recorded is acquired from another communication device based on the transmission request of the image file, the information processing means 780 causes the main image described in the received image file. And a process of reading out information relating to a reproduction display condition and the like when the user browses the main image.

The image file to be acquired is an image file in which the image additional information as shown in FIG. 5 is described. In the image attached information part of the image file, the gamma characteristic, the hue characteristic of the image and the display means displaying the image,
Reproduction of gradation characteristics, display type information of display means and other display characteristics, display characteristics information of luminance of the backlight provided in the display means, environmental information of brightness and color temperature around the display means Display conditions are described.

When the information processing unit 180 acquires the reproduction display condition described in the image attached information portion, the information processing unit 780 (image processing unit) determines the gamma characteristic of the image based on the acquired reproduction display condition. Processing for adjusting hue such as hue characteristic, gradation characteristic, white balance, and brightness characteristic is performed. The image data that has undergone the image processing is temporarily recorded in the memory 781.

The white balance and brightness of the image may be changed by the white balance correction means 784 and the AE correction means 785 based on an instruction from the information processing means 780.

When the image processing is completed, the information processing means 780
Reads the image data temporarily recorded in the memory 781, converts the image data into data for printing, and then prints it via the printer interface 787.
Output to (printing means). The print engine 789 that has acquired the printing information prints and outputs the image converted by the information processing unit 780 and the like.

Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the embodiment using the printing device for printing and outputting an image, the present invention is not limited to this image printing device, and an image is displayed and output. The image display device according to the present invention can achieve the object of the present invention even if the image processing is performed on the displayed image based on the reproduction display condition.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the intensity of the backlight and the print gradation width when the user browses the image.

As shown in the figure, when the intensity information of the backlight 197 described in the image attached information portion of the image file is strong (when the user browses with the backlight 197 bright), The image processing means such as the information processing means 780 performs image processing for widening the gradation width (latitude) of the image to be printed out and prints.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the ambient light amount, the print gradation width, and the print density when the user browses the image.

As shown in the figure, when the ambient light amount at the time of browsing described in the image ancillary information portion of the image file is larger than a predetermined light amount (when the user browses the image in a bright environment) First, the image processing means such as the information processing means 780 performs the image processing with a tendency to reduce the gradation width of the image to be printed. When the amount of ambient light at the time of browsing is large, image processing is performed to increase the print density.

FIG. 9 shows the line-of-sight angle when the user browses,
The relationship between the print gradation width and the print density is shown.

As shown in the figure, when the angle of the user's line of sight at the time of viewing the image is tilted more than the vertical (90 °) with respect to the display device, the image processing of the information processing means 180 etc. The means performs image processing for narrowing the gradation width of the image according to the inclination angle of the line of sight. Further, image processing for reducing the print density may be performed according to the angle of the line of sight when browsing the image.

The image processing of the print density and the print gradation width described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above image processing.

[0092]

As described above, according to the image recording apparatus of the present invention, the acquisition means for acquiring the display characteristic information of the display means displaying the image or the environmental information around the display means, and the display. When the output image is printed, the output image is output to a recording medium by associating the acquired image with the acquired display characteristic information or environment information and outputting the output image to another communication device. Image processing can be performed based on the display characteristic information or environment information, and a user can easily acquire an image having the same hue, gradation, and brightness as the image viewed by the display means. Is possible.

According to another aspect of the invention, the image recording apparatus obtains image pickup means for picking up a subject image and display characteristic information of the display means displaying the picked-up image or environmental information around the display means. Image capturing means, and an output means for associating the displayed image with the acquired display characteristic information or environment information for output to a recording medium or an output means for outputting to another communication device. When printing an image, image processing is performed based on display characteristic information or environment information when the image is browsed, and the hue and gradation equivalent to the image when the user browses the display means,
It is possible to easily acquire an image having brightness.

According to the image printing apparatus of the present invention,
The image and the display characteristic information of the display unit that displays the image or the environmental information around the display unit are acquired from a recording medium or another communication device, and are acquired based on the acquired display characteristic information or the environmental information. The image when the user browses on the display means is provided because the printing means is provided for printing the image subjected to the image processing after performing the image processing for converting the color, gradation, or brightness on the image. It is possible to easily acquire an image having a hue, gradation, and brightness equivalent to those of.

Further, according to the present invention, the appearance of the color of the image displayed on the display means such as a liquid crystal mounted in the image recording device such as an electronic camera is used as a reference, and other monitor display or , It is possible to match the appearance of colors in the printer output.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of image pickup processing and recording processing of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a brightness setting display of a backlight of an electronic camera.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a structure of an image file in which an image is recorded.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the intensity of the backlight and the print gradation width when viewing an image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between an ambient light amount and a print gradation width and print density when an image is browsed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a user's line-of-sight angle, a print gradation width, and print density when an image is browsed.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Electronic camera, 70 ... Printer, 100 ... Lens barrel, 103 ... Viewfinder, 105 ... Power switch, 10
6 ... Release button, 107 ... Mode switching dial, 1
09 ... Cancel button, 110 ... Execution button, 111 ... Menu button, 113 ... Cross button, 122 ... Photometric sensor, 124 ... Brightness / darkness setting display, 150 ... Imaging means, 153
... image processing means, 154 ... A / D converter, 156 ... antenna, 157 ... transmitting / receiving means, 162 ... communication connector, 1
67 ... compression / expansion means, 168 ... display means, 169 ... OS
D, 170 ... Signal processing means, 171 ... Frame memory,
172 ... D / A converter, 174 ... Input means, 175 ... I
/ O, 177 ... recording medium, 178 ... recording medium mounting portion, 1
79 ... Recording medium interface, 180 ... Information processing means, 182 ... Nonvolatile memory, 183 ... ROM, 184
... RAM, 190 ... Calendar clock, 190A ... Timer,
193 ... Light emitting means, 194 ... Emission control means, 197 ... Backlight, 198 ... Backlight control means, 199 ...
Bus, 756 ... antenna, 757 ... transmission / reception means, 759
... communication connector, 760 ... public line, 765 ... transmission / reception means, 768 ... display means, 769 ... display control means, 774
... Input means, 775 ... I / O, 777 ... Recording medium, 77
8 ... Recording medium mounting part, 779 ... Recording medium interface, 780 ... Information processing means, 781 ... Memory, 784 ...
White balance correction means, 785 ... AE correction means, 7
87 ... Printer interface, 789 ... Print engine, 799 ... Bus

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Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An acquisition unit for acquiring display characteristic information of a display unit displaying an image or environmental information around the display unit, and the displayed image and the acquired display characteristic information or environmental information. An image recording apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs the data to a recording medium in association with each other, or an output unit that outputs the data to another communication device. 2. An image pickup means for picking up a subject image, an obtaining means for obtaining display characteristic information of a display means displaying the picked-up image or environmental information around the display means, and the displayed image. An image recording apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs the display characteristic information or the environment information that is acquired to a recording medium in association with each other, or an output unit that outputs the output to another communication device. 3. An image and display characteristic information of a display unit displaying the image or environmental information around the display unit is acquired from a recording medium or another communication device, and based on the acquired display characteristic information or environment information. The image printing apparatus prints the image subjected to the image processing after performing the image processing for converting the color, the gradation, or the brightness on the acquired image.