JP2006222977A - Output image adjustment of image data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for automatically regulating the image quality appropriately, in correspondence with individual image data. <P>SOLUTION: Using image data, and image generation information, including at least stop information, operation mode information and focal length of lens information during image data generation and associated with the image data, sharpness of the image data is regulated, based on the stop information, operation mode information and the focal length of lens information included in the image generation information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image adjustment technique for adjusting the image quality of image data.

  The image quality of image data generated by a digital still camera (DSC), a digital video camera (DVC), or the like can be arbitrarily adjusted by using an image retouching application on a personal computer. An image retouching application generally has an image adjustment function that automatically adjusts the image quality of image data. By using this image adjustment function, the image quality of an image output from an output device can be improved. Can do. Known image file output devices include CRTs, LCDs, printers, projectors, television receivers, and the like.

Also, a printer driver that controls the operation of a printer, which is one of the output devices, has a function of automatically adjusting the image quality of image data. Even if such a printer driver is used, printing is performed. Image quality can be improved (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-8768

  However, in the automatic image quality adjustment function provided by the image retouching application or the printer driver, image quality correction is executed based on image data having general image quality characteristics. On the other hand, since the image data to be subjected to image processing can be generated under various conditions, the image quality may not be improved even if the image quality automatic adjustment function is executed uniformly.

  For example, when outputting an image such as a landscape or a commemorative photo, a sharp image that focuses on the entire screen from the front to the background is preferred. For this purpose, image data is generated by setting the aperture to a small value (increasing the aperture value) and setting the operation mode, for example, the exposure adjustment mode, to the aperture priority mode or the manual mode that uses the aperture value set by the user with priority. Often done. However, even when image quality correction is performed on such image data based on image data having general image quality characteristics, sufficient sharpness may not be obtained. Such a problem is not limited to DSC, but is common to other image data generation apparatuses such as DVC.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to appropriately and automatically adjust the image quality corresponding to individual image data.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes image data generated by an image generation unit, aperture information, operation mode information, and lens focal length information when the image data is generated. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing using at least image generation information associated with the image data and including the aperture information, the operation mode information, and the lens focal length information included in the image generation information And an image quality adjusting unit for adjusting the sharpness of the image data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention can perform appropriate sharpness adjustment of image data based on aperture information, operation mode information, and lens focal length information at the time of image data generation.

  In the image processing apparatus, the image quality adjustment unit determines whether or not to execute image quality adjustment for adjusting the sharpness of the image data based on the operation mode information and determines to execute the image quality adjustment. Sometimes, it is preferable to determine the degree of sharpness adjustment based on the aperture information and the lens focal length information.

  By so doing, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to perform image quality adjustment for adjusting sharpness based on the operation mode. Furthermore, the degree of sharpness adjustment can be appropriately determined based on aperture information and lens focal length information.

  In each of the image processing apparatuses, the image quality adjustment unit can determine whether the operation mode of the image generation unit at the time of generating the image data is a portrait mode based on the operation mode information. When it is determined that the operation mode is the portrait mode, a) the image quality adjustment is not performed, and b) a sharpness adjustment that is weaker than that in the case where the aperture value is set under the standard shooting conditions of the image generation unit. It is preferable to execute any one of the following processes.

  In this way, a soft image can be output based on the image data generated in the portrait mode in the image generation unit.

  In each of the image processing apparatuses, the image quality adjustment unit can acquire an aperture value used when generating the image data from the aperture information and determine whether the aperture value is manually set by a user. Yes, when it is determined that the aperture value is a manual setting, the image generation is performed when the aperture value is set in at least a predetermined range of all the possible ranges of the aperture value. It is preferable to execute sharpness adjustment that is stronger than the case where the aperture value is set under the standard shooting conditions of the part.

  By doing so, the sharpness of the image data generated by adjusting the aperture value can be adjusted more appropriately. The aperture value is usually an F value, and the aperture value is smaller as the aperture value is larger.

  In each of the image processing apparatuses, it is preferable that the strong sharpness adjustment is performed when the aperture value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  By doing so, the image quality of the image data generated by setting the aperture value to a predetermined value or more can be adjusted more sharply.

  In each of the image processing apparatuses, it is preferable that the degree of sharpness adjustment in the strong sharpness adjustment is stronger as the aperture value is larger.

  By doing so, the image quality of the image data generated by setting a larger aperture value can be adjusted more sharply.

  In each of the image processing devices, the image generation information further includes information on a maximum aperture value that can be used in the image data generation unit that generated the image data. It is preferably executed when the aperture value is the maximum value.

  By doing so, the image quality of the image data generated by setting the aperture value to the maximum value can be adjusted more sharply.

  In each of the image processing apparatuses, it is preferable that the degree of sharpness adjustment in the strong sharpness adjustment is stronger as the lens focal length is larger.

  By doing so, the image quality of the image data generated by setting the lens focal length larger can be adjusted more sharply.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, an image data output method and an image data output device, an image data processing method and an image data processing device, and functions of these methods or devices. For example, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, a data signal that includes the computer program and is embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Configuration of image data output system:
B. Image file structure:
C. Configuration of image data output device:
D. Image processing in digital still cameras:
E. Image processing in the printer:
F. Example of sharpness adjustment processing:
G. Example of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
H. Configuration of image data output system using image data processing device:
I. Variation:

A. Configuration of image data output system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image data output system to which an output device (or an image data output device) as an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The image data output system 10 includes a digital still camera 12 as an image data generation device that generates an image file, and a printer 20 as an image output device. The image file generated in the digital still camera 12 is sent to the printer 20 through the cable CV or by directly inserting the memory card MC storing the image file into the printer 20. The printer 20 executes image quality adjustment processing of image data based on the read image file and outputs an image. As the output device, in addition to the printer 20, a monitor 14 such as a CRT display or LCD display, a projector, or the like can be used. Hereinafter, description will be made based on a case where the printer 20 including the image quality adjustment unit and the image output unit is used as an output device and the memory card MC is directly inserted into the printer 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital still camera 12. The digital still camera 12 of this embodiment includes an optical circuit 121 for collecting optical information, an image acquisition circuit 122 for controlling the optical circuit to acquire an image, and a process for processing the acquired digital image. An image processing circuit 123 and a control circuit 124 for controlling each circuit are provided. The control circuit 124 includes a memory (not shown). The optical circuit 121 includes a lens 125 that collects optical information, a diaphragm 129 that adjusts the amount of light, and a CCD 128 that converts optical information that has passed through the lens into image data.

  In this embodiment, the optical circuit 121 and the image acquisition circuit 122 correspond to the “image generation unit” in the present invention.

  The digital still camera 12 stores the acquired image in the memory card MC. As a storage format of image data in the digital still camera 12, a JPEG format is generally used, but other storage formats such as a TIFF format, a GIF format, a BMP format, and a RAW data format can be used. .

  The digital still camera 12 also includes a selection / determination button 126 for setting various shooting conditions (aperture value, shutter speed, exposure adjustment mode, shooting mode, lens focal length, etc.) and a liquid crystal display 127. Yes. The liquid crystal display 127 is used when a captured image is previewed or an aperture value or the like is set using the selection / determination button 126. The aperture value can be set to a value within a predetermined range that is determined in advance according to the model of the digital still camera 12, for example, a predetermined discrete value between 2 and 16 (for example, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, etc.) can be set. As the aperture value, the F value is usually used. Therefore, the larger the aperture value, the smaller the aperture. The shutter speed can also be set to a value within a predetermined range. For example, a value between 1/15 seconds and 1/250 seconds can be set. As the exposure adjustment mode, it is possible to select one of a plurality of modes prepared in advance, such as program auto (automatic adjustment mode), aperture priority mode, shutter speed priority mode, and manual mode. When the program auto is set, the aperture value and the shutter speed are automatically adjusted to standard values, so that the exposure is set to a standard value. When the manual mode is set, the aperture value and shutter speed set by the user are used. When the aperture value or shutter speed is set by the user, an exposure adjustment mode using the set value may be automatically selected. As the shooting mode, one of a plurality of modes prepared in advance, such as standard mode, portrait mode, landscape mode, night view mode, etc. can be selected according to the type of subject. It is. When the shooting mode is designated by the user, related parameters (aperture value, lens focal length, etc.) are automatically set according to the designated shooting mode. For example, when the standard mode is selected as the shooting mode, not only the aperture value but also a parameter related to image data generation is set to the standard value. The standard shooting conditions for setting the aperture value to a standard value (for example, the shooting conditions by the program auto as the exposure adjustment mode and the shooting conditions by the standard mode as the shooting mode) are the default shooting conditions in the digital still camera 12. It is. The standard photographing conditions are often used as settings at the time of purchase of the digital still camera 12.

  The lens focal length is information on the distance between the center of the lens and its focal point, that is, the distance between the light receiving element such as a film or a CCD, and is set to a value within a predetermined range that is predetermined according to the type of lens used Is possible. The user can obtain an image in which the subject is shown larger by adjusting the lens focal length to a larger value. In general, the lens focal length is displayed in units of mm.

  When shooting is performed with the digital still camera 12, the image data and the image generation information are stored in the memory card MC as an image file. The image generation information can include setting values of parameters such as an aperture value at the time of shooting (at the time of image data generation) (details will be described later).

B. Image file structure:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the internal configuration of an image file that can be used in this embodiment. The image file GF includes an image data storage area 101 for storing image data GD and an image generation information storage area 102 for storing image generation information GI. The image data GD is stored, for example, in the JPEG format, and the image generation information GI is stored, for example, in the TIFF format (a format in which data and data areas are specified using tags). Note that the terms “file structure” and “data structure” in the present embodiment mean a file or data structure in a state where the file or data is stored in the storage device.

The image generation information GI is information related to an image when image data is generated (taken) in an image data generation device such as the digital still camera 12, and includes the following setting values.
・ Aperture value.
·shutter speed.
・ Exposure time.
-Lens focal length.
・ Exposure adjustment mode.
・ Shooting mode.
·Manufacturer's name.
·Model name.
-Gamma value.

  The image file GF according to the present embodiment basically only needs to include the image data storage area 101 and the image generation information storage area 102 described above, and has a file structure in accordance with an already standardized file format. be able to. The case where the image file GF according to the present embodiment is adapted to the Exif file format will be specifically described below.

  The Exif file has a file structure according to the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif), and its specifications are determined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). The Exif file format includes a JPEG image data storage area for storing image data in the JPEG format and an attached information storage area for storing various information related to the stored JPEG image data, as in the conceptual diagram shown in FIG. And. The JPEG image data storage area corresponds to the image data storage area 101 in FIG. 3, and the attached information storage area corresponds to the image generation information storage area 102. The attached information storage area stores image generation information related to a JPEG image such as a shooting date / time, an aperture value, and a shutter speed.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the data structure of the attached information storage area 103. In the Exif file format, hierarchical tags are used to specify data areas. Each data area can include therein a plurality of lower data areas specified by lower tags. In FIG. 4, an area surrounded by a square represents one data area, and a tag name is written at the upper left. This embodiment includes three data areas whose tag names are APP0, APP1, and APP6. The APP1 data area includes two data areas whose tag names are IFD0 and IFD1. The IFD0 data area includes three data areas whose tag names are PM, Exif, and GPS. The data and data area are stored according to a prescribed address or offset value, and the address or offset value can be retrieved by tag name. On the output device side, data corresponding to desired information can be acquired by designating an address or offset value corresponding to the desired information.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the data structure (data tag name and parameter value) of the Exif data area that can be referred to by tracing the tag names in the order of APP1-IFD0-Exif in FIG. . The Exif data area can include a data area whose tag name is MakerNote, as shown in FIG. 4, and the MakerNote data area can include a larger number of data, but is not shown in FIG. .

  In the Exif data area, as shown in FIG. 5, parameter values corresponding to information such as exposure time, aperture value, exposure program, lens focal length, and shooting scene type are stored. The aperture value can be used as aperture information, and the exposure program and shooting scene type can be used as operation mode information.

The exposure program is information for identifying the exposure adjustment mode, and is selected and set, for example, from a plurality of values including the following four values.
Parameter value 1: Manual mode.
Parameter value 2: Program auto.
Parameter value 3: Aperture priority mode.
Parameter value 4: Shutter speed priority mode.

  The shooting scene type is information for identifying a shooting mode, and is selected and set from, for example, a standard mode, a portrait mode (portrait mode), a landscape mode, and a night view mode.

  Information associated with the image data is appropriately stored in an area other than the Exif data area in FIG. For example, the manufacturer name and model name as information for specifying the image data generation device are stored in the data area whose tag name is IFD0.

C. Configuration of image data output device:
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printer 20 of the present embodiment. The printer 20 is a printer that can output an image. For example, an ink jet that ejects four colors of ink of cyan C, magenta Mg, yellow Y, and black K onto a printing medium to form a dot pattern. Printer. In addition, an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by transferring and fixing toner onto a printing medium can also be used. In addition to the above four colors, light cyan LC having a lighter density than cyan C, light magenta LM having a lighter density than magenta Mg, and dark yellow DY having a darker density than yellow Y may be used for the ink. When performing monochrome printing, only black K may be used, or red R or green G may be used. The type of ink or toner to be used can be determined according to the characteristics of the output image.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 20 drives a print head 211 mounted on the carriage 21 to discharge ink and form dots, and a mechanism that causes the carriage 21 to reciprocate in the axial direction of the platen 23 by the carriage motor 22. And a mechanism for transporting the printing paper P by the paper feed motor 24, and a control circuit 30. With these mechanisms, the printer 20 functions as an image output unit. The mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 21 in the axial direction of the platen 23 is an endless drive between the carriage motor 22 and the sliding shaft 25 that holds the carriage 21 that is laid in parallel with the platen 23 axis. A pulley 27 that stretches the belt 26, a position detection sensor 28 that detects the origin position of the carriage 21, and the like. The mechanism for transporting the printing paper P includes a platen 23, a paper feed motor 24 that rotates the platen 23, a paper feed auxiliary roller (not shown), and a gear train that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 24 to the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller. (Not shown).

  The control circuit 30 appropriately controls the movement of the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the print head 211 while exchanging signals with the operation panel 29 of the printer. The printing paper P supplied to the printer 20 is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller, and is fed by a predetermined amount according to the rotation angle of the platen 23.

  The carriage 21 has a print head 211 and can be mounted with an ink cartridge of available ink. A nozzle for ejecting usable ink is provided on the lower surface of the print head 211 (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 20 with the control circuit 30 of the printer 20 as the center. Inside the control circuit 30, there are a CPU 31, a PROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory card slot 34 for acquiring data from the memory card MC, a peripheral device input / output for exchanging data with the paper feed motor 24, the carriage motor 22, and the like. A unit (PIO) 35, a drive buffer 37, and the like are provided. The drive buffer 37 is used as a buffer for supplying dot on / off signals to the print head 211. These are connected to each other by a bus 38 and can exchange data with each other. The control circuit 30 is also provided with a transmitter 39 that outputs a drive waveform at a predetermined frequency, and a distribution output device 40 that distributes the output from the transmitter 39 to the print head 211 at a predetermined timing.

  The control circuit 30 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 37 at a predetermined timing while synchronizing with the movement of the paper feed motor 24 and the carriage motor 22. Further, the control circuit 30 reads the image file from the memory card MC, analyzes the attached information, and performs image processing based on the obtained image generation information. That is, the control circuit 30 functions as an image quality adjustment unit. A detailed flow of image processing executed by the control circuit 30 will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the drive buffer 37, the transmitter 39, the distribution output device 40, and the print head 211 output an image according to the image data “image output unit (or image forming unit)”. Function as. Further, the CPU 31 functions as a “data output unit” that outputs image data whose image quality is adjusted to the “image output unit”.

D. Image processing in digital still cameras:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating the image file GF in the digital still camera 12.

  The control circuit 124 (FIG. 2) of the digital still camera 12 generates image data GD in response to a photographing request, for example, pressing of the shutter button (step S100). When parameter values such as an aperture value, exposure adjustment mode, and shooting mode are set, image data GD is generated using the set parameter values.

  The control circuit 124 stores the generated image data GD and the image generation information GI as an image file GF in the memory card MC (step S110), and ends this processing routine. The image generation information GI automatically includes parameter values used at the time of image generation such as an aperture value and shutter speed, parameter values that can be arbitrarily set such as an exposure adjustment mode and a shooting mode, a manufacturer name, and a model name. Contains the parameter value to be set. The image data GD is converted from the RGB color space to the YCbCr color space, JPEG compressed, and stored as an image file GF.

  Through the above processing executed in the digital still camera 12, the image file GF stored in the memory card MC is set with the image data GD and image generation information GI including each parameter value at the time of image data generation. It will be.

E. Image processing in the printer:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the printer 20 of this embodiment. The following description is based on the case where the memory card MC storing the image file GF is directly inserted into the printer 20. When the memory card MC is inserted into the memory card slot 34, the CPU 31 of the control circuit 30 (FIG. 7) of the printer 20 reads the image file GF (FIG. 3) from the memory card MC (step S200). Next, in step S210, the CPU 31 retrieves image generation information GI indicating information at the time of image data generation from the attached information storage area of the image file GF. When the image generation information GI can be found (step S220: Y), the CPU 31 acquires and analyzes the image generation information GI (step S230). The CPU 31 executes image processing to be described later based on the analyzed image generation information GI (step S240), outputs the processed image (step S250), and ends this processing routine.

  On the other hand, an image file generated using a drawing application or the like does not include image generation information GI having information such as an aperture value. If the CPU 31 cannot find the image generation information GI (step S220: N), the CPU 31 performs standard processing (step S260), outputs the processed image (step S250), and ends this processing routine.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing (corresponding to step S240 in FIG. 9) based on the image generation information. The CPU 31 of the control circuit 30 (FIG. 7) of the printer 20 extracts image data GD from the read image file GF (step S300).

  As described above, the digital still camera 12 stores the image data GD as a JPEG format file, and the JPEG format file stores image data using the YCbCr color space. In step S310, the CPU 31 executes a calculation using a 3 × 3 matrix S in order to convert image data based on the YCbCr color space into image data based on the RGB color space. This matrix operation is, for example, an arithmetic expression shown below.

  When the color space of the image data generated by the digital still camera 12 is wider than a predetermined color space, for example, the sRGB color space, the image data based on the RGB color space obtained in step S310 is displayed in the RGB color space. Valid data may be included outside the definition area. If it is specified in the image generation information GI that data outside the definition area is treated as valid data, the data outside the definition area is retained as it is, and the subsequent image processing is continued. If the data outside the definition area is not designated as valid data, the data outside the definition area is clipped into the definition area. For example, when the definition area is 0 to 255, negative data less than 0 is rounded to 0, and 256 or more data is rounded to 255. When the color space that can be expressed by the image output unit is not wider than a predetermined color space, for example, the sRGB color space, it is preferable to perform clipping in the definition area regardless of the designation in the image generation information GI. As such a case, for example, there are cases where the color space that can be expressed is output to a CRT that is an sRGB color space.

  Next, in step S320, the CPU 31 executes gamma correction and calculation using the matrix M to convert image data based on the RGB color space into image data based on the XYZ color space. The image file GF can include a gamma value and color space information at the time of image generation. When the image generation information GI includes such information, the CPU 31 acquires the gamma value of the image data from the image generation information GI, and executes gamma conversion processing of the image data using the acquired gamma value. Further, the CPU 31 acquires the color space information of the image data from the image generation information GI, and executes a matrix operation of the image data using the matrix M corresponding to the color space. When the image generation information GI does not include a gamma value, the gamma conversion process can be executed using a standard gamma value. Further, when the image generation information GI does not include color space information, a matrix calculation can be performed using the standard matrix M. As these standard gamma values and matrix M, for example, gamma values and matrices for the sRGB color space can be used. This matrix operation is, for example, an arithmetic expression shown below.

  The color space of the image data obtained after execution of the matrix operation is an XYZ color space. The XYZ color space is an absolute color space, and is a device-independent color space that does not depend on a device such as a digital still camera or a printer. Therefore, by performing color space conversion via the XYZ color space, device-independent color matching can be performed.

Next, in step S330, the CPU 31 performs calculation using the matrix N- ¹ and inverse gamma correction, and converts the image data based on the XYZ color space into image data based on the wRGB color space. When executing inverse gamma correction, the CPU 31 acquires the gamma value on the printer side from the PROM 32, and executes inverse gamma conversion processing of the image data using the inverse of the acquired gamma value. Further, the CPU 31 acquires a matrix N ^-1 corresponding to the conversion from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space from the PROM 32, and executes a matrix operation of the image data using the matrix N ^-1 . This matrix operation is, for example, an arithmetic expression shown below.

  Next, in step S340, the CPU 31 executes automatic image quality adjustment processing. In the automatic image quality adjustment processing in this embodiment, image generation information included in the image file GF, in particular, an aperture value as aperture information, an exposure program as operation mode information, and a lens focal length as lens focal length information. The automatic image quality adjustment processing for adjusting the sharpness of the image data is executed using the parameter values. Sharpness adjustment and automatic image quality adjustment processing will be described later.

  Next, in step S350, the CPU 31 executes CMYK color conversion processing for printing and halftone processing. In the CMYK color conversion process, the CPU 31 refers to a look-up table (LUT) for conversion from the wRGB color space to the CMYK color space stored in the PROM 32, and changes the color space of the image data from the wRGB color space to the CMYK color space. Change to That is, image data composed of RGB gradation values is used by the printer 20, for example, C (Cyan) Mg (Magenta) Y (Yellow) K (Black) LC (LightCyan) LM (LightMagenta). Convert to image data consisting of tone values.

  In the halftone process, the CPU 31 performs a so-called halftone process to generate halftone image data from the color-converted image data. The halftone image data is rearranged in the order to be sent to the drive buffer 37 (FIG. 7), becomes final print data, and this processing routine is terminated. The image data processed by this processing routine is output in step S250 of the image processing routine shown in FIG.

F. Example of sharpness adjustment processing:
For the adjustment of sharpness, a process using an unsharp mask can be used. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sharpness adjustment method using an unsharp mask. The sharpness adjustment is explained step by step using the luminance values of the pixels arranged on a straight line.

  FIG. 11A shows the original data ODATA before sharpness adjustment. The vertical axis represents the luminance value of each pixel, and can take a value between 0 and 100 in this example. The horizontal axis represents pixel positions, and one marker represents one pixel among a plurality of pixels arranged on a straight line. That is, markers representing pixels arranged on a straight line are arranged along the horizontal axis direction in accordance with the arrangement order of the pixels. As described above, the sharpness adjustment will be described using the data of the region where the luminance value changes stepwise as the original data ODATA.

  In order to increase the sharpness, a method using an unsharp mask can be used. This method prepares data in which the change in luminance value has disappeared (unsharp), and subtracts the unsharp data from the original data to make the change in luminance value sensitized. Unsharp data can be obtained by averaging the luminance value of each pixel of the original data using the luminance values of surrounding pixels. As an averaging method, a method of calculating the average by combining the luminance value of the target pixel and the luminance values of the surrounding pixels can be used. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the average is calculated with a greater weight as the luminance value of a pixel that is closer (shorter distance between pixels). As such a weighting function (unsharp mask), a Gaussian function centered on the target pixel can be used (a pixel of actual image data is two-dimensionally arranged, so a two-dimensional Gaussian function is used).

  FIG. 11B shows the luminance value of the unsharp data UDATA generated using the unsharp mask. Compared with the original data ODATA, it can be seen that the change in luminance value is moderate.

  FIG. 11C shows difference data DIFF obtained by subtracting unsharp data UDATA from original data ODATA. By adding the difference data DIFF multiplied by a predetermined coefficient G and the original data ODATA, sharp data in which a change in luminance value is sensitized can be obtained. FIG. 11D shows the brightness value of sharp data obtained using different coefficients G. S1 indicates sharp data using a relatively small coefficient G1, and S2 indicates sharp data using a relatively large coefficient G2. In both S1 and S2, the luminance value changes more rapidly than the original data, and the sharpness of the image is increased. As can be seen by comparing S1 and S2, the sharpness can be adjusted more strongly as the coefficient G is increased. When the coefficient G is set to 0, the original data ODATA and the sharp data are equal, and the sharpness is not adjusted.

  As a method of reducing the sharpness, a method of using the above-mentioned unsharp data UDATA as adjusted data can be used. In this case, as the width of the unsharp mask is increased, unsharp data can be obtained in which the luminance value is further changed.

  Thus, by adjusting the coefficient G and the width of the unsharp mask, the degree of sharpness adjustment can be changed.

G. Example of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
G1. First embodiment of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of automatic image quality adjustment processing (corresponding to step S340 in FIG. 10) in the present embodiment. The CPU 31 (FIG. 7) analyzes the image generation information GI, and acquires the aperture value and the parameter value of the exposure program (step S400). Next, in step S410, it is determined whether or not the aperture value at the time of generating image data is a manual setting. In this embodiment, a manual exposure adjustment mode and an aperture-priority exposure adjustment mode can be selected as manual settings. The value of the exposure program (FIG. 5) is 1 in the manual mode, and 3 in the aperture priority mode. The CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the exposure program is 1 or 3.

  When it is determined that the exposure adjustment mode is neither the manual mode nor the aperture priority mode (step S410: N), in step S430, the CPU 31 performs image quality adjustment with a standard degree of sharpness adjustment. When the exposure adjustment mode is the manual mode or the aperture priority mode (step S410: Y), the aperture value is set manually, so the user intends to set the depth of field of the image to a preferred level. Can be determined. In this case, in step 420, the CPU 31 executes image quality adjustment with a high degree of sharpness adjustment when the aperture is small (the aperture value is large).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment and the aperture value. The vertical axis indicates the degree of sharpness adjustment (hereinafter referred to as sharpness intensity), and the greater the value, the higher the sharpness. The horizontal axis shows the aperture value F. STD indicates the sharpness intensity of image quality adjustment (hereinafter referred to as “standard sharpness intensity”) when the aperture value is set under the standard shooting conditions of the digital still camera 12, and C1 and C2 indicate when the aperture value is set manually. It shows the sharpness intensity of image quality adjustment (hereinafter referred to as “high sharpness intensity”). In this embodiment, the standard sharpness intensity STD is used when the exposure adjustment mode is either the program auto or the shutter speed priority mode (step S430 in FIG. 12), and the high sharpness intensity C1, C2 is the exposure. This is used when the adjustment mode is either the manual mode or the aperture priority mode (step S420 in FIG. 12). The standard shooting condition of the digital still camera 12 means a default shooting condition at the time of shipment of the digital still camera 12, and usually corresponds to a shooting condition by program auto. In the shutter speed priority mode, the image quality adjustment may be performed with a sharpness intensity different from the standard sharpness intensity STD.

  The high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 are configured to be larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD when the aperture value is 8 or more. In this way, when the user intends to output a sharper image and sets the aperture value to a large value (small aperture), a sharp image can be output effectively. The predetermined aperture value for making the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD is not limited to 8, and can be set to an arbitrary value in advance. For example, when 4 is set, a sharper image can be output. For example, when 11 is set, a softer image can be output.

  The two high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 having different sharpness intensities are preferably used according to the lens focal length. If the lens focal length is set to a larger value at the time of image data generation, there is a high possibility that image data that outputs a blurred image is generated due to diffraction phenomenon or lens chromatic aberration. Such a blurred image is not intended by the user. On the other hand, the high sharpness strength C2 is configured such that the sharpness strength is higher than the high sharpness strength C1 when the aperture value is 8 or more. Therefore, if the image quality adjustment using the high sharpness intensity C2 having a relatively high sharpness intensity when the lens focal length is relatively large, the output of a blurred image can be suppressed.

  As a method of selectively using the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 depending on the size of the lens focal length, there is a method of using a threshold value for determining the size of the lens focal length. For example, when the lens focal length threshold is set to 50 mm and the lens focal length is equal to or greater than the threshold, the high sharpness intensity C2 is used, and when the lens focal distance is less than the threshold, the high sharpness intensity C1. It is good also as a structure using. The number of high sharpness intensities with different sharpness intensities is not limited to two, and three or more types of high sharpness intensities may be used depending on the lens focal length. If the number of types of high sharpness intensity is increased, the sharpness intensity can be set in response to changes in the lens focal length. Further, the sharpness intensity of the high sharpness intensity may be continuously changed according to the lens focal length. In any case, by setting the high sharpness intensity so that the sharpness intensity increases as the lens focal length increases, the output of a blurred image can be suppressed.

  As the standard sharpness intensity STD, a value set in advance so that an output result of an image generated under a standard condition (for example, program auto) of the digital still camera 12 is optimized can be used. Instead, the sharpness of the image may be analyzed for each image, and the standard sharpness intensity STD may be adjusted for each image according to the analysis result so that the sharpness of the image approaches the sharpness reference value. The sharpness of an image can be obtained, for example, by defining an absolute value of a luminance difference between one pixel and a surrounding predetermined pixel as an edge amount of one pixel and averaging the edge amounts of all pixels. In addition, a value obtained by increasing the weight of a pixel having a large edge amount (that is, a pixel considered to correspond to an edge in an image) and averaging it may be defined as sharpness. Note that the sharpness adjustment may not be performed as the standard sharpness intensity STD. Thus, even when the standard sharpness strength STD is set by various methods, the high sharpness strengths C1 and C2 are set when the aperture value is set within a predetermined range (in this embodiment, the aperture value is 8). In such a case, it is configured to be larger than the set standard sharpness intensity STD.

  High sharpness intensity C1 and C2 for image quality adjustment in manual setting is a quantitative evaluation of image sharpness using image data that has undergone sharp image quality adjustment and image data that has undergone sharpness standard image quality adjustment for the same original image. Alternatively, the comparison can be made based on the sensitivity evaluation of the output result so that the output result of the image is optimal. For example, for the same image data, compare the output value with the exposure program parameter value set to 3 (aperture priority mode) and the output result with the exposure program parameter value set to 2 (program auto). Can be decided. When the operation mode that automatically adjusts various parameter values at the time of image generation to standard values can be used in the image data generation device, not limited to the aperture value and exposure, output in the operation mode setting By comparing the result with the output result of the same original image data in the aperture priority mode setting, the level of sharpness adjustment strength can be examined. In this embodiment, image quality adjustment using the same sharpness intensity is performed when the exposure adjustment mode is the manual mode and when the aperture priority mode is used. Each adjustment may be performed.

  Also, the sharpness intensity corresponding to the size of the lens focal length can be set based on the quantitative evaluation of the sharpness of the image and the sensitivity evaluation of the output result. For example, image quality adjustment using various sharpness intensities is performed on a plurality of image data generated with different lens focal length settings. By comparing the sharpness obtained by analyzing the obtained adjusted image data and the output image based on the adjusted image data, the sharpness intensity with respect to the lens focal length can be set.

G2. Second embodiment of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sharpness intensity of the image quality adjustment and the aperture value in the second embodiment of the automatic image quality adjustment process. The meanings of the vertical and horizontal axes and the meanings of STD, C1, and C2 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the standard sharpness intensity STD continuously increases as the aperture value increases. In this way, even when image quality adjustment of the sharpness standard is performed, a difference in sharpness due to the aperture value can be expressed. Further, a user's request intended to output a sharper image by making the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD when the aperture value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (8 in this embodiment). I can answer. The standard sharpness intensity STD may be configured to increase stepwise in a plurality of stages as the aperture value increases.

G3. Third embodiment of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sharpness intensity and the aperture value in the third embodiment of the automatic image quality adjustment process. In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13, when the aperture value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (8 in this embodiment), the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 are increased as the aperture value increases. Continuously increasing. In this way, sharpness enhancement processing can be performed more finely based on the aperture value. Note that the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 may be configured to increase stepwise in a plurality of stages as the aperture value increases.

G4. Fourth embodiment of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sharpness intensity and the aperture value in the fourth embodiment of the automatic image quality adjustment process. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 continuously increase with the increase of the aperture value over the entire range that the aperture value can take. In this way, sharpness enhancement processing can be performed more finely based on the aperture value. Note that the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 may be configured to increase stepwise in a plurality of stages as the aperture value increases.

G5. Example 5 of automatic image quality adjustment processing:
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the sharpness intensity and the aperture value in the fifth embodiment of the automatic image quality adjustment process. In the fifth embodiment, when the aperture value is the maximum aperture value that can be used in the apparatus that generated the image, the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 are configured to be larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD. ing. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, when the maximum aperture value is 11, and the aperture value is 11, the high sharpness intensities C1 and C2 are configured to be larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD. Therefore, the user can output a sharp image by a simple operation of setting the aperture value to the maximum.

  The maximum aperture value is a value determined according to the model of the digital still camera 12 (more generally, the model of the image data generating apparatus). When the image generation information GI of the image file GF includes the maximum aperture value, the CPU 31 (FIG. 7) can acquire the value and adjust the sharpness intensity according to the aperture value. . Alternatively, an aperture value table composed of a combination of the image data generation device and the maximum aperture value may be stored in a memory such as the PROM 32 (FIG. 7). When the image generation information GI includes, for example, a manufacturer name and model name as information on the maximum aperture value, the CPU 31 uses the manufacturer name and model name to determine the aperture value from the aperture value table. The maximum value can be obtained. The aperture value table may be acquired online via a network or the like. By doing so, the aperture value table can be appropriately updated to a table including the latest information. As described above, as information related to the maximum value of the aperture value, information specifying the model of the image data generation device (or also referred to as an image generation device) can be used.

H. Configuration of image data output system using image data processing device:
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image data output system to which the image data processing apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The image data output system 10B includes a digital still camera 12 as an image data generation device that generates an image file, a computer PC that executes image quality adjustment processing based on the image file, and a printer as an image data output device that outputs an image. 20B. The computer PC is a commonly used type of computer and functions as an image data processing device (or image processing device). As the image data output device, in addition to the printer 20B, a monitor 14B such as a CRT display or LCD display, a projector, or the like can be used. In the following description, it is assumed that the printer 20B is used as an image data output device. In the present embodiment, the image data processing apparatus provided with the image quality adjustment unit and the image data output apparatus provided with the image output unit are configured separately from the above-described image data output system embodiment (FIG. 1). Different. Note that a computer PC as an image data processing apparatus and a printer including an image output unit can be called an “output apparatus” in a broad sense.

  The image file generated in the digital still camera 12 is sent to the computer PC via the cable CV or by directly inserting the memory card MC storing the image file into the computer PC. The computer PC executes image quality adjustment processing of image data based on the read image file. The image data generated by the image quality adjustment process is sent to the printer 20B via the cable CV and output by the printer 20B.

  The computer PC includes a CPU 150 that executes a program for realizing the above-described image quality adjustment processing, a RAM 151 that temporarily stores calculation results and image data of the CPU 150, an image quality adjustment processing program, a lookup table, and an aperture value table. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) 152 that stores data necessary for image quality adjustment processing is provided. The CPU 150, the RAM 151, and the HDD 152 function as an image quality adjustment unit. Furthermore, the computer PC includes a memory card slot 153 for mounting a memory card MC and an input / output terminal 154 for connecting a connection cable from the digital still camera 12 or the like.

  The image file GF generated by the digital still camera 12 is provided to the computer PC via a cable or a memory card MC. When an image retouching application or an image data processing application program such as a printer driver is activated by a user operation, the CPU 150 executes an image processing routine (FIG. 9) for processing the read image file GF. Further, the image data processing application program is automatically started by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC into the memory card slot 153 or the connection of the digital still camera 12 via the cable to the input / output terminal 154. Also good.

  The image data processed by the CPU 150 is sent to the image data output device, for example, the printer 20B, instead of being output in step S250 of the image processing routine (FIG. 9), and the image data output device that has received the image data. Perform image output.

  At this time, the image data after image quality adjustment is sent by the CPU 150 to the printer 20B as an image output unit. In this embodiment, the CPU 150 functions as a “data output unit”.

  In this embodiment, since image processing is performed using the image quality adjustment unit provided in the computer PC, it is possible to use an image data output device that does not include the image quality adjustment unit. If the image data output device includes an image quality adjustment unit, the computer PC sends image data to the image data output device without performing image processing, and the image quality adjustment unit of the image data output device performs image processing. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  As described above, in each of the above-described embodiments, since the image quality can be automatically adjusted using the image generation information GI included in the image file GF, the user's intention is easily reflected. High quality output results can be obtained. In particular, the image data generated by the user adjusting the aperture value and the lens focal length can be output by executing appropriate sharpness adjustment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

I. Variation:
I1. First modification:
When the image file GF does not include the gamma value and the color space information of the image data, the color space conversion process (Step S320 and Step S330) in the image processing routine shown in FIG. 10 can be omitted. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing routine when the color space conversion process is omitted. In step S510, the image data extracted in step S500 is converted from image data based on the YCbCr color space to image data based on the RGB color space. Next, in step S520, automatic image quality adjustment processing using the image data obtained in step S510 is executed. Next, in S530, CMYK color conversion processing for printing and halftone processing are executed.
I2. Second modification:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the automatic image quality adjustment process is executed after the color space conversion is executed. However, the color space conversion may be executed after the automatic image quality adjustment process is executed. For example, the image processing may be executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

I3. Third modification:
In each of the above embodiments, a printer is used as the image output unit, but an image output unit other than the printer can be used. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine for image processing based on image generation information when a CRT is used as the image output unit. Unlike the flowchart in which the printer shown in FIG. 10 is an image output unit, CMYK color conversion processing and halftone processing are omitted. Further, since the CRT can express the RGB color space of the image data obtained by executing the matrix operation (S), the color space conversion process is also omitted. If the image data based on the RGB color space obtained in step S610 includes data outside the definition area of the RGB color space, step S620 is executed after the data outside the definition area is clipped. When the color space that can be used by the image output unit is different from the RGB color space, the color conversion process to the color space that can be used by the image output unit is performed in the same manner as when the CMYK color conversion process is executed when a printer is used. And the resulting image is output from the image output unit.

I4. Fourth modification:
In each of the above embodiments, the same sharpness adjustment is performed for images generated in two operation modes (manual mode and aperture priority mode) in which the aperture value is manually set by the user. Instead of this, image quality adjustment with different sharpness intensities may be performed for each of a plurality of operation modes in which the aperture value is manually set. Also in this case, the sharpness intensity in each operation mode is configured to be larger than the standard sharpness intensity STD when the aperture value is set within a predetermined relatively large value range. As the predetermined relatively large value range, a different range may be set for each operation mode. In this way, image quality adjustment suitable for each operation mode can be performed. Even when there are a plurality of operation modes in which the aperture value is automatically adjusted, image quality adjustment with different sharpness intensities may be performed for each operation mode. For example, when the parameter value of the shooting scene type (FIG. 5) as the operation mode information is set to a person mode (portrait mode) for shooting a person, the sharpness intensity is weaker than the standard sharpness intensity STD. It is preferable to perform image quality adjustment with. In this way, a softer human image (portrait) can be output. The relationship between the sharpness intensity and the aperture value may be configured so as to be weaker than the standard sharpness intensity STD regardless of the aperture value. When the aperture value is set within a predetermined range, the standard sharpness You may comprise so that it may become weaker than intensity | strength STD. Further, a configuration in which image quality adjustment related to sharpness is not performed may be employed. By doing so, image processing in the person mode (portrait mode) can be simplified. When the parameter value of the shooting scene type is set to a landscape mode for shooting a landscape, image quality adjustment is preferably performed with a sharpness intensity stronger than the standard sharpness intensity STD. This makes it possible to output a sharper landscape image. In any case, the degree of sharpness adjustment is preferably stronger as the aperture value is larger.

I5. Fifth modification:
In each of the above embodiments, the exposure program and the shooting scene type are used as the operation mode information. However, the operation mode information according to the present invention is not limited thereto, and includes information related to the operation of the image generation apparatus at the time of image generation. It only has to be information.

I6. Sixth modification:
The sharpness adjustment processing can be executed for all pixels, but may be executed by selecting pixels having a relatively large edge amount. In this way, sharpness can be adjusted without correcting possible pixels that do not correspond to edges in the image. Further, when the sharpness is increased in the sharpness adjustment using the unsharp mask, the degree of sharpness adjustment may be adjusted by adjusting the width of the unsharp mask, not limited to the coefficient G.

I7. Seventh modification:
In the above embodiment, an Exif format file has been described as a specific example of the image file GF, but the format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any image file including image data generated by the image data generation device and image generation information GI that describes conditions (information) at the time of image data generation may be used. With such a file, the image quality of the image data generated by the image data generation device can be automatically adjusted appropriately and output from the output device.

I8. Eighth modification:
The values of the matrices S, N ⁻¹ , and M in each formula are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the color space based on the image file, the color space that can be used by the image output unit, and the like.

I9. Ninth modification:
In the above-described embodiment, the digital still camera 12 is used as the image data generation apparatus. However, an image file can be generated using an image data generation apparatus such as a scanner or a digital video camera. Further, the image data generation device includes an image quality adjustment unit, the image quality adjustment unit of the image data generation device executes image processing for performing sharpness adjustment based on the image generation information, and the image data generation device has completed the image processing. The image data may be sent directly to the output device, and the output device may output the image according to the received image data.

I10. 10th modification:
In the above embodiment, the case where the image data GD and the image generation information GI are included in the same image file GF has been described as an example. However, the image data GD and the image generation information G
I is not necessarily stored in the same file. That is, it is only necessary that the image data GD and the image generation information GI are associated with each other. For example, association data that associates the image data GD with the image generation information GI is generated, and one or a plurality of image data and the image generation information GI are generated. May be stored in independent files, and the image generation information GI associated with processing the image data GD may be referred to. In such a case, the image data GD and the image generation information GI are stored in separate files, but at the time of image processing using the image generation information GI, the image data GD and the image generation information GI are inseparable. This is because they function in the same way as when they are stored in the same file. That is, an aspect in which the image data GD and the image generation information GI are associated at least at the time of image processing is included in the image file GF in the present embodiment. Furthermore, a moving image file stored in an optical disc medium such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM is also included.

I11. Eleventh modification:
Depending on the image data generation device, a 35 mm film equivalent lens focal length may be used instead of the lens focal length information. The lens focal length in terms of 35 mm film is a value obtained by converting the actual lens focal length into the lens focal length in a camera using a 35 mm film under the condition that the ratio between the size of the light receiving element and the lens focal length is maintained. . In such a case, it is preferable to adjust the degree of sharpness adjustment based on the focal length of the 35 mm film equivalent lens. When the size of the light receiving element of the image data generation device is relatively small, the influence of diffraction phenomenon and lens chromatic aberration on the generated image data is relatively large. As a result, even if the actual lens focal length is the same, there is a high possibility that image data that outputs a blurred image is generated. Therefore, if the degree of sharpness adjustment is adjusted based on the focal length of the 35 mm film equivalent lens, the degree of sharpness adjustment can be appropriately adjusted regardless of the size of the light receiving element of the image data generation device.

I12. 12th modification:
In each of the embodiments described above, the digital still camera 12 may execute automatic image quality adjustment processing. For example, in the digital still camera 12 shown in FIG. 2, the image processing circuit 123 can be configured to execute automatic image quality adjustment processing. Specifically, the image processing circuit 123 performs automatic image quality adjustment processing on the image data acquired by the optical circuit 121 and the image acquisition circuit 122. At this time, the image processing circuit 123 can use information regarding various photographing conditions (aperture value, etc.) when image data is acquired by the optical circuit 121 and the image acquisition circuit 122. The control circuit 124 outputs the image data whose image quality has been adjusted to the liquid crystal display 127, and the liquid crystal display 127 displays an image according to the received image data. In this modification, the image processing circuit 123 corresponds to the “image quality adjustment unit” in the present invention. The liquid crystal display 127 functions as an “image output unit”, and the control circuit 124 functions as a “data output unit”. At this time, it is preferable to store the image data whose image quality is adjusted in the memory card MC. In this way, even when an output device that does not include an image quality adjustment unit is used, an image with adjusted image quality can be output. Also, the digital still camera 12 and an output device as an image output unit are connected using a cable or wireless communication, and the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12 sends image data whose image quality is adjusted to the output device. It is good also as a structure.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image data output system as an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera 12. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example of the internal structure of the image file which can be used in a present Example. Explanatory drawing explaining the example of a data structure of the attached information storage area 103. FIG. Explanatory drawing explaining an example of the data structure of an Exif data area. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printer 20 with a control circuit 30 of the printer 20 as a center. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating an image file GF in the digital still camera 12. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the printer 20. The flowchart which shows the process routine of the image process based on image generation information. The conceptual diagram explaining the sharpness adjustment method using an unsharp mask. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of automatic image quality adjustment processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment, and an aperture value in 1st Example of an automatic image quality adjustment process. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment, and an aperture value in 2nd Example of an automatic image quality adjustment process. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment, and an aperture value in 3rd Example of automatic image quality adjustment processing. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment, and an aperture value in 4th Example of an automatic image quality adjustment process. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the degree of sharpness adjustment, and an aperture value in 5th Example of an automatic image quality adjustment process. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image data output system which can apply an image data processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing routine when color space conversion processing is omitted. The flowchart which shows another example of the process routine of the image process based on image generation information. The flowchart which shows another example of the process routine of the image process based on image generation information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image data output system 10B ... Image data output system 12 ... Digital still camera 14 ... Monitor 14B ... Monitor 20 ... Printer 20B ... Printer 21 ... Carriage 22 ... Carriage motor 23 ... Platen 24 ... Motor 25 ... Peristaltic shaft 26 ... Drive Belt 27 ... Pulley 28 ... Position detection sensor 29 ... Operation panel 30 ... Control circuit 31 ... CPU
32 ... PROM
33 ... RAM
34 ... Memory card slot 35 ... Peripheral device input / output unit 37 ... Drive buffer 38 ... Bus 39 ... Transmitter 40 ... Distribution output device 101 ... Image data storage area 102 ... Image generation information storage area 103 ... Attached information storage area 121 ... Optical Circuit 122 ... Image acquisition circuit 123 ... Image processing circuit 124 ... Control circuit 125 ... Lens 126 ... Selection / determination button 127 ... Liquid crystal display 128 ... CCD
129 ... Aperture 150 ... CPU
151 ... RAM
152 ... HDD
153 ... Memory card slot 154 ... Input / output terminal 211 ... Print head CV ... Cable GD ... Image data GF ... Image file GI ... Image generation information MC ... Memory card P ... Printing paper PC ... Computer

Claims (4)

Image processing is performed using image data generated by the image generation unit, and at least aperture information, operation mode information, and lens focal length information at the time of image data generation, and image generation information associated with the image data. An image processing apparatus for performing
An image quality adjustment unit that adjusts the sharpness of the image data based on the aperture information, the operation mode information, and the lens focal length information included in the image generation information;
An image processing apparatus. Image data generated using the image data generated by the image generation unit, image generation information associated with the image data and including at least aperture information, operation mode information, and lens focal length information at the time of generating the image data An image quality adjustment method for adjusting the image quality of
An image quality adjustment method including a step of adjusting a sharpness of the image data based on the aperture information, the operation mode information, and the lens focal length information included in the image generation information. Image data generated using the image data generated by the image generation unit, image generation information associated with the image data and including at least aperture information, operation mode information, and lens focal length information at the time of generating the image data A computer program for causing a computer to execute processing for adjusting the image quality of
A computer program that causes the computer to realize a function of adjusting the sharpness of the image data based on the aperture information, the operation mode information, and the lens focal length information included in the image generation information.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the computer program of Claim 3.

Images