JP4595965B2 - Output image adjustment for image files - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing technique involving conversion of image data on a color space.

  In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for digital still cameras (DSC), digital video cameras (DVC), scanners, and the like that can use captured images or captured images as easy-to-handle image files. Generally, in DSC or the like, captured image data is stored as a JPEG format file, which is one of image compression file formats. In this JPEG file, image data is expressed using a color space of YCbCr in order to increase the compression rate. Therefore, DSC or the like converts photographed image data expressed in the RGB color space into the YCbCr color space. At this time, the RGB color space handled by the DSC or the like is a color space of a CRT monitor (for example, sRGB: IEC619662-1) that is standardly used in a personal computer.

  Since the personal computer uses the RGB color space as the standard color space for image data, the personal computer that receives such a JPEG file decompresses the JPEG file and sets the color space of the image data to the YCbCr color space. To RGB color space. The image data thus converted into the RGB color space is displayed on a monitor, or after being converted into the CMYK color space, printed out on a print medium via a printer.

JP-A-11-331622

  In image processing in a conventional personal computer, the color space of image data converted from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space is generally a color space characteristic that can be expressed by the CRT monitor on the premise of output from a CRT monitor. At the same time, they are clipped to the sRGB color space commonly used in personal computers.

  Therefore, when a JPEG file generated by an image data generation device such as DSC is decompressed by a personal computer and converted from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space, the color gamut of the RGB color space of the image data is the sRGB color space. Even if it is wider than the color gamut, the color values outside the color gamut in the sRGB color space have been rounded. In such a case, color values outside the color gamut of the sRGB color space are not reflected in the output image. As a result, even if the color reproduction range of the output device is wider than the sRGB color space, the color reproduction capability of the output device cannot be utilized, and the color reproduction capability possible on the DSC is effectively used. There was a problem that could not be done.

  On the other hand, the sRGB color space that matches the color reproduction characteristics of the monitor is widely used as a standard RGB color space, and display by the monitor is also performed in the color space conversion processing from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space. Currently, a color conversion matrix based on the above is used. Therefore, even if a new RGB color space having a wider color gamut than the sRGB color space is defined, a new RGB color space is used as a color space for executing image processing from the input device to the output device. Unless is adopted, there is a problem that the color space characteristics cannot be easily changed because of lack of versatility.

  In response to these problems, some image file users adjust the image file using image file correction software or the like so that an appropriate output result reflecting the color space such as DSC can be obtained. However, it is complicated to perform such image adjustment.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object thereof is to provide an image output apparatus capable of accurately outputting color space information at the time of generating image data. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image output apparatus that can effectively use the color gamut of an apparatus that generates image data or an apparatus that outputs image data.

In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention uses image data and usage information that indicates whether or not to use information outside a predetermined color space area and is associated with the image data. An image processing apparatus that executes image processing is provided. One aspect of the present invention is an image data capturing unit that captures the image data, a usage information acquiring unit that acquires the usage information associated with the image data, and the predetermined information based on the acquired usage information. Determining means for determining whether or not to use information outside the area of the color space; and when it is determined that the information outside the area is to be used, a wide area that can include information outside the area of the predetermined color space Image processing means for executing image processing of the image data including color conversion processing to an output device independent wide color space that does not depend on an output device having a definition area.
In one aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the out-of-region information is not used, the image processing means transmits the image data via a predetermined color space having a definition region equivalent to the predetermined color space. The image processing may be executed.
In one aspect of the present invention, the image data is defined by a first color space, and the image data capturing means changes the color space of the captured image data from the first color space to the second color space. The image processing means may convert the color space of the image data defined by the second color space into a third color space using the out-of-region color values.
In one aspect of the present invention, the first color space is a YCbCr color space, the second color space is an sRGB color space, and the third color space is wider than the sRGB color space. It may be a second RGB color space having a definition area.
In one aspect of the present invention, the first color space is a YCbCr color space, the second color space is an sRGB color space, and the third color space is wider than the sRGB color space. It may be a CIELAB color space having a definition area.
In one aspect of the present invention, the image processing means may execute color conversion processing to the output device-independent wide color space for image data that has not been subjected to clipping processing.
In one aspect of the present invention, the image processing means may further include image quality adjusting means for executing image quality adjustment processing on the image data converted into the output device independent wide color space.
According to another aspect of the present invention, image processing is performed using image data and usage information that indicates whether or not to use information outside a predetermined color space area and is associated with the image data. For generating output image data using program, image data, and usage information associated with image data indicating whether or not to use information outside region of predetermined color space Can also be realized.
As another aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first aspect of the present invention shows whether or not to use image data and information outside a predetermined color space, and to the image data. Provided is an image processing apparatus that executes image processing using associated usage information. The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an image data capturing unit that captures the image data, a usage information acquiring unit that acquires the usage information associated with the image data, and the acquired usage. Determining means for determining whether or not to use information outside the area of the predetermined color space based on the information; and if it is determined to use the information outside the area, And image processing means for executing image processing of the image data including color conversion processing to a wide color space having a wide definition area that can be included in the image processing apparatus.

  According to the image processing device of the first aspect of the present invention, when using information outside the area of the predetermined color space, the wide color having a wide definition area that can include the information outside the area in the definition area Since the image processing of the image data including the color conversion processing to the space is executed, the image data can be accurately reproduced using the colorimetric values included in the image data when the image data is generated.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the out-of-region information is not used, the image processing means is a predetermined color having a definition region equivalent to the predetermined color space. Image processing of the image data may be executed through a space. With such a configuration, even when it is determined not to use out-of-region information, image processing can be executed using predetermined information.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image data is defined by a first color space, and the image data capturing means defines the color space of the captured image data as the first color space. The image processing means converts the color space of the image data defined by the second color space into a third color space using the out-of-region color values. You may do it.

  With such a configuration, when the color space of the image data expressed by the second color space is converted to the third color space, the color space can be converted using the out-of-region color values. The image data can be accurately reproduced using the color values included in the image data when the image data is generated.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first color space is a YCbCr color space, the second color space is a first RGB color space, and the third color. The space may be a second RGB color space having a definition area wider than the first RGB color space. The second RGB color space may be an sRGB color space. Further, the third color space may be a CIELAB color space instead of the second RGB color space.

  In the case of having such a configuration, an image can be output using image data having a second RGB color space wider than the first RGB color space, and therefore image data having the first RGB color space is used. Higher saturation image can be output. Further, when the color space of the output data is the CIELAB color space, color matching is facilitated, which is convenient when image processing is performed in another apparatus.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The image data includes a first positive color value that is a color value in the definition area of the predetermined color space and a second positive color value that is outside the definition area of the predetermined color space. Including at least one of a color value and a negative color value, and represented by a first color space;
The image data capturing means changes the color space of the image data from the first color space to the second color space using the first and second positive color values and the negative color value. It may be converted. By providing such a configuration, it is possible to execute image processing that reflects the first and second positive color values and negative color values that the image data has, so that the reproducibility of the image data in the output device can be improved. Can be improved.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing means uses a first gamma correction value when the image data has the first and second positive color values, When the image data has a negative color value, the image data further includes a gamma correction unit that performs gamma correction on the image data using a second gamma correction value different from the first gamma correction value. good. With such a configuration, appropriate gamma correction can be executed in each of the case where the image data has a positive color value and the case where the image data has a negative color value.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second gamma correction value may be smaller than the first gamma correction value. In such a case, negative color values can be used more effectively, and the color reproduction region of image data can be further expanded.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing means is expressed by the second color space, and the first positive color value and the second positive color value. The image data including a value and the negative color specification value is wider than the second color space, and at least one of the second positive color specification value and the negative color specification value is within the definition area. You may convert into the 3rd color space containing. In such a case, since at least one of the second positive color value and the negative color value that could not be expressed in the second color space is included in the definition area of the third color space, At least one of the second positive color value and the negative color value can be reproduced and output. Therefore, the saturation of the image data can be improved, and the color gamut of the device that generated the image data or the device that outputs the image data can be used effectively.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first color space is an RGB color space represented by an R component, a G component, and a B component, and each of the second gamma correction values is May have a second gamma correction value for the R component, a second gamma correction value for the G component, and a second gamma correction value for the B component. By providing such a configuration, it is possible to execute gamma correction corresponding to the expression area of each of the R component, G component, and B component on image data having a negative color value, and to achieve more saturation. High image output can be obtained.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the conversion of the color space of the image data from the first color space to the second color space by the image file capturing means is performed by the first color. The conversion of the color space of the image data from the second color space to the third color space by the image processing means is executed by a first matrix calculation process on the image data represented by the space. You may perform by the 2nd matrix calculation process with respect to the image data expressed by the 2nd color space.

  The second aspect of the present invention is represented by a first color space, a first positive color value that is a color value in a color gamut of a predetermined color space, and the predetermined color space. An image processing apparatus that executes image processing using image data including at least one of a second positive color value and a negative color value that are color values outside the color gamut is provided. An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention uses the image data acquisition means for acquiring the image data, the first and second positive color values and the negative color values, A color space of image data is wider from the first color space than the predetermined color space, and includes at least one of the second color value and the negative color value in the color gamut. And color space conversion means for converting to a color space.

  According to the image processing device of the second aspect of the present invention, the image data color space is obtained by using the first and second positive color values and the negative color values, Since at least one of the negative color values is converted into the second color space including the color gamut, the image data is accurately reproduced using the color values included in the image data when the image data is generated. be able to.

  In addition to this, the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect.

  The image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the present invention may further include a printing unit that prints the image data subjected to the image processing on a print medium. In such a case, image data subjected to image processing can be output. Further, the image data and the usage information may be stored in the same image file. In such a case, since the image data and the usage information can be handled in units of image files, the association between the image data and the usage information can be facilitated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, image data is output as image data using image data and usage information indicating whether or not to use an out-of-region color value that is a color value outside a defined region of a predetermined color space. A program to be output by a device is provided. The program according to the third aspect of the present invention determines whether or not to use the out-of-region color value based on the function of capturing the image data and the usage information associated with the captured image data. And when it is determined that the out-of-region color value is to be used, the image data is subjected to image processing via a color space having a wide definition region that can include the out-of-region color value in the definition region. A function to be executed and a function to output image data subjected to the image processing are realized by a computer.

  According to the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. Further, the program according to the third aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus that outputs image data and image processing control information that specifies image processing conditions for the image data in association with each other. An image data generation device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes an image data acquisition unit that acquires the image data, and information that is outside a predetermined color space when performing image processing on the image data. Image processing control information generating means for generating the image processing control information including usage information indicating whether or not to use, the acquired image data, and the generated image processing control information are output in association with each other Image data output means.

  According to the image data generation device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, image processing control information including usage information indicating whether or not to use information outside a predetermined color space area, acquired image data, and Can be output in association with each other, so that image processing for image data using information outside the region can be executed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data generating apparatus for outputting image data in association with image processing control information for specifying image processing conditions for the image data. An image data generation device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a first positive color value that is a color value within a color gamut of a predetermined color space, and a table outside the color gamut of the predetermined color space. An image data generating unit that generates the image data including at least one of a second positive color value and a negative color value that are color values; and when executing image processing on the image data , Usage information indicating whether or not to use at least one of the second positive color value and the negative color value, and the image data includes the first and second positive color values. Image processing including a first gamma correction value to be used when the image data has negative color values and a second gamma correction value different from the first gamma correction value to be used when the image data has a negative color value Image processing control information generating means for generating control information To.

  According to the image data generation device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the second positive color value and the negative color value which are color values outside the color gamut of the predetermined color space. Image processing control information including usage information indicating whether or not to use the image data and the acquired image data can be output in association with each other, so that at least the second positive color value and the negative color value can be output. It is possible to execute image processing on image data using either one.

  In the image data generation device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing control information includes a second table that is wider than the predetermined color space when performing color space conversion of the image data. A color space conversion characteristic for converting at least one of a color value and the negative color specification value into a color space including the color specification gamut may be included. In such a case, it is possible to specify a color space conversion characteristic at the time of color conversion of the image data, and the effect of using the second positive color value and the negative color value can be improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, image data is output using image data represented by the first color space and use information indicating whether or not information outside the predetermined color space is used. Provide a way to do it. A method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention acquires the image data, converts a color space of the acquired image data from the first color space to a second color space, and based on the usage information It is determined whether to use the out-of-region information, and when it is determined that the out-of-region information is to be used, the color of the image data expressed by the second color space using the out-of-region information The space is converted into a third color space, and the converted image data is output.

  According to the method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. Further, the method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for outputting image data. The method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention obtains the image data represented by a first color space, and changes the color space of the obtained image data from the first color space to the second color space. And the information about the second color space obtained by the conversion and the information outside the area defining the second color space are stored, and the stored information is reflected to reflect the second information. A color space of the image data expressed by the color space is converted into a third color space, and the converted image data is output.

  According to the method of the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. Further, the method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  The eighth aspect of the present invention provides an image processing method for image data. An image processing method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention acquires the image data based on a first color space, and changes the color space of the acquired image data from the first color space to the second color space. The converted image data is stored in and outside the area that defines the second color space, and the information is expressed by the second color space, reflecting the stored information. The color space of the existing image data is converted into a third color space having a definition area wider than that of the second color space.

  According to the method of the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention. The method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention can be realized in various aspects in the same manner as the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that executes image processing on image data. An image processing unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention instructs the image data capturing unit that captures the image data, and whether or not to use information outside a predetermined color space area included in the image data And when the use of the out-of-region information is instructed, the image data including a color conversion process to a wide color space having a wide definition region that can include the out-of-region information in the definition region. And image processing means for executing image processing.

  In the image processing device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the use of the out-of-region information is not instructed, the image processing means has a predetermined color having a definition region equivalent to the predetermined color space. Image processing of the image data may be executed through a space.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention uses the image data capturing unit that captures the image data, and information outside the predetermined color space included in the image data. An image processing apparatus that executes image processing on image data including image processing means that executes image processing on the image processing apparatus may be used. In such a case, image processing is executed using information outside the region of the predetermined color space, so that the saturation of the image obtained as the image processing result can be improved.

  The image processing in the image processing means may further include color conversion processing to a wide color space having a wide definition area in which the out-of-area information can be included in the definition area. In such a case, since a wide color space that can include information that is outside the region in the predetermined color space is included in the definition region, information that is outside the region in the predetermined color space is reproduced. The saturation of the image obtained as a processing result can be improved. Further, the information outside the predetermined color space may be a negative image data value, and the gamma correction value for the negative image data value may be different from the gamma correction value for the positive image data value. good. In such a case, gamma correction suitable for the gradation characteristics of the positive image data value and the gradation characteristics of the negative image data value can be executed.

Hereinafter, an image output apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on several embodiments with reference to the drawings in the following order.
A. Configuration of image data output system including image output apparatus Configuration of image output apparatus Image processing in image output apparatus Other examples

A. Configuration of image data output system to which image output device can be applied:
A configuration of an image data output system to which the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image data output system to which the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital still camera capable of generating an image file (image data) output from the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  An image data output system 10 is a digital still camera 12 as an input device that generates an image file, and performs image processing based on an image file generated by the digital still camera 12 and outputs a color as an output device that outputs an image. A printer 20 is provided. 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. In the following description, the color printer 20 is used as the output device.

  The digital still camera 12 is a camera that acquires an image by imaging light information on a digital device (CCD or photomultiplier tube). As shown in FIG. 2, an optical circuit 121 for collecting optical information, An image acquisition circuit 122 for controlling the digital device to acquire an image, an image processing circuit 123 for processing the acquired digital image, and a control circuit 124 for controlling each circuit are provided. The digital still camera 12 stores the acquired image as digital data in a memory card MC as a storage device. 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 format can be used. The digital still camera 12 also includes a selection / determination button 126 for selecting and setting various functions.

  Image data generated by the digital still camera 12 is defined in the RGB color space. As the RGB color space used at this time, the sRGB color space is the most general, but an NTSC-RGB color space having a wider color gamut than the sRGB color space may be selected. When the data represented in the RGB color space is stored in a memory card, it is converted into a YCbCr color space having color space characteristics suitable for the JPEG format, which is a format for compressing and storing the data. When saving image data in the JPEG format, the image data represented in the RGB color space is subjected to an operation using an inverse matrix of the matrix S described later, and the color space of the image data is converted to the RGB color space. For example, the sRGB color space is converted to the YCbCr color space. Note that when converting from the sRGB color space to the YCbCr color space, color values outside the sRGB color space, that is, negative data as color values are also converted while being valid.

  The digital still camera 12 used in the image data output system 10 stores the image processing control information GI as an image file in the memory card MC in addition to the image data. The image file generated by the digital still camera 12 usually has a file structure in accordance with the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif) in order to maintain the compatibility of the image file. Exif file specifications are defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

  A schematic structure inside the image file when the file format conforms to the Exif file format will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic internal structure of the image file GF stored in the Exif file format. Note that terms such as file structure, data structure, and storage area in this embodiment mean an image of a file or data in a state where the file or data is stored in the storage device.

  The image file GF as an Exif file includes a JPEG image data storage area 101 for storing image data in JPEG format, and an attached information storage area 102 for storing various types of attached information related to the stored JPEG image data. In the attached information storage area 112, shooting time information relating to shooting conditions of a JPEG image such as a shooting color space, shooting date / time, exposure, shutter speed, and the like, and thumbnail image data of the JPEG image stored in the JPEG image data storage area 101 are stored. It is stored in TIFF format. The attached information is automatically stored in the attached information storage area 102 when the image data is written to the memory card MC. The attached information storage area 102 includes a Makernote data storage area 103 that is an undefined area released to the DSC manufacturer, and the DSC manufacturer stores arbitrary information in the Makernote data storage area 103. be able to. As is well known to those skilled in the art, tags are used in the Exif format file to identify each piece of data.

  The Makernote data storage area 103 also has a configuration capable of identifying the data stored by the tag. In this embodiment, an image for controlling image processing in the color printer 20 in the area to which the PrintMatching tag is attached. Processing control information GI is stored.

  The image processing control information GI is information for designating image output conditions so that an optimum image output result can be obtained in consideration of color reproduction characteristics and image output characteristics of an output device such as the color printer 20. The information stored as the image processing control information GI includes, for example, parameters relating to gamma correction values, target color space, presence / absence of negative values, contrast, color balance adjustment, sharpness, and color correction. Yes. Among these parameters, gamma correction values, color space, parameters regarding the use of negative values, mainly information for faithfully reproducing the color characteristics of the subject, and the remaining parameters mainly realize preferred color reproduction. It is information for. Note that the negative value means a color value (color value) exceeding a defined area of a predetermined RGB color space, in this embodiment, the sRGB color space, and means a positive value or a negative value exceeding 256. A more detailed description of the negative value will be described later.

  The image file GF generated in the digital still camera 12 is sent to the color printer 20 via, for example, the cable CV, the computer PC, or via the cable CV. Alternatively, an image file is sent to the color printer 20 through a computer PC connected to the memory card MC mounted on the digital still camera 12 or by directly connecting the memory card MC to the printer 20. The In the following description, the case where the memory card MC is directly connected to the color printer 20 will be described.

B. Image output device configuration:
The schematic configuration of the image output apparatus according to the first embodiment, that is, the color printer 20, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment.

  The color printer 20 is a printer that can output a color image. For example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are ejected onto a print medium. An ink jet printer that forms an image by forming a dot pattern, or an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by transferring and fixing color toner onto a printing medium. In addition to the above four colors, light cyan (light cyan, LC), light magenta (light magenta, LM), and dark yellow (dark yellow, DY) may be used as the color ink.

  As shown in the figure, the color printer 20 drives a print head 211 mounted on a carriage 21 to eject ink and form dots, and the carriage 21 is reciprocated in the axial direction of a platen 23 by a carriage motor 22. A mechanism for conveying the printing paper P by the paper feed motor 24, and a control circuit 30. 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 slide shaft 25 that slidably holds the carriage 21 laid in parallel with the axis of the platen 23. 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 color printer 20 is set so as to be sandwiched between the platen 23 and the paper feed auxiliary roller, and is fed by a predetermined amount according to the rotation angle of the platen 23.

  An ink cartridge 212 and an ink cartridge 213 are mounted on the carriage 21. The ink cartridge 212 contains black (K) ink, and the ink cartridge 213 contains light cyan (LC) in addition to other inks, that is, three color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). ), Light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY).

  Next, the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of the color printer 20. As shown in the figure, the control circuit 30 includes a CPU 31, a PROM 32, a RAM 33, a PCMCIA 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 timer 36, 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 ink ejection heads 214 to 220. These are connected to each other via a bus 38 and can exchange data with each other. The control circuit 30 is also provided with an oscillator 39 that outputs a drive waveform at a predetermined frequency, and a distribution output device 40 that distributes the output from the oscillator 39 to the ink ejection heads 214 to 220 at a predetermined timing.

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

C. Image processing in the color printer 20:
Image processing in the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of printing processing in the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing in the color printer 20.

  When the memory card MC is inserted into the slot 34, the control circuit 30 (CPU 31) of the printer 20 reads the image file GF from the memory card MC, and temporarily stores the read image file GF in the RAM 33 (step S100). The CPU 31 searches the attached information storage area 102 of the read image file GF for a PrintMatching tag indicating the image processing control GI at the time of image processing of the image data (step S110). If the PrintMatching tag can be searched and found (step S120: Yes), the CPU 31 acquires and analyzes the image processing control information GI including the presence / absence of use of a negative value (step S130). The CPU 31 executes image processing to be described in detail later based on the analyzed image processing control information GI (step S140), and prints out the processed image data (step S150).

  If the CPU 31 cannot find or find the PrintMatching tag (step S120: No), the CPU 31 obtains the color space information that the color printer 20 has as a default value in advance, for example, information on the sRGB color space from the ROM 32. Normal image processing that does not involve the use of negative values is executed (step S160). The CPU 31 prints out the processed image data (step S150) and ends this processing routine.

  Image processing executed in the color printer 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The control circuit 30 (CPU 31) of the color printer 20 extracts the image data GD from the read image file GF (step S200). As described above, the digital still camera 12 stores image data as a file in JPEG format. In the JPEG file, in order to increase the compression rate, the color space (sRGB color space) of the generated image data is set to YCbCr. Image data is saved after conversion to color space.

  However, since personal computers and printers can usually handle only image data expressed in the RGB color space, the color space of the image data expressed in the YCbCr color space is converted to the RGB color space. There is a need to.

  The CPU 31 executes a 3 × 3 matrix operation S in order to convert the YCbCr image data into RGB image data (step S210). The matrix operation S is an arithmetic expression for converting the color space of the image data from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space defined by the JPEG FIle Interchange Format (JFIF) standard. It is.

  When this matrix operation S is executed, the image data in the RGB color space obtained after the conversion is converted into a first positive color value (color specification) representing a defined area in a predetermined RGB color space, for example, the sRGB color space. In some cases, it has a second positive color value (color value) exceeding the (value) region, or a negative color value (color value) that takes a negative value in the RGB color space. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not to use these second positive color value and negative color value is specified in the image processing control information GI. Here, the sRGB color space is a color space defined as a standard color space of the monitor, and is a color space generally used in an operating system (OS) that is premised on image data output on the monitor. It is. Further, an 8-bit data capacity is assigned to each RGB component corresponding to the definition region of the sRGB color space. Therefore, conventionally, the color value exceeding the definition area of the sRGB color space has been clipped, that is, rounded (rounded down) to the definition area of the sRGB color space.

  In general, the digital still camera 12 is said to use the sRGB color space, but may not strictly follow the definition of the sRGB color space. Accordingly, when the color space of the image data GD is converted into the RGB color space used in the digital still camera 12 by executing the matrix operation S, there are color values that exceed the defined region of the sRGB color space. Can be.

  In this embodiment, image processing is executed without discarding color values exceeding the definition area of the sRGB color space. When the use of a negative value is specified in the image processing control information GI, the CPU 31 determines that the image data in the RGB color space obtained after the conversion is a second positive color value or a negative color value (color value). ), The second positive color value and the negative color value are treated as valid values without clipping, i.e., rounding (truncating), into the definition area of the sRGB color space, and the first positive color value. Save as is with the value. Therefore, when the image data GD has the second positive color value or negative color value, the RGB color space (used in the digital still camera 12) has a definition area wider than the definition area of the sRGB color space. The image data GD is represented in (RGB color space). At this time, since the image data GD has a color value in an area beyond the definition area of the sRGB color space, the data capacity is larger than 8 bits.

  An image for effectively handling negative values will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram representing the color space region in two dimensions in order to explain the meaning of effectively handling image data outside the definition region (EA) of the sRGB color space. In the negative value validation processing in this embodiment, the image data also has data values outside the definition area (EA) of the RGB color space shown in FIG. 8 in addition to the data values in the RGB color space definition area. To do. In the example of FIG. 8, a non-definition region when the image data is generated in the NTSC RGB color space is illustrated, but the color space in which the image data is generated is not limited to this. Note that the definition area of the RGB color space is represented by coordinates (R, G, B) when each of the R component, G component, and B component is taken as a coordinate axis. Is said to have a second positive color value and a negative color value, it means that any component of (R, G, B) takes a second positive color value and a negative color value. .

  In the sRGB color space, the image data is represented by 256 gradations (8 bits) for each of the R component, the G component, and the B component. Therefore, the first positive color value region is generally 0 to 0. It is represented by an integer value of 255. The second positive color value region is represented by an integer value of 256 or more, and the negative color value region is represented by a negative integer value of −1 or less.

  The fact that the image data in the converted RGB space has not only the first color value but also the second positive color value and negative color value in comparison with the sRGB color space means that the digital still camera 12 This means that when the image data is generated by, an RGB color space wider than the sRGB color space is used, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. As described above, the sRGB color space has color space characteristics optimized for the color characteristics of the CRT display. Generally, the color space that can be photographed by the digital still camera 12 or a printer can print. It is known that the color space cannot be expressed sufficiently.

  Therefore, the second positive color value and the negative color value cannot be expressed in the sRGB color space, but the RGB color space wider than the sRGB color space or the second positive color value and In some cases, the color can be expressed by re-converting to an RGB color space including at least one of the negative color values in the definition area. Therefore, in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment, all the information including the second positive color value and the negative color value included in the image data converted from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space is regarded as effective. Handle and hold. When the image data is generated by the digital still camera 12, if the data value outside the definition area of the sRGB color space has been rounded, the second positive is performed even if the matrix operation S is executed. It goes without saying that color values and negative color values cannot be obtained.

  The CPU 31 executes gamma correction and matrix operation M on the image data in the RGB color space thus obtained (step S220). The process executed here is a process executed according to the color space information in the image processing control information GI. When executing gamma correction, the CPU 31 refers to the gamma correction value in the above-described parameters and executes gamma conversion processing on the video data using the set gamma correction value (DSC specific value). To do.

When executing the gamma correction, if the use of a negative value is designated by the image processing control information GI, the CPU 31 in the region where the image data takes the first and second color values, as shown in FIG. The first gamma correction value γ1 (the set gamma correction value) is used for the image data, and the second gamma correction value γ2 smaller than the first gamma correction value is used in a region where the image data takes a negative color value. . The second gamma correction value γ2 is further divided into γ2r for the R component, γ2g for the G component, and γ2b for the B component. FIG. 9 shows the first gamma characteristic line L1 corresponding to the first gamma correction value γ1 and the second gamma characteristic lines L2r, L2g corresponding to the second gamma correction values γ2r, γ2g, γ2b used in the gamma correction. , L2b is an explanatory diagram exemplarily showing. For ease of explanation, the R component is typically taken as an example, excluding the second gamma characteristic line L2. The first gamma characteristic line L1 is expressed as Rt ′ = (Rt) ^γ1 for the R component, and the second gamma characteristic line L2 is expressed as Rt ′ = − (− Rt) ^γ2r .

  In general, since the YCbCr color space and the RGB color space are related by the above formula using the matrix operation S, the color system of the YCbCr color space (0 to Y to 255, −128 to Cb to 127, − When the image data represented by 128 to Cr to 127) is expressed in the color system of the RGB color space, the area T of the positive color value of the R, G, and B components is always secured from 0 to 255. However, since the negative color value region T / 2 is originally a region that is not planned to be expressed, it tends to be narrower than the positive color value region T. Therefore, if the first gamma correction value γ1 similar to the positive color value is used as the gamma correction value for the negative color value, as shown in FIG. 9, the negative color value region R′1 after the gamma correction is Only a region (range) smaller than the negative color value region R1 before gamma correction can be held, and the negative color value region to be used cannot be used effectively. Under such conditions, in order to secure a wide color space in the XYZ color space due to the negative color values of the R, G, and B components, the gamma correction value γ for the negative color values is used for positive color values. When a small second gamma correction value γ2 (for example, 1.5) different from the first gamma correction value γ1 (for example, 2.2) is used, Rt ′ and Gt after gamma conversion (after correction) The range of “, Bt” can be expanded.

  That is, by using a smaller value different from the gamma correction value for the positive color value as the gamma correction value for the negative color value even at the time of shooting, and using the respective gamma correction values when outputting the image data, The image data can be expressed in a wider range, the saturation of the output image data is improved, and the vivid color of the actual subject can be reproduced.

  When the gamma correction value γ> 1.0, the inclination at the origin is 0, and the first gamma characteristic line L1 and the second gamma characteristic line L2r are smoothly and continuously connected at the joint (origin). It is. As a result, image data (image output result) having a smooth gradation value change is obtained without occurrence of a gradation skip due to the joint between the first gamma characteristic line L1 and the second gamma characteristic line L2r. be able to.

  Since the R component, the G component, and the B component can take different negative color value regions, the second gamma correction value γ may be changed depending on the size of the negative color value region of each RGB component. . As can be seen from FIG. 10 to be described later, for example, when the color value region expanded in the order of R component> B component> G component becomes large, the second gamma correction for the R component as shown in FIG. The second gamma correction value γ2 for the value γ2r <the second gamma correction value for the B component γ2b <the second gamma correction value γ2g for the G component may be increased. In such a case, the negative color value region can be effectively utilized by executing appropriate gamma correction in the range of the color value region that can be expanded. As a result, the image data can be expressed in a wider range, and the saturation of the output result of the image data can be improved.

  The matrix operation M is an operation process for converting the RGB color space into the XYZ color space. When executing the matrix operation M, the CPU 31 refers to the ColorSpace tag to reflect the color space at the time of image data generation, and executes the matrix operation using the matrix (M) corresponding to the written color space. To do. At this time, a color space such as an sRGB color space or an NTSC color space can be used. Here, the color space information described in the ColorSpace tag is reflected through the XYZ color space because the XYZ color space is an absolute color space and the device independent color that does not depend on a device such as a DSC or a printer. Because it is space. Even when converting the color space, device-independent color matching can be performed by always taking the same value at the XYZ color space level. The matrix operation M is an arithmetic expression shown below.

  The color space areas of the visible area (VA), sRGB (SR), NTSC (NS), and wRGB (WR) on the RGB color space are as shown in FIG. As can be understood from FIG. 10, the sRGB color space has the narrowest color space region, and the NTSC color space region and the wRGB color space region have a color space region wider than the sRGB color space region.

  The color space of the image data GD obtained after execution of the matrix operation M is an XYZ color space. Conventionally, the color space used for image processing in a printer or computer is fixed to sRGB, and the color space of the digital still camera 12 cannot be effectively used. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the color space at the time of image data generation described in the image processing control information GI of the image file GF is set as the target color space, and the matrix calculation M is performed corresponding to the set color space. A printer (printer driver) that changes the matrix (M) used in the above is used. Therefore, even when the digital still camera 12 is one of the color characteristics of the RGB color space and the image data is generated in the NTSC color space having a space wider than the sRGB color space, the color space in which the image data is generated. It is possible to realize the correct color reproduction by effectively utilizing the.

The CPU 31 executes processing for converting the color space of the image data GD from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space, that is, matrix calculation N ⁻¹ and inverse gamma correction in order to perform image adjustment based on arbitrary information (step). S230). Note that the wRGB color space is a wider color space than the sRGB color space as shown in FIG. 10, and the second positive color value and the negative color value that are not included in the definition area and are not represented in the sRGB color space are It can be treated as an expressible color value included in the definition region of the wRGB color space. When executing the inverse gamma correction, the CPU 31 refers to the gamma correction value on the color printer 20 side in the above-described parameters, and uses the inverse of the set gamma correction value to perform inverse gamma on the video data. Perform the conversion process. When executing the matrix operation N ⁻¹ , the CPU 31 executes the matrix operation using the matrix (N ⁻¹ ) corresponding to the conversion from the ROM 31 to the wRGB color space. Matrix operation N ⁻¹ is an arithmetic expression shown below.

The color space of the image data GD obtained after executing the matrix operation N ⁻¹ is the wRGB color space. As described above, this wRGB color space is wider than the sRGB color space, and originally corresponds to the RGB color space that can be expressed by the digital still camera 12.

  The CPU 31 executes automatic image adjustment for characterizing the image (step S240). The process executed here is a process executed according to information related to image quality in the image processing control information GI. When executing automatic image adjustment, the CPU 31 refers to the parameter values such as brightness and sharpness from among the parameters described above, and performs image adjustment on the video data using the set parameter values. To do. When an automatic adjustment parameter is specified, other parameter values that are arbitrarily specified are reflected based on the parameter value specified by the automatic adjustment parameter.

  Even if these image quality adjustment parameters are not specified in the image processing control information GI of the image file GF, only the automatic adjustment parameters are automatically assigned on the digital still camera 12 side. The image adjustment is executed according to the automatic adjustment parameter value.

  The CPU 31 executes wRGB color conversion processing and halftone processing for printing (step S250). In the wRGB color conversion process, the CPU 31 refers to a lookup table (LUT) for conversion to the CMYK color space corresponding to the wRGB color space stored in the ROM 32, and changes the color space of the image data from the wRGB color space to the CMYK. Change to color space. That is, image data composed of R, G, and B gradation values is converted into gradation value data of, for example, C, M, Y, K, LC, and LM, which are used by the printer 20.

  In the halftone process, the color-converted image data is received and the gradation number conversion process is performed. In this embodiment, the image data after color conversion is expressed as data having a 256 gradation width for each color. On the other hand, in the color printer 20 of the present embodiment, only the state of “forming dots” or “not forming dots” can be taken. That is, the printer 20 of this embodiment can only express two gradations locally. Therefore, the image data having 256 gradations is converted into image data expressed in 2 gradations that can be expressed by the color printer 20. As a representative method of the two-gradation (binarization) process, there are a method called an error diffusion method and a method called a systematic dither method.

  In the color printer 20, prior to color conversion processing, when the resolution of image data is lower than the printing resolution, new data is generated between adjacent image data by performing linear interpolation, and conversely higher than the printing resolution. Performs a resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image data into the print resolution by thinning out the data at a constant rate. In addition, the color printer 20 executes an interlace process in which the image data converted into a format representing the presence / absence of dot formation is rearranged in the order to be transferred to the color printer 20.

  In this embodiment, all image processing is executed in the color printer 20, and a dot pattern is formed on the print medium according to the generated image data. However, all or part of the image processing is executed on the computer PC. You may make it do. In this case, the image data processing application installed in the hard disk or the like of the computer PC is realized by providing the image processing function described with reference to FIG. The image file GF generated by the digital still camera 12 is provided to the computer PC via the cable CV or via the memory card MC. On the computer PC, an application is started by a user operation, and the image file GF is read, the image processing control information GI is analyzed, and the image data GD is converted and adjusted. Alternatively, the application is automatically started by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC or by detecting the insertion of the cable CV, reading the image file GF, analyzing the image processing control information GI, The conversion and adjustment of the image data GD may be automatically performed.

  As described above, according to the image processing in the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment, the second positive color value and the negative value generated when the color space of the image data is converted from the YCbCr color space to the RGB color space. The color value can be effectively handled and used for image processing. The color printer 20 also includes a CMYK color space conversion table corresponding to a wRGB color space wider than the sRGB color space. Therefore, it is possible to effectively handle the color values that are generated by the digital still camera 12 and that exist outside the definition area of the sRGB color space, and use the color values that exist outside the definition area of the sRGB color space to achieve higher saturation. Printing results can be obtained. That is, it is possible to obtain a print result with higher saturation using color values that could not be expressed because they exist outside the definition area in the sRGB color space.

  Image processing in the color printer 20 can be executed by reflecting the color space information described by the ColorSpace tag in the image processing control information GI in the image file GF. Therefore, it is possible to execute image data processing according to the color space characteristics designated by the digital still camera 12, and the difference between the photographing result in the digital still camera 12 and the output result in the color printer 20 due to the difference in color space. Can be prevented. In addition, the color reproduction capability of the digital still camera 12 can be correctly reproduced.

D. Other examples:
Image processing in the color printer 20 may be executed as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image processing in the color printer 20 as the second embodiment. In this embodiment, when the color space characteristic is changed from the sRGB color space to the wRGB color space, the matrix operation M and the matrix operation N ⁻¹ are set as one matrix operation (MN ⁻¹ ) (step S320), and high-speed image processing is performed. We are trying to make it.

Further, the image processing in the color printer 20 may be executed as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image processing in the color printer 20 as the third embodiment. In this embodiment, automatic image adjustment is first executed for image data expressed in the YCbCr color space (step 410). Subsequently, a matrix S operation (step S420), a matrix M operation (step S430), and a matrix N- ¹ operation (step S440) are executed on the image data for which automatic image adjustment has been completed, and color space conversion is performed. Run sequentially.

  In the first to third embodiments, when the image processing is executed by the color printer 20 and the use of a negative value is specified in the image processing control information GI, the negative value of the image data and the second value are set. Image processing using positive values was executed. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, image processing is executed by the personal computer PC, and an operator who executes the image processing specifies whether or not a negative value is used. Image processing executed by the personal computer PC will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing in the personal computer PC according to the fourth embodiment.

  When the operator instructs to read the image file GF, the personal computer PC reads the image file GF from the memory card MC, and temporarily stores the read image file GF in the RAM 33 (step S500). The personal computer PC determines whether or not an instruction to use a negative value has been input by the operator (step S510). When an instruction to use a negative value is input (step S520: Yes), the personal computer PC executes image processing using the negative value and the second positive value included in the image data GD (step S520). S530), this processing routine is terminated.

  If the instruction to use a negative value is not input (step S520: No), the personal computer PC clips or negatively adds the negative value and the second positive value included in the image data GD within a predetermined RGB color gamut. The value and the second positive value are discarded, image processing is performed on the image data GD (step S540), and this processing routine ends. As described above, if the operator can specify whether or not to use a negative value at the time of image processing, image processing using a negative value included in the image data GD can be applied to an image file GF that does not have a PrintMatching tag. Since this can be executed, an image with high saturation can be obtained as a result of image processing.

  In each of the image processing embodiments described above, the color printer 20 is used as the output device. However, a display device such as a CRT, LCD, or projector can also be used as the output device. In such a case, for example, an image processing program (display driver) that executes the image processing described with reference to FIG. 7 or the like is executed by the display device as the output device. Alternatively, when a CRT or the like functions as a computer display device, an image processing program is executed on the computer side. However, finally output image data has an RGB color space instead of a CMYK color space.

  In such a case, the display result on the display device such as a CRT is designated by the image file GF in the same manner that the print result via the color printer 20 can reflect the color space of the image data generated by the digital still camera 12. can do. Therefore, by providing the image processing control information GI of the image file GF with parameters suitable for a display device such as a CRT, and by providing parameters optimized for the display characteristics of each display device, the digital still The image data GD generated by the camera 12 can be displayed more accurately.

  In the first embodiment, the image processing control information GI is stored in the image file GF together with the image data GD, but may be stored in the memory card MC as a separate file from the image data GD.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the negative value included in the image data GD is detected when the image processing control information GI is detected and an instruction to use a negative value is designated, or when an operator or the like instructs to use a negative value. Image processing is executed using the value and the second positive value. However, the image processing using the negative value and the second positive value may be executed from the beginning without receiving these designations and instructions. In such a case, if the image data GD includes a negative value or the like, an image processing result reflecting the negative value or the like can be obtained. If the image data GD does not include a negative value or the like, a normal value can be obtained. Image processing results can be obtained.

  As described above, the image data output apparatus according to the present invention has been described based on some examples. However, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is limited. Not what you want. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

  In the first embodiment, the process of effectively handling the second positive color value and the negative color value at the time of the matrix S calculation and the process of reflecting the color space information specified at the time of the matrix M calculation are executed simultaneously. However, these processes may not be executed simultaneously. For example, the color space at the time of the matrix M calculation may be fixed to the wRGB space, and only the processing for effectively handling the second positive color value and the negative color value at the time of the matrix S calculation may be executed. In such a case, for example, it is possible to express a color outside the definition area of the sRGB color space that can be expressed as the digital still camera 12 but could not be expressed in the sRGB color space. Can be improved.

  In addition, even if processing that reflects the specified color space information is performed during the matrix M calculation without executing processing using the second positive color value and negative color value during the matrix S calculation. good. In such a case, the color space at the time of image data generation can be correctly interpreted during image processing, and correct color reproduction can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to execute device-independent color space conversion processing that is not affected by the color space unique to the device such as the input device or the output device. As a result, an output result similar to the output result of the image data obtained at the time of shooting can be obtained from the output device.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the use of negative values is specified by the image processing control information GI. However, the gamma correction value for positive values and the negative value are used without specifying whether negative values are used. The gamma correction value may be designated by the image processing control information GI. A process that becomes a problem when the image data GD has a negative value is a gamma correction process. Therefore, by properly using gamma correction values to be used for gamma correction processing for positive data and negative data, it is possible to execute image processing without having to specify whether or not to use negative values in image processing.

The illustrated parameters are merely examples, and the invention according to the present application is not limited by these parameters. Furthermore, the values of the matrices S, M, and N ⁻¹ in each formula are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the values can be appropriately changed depending on the target color space or the color space that can be used in the color printer 20. .

  In each of the above embodiments, the digital still camera 12 has been described as the image file generating device. However, a scanner, a digital video camera, or the like can be used. When using a scanner, the basic information and arbitrary information of the image file GF may be designated on the computer PC, or a preset button in which setting information is assigned in advance for setting information on the scanner. A display screen for setting and a setting button may be provided so that the scanner can be executed alone.

  The color spaces used in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other color spaces may be used. In either case, the image data generated by the image data generation device such as the digital still camera 12 may be output reflecting the color space of the image data generation device.

  In the first embodiment, the Exif format file has been described as an example of the image file GF, but the format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, any image file that includes at least image data to be output by the output device and information on the color space used in the image data generation device such as the digital still camera 12 may be used. This is because such a file can reduce the difference in output image between the image data generated in the image data generation device (image display obtained via a monitor or the like) and the output image in the output device. .

  The color printer 20 according to the first embodiment is merely an example, and the configuration is not limited to the description of each embodiment. The color printer 20 only needs to analyze at least the image processing control information GI of the image file GF and output (print) the image according to the described or designated color space information.

  In addition, in the image file GF including the image data and the image processing control information GI, association data for associating the image processing control information GI is generated, and the image data and the image processing control information GI are stored in independent files. In addition, a file that can associate the image data with the image processing control information GI with reference to the association data at the time of image processing is also included. In such a case, the image data and the image processing control information GI are stored in separate files, but at the time of image processing using the image processing control information GI, the image data and the image processing control information GI are inseparable. This is because they function in the same manner as when they are stored in substantially the same file. That is, an aspect in which the image data and the image processing control information GI are used in association with each other 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.

  In the above embodiment, the image file is generated using the digital still camera 20, but it may be generated by a digital video camera. When generated by a digital video camera, for example, an image file storing still image data and output control information, or a moving image file including moving image data such as MPEG format and output control information is generated. The When this moving image file is used, output control according to the output control information is performed on all or some of the frames of the moving image.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the image data output system which can apply the image output apparatus which concerns on 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the digital still camera which can produce | generate the image file (image data) which the image output device which concerns on 1st Example outputs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic internal structure of the image file GF stored in the Exif file format. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a color printer 20 according to a first embodiment. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a control circuit 30 of the color printer 20. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing routine of a printing process in the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image processing in the color printer 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram representing a color space area in two dimensions in order to explain the meaning of effectively handling image data outside the definition area (EA) of the RGB color space. A first gamma characteristic line L1 corresponding to the first gamma correction value γ1 and a second gamma characteristic line L2r, L2g, L2b corresponding to the second gamma correction values γ2r, γ2g, γ2b used for gamma correction It is explanatory drawing shown as an example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the color space area | region of visible region (VA), sRGB (SR), NTSC (NS), and wRGB (WR) on RGB color space. It is a flowchart which shows the image processing in the color printer 20 as a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the image processing in the color printer 20 as a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image processing in the personal computer PC concerning a 4th Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image data output system 12 ... Digital still camera 121 ... Optical circuit 122 ... Image acquisition circuit 123 ... Image processing circuit 124 ... Control circuit 126 ... Selection / decision button 14 ... Display 20 ... Color printer 21 ... Carriage 211 ... Print head 212 Ink cartridge 213 ... Ink cartridge 214 to 220 ... Ink ejection head 22 ... Carriage motor 23 ... Platen 24 ... Paper feed motor 25 ... Sliding shaft 26 ... Drive belt 27 ... Pulley 28 ... Position detection sensor 29 ... Operation panel 30 ... Control circuit 31 ... arithmetic processing unit (CPU)
32. Programmable read only memory (PROM)
33 ... Random access memory (RAM)
34 ... PCMCIA slot 35 ... Peripheral device input / output unit (PIO)
36 ... Timer 37 ... Drive buffer 38 ... Bus 39 ... Oscillator 40 ... Distribution output device GF ... Image file (Exif file)
101 ... JPEG image data storage area 102 ... Attached information storage area 103 ... Makernote storage area MC ... Memory card

Claims (10)

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing using image data and usage information associated with the image data and indicating whether to use color values outside the sRGB color space.
Image data capturing means for capturing the image data;
Usage information acquisition means for acquiring the usage information associated with the image data;
Determination means for determining whether or not to use a color value outside the region of the sRGB color space based on the acquired use information;
When it is determined that a color value outside the region is used, the output device-independent wide-area color space having a wide definition region that can include color values outside the region in the sRGB color space and independent of the output device. And an image processing unit that executes image processing of the image data including color conversion processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
If it is determined not to use the color values outside the region, the image processing means, image processing, characterized in that via through the front Symbol s RGB color space to perform the image processing of the image data apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image data is defined by a first color space;
The image data capturing means converts the color space of the captured image data from the first color space to a second color space;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing means converts a color space of image data defined by the second color space into a third color space using the out-of-region color values. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The first color space is a YCbCr color space;
The second color space is an RGB color space;
Said third color space the wider than the sRGB color space, a second RGB color space having a defined region comprising a positive color value outside the region of at least the negative color values or sRGB color space An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The first color space is a YCbCr color space;
The second color space is an RGB color space;
The third color space is wider than the sRGB color space, and characterized by a CIELAB color space having a defined region comprising a positive color value outside the region of at least the negative color values or sRGB color space An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing means executes color conversion processing to the output device independent wide color space without clipping processing on image data not subjected to clipping processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6.
The image processing means further includes
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image quality adjusting unit that executes an image quality adjusting process on the image data converted into the output device independent wide color space. A program for performing image processing using image data and usage information associated with the image data and indicating whether to use color values outside the sRGB color space area,
A function of capturing the image data;
A function of acquiring the usage information associated with the captured image data;
A function of determining whether to use a color value outside the region of the sRGB color space based on the acquired use information;
When it is determined that a color value outside the region is used, the output device-independent wide-area color space having a wide definition region that can include color values outside the region in the sRGB color space and independent of the output device. A function of executing image processing of the image data including color conversion processing of
A program for realizing a function of outputting image data subjected to the image processing by a computer. A method for generating output image data using image data and whether or not to use color values outside the region of the sRGB color space and usage information associated with the image data,
Capturing the image data;
Obtaining the usage information associated with the captured image data;
Based on the acquired use information, it is determined whether to use a color value outside the region of the sRGB color space ,
If it is determined that a color value outside the region is used, the color to the output device-independent wide color space that does not depend on the output device having a wide definition region that can include color values outside the region of the sRGB color space. A method for generating the output image data by executing image processing of the image data including conversion processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Wherein the image processing means, by the usage information acquiring means, wherein when the usage information can not be acquired, an image processing apparatus and executes the image processing before Symbol image data through the sRGB color space.

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