JP4696411B2 - Image file generation device, image file generation method, computer program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for generating an image file that can be output by performing image processing on image data according to user preferences.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital still cameras have become widespread. A digital still camera converts an image into an electrical signal using a semiconductor element that reacts to light, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), and stores the image as digital data in a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory. Since a digital still camera is usually equipped with a liquid crystal display, a photographer can check a photographed image on the spot or delete an image he does not like. In addition, image data captured by a digital still camera can be output using a general-purpose personal computer monitor or an image output device such as a printer.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the digital still camera may have different brightness and color of the image generated depending on the manufacturer and model. Also, the brightness and color of the output image may differ depending on the model of the image output apparatus. For this reason, a shift often occurs between an image intended by the photographer and an image actually output by the image output apparatus.
[0004]
Moreover, the photographer's preferences vary. Even if a manufacturer such as a digital still camera or a printer sets the device so that ideal color reproduction is performed, it may not always meet the photographer's preference. In such a case, the photographer had to process the image data in order to output it in accordance with his / her preference.
[0005]
Although a digital still camera has been described here as an example, a similar problem can occur in an image data generation apparatus such as a digital video camera or a scanner.
[0006]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a technique for flexibly outputting an image according to a preference of a creator of image data.
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.
The image file generation device of the present invention includes:
An image file generation device that generates an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data,
An image processing control data input unit for inputting the image processing control data by a user operation;
An image processing control data storage unit for storing the input image processing control data;
An image data input unit for inputting the image data;
An image file generation unit that generates an image file integrally including the input image data and the stored image processing control data;
It is a summary to provide.
[0008]
The image file generation device of the present invention generates an image file including image data and image processing control data. For example, an Exif format image file includes an area for storing image data and an area for storing auxiliary data. In this format, the image processing control data can be stored in the area for storing the attached data. Here, “image processing control data” is data for controlling image processing performed on image data by the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus can automatically set parameters used for image processing by analyzing image processing control data included in the image file, and can perform image processing on the image data. This parameter includes “contrast”, “brightness”, “color balance”, “saturation”, “sharpness”, “gamma value”, “target color space”, and the like. The “target color space” is a parameter that specifies a color space used at the time of image processing according to a color space used at the time of generating image data, such as an sRGB color space or an NTSC color space. In the present invention, the user of the image file generation apparatus can arbitrarily set and input image processing control data and register it. The registered data can be easily read and used. Therefore, by using the image processing control data set by the user according to his / her preference, the image processing apparatus that can use the image processing control data can easily execute the image processing according to the user's preference. . As a result, the user can output an image according to his / her preference with the image output device without processing the image data.
[0009]
In the image file generation device of the present invention,
The image processing control data input unit may input the image processing control data via a recording medium or communication.
[0010]
By doing so, the image file generation device can capture the image processing control data from outside the image file generation device. Various image processing control data can be stored outside the image file generation device without depending on the memory capacity of the image file generation device. Therefore, the user can input various image processing control data stored outside to the image file generating apparatus according to his / her preference and use it. For example, a digital still camera manufacturer can provide a variety of sets of image processing control data on a web page on the Internet, and a user can download a set that suits his / her preference and incorporate it into the digital still camera. . The user can also use image processing control data set by other users. Furthermore, it is possible to prepare a simulator capable of experimenting with how the image output by changing the image processing control data changes, and supply the image processing control data obtained by the experiment to the image file generation device. That is, the convenience of image processing control data setting can be improved.
[0011]
In the image file generation device of the present invention,
Furthermore, an image processing control data editing unit for editing the image processing control data is provided,
The image processing control data storage unit may store the edited image processing control data.
[0012]
By doing this, the user can edit and store the existing image processing control data on the image file generation device, so that it is not necessary to individually set the image processing control data each time the image file is generated. Setting burden can be reduced. As a result, the convenience of the image file generation device can be improved.
[0013]
In the image file generation device,
The image processing control data storage unit may update and store the image processing control data as the edited image processing control data.
[0014]
In this way, the image processing control data edited by the user can be stored without increasing the memory capacity used by the image processing control data storage unit. Further, since it is possible to avoid an unnecessarily increase in the image processing mode corresponding to the image processing control data, the user can select updated image processing control data having a relatively high frequency of use. The convenience can be improved.
[0015]
Note that the updated image processing control data may be stored so that it can be restored to the initial value even after the update. For example, an area for storing initial values and an area for storing edited data can be provided on the memory, and the designation destination as the image processing control data storage unit can be switched. By doing so, the image processing control data can be returned to the initial value by returning the designated destination.
[0016]
The image processing control data storage unit may additionally store the edited image processing control data.
[0017]
By doing so, the user can properly use the existing image processing control data and the image processing control data edited by the user. That is, various image processing control data can be used flexibly.
[0018]
Further, in the image file generation device including the above-described image processing control data editing unit,
The image processing control data includes a plurality of parameters,
It is preferable that the image processing control data editing unit has a predetermined constraint condition in the variable range of the parameter.
[0019]
As described above, the image processing control data may include a plurality of parameters. Each parameter value is often prepared by the manufacturer of the image file generation apparatus in consideration of the characteristics of the device. If the user is allowed to edit the image processing control data without restriction, the intention of the manufacturer may be completely ignored. In the present invention, the image processing control data editing unit has a predetermined constraint condition in the variable range of the parameter. That is, the parameter value is limited so that it can be edited only under a predetermined condition. For example, a certain parameter can be edited only within a predetermined range, and when one parameter is edited based on the correlation between parameters, editing of other parameters is restricted. By doing so, the convenience of the user can be improved while ensuring the manufacturer's intention.
[0020]
In the image file generation device of the present invention,
An image data generation unit for generating the image data to be input to the image data input unit according to a plurality of generation modes prepared in advance;
A correspondence relationship storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the generation mode and the image processing control data,
At least a part of the correspondence includes a correspondence with the input image processing control data,
The image file generation unit may generate the image file using the image processing control data corresponding to the generation mode selected by a user with reference to the correspondence relationship storage unit.
[0021]
Some image file generation apparatuses can select one of a plurality of generation modes for generating image data under a plurality of conditions prepared in advance and generate image data in the generation mode. For example, some digital still cameras are automatically set to an appropriate shutter speed, exposure, and aperture according to shooting modes such as “portrait”, “landscape”, and “sports”. In this case, the shooting mode corresponds to the generation mode. In the present invention, in such an image file generation apparatus, the correspondence relationship between the image data generation mode and the image processing control data is stored. The correspondence relationship between the generation mode and the image processing control data only needs to include at least a part of the correspondence relationship. By doing so, it is possible to set the image processing control data together with the setting of the image data generation mode.
[0022]
The second image file generation device of the present invention is:
An image file generation device that generates an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data,
A generation condition storage unit that stores a plurality of sets in association with generation modes and image data generation conditions;
An image processing control data storage unit that stores a plurality of sets of image processing modes and image processing control data in association with each other;
A generation mode setting unit for setting the generation mode;
Regardless of the setting of the generation mode, an image processing mode setting unit for setting the image processing mode;
An image data generation unit that generates the image data under the image data generation conditions corresponding to the set generation mode;
An image file generation unit for generating an image file integrally including the generated image data and image processing control data corresponding to the set image processing mode;
It is a summary to provide.
[0023]
Here, the “image data generation condition” means a parameter that affects the generated image data itself. When the image file generation device is configured as a digital still camera, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and the like correspond to generation conditions. In the present invention, the generation mode and the image processing mode can be set separately. Therefore, image processing control data can be set flexibly regardless of the generation mode. As a result, it is possible to flexibly perform image processing on the image data according to the user's preference and output the image data.
[0024]
Note that the image file generation device of the present invention can be applied to various image data generation devices, for example, a digital camera. The digital camera may be a digital still camera or a digital video camera.
[0025]
The third image file generation device of the present invention is:
An image file generation device that generates an image file including image data and image processing control data used for image processing of the image data,
An image processing control data input unit for inputting the image processing control data by a user operation;
An image processing control data storage unit for storing the input image processing control data;
An image file input unit for inputting an original image file including the image data and the image processing control data;
An image that updates the image processing control data included in the original image file with the stored image processing control data, and generates an image file that integrally includes the input image data and the stored image processing control data. A file generator,
It is a summary to provide.
[0026]
In this way, even when the original image file contains image processing control data that cannot be processed according to the user's preference, the image processing control data is replaced with the image processing control data registered by the user and updated. can do. As a result, the user can output an image according to his / her preference with the image output device without processing the image data.
[0027]
The present invention can also be configured as a recording medium invention. For example,
It is a recording medium that can be used in the above-described image file generation apparatus and that records image processing control data used for image processing of the image data in a computer-readable manner.
[0028]
The image file generation apparatus of the present invention can generate an image file including image data and image processing control data when the image processing control data input unit inputs the image processing control data from the recording medium.
[0029]
The present invention can also be configured as an image file generation method invention in addition to the above-described configuration as an image file generation device. Further, the present invention can be realized in various modes such as a computer program that realizes these, a recording medium that records the program, and a data signal that includes the program and is embodied in a carrier wave. In addition, in each aspect, it is possible to apply the various additional elements shown above.
[0030]
When the present invention is configured as a computer program or a recording medium on which the program is recorded, the entire program for driving the image file generation device may be configured, or only the portion that performs the functions of the present invention is configured. It may be a thing. Recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter on which codes such as bar codes are printed, computer internal storage devices (memory such as RAM and ROM) ) And an external storage device can be used.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Image output system configuration:
B. Image file generator:
C. Image file structure:
D. Input of image processing control data:
E. Image file generation:
F. Image output device:
G. Image processing in the image output device:
H. Other examples:
[0032]
A. Image output system configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system 10 as an embodiment. An image output system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a digital still camera 12 as an image file generation device, an image processing device, and a color printer 20 as an image output device.
[0033]
The digital still camera 12 can set various shooting conditions and output control data PIM. Shooting conditions mean image data acquisition conditions such as shutter speed, exposure, and aperture. The output control data PIM is data for controlling print processing including image processing in the color printer 20, and includes print command and image processing control data used for image processing. The digital still camera 12 performs shooting (image data generation) under shooting conditions set by the user, and generates an image file that integrally includes image data and output control data PIM. The generated image file is stored in the memory card MC.
[0034]
The color printer 20 has an image processing function. The color printer 20 inputs an image file via the memory card MC or via a cable (not shown), and analyzes the output control data PIM included in the image file. Since the output control data PIM includes image processing control data, it is acquired and image processing is performed on the image data. Then, printing is executed.
[0035]
As described above, in the image output system 10 according to the present embodiment, the printing process of the color printer 20 can be controlled from the digital still camera 12 side to perform printing reflecting the intention of the digital still camera (photographer). . Details of the digital still camera, the image file, and the color printer will be described later.
[0036]
The image output system 10 can take various forms. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing variations of the image output system 10. In addition to the digital still camera 12 and the color printer 20 shown in FIG. 1, the image output system 10 can include a personal computer PC and server SV having an image processing function and a monitor 14 as an image output device. These are connected by cable CV or wireless communication, directly or via a network, and exchange data. It is also possible to connect a scanner or a digital video camera as an image file generation device.
[0037]
B. Image file generator
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks of the digital still camera 12 as the image file generation device of the present invention. The digital still camera 12 includes an image data generation unit 12a that generates image data, an image data input unit 12b that inputs image data, an image processing control data input unit 12c that inputs image processing control data, and image processing control data. The image processing control data storage unit 12d for storing the image data, and the image file generation unit 12e for generating an image file including the image data and the image control data.
[0038]
In addition to the image processing control data storage unit 12d, the image processing control data input unit 12c controls image processing from an external storage device (hard disk or server SV of a personal computer PC) or a recording medium that stores image processing control data. Data can be entered. The input image processing control data can be edited by the user. The edited image processing control data can be stored in the image processing control data storage unit 12d. The image file generation unit 12e generates an image file in which the input image data and the image processing control data set or selected by the user are stored in a predetermined format.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital still camera 12. The digital still camera 12 is a camera that acquires an image by focusing light information on a digital device (CCD or photomultiplier tube). The digital still camera 12 includes an optical circuit 121 including a CCD for collecting optical information, an image acquisition circuit 122 for controlling the optical circuit 121 to acquire an image, and processing the acquired digital image. Image processing circuit 123, and a control circuit 124 that controls each circuit as well as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.
[0040]
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, the JPEG format is generally used, but other storage formats such as a TIFF format, a GIF format, and a BMP format can be used.
[0041]
The digital still camera 12 also includes a selection / determination button 126 for performing various settings of a shooting mode and image processing control data, and a liquid crystal display 127 for previewing a captured image and displaying various setting screens. Yes. The “shooting mode” is a set of image acquisition condition parameters set in accordance with various shooting scenes. These parameters include exposure time, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, lens focal length, and the like. Each parameter value is automatically set by the user selecting a shooting mode. “Image processing control data” is data relating to image output such as contrast, brightness, color balance, and the like, and is data used for image processing in the color printer 20. In this embodiment, a plurality of sets of image processing control data are prepared corresponding to the image processing mode.
[0042]
The digital still camera 12 used in the image output system 10 of this embodiment generates an image file that integrally includes image processing control data and image data set by using the selection / determination button 126 to generate a memory card MC. To store. In addition to the above-described image processing control data, the image file includes the gamma value of the digital still camera 12, the target color space, the exposure time set at the time of shooting, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, lens Imaging conditions such as focal length are also included. Parameters applied to each shooting mode, parameter values, and the like are stored in the ROM in the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12.
[0043]
C. Image file structure:
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of the image file 100. The image file 100 has a file structure in accordance with the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif). Exif file specifications are determined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).
[0044]
The image file 100 includes an image data storage area 101 for storing image data, and an attached information storage area 102 for storing various attached information related to the stored image data. In the image data storage area 101, image data is stored in JPEG format. In the attached information storage area, attached information is stored in the TIFF format. The attached information storage area 102 includes a MakerNote data storage area 103. The MakerNote data storage area 103 is an undefined area that is open to the manufacturer of the digital still camera 12. The image processing control data in this embodiment is stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103. As is well known to those skilled in the art, tags are used to identify each data in Exif format files, and MakerNote is used as a tag name for data stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103. Is assigned and is called a MakerNote tag.
[0045]
In this embodiment, the image file 100 is described as an Exif format file, but the present invention is not limited to this. A structure in which the image data and the image processing control data are integrally provided in a usable format may be employed.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed hierarchical structure of the image file 100. FIG. 6A shows the data structure of the MakerNote data storage area 103. FIG. 6B shows a PrintMatching data storage area 104 defined in the MakerNote data storage area 103. PrintMatching data corresponds to image processing control data.
[0047]
The MakerNote data storage area 103 of the image file 100 also has a configuration capable of identifying the data stored by the tag, and a PrintMatching tag is assigned to the image processing control data. Each tag in the MakerNote data storage area 103 is designated by a pointer with an offset value from the top address of the MakerNote data storage area 103. In the MakerNote data storage area 103, information on the maker name (6 bytes), the reserved area (2 bytes), the number of local tag entries (2 bytes), and each local tag offset (12 bytes) is stored at the top address. ing. A ending code of 0x00 indicating a character ending string is attached after the manufacturer name.
[0048]
In the PrintMatching data storage area 104, a PrintMatching identifier indicating that a PrintMatching parameter is stored, a parameter specification number indicating the number of specified parameters, and a parameter number assigned in advance for each parameter are specified (identified). The parameter number in which the value to be stored is stored, the parameter setting value information in which the parameter setting value of the designated parameter number is stored, and the like are stored. The parameter number is, for example, information stored in a 2-byte area, and the parameter setting value is information stored in a 4-byte area. On the image output device side, image processing control data (each parameter value) can be acquired using the PrintMatching tag as an index.
[0049]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of data stored in the MakerNote data storage area 103. As illustrated, the MakerNote data storage area 103 stores image processing control data such as gamma value, color space, contrast, brightness, color balance, and saturation.
[0050]
D. Input of image processing control data:
Prior to generating the above-described image file 100, image processing control data is input to the digital still camera 12 and stored therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital still camera 12 can be connected to various devices. Therefore, the image processing control data input unit 12c shown in FIG. 3 can input the image processing control data in various modes. In the present invention, it is also possible to edit the image processing control data. Hereinafter, a typical input mode of image processing control data will be described as an example.
[0051]
(1) First aspect:
In the first mode, image processing control data stored in advance in the ROM of the digital still camera 12 is edited and registered. In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a plurality of sets of image processing control data presets are prepared corresponding to a plurality of image processing modes. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a graphic user interface (GUI) for setting the image processing mode. It is a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 127. When “image processing mode” is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 8A, image processing control data can be set. As shown in FIG. 8B, in this embodiment, presets corresponding to a plurality of image processing modes are prepared.
[0052]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters of the image processing control data and setting contents thereof. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, presets suitable for 11 types of shooting scenes are prepared in advance. The preset includes seven types of parameters: “contrast”, “brightness”, “color balance”, “saturation”, “sharpness”, “memory color”, and “noise removal”. These are general-purpose settings prepared by the manufacturer of the digital still camera 12.
[0053]
10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing GUIs for editing each parameter of the image processing control data. For example, when “person” → “confirm” is selected on the screen of FIG. 8B, the contents of the preset corresponding to “person” of FIG. 9 are displayed as shown in FIG. When “Edit” is selected on this screen, the user can edit each parameter according to his / her preference. In this embodiment, the six parameters excluding “noise removal” can be edited in five stages. Further, editing may be performed in multiple stages. For “noise removal”, ON / OFF can be selected. When “Register” is selected after editing each parameter, it can be newly stored in the ROM as “User setting”.
[0054]
In the above description, the existing image processing control data can be freely edited. However, it may be limited so that it can be edited only under a predetermined condition. For existing image processing control data, the manufacturer of the image file generation apparatus often prepares parameter values intended by the manufacturer in consideration of device characteristics. If the user is allowed to edit the image processing control parameters without restriction, the intention of the manufacturer may be completely ignored. Therefore, for example, a certain parameter can be edited only within a predetermined range, or when one parameter is edited due to the mutual relationship between parameters, editing of other parameters is restricted. Can do. By doing so, the convenience of the user can be improved while ensuring the manufacturer's intention.
[0055]
In the above description, the existing image processing control data is described as being edited. However, new image processing control data may be created and registered.
[0056]
According to the first aspect, the existing image processing control data can be edited and registered as image processing control data according to the user's preference, so that it can be used as appropriate when generating the image file.
[0057]
(2) Second aspect:
In the second embodiment, image processing control data is newly created or edited and registered outside the digital still camera 12, such as a personal computer PC. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a second mode of image processing control data input. The user prepares application software for creating and editing image processing control data in the personal computer PC, and creates and edits image processing control data. The created and edited image processing control data can be input and registered in the digital still camera 12 via the memory card MC (recording medium) or the cable CV (communication).
[0058]
According to the second embodiment, a simulator capable of experimenting with how the image output by changing the image processing control data changes is prepared in the personal computer PC, and the image processing control data obtained in the experiment is stored in the digital still camera 12. Can be supplied to.
[0059]
(3) Third aspect:
The mode of the third embodiment is a mode of downloading from the server SV that holds the image processing control data. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a third mode of image processing control data input. Various kinds of image processing control data are prepared in the server SV, and the user downloads the image processing control data as necessary and inputs it to the digital still camera 12. The image processing control data can be downloaded from the server SV to the personal computer PC shown in FIG. 12, edited on the personal computer PC, and input to the digital still camera 12.
[0060]
According to the third aspect, various image processing control data can be provided without depending on the memory capacity of the digital still camera 12. The user can appropriately select and use image processing control data according to his / her preference from various image processing control data. Further, the manufacturer of the digital still camera 12 can provide new image processing control data to the user even when the image processing control data is upgraded, for example.
[0061]
(4) Other aspects:
In the three modes described above, a mode in which a preset of image processing control data is added to the digital still camera 12 has been described. A mode in which existing image processing control data in the ROM of the digital still camera 12 is edited and updated. It is also possible to do. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fourth mode of image processing control data input. The updated image processing control data is preferably stored so that it can be returned to the initial value even after the update. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, on the ROM of the control circuit 124 of the digital still camera 12, an area for storing an initial value prepared in advance by the manufacturer and an area for storing data edited by the user are provided. The designation destination as the image processing control data storage unit can be switched for each mode. In this case, for example, the image processing control data set by the manufacturer is used in the “standard”, “flower”, and “commemorative photography” image processing modes, and the image processing control data set by the user is used in the other image processing modes. be able to. By doing so, the image processing control data can be returned to the initial value by returning the designated destination.
[0062]
E. Image file generation:
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the generation process of the image file 100 in the digital still camera 12. The photographer sets a photographing mode and an image processing mode prior to photographing (step S100). These settings can be made by operating the selection / setting button 126 by the user selecting from a predetermined shooting mode and image processing mode displayed on the liquid crystal display 127 or on the liquid crystal display 127. This is executed by the user setting parameter values of image processing control data such as arbitrary brightness and contrast (steps S130 and S160). The shooting mode setting affects the image data itself, such as exposure, white balance, shutter speed, aperture value, etc. suitable for each shooting scene prepared in advance, such as “Portrait”, “Landscape”, and “Sports”. Can be set automatically. Regardless of the shooting mode, a “full auto mode” automatically set by the digital still camera 12 at the time of shooting and a “manual mode” set by the photographer according to preference are also prepared. In setting the image processing mode, the mode shown in FIG. 8B can be selected. User setting mode can also be selected. Here, when no particular setting is made, default values prepared for the digital still camera 12 are set (steps S120 and S150).
[0063]
The control circuit 124 generates image data using a parameter value that is automatically set from the shooting condition (shooting mode) in response to a shooting request, for example, pressing of the shutter button (step S170). The control circuit 124 refers to the set shooting mode and each parameter of the image processing control data, and generates the image file 100 including the image data and the image processing control data (step S180). Finally, the control circuit 124 stores the generated image file 100 in the memory card MC and ends the generation process of the image file 100.
[0064]
Through the above steps, the image processing control data set by the photographer can be stored in the image file 100 stored in the memory card MC. Since the existing image processing mode is a mode set based on general conditions, parameter values that are satisfactory for all users are not necessarily preset, but according to the present embodiment, Since the preset value can be changed according to each user's preference, image processing according to the user's preference can be executed and output. In this embodiment, the image processing mode is set and the image processing control data is edited before the image data is generated (photographed). However, the image file is generated using the default values and the image file is generated. The edited image processing control data may be overwritten on the image file. By doing this, it is possible to change and output the set value with one image file. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the edited image processing control data can be stored as user settings, so that the image processing control data recommended by the manufacturer and the image processing control data set by the user are properly used. Can do.
[0065]
In this embodiment, the shooting mode and the image processing mode can be set separately, but they may be linked. That is, the shooting mode and the image processing mode correspond to each other. In this way, for example, when “portrait” is selected in the shooting mode, the image processing mode is automatically set to “person”.
[0066]
F. Image output device:
An outline of the color printer 20 as an image output apparatus will be described. The color printer 20 is a printer that can output a color image. For example, cyan (C), light cyan (light cyan, LC), magenta (M), light magenta (light magenta, LM), yellow (Y), This is an ink jet printer that forms an image by ejecting seven color inks of dark yellow (DYL, DY) and black (K) onto a print medium to form a dot pattern. Various printers such as an electrophotographic printer that forms an image by transferring and fixing color toner onto a printing medium may be applied.
[0067]
The control circuit 22 reads the image file 100 from the memory card MC inserted in the memory card slot 24, analyzes the image processing control data, and performs image processing to be described later on the image data based on the analyzed image processing control data. Apply. Then, printing is executed.
[0068]
G. Image processing in the image output device:
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the color printer 20 as the image output apparatus. When the memory card MC is inserted into the memory card slot 24, the CPU in the control circuit 22 of the color printer 20 reads the image file 100 from the memory card MC, and temporarily stores the read image file 100 in the RAM (step). S200). The CPU searches the manufacturer name (0x00 tag) for 20 bytes from the top address of the MakerNote data storage area 103 of the read image file 100 (step S202). The manufacturer name is described within 20 bytes from the top address in the MakerNote data storage area 103. If the CPU can find and find the manufacturer name (step S204: Yes), the CPU adds an offset of 2 bytes to the current pointer (step S206).
[0069]
If the CPU cannot find the manufacturer name (step S204: No), the CPU returns the current pointer to the top address of MakerNote (step S208). This is to cope with the case where the manufacturer name is not originally described. In this case, since the reserve area is assigned to the top address, the pointer can be placed at the same position as when the manufacturer name is found by returning the pointer to the top address. The CPU interprets 2 bytes of information from the current pointer as the number of tag entries, and acquires the number of tag entries (step S210). As described above, since the Makernote data storage area 103 stores 6-byte maker name information and 2-byte local tag entry number information across the 2-byte reserve area, the CPU is as described above. Can be interpreted.
[0070]
The CPU searches for local tags by the number of acquired tag entries (step S212), and determines whether or not there is a PrintMatching tag (step S214). When the CPU finds a PrintMatching tag (step S214: Yes), it analyzes the image processing control data stored in the PrintMatching data storage area 114, and acquires each parameter value used for image processing (step S216). The CPU executes image processing to be described in detail later based on the parameter value obtained from the analyzed image processing control data (step S218), and prints out the processed image data (step S220).
[0071]
If the CPU cannot find the PrintMatching tag (step S214: No), the CPU re-searches the PrintMatching tag code with the specified fixed offset value (step S222). This is to cope with a case where the interpretation of the number of entries in the local tag is incorrect. The CPU searches the PrintMatching tag again (step S224), and if it can be found (step S224: Yes), executes the processing from step S216 described above. On the other hand, when the CPU cannot find the PrintMatching tag (step S224: No), the CPU acquires the parameter value held in advance by the color printer 20 from the ROM and executes normal image processing (step S226). . The CPU prints out the processed image data (step S220) and ends this processing routine.
[0072]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of image processing based on the image processing control data in step S218. Processing using the image processing control data included in the image file 100 is indicated by a double line. The CPU of the color printer 20 extracts image data from the read image file 100 (step S300). The digital still camera 12 stores image data as a JPEG file as described above, and the JPEG file stores image data using the YCbCr color space in order to increase the compression rate.
[0073]
The CPU executes a first matrix operation for converting image data based on the YCbCr color space into image data based on the sRGB color space (step S310).
[0074]
The CPU executes gamma correction and second matrix calculation on the image data based on the sRGB color space obtained in this way (step S320). When executing gamma correction, the CPU acquires the gamma value on the digital still camera 12 side from the image processing control data, and executes gamma conversion processing on the image data using the acquired gamma value. The second matrix calculation is a calculation process for converting the sRGB color space into the XYZ color space. Since the image file 100 used in the present embodiment can include color space information at the time of image data generation, when the image file 100 includes color space information, the CPU performs the second matrix operation. At the time of execution, the matrix operation is executed by referring to the color space information and using a matrix corresponding to the color space at the time of image data generation.
[0075]
The color space of the image data obtained after execution of the second matrix operation 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, when the image file 100 includes color space information, a printer (printer driver) that changes the matrix used for the second matrix calculation corresponding to the color space information. Is used. Therefore, it is possible to realize a desired color reproduction by effectively utilizing the color space of the digital still camera 12.
[0076]
The CPU executes a third matrix calculation and inverse gamma correction for converting the color space of the image data from the XYZ color space to the wRGB color space in order to execute image quality adjustment based on the image processing control data (step S330). ). The wRGB color space is a color space arbitrarily set in a wider range than the sRGB color space. When executing the inverse gamma correction, the CPU acquires a default gamma value on the color printer 20 side from the ROM, and executes an inverse gamma conversion process on the image data using the inverse of the acquired gamma value. When executing the third matrix operation, the CPU executes the matrix operation using the matrix corresponding to the conversion from the ROM to the wRGB color space.
[0077]
The color space of the image data obtained after execution of the third matrix calculation is the wRGB color space. As described above, the wRGB color space is a color space wider than the sRGB color space, and corresponds to a color space that can be generated by the digital still camera 12.
[0078]
Next, the CPU executes an automatic image quality adjustment process (step S340). In the automatic image quality adjustment processing in this embodiment, each parameter value of the image processing control data included in the image file 100 is acquired, and automatic image quality adjustment is executed using these parameter values.
[0079]
When the CPU finishes the automatic image quality adjustment processing, the CPU executes wRGB color conversion processing and halftone processing for printing (step S350). In the wRGB color conversion process, the CPU refers to a lookup table (LUT) for conversion to a CMYK color space corresponding to the wRGB color space stored in the ROM, and converts the color space of the image data from the wRGB color space to the CMYK. Change to color space. In other words, image data composed of R, G, and B gradation values is used by the color printer 20, for example, converted into data of gradation values of 7 colors of C, M, Y, K, LC, LM, and DY. To do.
[0080]
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, the color printer 20 of the present embodiment can only take one of the states of “form dots” or “do not form dots” and 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 typical method of the binarization processing, there are a method called an error diffusion method and a method called a systematic dither method.
[0081]
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. Further, the color printer 20 executes an interlace process for rearranging the image data converted into a format representing the presence / absence of dot formation in the order to be transferred to the color printer 20.
[0082]
As described above, according to the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment, the image data of the image file 100 generated by the digital still camera 12 described above can be subjected to desired image processing and output.
[0083]
Further, according to the color printer 20 in the present embodiment, the image quality of the image data can be automatically adjusted using the image processing control data included in the image file. Furthermore, when the image quality adjustment condition of the image data is arbitrarily set by the user, the automatic image quality adjustment is executed by reflecting the arbitrarily set image quality correction condition. The problem in the conventional automatic image quality adjustment function that the conditions are set and the user's intention cannot be reflected can be solved.
[0084]
Also, the image processing control data included in the image file can be used to automatically adjust the image quality, so that the user can easily capture the image without adjusting the image quality using a photo retouching application or printer driver. Reflected high-quality printing results can be obtained.
[0085]
In the above embodiment, an example in which image quality adjustment processing is automatically executed has been described. However, an automatic image quality adjustment button is provided on the operation panel of the color printer 20, and automatic image quality adjustment is selected by this image quality automatic adjustment button. The image quality automatic adjustment process of the above-described embodiment may be executed only when it is performed.
[0086]
H. Other examples:
In the above embodiment, all image processing is executed in the color printer 20 without using the personal computer PC, and the dot pattern is formed on the print medium according to the generated image data. A part of the program may be executed on a computer or a server SV via a network. In order to be executed on the personal computer PC, an image data processing application (program) such as a retouch application or a printer driver installed in the hard disk of the computer is provided with the image processing function described with reference to FIG. It is realized by. The image file 100 generated by the digital still camera 12 is provided to the computer via a cable or via a memory card MC. On the computer, an application is started by a user operation, and reading of the image file 100, analysis of image processing control data, conversion of image data, and adjustment are executed. Alternatively, by detecting the insertion of the memory card MC or by detecting the insertion of the cable, the application is automatically started, the image file 100 is read, the image processing control data is analyzed, and the image data Conversion and adjustment may be automatically performed.
[0087]
Also, when image processing is executed on the server SV, an application that executes the image processing function with reference to FIG. 17 is stored in the hard disk of the server SV, and when the image file 100 is received, the image processing is performed. The image processing specified by the control data may be executed, and the image file 100 or the image data that has been subjected to the image processing may be transmitted to the transmission source personal computer PC or the output destination color printer 20. For example, the digital still camera 12 has a wireless communication function, the digital still camera 12 directly transmits an image file including the output destination global IP address to the server SV, and the output destination global IP address is transmitted from the server SV. By transmitting the image file 100 or the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to the color printer 20 to which the image is assigned, computerless printing can be realized.
[0088]
Further, a parameter value for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected. For example, the color printer 20 may be provided with a parameter selection button or a shooting mode parameter selection button in which predetermined parameters are combined according to the subject, and parameters for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected with these selection buttons. When automatic image quality adjustment is executed on a personal computer, a parameter for executing automatic image quality adjustment may be selected on a user interface of a printer driver or a retouch application.
[0089]
In the above embodiment, the image file is generated by the digital still camera 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. Application software having a function of generating the image file of the present invention may be prepared in the personal computer PC to generate the image file.
[0090]
In the above-described embodiments, the color printer 20 is used as an output device. However, a display device such as a CRT, LCD, or projector can be used as the output device. In this case, an image processing program (display driver) that executes the image processing described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 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.
[0091]
In this case, the user's preference at the time of image data generation is added to the display result on a display device such as a CRT in the same way that the user's preference at the time of image data generation can be reflected in the print result via the color printer 20. Can be reflected.
[0092]
The image file 100 used in the present embodiment may be used as an image file for capturing a predetermined frame (scene) of digital television broadcasting. Since the image data in the digital television broadcast is also based on the YCbCr color space, the present invention can be applied as in the case of the digital still camera 12. Specifically, a scene instructed to be captured is captured as image data, image processing control data corresponding to the captured image data is set, and an image file 100 including the image data and the image processing control data is generated. As a result, when outputting image data, it is possible to output an image with high saturation, similar to the color in digital television broadcasting.
[0093]
As described above, the image file generation device, the image output device, the image output system, and the program according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments. However, the embodiments of the present invention described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. 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.
[0094]
In the above embodiment, parameters such as gamma value, color space, brightness, and sharpness are used as the image processing control data. However, which parameters are used as the image processing control data is an arbitrary decision.
[0095]
Moreover, the value of each parameter illustrated in the table | surface of FIG. 7 is only an illustration to the last, and the invention which concerns on this application is not restrict | limited by this value. In addition, the matrix values in the image processing of FIG. 17 are not particularly exemplified, but it is needless to say that the values can be appropriately changed depending on the target color space or the color space available in the color printer 20. . Further, each element of the matrix is also one of the image processing control data that affects the output image. Therefore, the user may be permitted to edit and be registered as a user setting matrix.
[0096]
In the above embodiment, 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. In the case of using a scanner, the specification of the captured data information of the image file 100 may be executed on the computer PC, or a preset button assigned with setting information in advance for information setting on the scanner, an arbitrarily set A display screen and a setting button may be provided so that the scanner can be executed alone.
[0097]
In the above embodiment, the Exif format file has been described as a specific example of the image file 100, but the format of the image file according to the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any image file including image data generated by the image data generation device and image processing control data describing the output condition of the image data may be used. With such a file, it is not necessary to set the image processing conditions for each printing in the output device, and the image processing is immediately executed based on the designated image processing conditions, and the image data generated in the image file generating device The image quality can be appropriately adjusted and output from the output device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image output system 10;
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of the image output system 10;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing functional blocks of the digital still camera 12;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital still camera.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of an image file 100. FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed hierarchical structure of an image file 100. FIG.
7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of data stored in a MakerNote data storage area 103. FIG.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a graphic user interface (GUI) for setting an image processing mode.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing parameters of image processing control data and setting contents thereof.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a GUI for editing each parameter of image processing control data.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a GUI for editing each parameter of the image processing control data.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a second mode of image processing control data input.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a third mode of image processing control data input.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fourth mode of image processing control data input.
15 is a flowchart showing a generation process of an image file 100 in the digital still camera 12. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the color printer 20 as an image output apparatus.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of image processing based on image processing control data.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Image output system
12 ... Digital still camera
12a ... Image data generation unit
12b: Image data input unit
12c: Image processing control data input unit
12d: Image processing control data storage unit
12e ... Image file generator
121: Optical circuit
122. Image acquisition circuit
123: Image processing circuit
124 ... Control circuit
126 ... Select / Enter button
127 ... Liquid crystal display
14 ... Display
20 Color printer
22 ... Control circuit
24 ... Memory card slot
100 ... Image file (Exif file)
101: Image data storage area
102 ... Attached information storage area
103 ... MakerNote data storage area
104 ... PrintMatching data storage area

Claims (27)

An image file generation device,
An image data input unit for inputting image data;
An image processing control data input unit for inputting image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from the image file generation apparatus ;
An image file generation unit that generates an image file including the image data that has not been subjected to image processing using the image processing control data and the image processing control data;
An image file generation device comprising: The image file generation device according to claim 1,
The image processing control data input unit is an image file generation device that inputs the image processing control data via a recording medium. The image file generation device according to claim 1,
The image processing control data input unit is an image file generation device that inputs the image processing control data via communication. The image file generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
An image processing control data storage unit for storing the input image processing control data;
An image processing control data editing unit for editing the image processing control data stored in the image processing control data storage unit ;
Image file generation apparatus Ru comprising a. The image file generation device according to claim 4 ,
Prior Symbol image processing control data storage unit, and updates and stores the stored image processing control data to the image processing control data the edited image file generation apparatus. The image file generation device according to claim 4 ,
Prior Symbol image processing control data storage unit, adds and stores the image processing control data the edited image file generation apparatus. The image file generation device according to claim 4,
The image processing control data includes a plurality of parameters,
The image processing control data editing unit is an image file generation device having a predetermined restriction condition in a variable range of the parameter. An image file generation device,
A generation condition setting unit for setting a generation condition of image data, which is a parameter affecting the generated image data;
An image data generation unit for generating image data based on the set generation condition;
An image processing control data corresponding to the previous SL set generation condition, and the image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from that of the image file generating apparatus, an image using the image processing control data An image file generation unit that generates an image file including the image data that has not been processed ;
An image file generation device comprising: An image file generation device,
A generation condition setting unit for setting a generation condition of image data, which is a parameter affecting the generated image data;
An image processing content setting unit for setting image processing content;
Wherein based on the set generation condition, and the image data generation unit for generating images data,
An image processing control data corresponding to the image processing contents before Symbol set, and an image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from that of the image file generation device, using the image processing control data An image file generation unit for generating an image file including the image data not subjected to image processing ;
An image file generation device comprising: An image file generation device,
An image file input unit for inputting an image file including image data and first image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device ;
An image processing control data input unit for inputting second image processing control data different from the first image processing control data, used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device
The first image processing control data is replaced with the second image processing control data, and the image that has not been subjected to image processing using the first image processing control data or the second image processing control data An image file generation unit that generates an image file including data and the second image processing control data;
An image file generation device comprising: The image file generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
The image file generation device is a digital camera.
Image file generator.   The image file generation device according to claim 11, which is dependent on claim 8 or claim 9,
  The generation condition is a shooting condition by the digital camera.
  Image file generator.   The image file generation device according to claim 12,
  The shooting conditions include at least one of exposure time, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, and lens focal length.
  Image file generator.   The image file generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
  The file format of the image data is TIFF format.
  Image file generator. An image file generation method for generating an image file by an image file generation device,
The image file generation device includes an image data input unit, an image processing control data input unit, and an image file generation unit,
The image file generation method includes:
Inputting image data by the image data input unit ;
A step of inputting image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device by the image processing control data input unit ;
Generating, by the image file generation unit, an image file including the image data that has not been subjected to image processing using the image processing control data and the image processing control data;
Image file generation method including An image file generation method for generating an image file by an image file generation device,
The image file generation device includes a generation condition setting unit, an image data generation unit, and an image file generation unit,
The image file generation method includes:
A step of setting a generation condition of image data which is a parameter affecting the generated image data by the generation condition setting unit;
A step of generating image data based on the set generation condition by the image data generation unit ;
Image processing control data corresponding to the set generation conditions by the image file generation unit, the image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device, and the image processing Generating an image file including the image data that has not been subjected to image processing using control data ;
Image file generation method including An image file generation method for generating an image file by an image file generation device,
The image file generation device includes a generation condition setting unit, an image processing content setting unit, an image data generation unit, and an image file generation unit,
The image file generation method includes:
A step of setting a generation condition of image data which is a parameter affecting the generated image data by the generation condition setting unit;
A step of setting image processing content by the image processing content setting unit ;
By the image data generating unit, based on the set generation condition, and generating the images data,
Image processing control data corresponding to the image processing content set by the image file generation unit, the image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device, and the image Generating an image file including the image data that has not been subjected to image processing using processing control data ;
Image file generation method including An image file generation method for generating an image file by an image file generation device,
The image file generation device includes an image file input unit, an image processing control data input unit, and an image file generation unit,
The image file generation method includes:
A step of inputting an image file including image data and first image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device by the image file input unit ;
A step of inputting, by the image processing control data input unit, second image processing control data that is used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device and is different from the first image processing control data ; ,
Image processing using the first image processing control data or the second image processing control data by replacing the first image processing control data with the second image processing control data by the previous image file generation unit Generating an image file including the image data and the second image processing control data that have not been subjected to:
Image file generation method including   The image file generation method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, comprising:
  The image file generation device is a digital camera.
  Image file generation method.   An image file generation method according to any one of claims 15 to 19,
  The file format of the image data is TIFF format.
  Image file generation method. A computer program for generating an image file by a computer provided in the image file generation device,
A function to input image data;
A function of inputting image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from the image file generation apparatus ;
A function of generating an image file including the image data that has not been subjected to image processing using the image processing control data and the image processing control data;
A computer program for realizing a computer. A computer program for generating an image file by a computer provided in the image file generation device,
A function for setting generation conditions for image data, which is a parameter affecting the generated image data;
A function of generating image data based on the set generation condition;
An image processing control data corresponding to the previous SL set generation condition, and the image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from that of the image file generating apparatus, an image using the image processing control data A function of generating an image file including the image data that has not been processed ;
A computer program for realizing a computer. A computer program for generating an image file by a computer provided in the image file generation device,
A function for setting generation conditions for image data, which is a parameter affecting the generated image data;
A function to set the image processing content,
Wherein based on the set generation condition, a function of generating the images data,
An image processing control data corresponding to the image processing contents before Symbol set, and an image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from that of the image file generation device, using the image processing control data A function of generating an image file including the image data not subjected to image processing ;
A computer program for realizing a computer. A computer program for generating an image file by a computer provided in the image file generation device,
A function of inputting an image file including image data and first image processing control data used for image processing in an image processing apparatus different from the image file generation apparatus ;
A function of inputting second image processing control data that is used for image processing in an image processing device different from the image file generation device and is different from the first image processing control data ;
The first image processing control data is replaced with the second image processing control data, and the image that has not been subjected to image processing using the first image processing control data or the second image processing control data A function of generating an image file including data and the second image processing control data;
A computer program for realizing a computer.   A computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 24,
  The file format of the image data is TIFF format.
  Computer program.   A recording medium in which the computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 25 is recorded in a computer-readable manner. A computer-readable recording medium on which image processing control data input to an image file generating device is recorded, wherein the image processing control data is
Input to the image file generation device via the recording medium,
The image file generation device generates an image file including the input image processing control data and image data not subjected to image processing using the image processing control data ;
A computer-readable recording medium on which image processing control data is recorded.

Images