JP4912059B2 - Image processing parameter recording method and imaging system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to generation and recording of image processing parameters used for image processing.

  In recent years, digital cameras, which are rapidly spreading, record an image as digital data, and thus are characterized by easy image management and processing. However, on the other hand, since digital data can be easily altered such as synthesis without leaving a trace, reliability as evidence of a captured digital image may be a problem. Furthermore, since digital data is very easy to copy and distribute, there is a problem that the rights of the creator of the image (copyright holder) are not sufficiently protected. Therefore, in recent years, there has been proposed a digital camera having a function of adding verification data for verifying that the digital data has not been altered to the digital data recorded by the digital camera (see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in general, a digital camera has a function of processing an image at the same time as shooting by image processing using the processability of digital data. Since the image processing can be changed according to the set image processing parameter, the digital camera can execute various image processing. In this type of digital camera, there has been proposed one that can set not only image processing parameters corresponding to an operation mode prepared in advance but also image processing parameters created freely according to user's preference (Patent Literature). 2). According to such a digital camera, an image processing system capable of realizing color reproduction desired by a user is provided. In particular, RAW data is a digitized electrical signal obtained from an image sensor, and is not subjected to image processing such as white balance. Therefore, the user's favorite color can be selected by selectively using image processing parameters. It is easy to realize the reproduction.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-2000730 JP 2005-101828 A

  Image processing parameters for processing RAW data can be created by the user and applied to the RAW data. Then, there is a demand to prevent such parameters for image processing from being used by others or to limit the use of others. However, in general, it is not considered to add information about a parameter creator to an image processing parameter for performing image processing on RAW data acquired by a digital camera. For this reason, there has been a problem that the contents of the image processing parameters unique to the creator are not properly protected.

  An object of the present invention is to protect the contents of an image processing parameter unique to the creator by adding information about the creator to the image processing parameter created by the user.

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing parameter generation method by an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image processing parameter recording method comprising:
A first generation step of generating image processing parameters used for image processing performed on photographing data obtained from the imaging device;
Regarding the image processing parameter generated in the first generation step, a second generation step of generating information about the creator of the image processing parameter;
A third generation step of generating information relating to use conditions of the image processing parameters with respect to the image processing parameters generated in the first generation step;
In the recording step of recording the shooting data obtained by the imaging device on a recording medium, the first shooting data not subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter is the image processing parameter, the creator Information relating to the use condition and information relating to the use condition are recorded on a recording medium, and the second image data subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter includes information relating to the image process parameter and the use condition. not correlated, and a recording step of recording on the recording medium in association information on the creator.

In addition, an imaging system according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
An imaging system comprising an imaging device and an information processing device that generates image processing parameters,
The information processing apparatus includes:
First generation means for generating image processing parameters used for image processing performed on photographing data obtained from the imaging device;
Second generation means for generating information relating to a creator of the image processing parameter with respect to the image processing parameter generated by the first generation means;
A third generation unit that generates information on a use condition of the image processing parameter with respect to the image processing parameter generated by the first generation unit ;
The imaging device
Recording means for recording the photographic data obtained by the imaging apparatus on a recording medium, wherein the first photographic data not subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter is the image processing parameter, the creator Information relating to the use condition and information relating to the use condition are recorded on a recording medium, and the second image data subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter includes information relating to the image process parameter and the use condition. not correlated, a recording means to record on the recording medium in association information on the creator.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the image processing parameter, so that the contents of the image processing parameter unique to the creator of the image processing parameter can be protected.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a digital camera is used as the image processing apparatus.

  The digital camera 10 includes a photographing optical system 101, a color chip filter 102, and an image sensor 103. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which, for example, a CCD is used as the imaging element 103 and a color chip filter 102 of, for example, RGB three primary colors is provided on the imaging surface is used. That is, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment performs color photographing using a single plate method. An optical subject image formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 103 by the imaging optical system 101 is photoelectrically converted by the imaging element 103. A signal obtained by photoelectric conversion is read from the image sensor 103, subjected to analog signal processing, and supplied to the A / D converter 104. The A / D converter 104 converts the signal supplied from the image sensor 103 into a digital signal and stores it in the memory 105 as RAW data.

  The image processing unit 106 performs white balance correction processing, color interpolation processing, matrix conversion, gamma processing, and the like on the RAW data stored in the memory 105, and outputs the processing result as image data. Image processing parameters used when the image processing unit 106 executes these processes are held in the image processing parameter holding unit 107. The image processing parameter holding unit 107 holds a plurality of types of image processing parameters. The image processing parameters are held in the image processing parameter holding unit 107 as an image processing parameter file having a data structure to be described later with reference to FIG. The image processing parameter selection unit 113 selects an image processing parameter to be used by the image processing unit 106 from the image processing parameter holding unit 107. Further, in the digital camera 10, the selected image processing parameter can be adjusted as necessary by the image processing parameter adjustment unit 108.

  The image processing parameter holding unit 107 holds image processing parameters set in advance at the time of shipment of the digital camera 10 and image processing parameters input from an external device through the data input / output unit 109. Hereinafter, image processing parameters set and registered in advance by the manufacturer at the time of shipment of the digital camera 10 are referred to as preset parameters. Also, image processing parameters input from an external device are referred to as user set parameters. The user set parameter is an image processing parameter generated by an external device (image processing parameter generation unit 20 (PC application software)). The user set parameters include those distributed and provided on the Web by the camera manufacturer, professional photographer, and the like over the Internet.

  The compression processing unit 110 performs compression processing on the image data according to the recording mode selected by the recording mode selection unit 114. For example, when the RAW mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit 114, lossless compression processing such as Huffman coding is performed on the RAW data. On the other hand, when the JPEG (Joint Picture Experts Group) mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit 114, JPEG compression processing is performed on the image data output from the image processing unit 106. The data compressed by the compression processing unit 110 is recorded on the recording medium 111. The user can set a desired recording mode by operating the recording mode selection unit 114. In the present specification, data obtained by performing image processing (development processing) on RAW data is referred to as image data. In this specification, RAW data, image data, and the like obtained by the digital camera 10 are collectively referred to as shooting data.

  Next, the configuration of the image processing parameter generation unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing parameter generation unit 20 can be realized, for example, by introducing a control program for realizing the functions described below into a general-purpose personal computer. The image processing parameter generation unit 20 of the present embodiment uses image data of color charts including a plurality of color patches and target color (target data) specified for each color patch of the color charts. To decide. The image processing parameter generation unit 20 can input shooting data from the digital camera 10 via the data input / output unit 201. For example, RAW data (reversibly compressed) obtained by the digital camera 10 capturing the color chart 30 is input to the image processing parameter generation unit 20 via the data input / output unit 201. In the color chart 30 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, 24 color patches P01 to P24 are arranged for the purpose of determination and analysis of color reproducibility. For example, the color chart 30 is composed of color patches that cover all hues and have gray gradations, such as ColorChecker of Gretag Macbeth. The color chart 30 of the present embodiment is composed of 24 color patches P01 to P24. However, the color chart is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a number of color patches according to combinations of various hues and gradations are arranged. But you can.

  The data input / output unit 201 can transmit and receive shooting data and image processing parameters by communicating with the digital camera 10. More specifically, the data input / output unit 201 communicates with the digital camera 10 via the data input / output unit 109 of the digital camera 10. An example of communication between the data input / output units 109 and 201 is USB. The data input / output unit 201 also realizes input of target data from an external device or the like via a PC application, reception of image processing parameters via the Internet or the like. Here, the target data is a color target value used by the image processing parameter generation unit 20 to generate image processing parameters for realizing a desired image processing characteristic in the digital camera 10. The input of target data will be described later in detail in the description of step S206 in FIG. The data input / output unit 201 further includes a function as an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for receiving input from the user.

  The image processing unit 202 refers to an image processing parameter associated with the currently selected digital camera 10 among image processing parameters stored in an image processing parameter holding unit 206 described later. Then, the image processing unit 202 performs image processing equivalent to the internal processing of the currently selected digital camera 10 on the RGB average value of the RAW data for each color patch output from the average value calculation unit 203, and performs image processing. Is generated. That is, the image processing unit 202 can execute image processing equivalent to the image processing unit 106 of each of the plurality of digital cameras, and selectively executes image processing equivalent to the image processing unit 106 of the selected digital camera. . The selection of the digital camera may be performed by the user specifying a desired digital camera from the list of digital cameras displayed on the display unit 208, or from a digital camera connected via the data input / output unit 201. You may carry out by acquiring model information.

  An example of specific processing of the image processing unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image processing in the image processing unit 202. In steps S101 to S103, processing of gamma conversion 1, 3 × 20 matrix calculation, and gamma conversion 2 is performed on the RAW data, respectively. The gamma conversion 1 is, for example, a linear gamma conversion process. The matrix calculation is a matrix calculation process using an X × Y matrix, that is, a filter with X rows and Y columns. In step S102, a matrix operation using a 3 × 20 filter is executed. The gamma conversion 2 is a gamma conversion process corresponding to a gamma curve, for example. Depending on the selected image processing parameter, the processing contents (the conversion table of gamma conversions 1 and 2 and the matrix used for matrix calculation) are determined.

  The average value calculation unit 203 calculates the RGB average values of the patches P01 to P24 from the raw data of the color chart 30 as shown in FIG. 3 input from the data input / output unit 201. The format information of the color chart 30 (arrangement position of each patch, etc.) is held in advance in the input data / target data holding unit 207, and the average value calculation unit 203 uses this format information to calculate the pixel data of each patch. Automatically extract and calculate the RGB average value. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 202 performs the image processing described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 on the RGB average values of the patches output from the average value calculation unit 203, and data defined by CIELAB. Convert to Hereinafter, the converted data is referred to as input patch data.

The change unit 204 displays the target data change screen as shown in FIG. 5 in which the input patch data input from the image processing unit 202 and the target data are plotted on the color space a ^* b ^* plane defined by CIELAB. Displayed on the unit 208. This target data change screen constitutes a GUI, and the user can adjust the value of the target data so as to obtain a favorite color on the screen as needed. In addition, when the user changes the target data on the target data change screen, the changing unit 204 reflects this in the target data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a target data change screen that the change unit 204 displays on the display unit 208. As shown in FIG. 5, the circles (circle marks) on the a ^* b ^* plane indicate input patch data of the respective color patches P01 to P24, and the triangle marks (triangle marks) indicate target data. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference of the input patch data and target data in each patch can be confirmed. For example, when the target data 401 is displayed at a different position as shown in FIG. 5 with respect to the input patch data 402 of a certain color patch, the user changes the position of the target data 401 with the pointer 403. Can do. For example, the target data 401 can be moved to a desired planar position by moving the pointer 403 to the display position of the target data 401 and performing a drag and drop operation. Thus, the change unit 204 provides a GUI that can change the position of the target data with the pointer 403, so that the user visually changes the LAB value of the target data on the target data change screen. be able to. The pointer 403 is an arrow that moves according to the movement of the mouse provided in the data input / output unit 201, for example.

In this embodiment, the input data and the target data are mapped on the a ^* b ^* plane of the color space defined by CIELAB, but this is not restrictive. For example, a space defined by CIELAB, which is mapped to either the L ^* a ^* plane or the L ^* b ^* plane, may be displayed, or may be mapped to another type of color space.

  The image processing parameter optimization unit 205 optimizes the image processing parameters used in the image processing unit 202. For example, the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 performs image processing using the DLS method (attenuation least square method) or the like so that the color difference between the input patch data and the changed target data in each color patch P01 to P24 is minimized. Optimize parameters.

  The input data / target data holding unit 207 holds, as input RGB data, the RGB average value that is the basis of the input patch data calculated by the average value calculation unit 203 for each of the color patches P01 to P24. Retain the set target data. A display unit 208 displays image data and the like after the image processing unit 202 performs color processing on the captured data read from the data input / output unit 201. The display unit 208 includes a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. In addition, as such a display device, a device capable of appropriately reproducing colors, for example, corresponding to a color management system is preferable.

  The creator information creation unit 209 includes copyright information (hereinafter referred to as creation) of the creator who created the image processing parameter created by the user (for example, the image processing parameter optimized by the image processing parameter optimization unit 205). User information) and add it to the image processing parameters. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the image processing parameter file 50 created in the image processing parameter generation unit 20. The parameter name storage area 51 is an area for storing a character string (for example, “beautiful human skin”) for representing the characteristics of the image processing parameters created by the user, the shooting scene, the subject theme, and the like. The creator information storage area 52 stores information about the creator of the image processing parameter. The creator information storage area 52 includes a creator name storage area 53, a change history information storage area 54, and a use condition storage area 55. The creator name storage area 53 stores the creator name of the image processing parameter. The change history storage area 54 stores a change history indicating how the image processing parameters are created. In the use condition storage area 55, information regarding the use conditions of the image processing parameters is stored. The image processing parameter storage area 56 stores the image processing parameter.

  The use condition storage area 55 holds, for example, use availability information 55a, editability information 55b, and adjustment availability information 55c. The availability information 55a indicates whether or not a third party other than the creator is permitted to use the image processing parameter. The editability information 55b defines restrictions on editing by a third party of the image processing parameter. Further, the adjustment availability information 55c defines a restriction (adjustment range) regarding adjustment of the image processing parameter. Thus, the creator information can be used as information for restricting the use of the image processing parameter.

  Next, image processing parameter generation processing by the image processing parameter generation unit 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 201, the data input / output unit 201 reads photographing data from the digital camera 10 via the data input / output unit 109. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the RAW data of the color chart 30 is read. Next, in step S202, the average value calculation unit 203 obtains the RGB average value of each of the color patches P01 to P24 of the RAW data read by the image input / output unit 201. In step S203, the image processing unit 202 determines whether the image processing parameter selected by the user to be referred to by the image processing unit 202 is a preset parameter or a user set parameter.

  If it is determined that the parameter is a user set parameter, the process proceeds from step S203 to step S204. In step S204, the image processing unit 202 determines whether the image processing parameter is editable based on the editability information 55b. If it is determined that the image processing parameter cannot be edited, the image processing parameter generation processing is stopped. If it is determined in step S204 that editing is possible, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S <b> 205, the image processing unit 202 performs image processing on the RGB average values calculated by the average value calculation unit 203 using the image processing parameters selected by the user to be referred to by the image processing unit 202. Further, the image processing unit 202 changes the CIELAB format assuming that the RGB data after color processing (hereinafter referred to as data after color processing) is sRGB defined by IEC 61966-2-1 and the white point is D65. Input patch data for the unit 204 is calculated. IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. Note that the image processing parameter added to the RAW data can be used in place of the image processing parameter selected by the user to be referred to by the image processing unit 202.

  In step S206, target data for the color patches P01 to P24 of the color chart 30 photographed by the digital camera 10 is input to the image processing parameter generation unit 20. Alternatively, for example, CIELAB format color data obtained by measuring each color patch of the color chart 30 with a small spectrophotometer may be used as target data. Note that the data format of the target data in this embodiment is color data in the same data format as the above-described input patch data (in this example, CIELAB format). The target data can be input from the target data change screen shown in FIG. 5 via the PC application or as a data file. Further, the target data may be the same as the input patch data calculated previously, or may be input by changing the input patch data on the target data change screen.

  In step S207, the changing unit 204 displays the input patch data calculated by the image processing unit 202 in step S205 and the target data input from the data input / output unit 201 in step S206 on the display unit 208. At this time, the change unit 204 displays a target data change screen as shown in FIG. The changing unit 204 accepts an operation for editing target data by the user (an operation for moving the Δ mark in FIG. 5). Then, the LAB value determined by the position of the Δ mark after editing (after movement) is set as target data after editing. At this time, the user can enhance the redness of the target data indicating the skin color, for example, or can enhance the blueness of the target data indicating the sky blue, depending on the preference.

In step S208, the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 performs color processing parameter optimization processing according to the color difference between the input patch data and the edited target data. More specifically, the color processing data (R _i , G _i , B _i ) (i = 1) is obtained by performing the same processing as the image processing unit 202 using the image processing parameters after optimization for each color patch data. To 24). Here, i is an identification number (ID) of each of the color patches P01 to P24. Next, the color difference E _i between the data (L ^* _i , a ^* _i , b ^* _i ) obtained by converting the color-processed data into the CIELAB space and the target data (L ^* _Ti , a ^* _Ti , b ^* _Ti ). Is an evaluation function. Then, the value of the evaluation function E _i for all the color patches is added to calculate the value of the entire evaluation function E by the following equation.

Next, the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 performs target data (L ^* _Ti , a ^* _Ti , b ^* _Ti ) corresponding to post-image processing data (L ^* _i , a ^* _i , b ^* _i ) of each color patch. The image processing parameters are optimized so that the color difference E _i between and is minimized as a whole. For this optimization, for example, a DLS method (attenuating least square method) or the like can be used. In other words, the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 optimizes the image processing parameter by obtaining an image processing parameter that minimizes the value of the evaluation function E of Equation 1. Further, the evaluation function used by the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 is not limited to the evaluation function E obtained by the above-described expression 1, but may be an evaluation function E obtained by individually setting weights for the color patches P01 to P24. good. Assuming that the weight value at that time is w _i , the parameter optimization unit 205 calculates the value of the evaluation function E by the following equation.

Next, in step S209, the image processing parameter optimization unit 205 displays the evaluation function E _{i for} each color patch and the value of the evaluation function E, which is the total value, on the display unit 208 in a list as shown in FIG. To do. Further, the image processing unit 202 performs image processing on the captured data using the image processing parameters optimized by the image processing parameter optimization unit 205. Thereby, the image processing parameter generation unit 20 displays the image after image processing (the image of the color chart 30) on the display unit 208.

As described above, the user can check the color difference between the input data and the target data in the case of performing image processing using the image processing parameters after optimization in each color patch by using the list display 801 shown in FIG. Furthermore, it is possible to confirm whether each color patch is reproduced in a desired color by displaying the image. In the list display 801 of this example, target data of each color patch, input data obtained by processing RAW data of each color patch with the image processing parameters after optimization (hereinafter referred to as input data after optimization), weight value w _i , Evaluation function E _i , hue angle (color difference) are listed in the order of ID. The value of the evaluation function E is also displayed (803). In the display example of FIG. 8, a scroll bar 802 for scrolling the table is provided when the data of all 24 color patches cannot be displayed in the list. As shown in FIG. 8, displaying on the display unit 208 makes it easy for the user to determine whether or not sufficient optimization has been performed so that the color processing parameters correspond to the target data.

  Next, the user checks the list screen 60 and the image of the color chart 30 displayed on the display unit 208 in step S209 to determine whether or not to end the optimization and determines the image processing parameter generation unit 20. To continue or end optimization. The optimization end / continuation instruction is made by selecting the optimization end button 804 or the continuation button 805 with the pointer 806. In step S210, the image processing parameter generation unit 20 determines whether to continue or end the optimization in accordance with this instruction. If the user's instruction is to continue optimization (NO in step S210), the image processing parameter generation unit 20 returns to step S207 and transitions to a screen that prompts the user to edit target data again. To do. If the user instruction is the end of optimization (YES in step S210), the image processing parameter generation unit 20 proceeds to step S301 in FIG. An instruction (pointer operation) from the user is input from the data input / output unit 201, for example.

  Next, processing for adding creator information to the image processing parameters created up to step S210 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the creator information creation unit 209 displays a user interface as shown in FIG. 9 on the display unit 208 to allow the user to set creator information of image processing parameters. The user can input the name of the image processing parameter in the field 1101 and the name of the creator of the image processing parameter in the field 1102. These pieces of information are stored in the parameter name storage area 51 and the creator name storage area 53 of the image processing parameter file, respectively. Further, according to FIG. 9, interfaces (1103, 1104, 1105) for setting availability, editing availability, and adjustment availability are provided. Regarding the setting of whether to allow editing (1104), an interface 1108 for setting whether to allow secondary distribution is further provided. Further, in the setting of whether or not adjustment is possible, “partially possible” that enables selection of adjustable items can be selected. In the present embodiment, when “partially acceptable” is selected as the possibility of adjustment, in this embodiment, desired items (multiple settings are possible) are adjustable from “sharpness”, “contrast”, “color density”, and “hue”. (1106). When the items related to the creator and usage restrictions are set from the user interface shown in FIG. 9 and the setting button 1107 is pressed (clicked), the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is started. .

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for setting creator information set using the user interface of FIG. 9 for the created image processing parameters. First, in step S301, the name set in the field 1101 is stored in the parameter name storage area 51 for the created image processing parameter. As the parameter name, for example, a name that represents the feature of the image processing parameter, such as “human skin clean”, “sky vivid”, or the like is preferably set. In step S302, the name of the creator of the image processing parameter (content set in the field 1102) is stored in the creator name storage area 53.

  In step S303, the availability information 55a is added according to the setting status of availability (1103). The availability information 55a is information about whether or not the created image processing parameter is permitted to be used by a third party. Next, in step S304, editability information 55b is added according to the setting state of editability (1104). The editability information 55b is information about whether or not to allow creation of a new image processing parameter based on the created image processing parameter. In addition, if it is editable, the setting of whether to permit or prohibit the secondary distribution (1108) is also registered as editability information 55b. Secondary distribution refers to obtaining image processing parameters created by a third party by downloading, etc., and redistributing them as they are, or edited and processed. Next, in step S305, adjustment availability information 55c is added according to the setting status of adjustment availability (1105). The adjustment availability information 55c is information about whether fine adjustment of the image processing parameter is permitted when the image processing parameter is registered in the digital camera 10 and used. Here, the items to be finely adjusted include, for example, sharpness, contrast, color density, color tone, and the like. When the above-mentioned “partially acceptable” is set, information indicating items that can be adjusted is also registered as the adjustment availability information 55c.

  In step S306, an image processing parameter change history is added. The image processing parameter used to create the input patch data in the image processing unit 202 is a preset parameter, or a user set parameter that permits editing by a third party and the creator abandons copyright. If it is, information related to the user's parameter creation (change) date and time, change contents (changed items of parameters), etc. is additionally recorded or overwritten in the area of history 1. It is assumed that information indicating whether the copyright is abandoned is described in the history area. If the image processing parameters used to create the input patch data prohibit secondary distribution in the editability information, the original user parameter creation (change) date / time and change contents stored in the history 1 Information related to (changed items of parameters) and the like are held, and information related to creation date and time, details of changes, and the like are recorded in areas after history 2. Through the above processing, creator information is added to the image processing parameter.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The digital camera 10 can receive the image processing parameter file generated by the image processing parameter generation unit 20 as described above from the image processing parameter generation unit 20 via the data input / output unit 109. The received image processing parameter file is stored in the image processing parameter holding unit 107.

  When shooting using the digital camera 10, the user turns on a power switch (not shown). As a result, imaging by the image sensor 103 of the activated digital camera 10 is performed, and RAW data is held in the memory 105. The image processing unit 106 reads out the currently selected image processing parameter from the image processing parameter holding unit 107. Then, the image processing unit 106 generates an image for display by performing image processing on the RAW data held in the memory 105 using the read image processing parameter, and displays the image on the display unit 112. The display of the shooting data on the display unit 112 is updated every 1/30 seconds, for example. Therefore, in this case, the image processing unit 106 also generates a display image from the RAW data in units of 1/30 seconds.

  Next, the user looks at the image displayed on the display unit 112, determines the composition of the subject, and presses a shutter button (not shown) to take a picture. When the shutter button is pressed, the image processing unit 106 outputs image data using the read image processing parameters for the RAW data. The compression processing unit 110 compresses the shooting data (RAW data or the image data) output at the timing when the shutter button is pressed in accordance with the recording mode selected by the recording mode selection unit 114, and performs compression processing. The recorded data is recorded on the external recording medium 111.

  If the image processing parameter currently selected by the digital camera 10 is a user set parameter, the use is restricted according to the creator information. For example, when the availability information 55 a prohibits the use by a third party, the third party cannot use the parameter for the processing of the image processing unit 106. Alternatively, the adjustment items of the image processing parameters are restricted by the creator information. As described above, the adjustment items of the image processing parameter include, for example, sharpness, contrast, color density, color tone, and the like.

  The restrictions regarding the adjustment items of the image processing parameters will be described with reference to FIG. When the user performs a predetermined operation using the image processing parameter selection unit, an image processing parameter selection screen as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the display unit 112. When creator information is set in the image processing parameter, an “Info.” Button 901 indicating that creator information as shown in FIG. 11A is set is displayed on the right side of the name of the image processing parameter. Is done. When the user presses the “Info.” Button 901 using the image processing parameter selection unit 113, information on the creator of the selected image processing parameter, for example, the name of the creator (53) shown in FIG. (55) and the like are displayed on the display unit 112. This state is shown in FIG. If use by the third party is prohibited by the use permission / inhibition information 55a, it is not placed in the list shown in FIG. 11A, or when the “Info.” Button 901 is pressed. Notify that it cannot be used.

  Next, the user uses the image processing parameter selection unit 113 to select an image processing parameter to be used. Items that can be adjusted by the image processing parameter adjustment unit 108 differ depending on the adjustment availability information 55c of the selected image processing parameter. The image processing parameter adjustment availability information 55c includes information on whether all items of the image processing parameter are adjustable, some items are adjustable, or all items are not adjustable. In. When all the items can be adjusted, they are displayed on the display unit 112 as shown in FIG. 11B, and the user can finely adjust each item in five stages. When some items can be adjusted, items that cannot be adjusted are grayed out as shown in FIG. When all items cannot be adjusted, all items are grayed out as shown in FIG. 11D, and any adjustment by the user cannot be performed. In addition, although it has been described that the number of adjustment items is limited, information that limits the range of adjustment items may be set in the adjustment availability information 55c. In this way, by restricting some or all of the adjustment items, it is possible to prevent image processing unintended by the creator of the image processing parameter from being performed.

  Also, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment has image processing parameter information added when shooting data is recorded on the recording medium 111 depending on whether the selected recording mode is the RAW image recording mode or the JPEG image recording mode. To change. The recording mode is selected by the recording mode selection unit 114. When the RAW image recording mode is selected, the data structure of the image processing parameters shown in FIG. 6 is added to the photographic data as it is. By doing so, the creator information of the creator of the image processing parameter is directly carried over to the image file, and the image processing parameter can be protected even when the RAW image is processed by the personal computer. On the other hand, when the JPEG image recording mode is selected, the information stored in the use condition storage area 55 and the information stored in the image processing parameter storage area 56 are excluded from the data structure shown in FIG. Add something to the shooting data and record it. In this way, unnecessary information can be omitted from the JPEG image, and the creator-specific image processing parameters used with the minimum data can be protected.

  Although the embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, the functions of the above-described embodiments are achieved by supplying a software program directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code. Including the case. In this case, the supplied program is a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing in the embodiment.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include the following. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD- R).

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program of the present invention is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. In this case, the downloaded program may be a compressed file including an automatic installation function. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for implementing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer.

  Further, the program of the present invention may be encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. In this case, a user who has cleared a predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from a homepage via the Internet, execute a program encrypted using the key information, and install the program on the computer. You can also

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiment being realized by the computer executing the read program, the embodiment of the embodiment is implemented in cooperation with an OS or the like running on the computer based on an instruction of the program. A function may be realized. In this case, the OS or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, so that part or all of the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. May be. In this case, after a program is written in the function expansion board or function expansion unit, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device by this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing parameter production | generation part. It is a figure which shows the example of the color chart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the image process performed by the image process part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the target data change screen which the change part of this embodiment displays on a display part. It is a figure which shows the example of a data structure of the image processing parameter setting file of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production | generation process of the image processing parameter by the image processing parameter production | generation part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list display example of the input patch data at the time of performing image processing using the image processing parameter after optimization about each color patch P01-P24, and those color differences. It is a figure which shows the example of a user interface for setting creator information of an image processing parameter. It is a flowchart explaining the process which adds creator information to an image processing parameter. It is a figure explaining the restriction | limiting in an imaging device regarding the adjustment item of an image processing parameter.

Claims (7)

An image processing parameter recording method comprising:
A first generation step of generating image processing parameters used for image processing performed on photographing data obtained from the imaging device;
Regarding the image processing parameter generated in the first generation step, a second generation step of generating information about the creator of the image processing parameter;
A third generation step of generating information relating to use conditions of the image processing parameters with respect to the image processing parameters generated in the first generation step;
In the recording step of recording the shooting data obtained by the imaging device on a recording medium, the first shooting data not subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter is the image processing parameter, the creator Information relating to the use condition and information relating to the use condition are recorded on a recording medium, and the second image data subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter includes information relating to the image process parameter and the use condition. association without recording method of image processing parameters, characterized in that it comprises a recording step of recording on the recording medium in association with information relating to the creator. A providing step of providing a user interface for allowing a user to input information on the creator;
2. The image processing parameter recording method according to claim 1, wherein the second generation step generates information on the creator based on content input via the user interface. 3. 2. The image processing parameter according to claim 1, wherein the information about the creator includes an author name of the corresponding image processing parameter and information indicating a restriction on use of the image processing parameter by a third party . Recording method. The restriction of use is at least one of prohibition of use of image processing parameters, prohibition of editing image processing parameters to generate new image processing parameters, and restrictions on adjustment of image processing parameters. The image processing parameter recording method according to claim 3. An imaging system comprising an imaging device and an information processing device that generates image processing parameters,
The information processing apparatus includes:
First generation means for generating image processing parameters used for image processing performed on photographing data obtained from the imaging device;
Second generation means for generating information relating to a creator of the image processing parameter with respect to the image processing parameter generated by the first generation means;
A third generation unit that generates information on a use condition of the image processing parameter with respect to the image processing parameter generated by the first generation unit ;
The imaging device
Recording means for recording the photographic data obtained by the imaging apparatus on a recording medium, wherein the first photographic data not subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter is the image processing parameter, the creator Information relating to the use condition and information relating to the use condition are recorded on a recording medium, and the second image data subjected to image processing using the image processing parameter includes information relating to the image process parameter and the use condition. association not, the imaging system comprising, it is characterized in the recording means to record on the recording medium in association information on the creator.
A control program for executing the recording method of the image processing parameters according to any one of claims 1 to 4 to the computer. A computer-readable medium storing the control program according to claim 6 .

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