JP4496817B2 - Image processing via network - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for outputting an image using an image file including image data and image processing information of the image data.

  In recent years, image data is generated by an imaging device such as a digital still camera (DSC), a digital video camera (DVC), or a scanner, and this is output as an image by an output device such as a CRT, LCD, printer, projector, or television receiver. The method is becoming popular. In such image output, the brightness and color of the subject may not be faithfully reproduced due to differences in color reproduction characteristics between the imaging device and the output device. Conventionally, such differences in color reproduction have been corrected by retouching image data.

  However, since such retouch requires a very advanced technique, adjustment thereof is difficult and complicated. Although application software that automatically corrects hue and sharpness by analyzing image data has been proposed, the correction is not sufficient because the characteristics of the imaging device are not reflected. In addition, the intention of the photographer may be lost due to unnecessary correction. It is possible to pass information such as the characteristics of the imaging device and the photographer's intention to the output device and make corrections based on this information, and then output the information. This leads to another problem that it is limited to an output environment that can utilize.

  Similar problems may occur not only when the image pickup apparatus is used, but also when image data is generated by computer graphics or the like. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and enables output that reflects the characteristics of the image data generation device and the intention of the creator of the image data without extremely limiting the output environment. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, in the present invention, an image processing system connected to a printing apparatus and an imaging apparatus via a network is used as a first configuration. The printing apparatus and the imaging apparatus may be directly connected to the network or may be indirectly connected. As the latter mode, for example, there is a case where a printing apparatus or the like is locally connected to a computer connected to a network. The network may be a wide area such as the Internet, or may be relatively limited such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image processing system of the present invention performs image processing on an image file and causes a printing apparatus to perform printing via a network. This image file includes image data and image processing control data used for image processing.

  In order to realize such a function, first, the image processing system receives an image file generated by the imaging apparatus via a network. A so-called digital camera, scanner, or the like can be used as the imaging device.

  When the image file is received in this way, the image processing system performs image processing based on the image processing control data included in the image file, and a data format that can be supplied to the printing apparatus, for the image data included in the image file. The print data is generated by executing the conversion process. In the conversion process, color systems such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B) used in the image data are cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), Color conversion processing for converting to a color system such as black (K), halftone processing, and the like are included.

  The image processing system transmits the print data to the printing apparatus via the network, so that the printing apparatus can print the image. The printing apparatus that is the output destination may be set in advance, or may be designated by the user when performing printing. As the designation method, information indicating the location of the printing apparatus on the network, for example, address information, URI (Uniform Resource Indicator), or the like can be used.

  According to the present invention, a user can print an image with an arbitrary printing apparatus by transmitting an image file from the imaging apparatus to the image processing system. In the image processing system, the image processing is performed based on the image processing control data attached when the image file is generated by the imaging device, so that the processing reflecting the characteristics of the imaging device and the intention of the photographer can be performed. In addition, since data transmission from the image processing system to the printing apparatus is performed in the form of print data, printing reflecting the image processing control data is possible regardless of the function of the printing apparatus. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize printing that reflects the characteristics and intention at the time of imaging without restrictions on the printing environment.

  As a second configuration, the present invention can also be configured as an image processing system connected to an output device via a network. The output device may be not only a printing device but also a display device such as a liquid crystal projector or a display.

  The image processing system in the second configuration inputs an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data. The input is not limited to the input from the device that generated the image file. Moreover, it is not necessary to input via a network, and may be input via a medium. Next, the image data included in the image file is subjected to image processing based on the image processing control data included therein to generate output data. By transmitting this output data to an output device connected to the network, the output device can output an image.

  According to the second configuration, it is possible to execute image processing that reflects the image processing control data included in the image file, regardless of the output environment.

  In the second configuration, it is desirable for the image processing unit to perform conversion processing into a data format that can be directly supplied to the output device. By doing so, image output can be performed without requiring processing in the output device. When the output device is a printing device, the color conversion and halftone processing described above are included in this conversion processing. Of course, the image processing unit may transmit as output data a data format that can be output after the output device performs predetermined processing.

  In the second configuration of the present invention, when performing the conversion process, the image processing unit preferably switches the content of the conversion process according to the model of the output device. This makes it possible to output an image to various output devices. The switching according to the output device may be performed by inputting information on the model of the output device from the user, or by the image processing system inquiring to the designated output device.

  Here, the model may be regarded as a unit that affects the contents of the conversion process. For example, if the format of the output data is standardized within the manufacturer of the output device, it is sufficient that the manufacturer of the output device is model information.

  In the second configuration, the output mode of the output device may be specified individually by the user. However, the image processing system includes the output specification information for specifying the output mode in the image file, and the image processing system includes the output specification information. It is good also as what controls the output of an output device based on it. Such output regulation information includes, for example, information for designating an output destination and information on the date and time when output is performed. When the printing apparatus is used as an output apparatus, the size and type of printing paper to be used for printing, the number of printed sheets, and the like may be included in the output regulation information.

  In the present invention, the image processing performed by the image processing system can include, for example, color space conversion from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space when the image data is defined in the YCbCr color space. By performing the color space conversion process in the image processing system, it is possible to maintain the color reproduction characteristics at the time of image file generation regardless of the output environment.

  For example, an sRGB color space is typically used as the RGB color space. However, depending on the image data, there is data that requires a wider color reproduction range than this color space. If color conversion is performed in the image processing system, it is possible to maintain color reproduction characteristics including such a case. In order to be able to deal with such a wide color reproduction range, it is desirable that the color space conversion process includes conversion to a predetermined RGB space having a wider color reproduction range than the sRGB color space. The color space conversion process can include not only conversion to a color space with a wide color reproduction range, but also various conversion processes such as conversion to a color space with a narrow color reproduction range but high resolution. These conversion processes may be selectively used.

  The present invention may be configured as an image processing method and an image output method in addition to the configuration as the image processing system described above. Moreover, you may comprise as a storage medium which memorize | stored the computer program for building the above-mentioned image processing system using a computer, and this program. Storage media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter printed with codes such as bar codes, computer internal storage devices (memory such as RAM and ROM), and Various media that can be read by a computer, such as an external storage device, can be used.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the following examples.
A. System configuration:
A1. Image file structure:
A2. Image processing system configuration:
B. File generator configuration:
C. Image processing:
D. effect:

A. System configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an image output system as an embodiment. The image output system is configured by connecting an image file generation device, an image processing system 100, and an output device via a network INT. In this embodiment, the digital still camera 10 is used as the image file generation device. The image file generation device is not limited to the digital still camera 10, and an imaging device such as a digital video camera or a scanner may be used. The output device includes a printer PRT, a network display DSP, a liquid crystal projector PRJ, and the like. These image file generation device and output device are connected to the network INT directly or via a computer. In this embodiment, the network INT may be any of a wide area network such as the Internet, a limited network such as so-called personal computer communication and a LAN (Local Area Network).

A1. Image file structure:
The image processing system 100 is a server that functions to receive an image file from the digital still camera 10 and mediate it to an output device. The structure of the image file received by the image processing system 100 is illustrated in the figure. The image file has a data structure in which captured image data and associated information are stored in association with each other. In this embodiment, the file structure conforming to the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif) is applied to the image file. The Exif file specification is determined by the Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association (JEITA). In this standard, image data is recorded in the JPEG format, but the image file is not limited to this format.

  The attached information includes information related to shooting conditions such as shooting date and time, exposure, and shutter speed, image processing control data, and output regulation information. Based on the Exif standard, in this embodiment, the control data and the output regulation information are recorded in an area called MakerNote in the attached information. The recording area and its format can be appropriately set according to the format to be applied.

  The control data is data for controlling the content of image processing to be performed on the image data when the image is output. In the present embodiment, the control data is roughly classified and includes two types of data: color space parameters and color correction parameters.

  The color space parameter is data for transmitting color reproduction characteristics in the image file generation apparatus to the output apparatus side and realizing faithful color reproduction of the subject. This parameter includes a gamma correction value according to the characteristics of the image file generation apparatus and a designated parameter for the color space conversion method. The designation parameter of the color space conversion method is a parameter that specifies a color conversion method used at the time of image processing according to the width of the color reproduction range by the image file generation device. In this embodiment, as described above, sRGB and NTSC color spaces are used. Since they have different color reproduction ranges, if the same conversion method is applied during image processing, the color reproduction range may be reduced unnecessarily. Therefore, by specifying the color conversion method by the designated parameter, the image processing that does not impair the color reproduction range at the time of photographing is attempted. The designation parameter can be set in various formats. In this embodiment, the designation parameter is a parameter for designating whether the color space used at the time of photographing is sRGB or NTSC. The conversion matrix itself used for color space conversion may be used as the designated parameter.

  The color correction parameter is data for transmitting the intention of the photographer or the like to the output device. This parameter includes, for example, parameters related to contrast, brightness, color balance, saturation, sharpness, memory color, and the like. The memory color means a color used as a reference when adjusting the color tone of the image data. The above parameters are merely examples, and the control data may include other parameters, or may include only some of the above parameters.

The output regulation information is information for controlling the output mode in the output device. When the output device is a printer, for example, designation of the size and type of printing paper to be used for printing, the number of printed sheets, the time for executing printing, and the like can be included.
Information for specifying the output destination and information on the date and time for output are included. The output regulation information includes address information for specifying an output destination. However, the specification of the output destination does not need to be included in the output regulation information, and the designation may be individually accepted when image data is received from the image file generation device.

A2. Image processing system configuration:
The functional blocks of the image processing system 100 are also shown in the figure. Each functional block is configured in software in the image processing system 100. The input unit 101 inputs an image file from the outside. The digital still camera 10 may input via a network or may input via a storage medium.

  The input image file is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 102. The image processing unit 102 extracts control data for image processing from the image file, and performs processing based on the data on the image data.

  On the other hand, the output regulation information included in the image file is transferred to the model information acquisition unit 103. The model information acquisition unit 103 accesses the output device based on the address information specified by the output destination included in the output regulation information, and acquires the model information of each output device. The model information is information that affects conversion processing described later, and includes information that affects the type of output device and the characteristics of image output in the output device.

  The data conversion unit 104 performs data conversion according to the type of output device. That is, the image data is converted into a format that can be output immediately by the output device. When the output device is a printer, the conversion process includes, for example, a color conversion process from RGB to CMYK, a halftone process, and the like. The data conversion unit 104 refers to the model correspondence table 104T in order to realize processing according to the model. For example, when the output device is a printer, the model correspondence table 104T includes, for each model that can be supported by the image processing system 100, the ink type such as dye ink or pigment ink, the number of ink colors used for printing, and the print resolution. Information such as a conversion table to be used for color conversion processing is held. The image processing system 100 can easily cope with a new printer by updating the model correspondence table 104T. The processing in the data conversion unit shown here may be executed on the output device side.

  The output file generation unit 105 configures an output file that can be transmitted to the output device by associating the data subjected to the above processing. The data itself converted by the data conversion unit 104 may be used as an output file, or a part of the output regulation information may be attached to such data as an output file. The structure of the output file when the printer PRT is designated as the output device is also illustrated in the drawing. The print data means data converted into a format that can be immediately printed by the printer PRT. Output regulation information is attached to the header portion of the print data in the output file. As the attached output regulation information, for example, the type of paper used for printing, the designation of the number of copies, and the like can be considered.

  The transmission unit 106 transmits the output file to the output device via the network INT. The output device receives the output file and prints or outputs other images. When output regulation information is included in the output file, output mode control such as switching of printing paper is performed.

B. Digital still camera configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a digital still camera 10 as an image file generation device. In the digital still camera 10, image data is generated by an optical circuit 121 including a CCD or the like for collecting light information, and an image acquisition circuit 122 for converting the voltage signal obtained here into image data.

  The image data obtained here is image data defined in the YCbCr color space. This color space is used because it is a color space suitable for image compression using the JPEG format. However, the process for obtaining image data in the YCbCr space from the CCD voltage signal differs depending on the model of the digital still camera 10.

  In the digital still camera 10, image data defined in the RGB color space is usually once obtained from the voltage signal of the CCD. As the color space, a color space called sRGB or NTSC is properly used depending on the camera model. Both spaces are common in that colors are defined in the RGB coordinate system, but NTSC is a coordinate system with a wider color reproduction range than sRGB. The sRGB color space is usually defined in a range of 8 bits (0 to 255), but this range is expanded to a negative value or a value of 256 or more (herein referred to as “extended sRGB space”). May be used. Information on the color space used at the time of shooting is included in the color space parameters described above and attached to the image data as information representing the color reproduction characteristics of the digital still camera 10. However, in this embodiment, the extended sRGB space and the sRGB space are the same coordinate system, and therefore are represented by the same parameters. The two may be distinguished from each other.

  The image obtained in the RGB color space can be converted into the YCbCr color space by performing a 3 × 3 matrix operation. This matrix converts the RGB coordinate system to the YCbCr coordinate system, and a common matrix can be used regardless of whether the color space at the time of photographing is sRGB or NTSC.

  At the time of shooting, the user operates the operation unit 126 to set the shooting mode, image processing control parameters, layout, and the like. Information necessary for setting is displayed on the LCD 127. The image data thus photographed can be transmitted to the image processing system 100 wirelessly via the network INT by the antenna 125. It is also possible to record on the memory card MC inserted into the memory card slot 128.

  The operation of the digital still camera 10 is controlled by the control circuit 124. The control circuit 124 is configured as a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory therein. In the upper part of the figure, functional blocks configured as software in the control circuit 124 are also shown for such control.

  The image data input unit 11 inputs image data via the imaging unit 12 or the MC input unit 13. When the imaging unit 12 is used, image data is generated by photographing using the optical circuit 121 or the like. When the MC input unit 13 is used, image data is read from the memory card MC.

  The control data setting unit 14 sets control data stored in the image file together with the image data. This control data is data for controlling the content of image processing to be performed on the image data when the image is output. This setting is performed by the user at the time of shooting. An interface with the user at the time of setting is provided by the operation input unit 15 and the display control unit 16. The display control unit 16 provides information to the user using the LCD 127. The operation input unit 15 inputs an operation of the operation button 126.

  The control data may be set arbitrarily by the user, or may be any set selected from a set of control data prepared in advance. Here, the set of control data to be used can be selected, for example, based on the relationship with the output device that is the output destination. For example, it can be selected based on whether the ink used in the printer as the output destination is dye-based or pigment-based, the number of ink colors, and the like. The output device type may be selected based on information such as a color printer, a display, or a projector as the output device. The control data may associate a plurality of sets with one image data.

  The image file generation unit 17 generates an image file by associating the data received from the image data input unit 11 and the control data setting unit 14 and storing them in one file. The structure of the image file is as described above with reference to FIG.

  The image file generated in this way is output to the outside by the transmission unit 18 or the MC output unit 19. The transmission unit 18 controls wireless communication using the antenna 125. The transmission unit 18 can transmit the image file to the image processing system 100 via the network INT. The MC output unit 19 controls writing to the memory card MC. As a result, the image file can be transferred to the image processing system 100 and other external devices using the memory card MC.

D. Image output:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of image processing. This is a process executed by the image processing system 100. First, the image processing system 100 inputs an image file and designation of an output destination (step S10). The image file is input in a format such as reception from the digital still camera 10 via the network or reading from the memory card MC. The designation of the output destination is information such as a URI (Uniform Resource Indicator) indicating the location of the output device on the network INT and an IP address. In the present embodiment, these pieces of information are included in the output regulation information in the image file. However, the information may be specified by operating the digital still camera 10 when the image file is received. In conjunction with this processing, the image processing system 100 analyzes the image file and extracts image data and control data.

  The image processing system 100 acquires model information based on the designation of the output destination (step S12). In the present embodiment, the model information is acquired by the image processing system 100 accessing the designated output destination via the network INT. The model information includes information such as the type of output device such as a printer, display, and scanner, and the manufacturer of the output device. When the printer is an output device, information such as the type of ink used for printing such as pigment-based ink and dye-based ink, the number of colors of ink used for printing, and printing resolution is also included. Such model information is used in color conversion processing, halftone processing, and the like, which will be described later.

  Next, the image processing system 100 executes image processing based on the obtained information. As described above, since the image data of this embodiment is defined in the YCbCr color space, it is converted into the RGB color space at the time of photographing (step S14). This conversion is performed using an inverse matrix of the matrix used for conversion from the RGB space to the YCbCr space by the digital still camera 10. By this conversion, the image data is converted into a color space at the time of photographing, that is, any of NTSC, sRGB, and extended sRGB. When converted to the extended sRGB color space, a negative value and a value of 256 or more are included at this point.

  Next, the image processing system 100 performs gamma correction on the image data (step S16). The gamma value used for this gamma correction is included in the control data as information representing the characteristics of the digital still camera 10.

  When the gamma correction is completed, a process of converting the color space of the image data into a wRGB color space defined in a color reproduction range wider than sRGB is performed. This is because if the image data shot in the NTSC color space or the extended sRGB color space is processed in the sRGB color space with a narrow color reproduction range, the subject color may not be faithfully reproduced. From this point of view, the processing described below may be skipped for image data captured in the sRGB space. In the present embodiment, since the color space information included in the control data does not distinguish between the sRGB space and the extended sRGB space, the image data shot in the sRGB space is also converted to the wRGB space. . Even in such a case, in the extended sRGB space, since the image data includes a negative value or a value of 256 or more, it is possible to identify the extended sRGB space and the sRGB space based on the presence or absence of these gradation values.

  The color space conversion processing to wRGB is performed by matrix calculation. As described above, the image processing system 100 handles image data defined in the sRGB color space or the extended sRGB color space and image data defined in the NTSC color space. Although it is possible to define a matrix that directly converts from each color space to the wRGB color space, in this embodiment, the conversion is performed via a standard XYZ color space.

  That is, the image processing system 100 first performs conversion from the RGB color space to the XYZ color space (step S18). This conversion process differs depending on the color space that defines the image data. In other words, two types of conversion matrix TM1 for sRGB color space or extended sRGB color space and conversion matrix TM2 for NTSC color space are prepared in advance, and conversion processing according to the color space at the time of shooting is realized by using them properly. To do. By this conversion, the image data photographed in the individual color space is unified into the standard XYZ color space.

  Next, the image processing system 100 performs conversion processing from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space (step S20). This process is also a matrix operation. Here, conversion can be performed using a single matrix regardless of the color space at the time of photographing. The matrix used for the calculation can be arbitrarily set according to the definition of the wRGB color space.

  As described above, the image data captured in the sRGB color space does not need to be converted into a wider color space, and therefore the processing in steps S18 and S20 may be skipped. For example, when the NTSC color space is used as a color space wider than the sRGB color space, the processing of steps S18 and S20 may be skipped for image data captured in the NTSC color space. As described above, the processes in steps S18 and S20 can be appropriately omitted depending on the relative relationship between the color space used at the time of photographing and the color space finally used.

  When the color space conversion process is completed, the image processing system 100 performs inverse gamma correction (step S22). The gamma value used here is a value set based on the color reproduction characteristics of the output device. In this embodiment, the image processing system 100 acquires from the output device when acquiring the model information in step S12. If the model of the output device is known at the time of shooting, it may be included in the control data attached to the image data.

  The image processing system 100 further executes an automatic image quality adjustment process to reflect the intention at the time of shooting (step S24). In this embodiment, the control data includes an adjustment parameter such as contrast as a color correction parameter. The image processing system 100 performs automatic image quality adjustment based on this parameter. Since the image quality adjustment method based on each parameter is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  With the above processing, the image data correction processing reflecting the color reproduction characteristics of the digital still camera 10 and the intention at the time of shooting is completed. The image processing system 100 can also output this image data to an output device. In the present embodiment, as shown below, the processing is further advanced and conversion processing into a format that can be directly output by the output device is performed.

  Here, the conversion process will be described by taking the case where the output device is a printer as an example. The image processing system 100 performs color conversion processing corresponding to the model on the RGB image data (step S26). This is a process of converting the RGB color system to the CMYK color system used in the printer. This conversion is performed by referring to a conversion look-up table (LUT) that associates the two colors. In the case of this embodiment, the table LUTw for conversion from the wRGB color space to CMYK is normally used. However, in order to be able to handle image data defined in the sRGB space, the image processing system 100 also includes a conversion table LUTs for the sRGB color space, and these tables are provided according to the color space in which the image data is defined. We decided to use properly. For example, when the color space conversion processing in steps S18 and S20 is skipped for image data captured in the sRGB space, the LUTs are output without performing any processing for adjusting the image quality for the received image file. Etc.

  The LUT depends not only on the color space of image data but also on the printer model. This is because the type of ink used and the number of ink colors differ for each printer model. Therefore, the image processing system 100 executes the color conversion process in step S26 using different LUTs for each model.

  The image processing system 100 performs halftone processing on the image data thus converted into CMYK gradation values (step S28). The halftone process is a process for expressing the gradation value of image data by the density of dots formed by a printer, and can be performed by a known method such as an error diffusion method or a systematic dither method. .

  In addition to these processes, the image processing system 100 uses a resolution conversion process for adapting the resolution of image data to the resolution of the printer, and an interlace for setting the data arrangement and the sub-scan feed amount so that the printer performs interlaced recording. Data generation processing or the like may be performed.

  Through the conversion processing described in steps S26 and S28, the image data is converted into a print data format that can be immediately output by the printer. The image processing system 100 transmits the converted data as an output file to the designated output device via the network INT (step S30). The output device can execute printing based on this data.

  Note that the output file may appropriately include at least a part of the output regulation information in addition to the print data. For example, when the number of printed sheets, the type of paper used for printing, and the like are specified, the output according to the specification can be realized by including these pieces of information in the output file. The method of including the output regulation information can be arbitrarily set according to the output device such as including in the header portion of the print data.

D. effect:
According to the image output system of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to realize image output reflecting these by including the color reproduction characteristics and photographing intention of the image file generation device in the control data. Further, by using the image processing system 100 on the network, it is possible to realize image processing reflecting control data without depending on the output environment such as the processing capability of the output device.

  In the system of the present embodiment, an output device connected via a network is used, so that the user can output an image with any output device. Accordingly, it is possible to output an image to another person in a remote place. In addition, at this time, output reflecting color reproduction characteristics at the time of shooting can be realized regardless of the output environment on the image receiving side.

  In the system of the present embodiment, data transmission from the image processing system 100 to the output device is performed in a data format that can be immediately output by the output device, so that there is an advantage that the processing burden on the output device side is reduced.

E. Variations:
This embodiment has been described by taking image output to a printing apparatus as an example. Image output can also be performed using a display or projector connected to a network.

  The various image processes described in this embodiment are not necessarily performed entirely by the image processing system 100, and a part thereof may be performed by the image file generation apparatus or the output apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image processing system 100 is configured as a single server is exemplified, but a plurality of servers may be distributedly processed.

  In the embodiment, an example of application to a still image is shown, but the present invention is also applicable to moving image data such as MPEG. For example, image processing control data and other output control data may be added to a moving image file, and output control may be performed on all or some of the frames of the moving image.

  As mentioned above, although the various Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to these Examples, and can take a various structure in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. For example, the above control processing may be realized by hardware in addition to software.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the image output system as an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the digital still camera 10 as an image file production | generation apparatus. It is a flowchart of an image process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital still camera 11 ... Image data input part 12 ... Imaging part 14 ... Control data setting part 15 ... Operation input part 16 ... Display control part 17 ... Image file generation part 18 ... Transmission part 100 ... Image processing system 101 ... Input part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Image processing part 103 ... Model information acquisition part 104 ... Data conversion part 104T ... Model correspondence table 105 ... Output file generation part 106 ... Transmission part 121 ... Optical circuit 122 ... Image acquisition circuit 124 ... Control circuit 125 ... Antenna 126 ... Operation Button 126 ... Operation unit 128 ... Memory card slot

Claims (10)

An image processing system connected to a printing apparatus via a network and performing image processing on the image data of an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data,
The image file further includes output defining information that defines an output destination address that is a network address of the printing apparatus,
The image processing system includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the image file via the network;
The image data included in the image file is subjected to image processing based on the image processing control data included in the image file and conversion processing into a data format that can be supplied to the printing apparatus, and printing is performed. An image processing unit for generating data;
An image processing system comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the print data to the printing apparatus via the network according to the output destination address . An image processing system connected to an output device via a network and performing image processing on the image data of an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data,
The image file further includes output defining information that defines an output destination address that is a network address of the output device,
The image processing system includes:
An image file input unit for inputting the image file;
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data included in the image file based on the image processing control data included in the image file and generates output data;
An image processing system comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the output data to an output device connected to the network according to the output destination address . The image processing system according to claim 2,
The image processing unit further performs conversion processing on the image data into a data format that can be supplied to the output device. The image processing system according to claim 3,
The image processing unit is an image processing system that switches the content of the conversion processing in accordance with a model of the output device. The image processing system according to claim 2,
The image file includes output defining information that defines an output mode in the output device,
The transmission unit is an image processing system that controls output of the output device based on the output regulation information. The image processing system according to claim 2,
The image data included in the image file is defined in the YCbCr color space,
The image processing system includes a color space conversion from a YCbCr color space to an RGB color space. The image processing system according to claim 6,
The color space conversion is an image processing system including conversion to a predetermined RGB space having a wider color reproduction range than the sRGB color space. The image processing system according to claim 2,
The image processing system, wherein the output regulation information includes model information of the output device. An image output method for outputting an image based on an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data, using an image processing system connected to an output device via a network,
The image file further includes output defining information that defines an output destination address that is a network address of the output device,
Inputting the image file;
Performing image processing on the image data included in the image file based on the image processing control data included in the image file to generate output data;
An image output method comprising: transmitting the output data to the output device according to the output destination address . A computer program for causing an output device connected to the image processing system via a network to output an image using the image processing system,
A function of inputting an image file including image data, image processing control data used for image processing of the image data, and output specifying information for specifying an output destination address which is a network address of the output device;
A function of performing image processing based on image processing control data included in the image file and generating output data for the image data included in the image file;
A computer program for realizing a function of transmitting the output data to the output device according to the output destination address .

Images