KR100787665B1 - Image processing device for transmitting color with fidelity and image data providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The image processing apparatus 1 provides the first test pattern image to the client apparatus 3 side, and acquires the evaluation result regarding the state shown by the naked eye. The image processing apparatus 1 acquires the color display capability of the client apparatus 3 based on this result, further provides a second test pattern image to the client apparatus 3, and evaluates the state by visual observation. Get the result. By the evaluation of this state, the image processing apparatus 1 acquires the color balance characteristics of the client apparatus 3, color-corrects the image data to be provided based on these characteristics, and provides it to the client apparatus 3. Thereby, the client apparatus 3 can improve the color reproducibility of image data.

Description

Image processing apparatus and image data providing method that faithfully delivers colors {IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING COLOR WITH FIDELITY AND IMAGE DATA PROVIDING METHOD}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for providing and displaying color image data to a remote client apparatus, and more particularly, to providing image data in consideration of the state of color displayed on the client apparatus side.

Background Art Recently, with the progress of the Internet technology, it is widely used to obtain and display color image data by accessing a server on a network from a client device such as a personal computer. In addition, the client devices are also diversified, and mobile phones and the like are accessible to servers on the network, and these mobile phones are also equipped with a liquid crystal display capable of displaying color images, and display of image data using mobile phones is also common. Is going.

However, there are many kinds of apparatuses for image display of personal computers, and in general, even in a full-color display, it is widely known that the range of colors that can be displayed varies depending on the kind. In addition, since EL elements and liquid crystal display devices which are widely used in portable terminals such as mobile phones have a different color gamut than CRTs, the display of image data stored in a server on a network can be reproduced. It is difficult to be faithful. The difference in the color gamut is based on the luminance data value of each primary color (red, green, blue, and blue in the case of direct light) and the pixel luminance actually lit on the screen. This is due to the correspondence relationship and the luminance balance of each primary color.

On the other hand, various kinds of goods are widely sold without looking at the real thing by using a recording medium such as a network and a CD-ROM, but when trading is made based on a product image displayed on an electronic display device through the network and the CD-ROM, etc. Compared to catalog sales using photographs, there is a problem in that impressions on the color of goods received by a buyer are often uneven according to the variety of display devices described above.

Moreover, even if the color is faithfully reproduced in a certain environment, a different impression is obtained if the object represented by the image data is viewed under a separate environment. This is because, for example, the color temperature is different depending on whether the light source is daylight or fluorescent light, and the impression that the light generated from each light source is reflected on the material and forms an image in the human nervous system is significantly different depending on the color temperature of the light source.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus in which the color of image data displayed on an electronic display device is close to the original image data color.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of simulating a state when the image data displayed on the electronic display device is viewed under a predetermined environment.

The present invention provides an image processing apparatus for providing image data to a client device so that the client device side displays the image data, wherein the client comprises a test pattern image configured by arranging pattern elements sequentially changed by unit gradation. An information collecting unit which transmits to the apparatus and obtains, as display state information, information on the identification evaluation between the grayscales with the naked eye on the test pattern image from the client apparatus; An estimating unit for estimating the color representation characteristic of the client device side based on the obtained display state information on the client device side; And a correcting unit that corrects the color of the image data to be provided based on the estimated color expression characteristics, and provides the client apparatus with the color corrected image data.

Thereby, it is possible to perform the color correction of the image data to be provided in advance based on the color expression characteristic at the client device side based on the gray scale identification evaluation, and to faithfully reproduce and display the color of the image data to be provided. Can be. Further, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes a database for storing information on color expression characteristics on the client device side in association with identification information of each client device.

Here, the test pattern image for each primary color is configured by arranging pattern elements consisting only of each primary color sequentially by unit gradation, and the information collection unit sequentially transmits test pattern images of each primary color, The display state information on the client device side is sequentially obtained for the test pattern image, and the estimating unit preferably estimates the color representation characteristics on the client device side based on the display state information on the client device side for the test pattern image of each primary color.

Further, the information collecting unit transmits, to the client device, a second test pattern image in which color swatch data close to white or gray obtained by mixing the primary colors at a predetermined ratio are arranged according to a predetermined ratio according to a predetermined ratio. Acquiring the state information on the client apparatus side of the test pattern image by the naked eye, and including a second estimating unit, the display intensity of each primary color on the client apparatus side is determined based on the state information on the client apparatus side of the second test pattern image. Preferably, the correction unit performs color correction of the image data to be provided based on the estimated color expression characteristics and the display intensity of each primary color estimated by the second estimation unit. Thereby, not only the color expression characteristics but also the color correction for the display characteristics of the primary colors on the client side can be performed, and the color of the image data to be provided can be more faithfully reproduced. Moreover, it is preferable to also provide the database which stores the display intensity of each primary color in association with the information which identifies each client apparatus.

Moreover, this information collecting unit repeatedly performs the process of acquiring the display state information by again providing a test pattern image obtained by subdividing the change unit of the gradation until the estimator can estimate the color expression characteristic of the client side. desirable. As a result, accurate color expression characteristic information can be obtained, and color reproduction of the image data to be provided can be ensured.                 

Moreover, such an image processing apparatus can be used not only to provide image data to a client device side remotely but also to faithfully reproduce the color when only electronic image data is displayed. That is, in the image processing apparatus provided with the display part which performs display control of image data, this invention displays the test pattern image which arrange | positions the pattern element changed sequentially by the unit gradation on a display part, An information collecting unit for acquiring evaluation information by visual observation concerning identification between the gray levels as display state information; An estimating unit for estimating color representation characteristics of the display unit based on the acquired display state information; And a correction unit that corrects the color of the image data to be displayed based on the estimated color expression characteristics.

This allows color correction based on a test pattern image before displaying the image data stored in the recording medium or the like, so that the color of the image data can be faithfully reproduced and displayed. In this case, data of the color expression characteristic estimated once can be stored and used for a predetermined process later.

Also in this case, the test pattern images are arranged for each primary color by sequentially changing the pattern elements consisting of only the primary colors by unit gradation, and the information collecting unit sequentially displays the test pattern images for each primary color, The display state information on the display unit of the test pattern image for each primary color is sequentially obtained, and the estimation unit expresses the color of the display unit based on the information of the display state determined by the naked eye on the display unit for the test pattern image for each primary color. It is desirable to estimate the characteristics.

In addition, the information collecting unit displays, on the display unit, a second test pattern image in which color swatch data close to white or gray obtained by mixing the primary colors at a predetermined ratio are arranged according to a predetermined ratio, according to a predetermined ratio, and the second test pattern. Obtaining information of the state by visual observation of the image; Further comprising a second estimating unit to estimate the display intensity of each primary color of the display unit based on the state information shown by the naked eye of the second test pattern image; It is also preferable that the correction unit performs color correction of the image data to be displayed based on the estimated color expression characteristics and the display intensity of each primary color estimated by the second estimation unit. Even in this case, data of the estimated display intensities of the primary colors can be stored for later use in predetermined processing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the information collecting unit again provides a test pattern image obtained by subdividing the change unit of the gray scale until the estimating unit can estimate the color expression characteristics of the display unit, and repeats the processing of acquiring the display state information. Thereby, the color reproduction of image data can be made more accurate.

In addition, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for providing image data to a client apparatus to display the image data on the client apparatus side, wherein test image data including different colors is transmitted to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus. And an information collecting unit for acquiring visual evaluation information about the state in which the test image data is viewed from the user, and performing color correction on the image data provided to the client device in advance based on the obtained evaluation information on the client device side. It features. In this way, evaluation results regarding the identification, display characteristics, and visible state between different colors are obtained, and color correction of the image data to be provided can be performed to faithfully reproduce and display the color of the image data on the client side. have.

Here, the color correction may be performed by creating a color look-up table for each image data based on the information of the evaluation, and information of the evaluation in a plurality of color search tables set in advance for each image data. It is also good to carry out by selecting based on.

In addition, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for displaying image data, comprising: an information collecting unit for displaying test image data including different colors and acquiring evaluation information by visual observation of a state in which the test image data is visible; Then, based on the acquired visual evaluation information, color correction is performed in advance on the image data to be displayed. As a result, the color data of the image data stored in the storage medium can be reproduced more faithfully, for example, by performing color correction of image data to be displayed by evaluating the identification, display characteristics of different colors, and the state shown by the naked eye. Can be.

Also in this case, color correction may be performed by creating a color search table for each image data based on the evaluation information, and based on the information of the evaluation from a plurality of color search tables preset for each image data. It is also good to carry out by selecting.                 

Furthermore, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for providing image data to a client device to display the image data on the client device side. An information collecting unit which transmits test pattern images arranged to be in contact with each other to the client apparatus, and acquires, as display state information, evaluation information identifying each image element of the test pattern image with the naked eye from the client apparatus; And a correcting unit that corrects the color of the image data to be provided based on the acquired display state information on the client device side, and provides the color corrected image data to the client device. This makes it possible to easily visually evaluate the identification between the respective gradations, and more faithfully reproduce the color of the image data by accurate color correction.

Here, the gradation of the image elements arranged to be in contact with the predetermined gradation is preferably set to an image element of each gradation which differs from the predetermined gradation by the unit gradation, includes at least adjacent gradations, and differs by the unit gradation.

In addition, the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a display unit for displaying image data, comprising: a display unit for displaying a test pattern image formed by arranging a predetermined gray level and a plurality of different gray level image elements to contact a predetermined gray level image element; An information collecting unit which displays on the screen and acquires, as display state information, information on visual identification of each image element of the test pattern image; And a correction unit that corrects the color of the image data to be displayed based on the acquired display state information. Here, it is preferable that the gradation of the image elements arranged to be in contact with the predetermined gradation is an image element of each gradation that differs by the unit gradation from the predetermined gradation, includes at least adjacent gradations, and differs by the unit gradation.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for providing image data to a client apparatus to display the image data on the client apparatus side, comprising: an acquiring unit for acquiring information for specifying the light source on the client apparatus side; Color correction of the image data to be provided is provided to the client device based on the information specifying the.

Thereby, by correcting the state in which the state of the image data due to the difference in the light source is seen, for example, the color of the product can be reproduced in consideration of the state of the light source when actually used in image data of the product.

Further, the color correction may be performed again based on not only the light source but also information specifying the environment, for example, information on the color and reflectivity of the wall surface, the influence of light scattered in the atmosphere, and the like. In this way, when the image data of the product is provided, the visual state closer to the actual use state can be expressed.

Further, in the present invention for acquiring the evaluation result for the identification of the gradation, and estimating and correcting the color expression characteristics on the basis thereof, the acquisition unit further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying the light source from the client device side. It is also preferable to perform color correction based on the color expression characteristics estimated based on the evaluation of the gray level identification and information specifying the light source.                 

Similarly, even when image data is displayed only locally, it is preferable to further include an acquisition unit for acquiring information specifying the light source, and the correction unit preferably performs color correction based on the estimated color expression characteristics and the information specifying the light source.

Further, the present invention provides a first test pattern in which an image data is provided to a client device, and the client device side displays the image data. The first test pattern is arranged by arranging pattern elements sequentially changed by unit gradation. White obtained by sending an image to the client device, acquiring evaluation information identifying the gradations of the first test pattern image by the naked eye from the client device as the first display state information, and mixing the primary colors in a predetermined ratio, respectively. Information about a state in which the second test pattern image in which color swatch data close to gray is arranged by a predetermined rule according to a predetermined ratio is transmitted to the client device, and the second test pattern image is visually seen on the client device side. An information collecting unit for acquiring the data as the second display state information; An acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying the light source from the client device side; A first estimator for estimating the color representation characteristic of the client device side based on the first display state information; A second estimating unit for estimating the display intensity of the primary color on the client device side based on the second display state information; And a correcting unit that corrects the color of the image data to be provided, based on the estimated color expression characteristic, the display intensity of the primary color, and the information specifying the light source, and provides the corrected image data to the client device. I am doing it. Thereby, the color correction of image data which considered the influence of a light source can be performed, improving the color reproducibility of image data.                 

 In addition, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for providing product image data to a client device through a telecommunication network to display the product image data on the client device side, wherein the image processing apparatus includes different colors before providing the product image data. An information collecting unit for providing test image data to obtain evaluation information by visual inspection of the test image data on the client side; A correction unit that performs color correction of the product image data based on the information on the evaluation on the client side; And a transmission unit for providing the product image data after the color correction to the client device. As a result, the color of the product image data can be faithfully reproduced on the client side.

Here, it is also preferable to further include an acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying the light source on the client device side, and the correction unit for color correction of the product image data based on the evaluation information on the client side and the information for specifying the light source. Thereby, if a light source is selected according to the actual product use situation, the state which sees a color in the actual use situation can be simulated.

 In addition, the present invention is an image processing apparatus for reading specified product image data from a storage medium storing product image data and displaying the same on the display unit, wherein test image data including different colors is displayed on the display unit prior to the display of the product image data. An information collecting unit for displaying and acquiring information for visually evaluating the corresponding test image data, and a correcting unit for correcting color of the product image data to be displayed based on the information on the evaluation in the display unit; The product image data after correction is displayed on the display unit.

Here, it is preferable to further comprise an acquisition unit for acquiring information for designating the light source, and the correction unit preferably performs color correction of the product image data based on the information on the evaluation of the test image data on the display unit and the information specifying the light source. .

Furthermore, in the method of providing image data, the present invention transmits a test pattern image formed by arranging pattern elements sequentially changed by unit gray scale to a client device, and the gray scales of the test pattern image are visually identified by the client device. Acquiring the evaluated information as display state information; Estimating a color representation characteristic at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; Performing color correction on the image data to be provided based on the estimated color expression characteristics; Providing the color corrected image data to the client device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of displaying image data, comprising the steps of: displaying test image data including different colors and acquiring information on the state of the test image data; And performing color correction on the target data to be displayed in advance on the basis of the acquired state information.

In addition, the present invention is implemented in the form of software, and transmits a test pattern image formed by arranging pattern elements sequentially changed by unit gradation to a client device, and visually discriminates between grayscales of the test pattern image in the client device. A module for acquiring information about the evaluation by the naked eye as display state information; A module for estimating color representation characteristics at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; A module for performing color correction on the image data to be provided based on the estimated color expression characteristics; And a module for providing color corrected image data to the client device, on a computer-readable recording medium.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium, comprising: a module for displaying test image data including different colors to obtain information of a state in which the test pattern image is visually viewed; And an image data display program including a module that has previously been color corrected for the image data to be displayed based on the acquired visual information.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in a computer-readable recording medium, test pattern image data obtained by arranging image elements sequentially changed by unit gray scale is stored.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in a computer-readable recording medium, test pattern image data which is arranged so as to be arranged such that image elements of a predetermined gray level and a plurality of different gray levels are in contact with each other is provided. Doing.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of generating a test pattern image, the method comprising: generating a basic image element of a predetermined gray scale; Generating an nth (n is an integer from 1 to N) image element of a plurality of gray levels different from the predetermined gray level; And arranging the nth image elements so as to contact each other with respect to the basic image elements.

By using the test pattern image data stored or generated on these recording media, evaluation regarding the identification of the gradation becomes easy, and more appropriate color correction is made possible.

Brief description of the drawings

1 shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention,

2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a first test pattern image according to the present invention;

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a second test pattern image according to the present invention;

4 is a functional block diagram showing the interior of the processing control unit 14 according to the embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flowchart showing a process of the process control unit 14 according to the embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a flowchart showing display state information acquisition processing by the process control unit 14 according to the embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a luminance signal and pixel luminance;

8 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between a luminance signal and pixel luminance;

9 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between a luminance signal and pixel luminance;

10 is a diagram schematically showing a display example of a first test pattern image;                 

11 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a display of a first test pattern image;

12 is a diagram schematically showing still another example of the display of the first test pattern image;

13 is a diagram showing a relationship between a luminance signal and pixel luminance and an inverse characteristic for correction;

14 illustrates a concrete example of an interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

15 is a diagram showing still another example of an interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

16 shows examples of color gamuts of various displays;

Figure 17 shows another preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[First Embodiment]

In order to describe the present invention in more detail, it will be described according to the accompanying drawings. One of the best mode for carrying out the present invention is as shown in Fig. 1, wherein the image processing apparatus 1 is provided with a plurality of client apparatuses 3a, 3b, ... 3n via the telecommunication network 2; Is connected to. The image processing apparatus 1 also includes an image database 11, a memory 12, an external storage device 13, a processing control unit 14, and a communication control unit 15.                 

The image database 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 includes image data provided to the client apparatus 3 side via the telecommunication network 2, and test image data for acquiring display state information of the client apparatus 3 side. Is saving. The test image data includes a plurality of test pattern images for respectively irradiating luminance characteristics as color expression characteristics and color balance characteristics which are display intensities of the respective primary colors. The plurality of test pattern images are (first) test pattern images formed by arranging pattern elements sequentially changed by unit gradation, and color swatch data close to white or gray obtained by mixing primary colors at predetermined ratios, respectively. Includes a second test pattern image arranged according to a predetermined rule according to the predetermined ratio.

Here, examples of the contents of the first and second test pattern image data will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 2, the first test pattern image sequentially arranges the rectangular areas A painted with each unit gradation. Each of the blind spots includes an identifier for identifying the blind spots and an image element painted with a gradation sequentially changed from the gradations of the blind spots, for example, by 1, 2, 3 units. ) Is shown. Thus, the rectangular area | region which has image elements represented by adjacent multiple gray levels corresponds to the pattern element of this invention. Here, the evaluation of the discrimination between the gray scales is performed to estimate the change amount of the luminance of the pixel (pixel) on the actual display with respect to the change of the luminance data value. In addition, this first test pattern image is prepared for each primary color. That is, for each of the three primary colors, three first test pattern image data in which the luminance of the corresponding primary color is changed by unit gray level from 0 (black) to maximum (monochrome) is stored in the image database 11. .

In addition, the second test pattern includes a figure element painted at least one close to white and gray, in which each primary color is represented by a combination of slightly different gray levels, respectively, in a maximum luminance region (white) and a predetermined halftone region (gray). Arranged suitably. Each figure element is given an identifier (sign) corresponding to a combination of luminance signals, and the color balance of each primary color is inputted by this code to input which figure element appears pure white or gray on the client device 3 side. Information to calibrate can be collected. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second test pattern is composed of a figure element in which a hexagon close to slightly colored white and a hexagon close to gray slightly colored by a combination of gradations such as white are formed in a honeycomb shape. Are arranged regularly. Three-digit numbers are assigned as identifiers corresponding to combinations of luminance signals corresponding to the primary colors. Here, the luminance combinations of the primary colors of the pixels displaying hexagons close to slightly colored white or hexagons near slightly colored gray with identifiers '000' to '317' are as shown in Tables 1 and 2. In addition, the luminance numerical values shown in Table 1 and Table 2 are numerical values in 257 grayscales from luminance 0 to luminance 256. FIG. For example, the white part of the figure with identifier "000" located at the center of this test pattern corresponds to 256 of the highest luminance with red, green and blue, and the gray part is half of the highest luminance with red, green and blue. It corresponds to 128 (it is called "50% gray" (gray) because it is half of maximum brightness). Here, "50% gray" is used as an example, and arbitrary values such as 25% and 60% of the highest luminance can be used.

In addition, although either of white or gray figure elements may be used, it has been experimentally confirmed that on the display, the figure element close to white tends to discriminate slightly. However, if all the figure elements are placed close to white, the brightness of the whole screen becomes too high and becomes too dazzling. It is thought that it is desirable to present a combination of figure elements close to white and figure elements close to gray so as to select the one that looks pure white or gray.

The near-white portions of the six figure elements of "100", "101", "102", "103", "104" and "105" arranged around the figure element of identifier "000" are respectively primary colors. The luminance of the maximum is 256 from "0,0,16", "0,16,0", "16,0,0", "0,8,8", "8,0,8", and "8, 8,0 ″ corresponding to the reduction of six types of combinations, and the portions closer to gray correspond to luminance, which is half of those close to white, respectively. The white portion of the twelve figure elements from the identifier "200" to "211" has three types of luminance of each primary color from "0,0,32" to "3," such as "0,16,16". And a combination of six kinds of "0, 8, 24" and the like and a total of twelve kinds. The portions closer to gray correspond to luminance, which is half of those close to white, respectively. Furthermore, the white portion of the 18 figure elements from identifiers "300" to "317" has three types of luminance of each primary color up to "0,0,48", six types of "0,16,32", It corresponds to the reduction of a total of 18 kinds of combinations of three kinds such as "0,24,24" and six kinds of "0,8,40", and the gray portions correspond to luminance which is half of the white portions, respectively. In the combination of the luminance of each of the primary colors corresponding to the white portion, at least one primary color is necessarily the highest luminance 256.                 

When visually recognizing this second test pattern provided to the client device 3 on the display of the client device 3, if the identifier of the figure which looks pure white or gray (grey) is found out, the client device 3 The luminance balance of the three primary colors can be estimated.

The memory 12 operates as a work memory of the processing control unit 14. The external storage device 13 reads data from a computer readable recording medium on which data is recorded electromagnetically or optically, such as a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk.

The processing control unit 14 includes an information collecting unit 21 for acquiring the display state information of the client device 3 as shown in FIG. An estimation unit 22 for estimating display characteristics (characteristics of color expression and color balance) on the client device 3 side; And a correction unit 23 for correcting the color of the image data to be provided based on the display characteristics. In addition, the processing control unit 14 operates as a Web server (HTTP server), and receives an input for requesting acquisition of image data received by the communication control unit 15 from the client device 3 via the telecommunication network 2. The corresponding image data is read from the image database 11 and stored in the memory 12, and whether there is display characteristic information of the client device 3 is checked, and if there is no information, the information collecting unit 21 is activated. . In addition, if there is information on the display characteristic, the color correction unit 23 corrects the image data stored in the memory 12 by using the display characteristic information. The processing control unit 14 then outputs an instruction to the communication control unit 15 to the client device 3 through the telecommunication network 2 to provide the corrected image data.                 

Specifically, the processing control unit 14 is implemented as a software module processed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which software module is read from a computer-readable recording medium by, for example, the external storage device 13. Lose. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the processing control unit 14 waits for a request for image data (step 101), and upon receiving a request for image data, reads the image data from the image database 11 and stores it in the memory 12. (Step 102). Then, the process control unit 14 searches for the client device 3 that has requested image data whether the display characteristic data for color correction exists in the memory 12 (step 103). Here, if the display characteristic data for color correction is not present in the memory 12 ("No"), the information collecting unit 21 is activated, and the first test pattern image is used to generate the first test pattern image. One evaluation (display state information) of the discriminatability by the naked eye is acquired for the gradations of one test pattern image (step 104). The acquisition process of this display state information is demonstrated in detail later.

The process control unit 14 checks whether or not the process of step 104 has been completed for each of the three primary colors (step 105), and if not (if "No"), uses the first test pattern image composed of the next primary colors. Repeat step 104 to execute. If it is judged to have been completed in step 105 (YES), the second test pattern image is further used to acquire information of the state shown by the white or gray naked eye on the client device 3 (step 106). ), The estimation unit 22 is started on the basis of the display state information of the client device 3 for each of these primary colors and the information about the state shown by the naked eye of white or gray, and the color of the client device 3 is displayed. The display characteristic and the brightness balance are estimated as display characteristics (step 107), and the display characteristics are associated with information identifying the client device 3 (obtainable from header information of data transmitted and received via the telecommunication network 2). Store in memory 12 (step 108).

Then, the process control unit 14 corrects the color of the image data stored in the memory 12 in step 102 based on the display characteristics of the client device 3 estimated in step 106 (step 109). An instruction to transmit image data to the client device 3 is output to the communication control unit 15 (step 110), and the process returns to step 101 to continue the process (A). In addition, if the display characteristic data for color correction is already stored in the memory 12 (if "Yes") in step 103, the processing controller 14 jumps to step 109, and is stored in the corresponding memory 12. Based on the display characteristic data, the correction unit 23 is started to color correct the image data, and step 110 is performed to transmit the image data after the color correction to the client device 3.

The processing in step 104 in which the processing control unit 14 acquires the display state information of the client apparatus 3 will be described. The process of step 104 specifically reads the first test pattern image data for the specific primary color (one of red, green, and blue) from the image database 11 (step 201), as shown in FIG. An instruction to transmit the test pattern image data to the client device 3 is output to the communication control unit 15 (step 202). Then, the control processing unit 14 waits until the evaluation result regarding whether the identification is visually recognized for each of the gradations displayed on the test pattern image from the client device 3 (step 203), and acquires the evaluation result. If so, the evaluation result is stored in the memory 12 as display state information (step 204), and returned to step 105 to continue processing.

Moreover, the process of the process control unit 14 acquiring information on the state shown by the naked eye with respect to white or gray in the client device 3 is as follows. After reading the second test pattern image data from the image database 11, an instruction is sent to the communication control unit 15 to transmit the test pattern image data to the client apparatus 3, and the purest white color from the client apparatus 3 is obtained. Or wait until acquiring the information identifying the figure which is shown in gray, and when the information is acquired, it is stored in the memory 12 as information on the state shown by the white or gray naked eye in the client device 3. The process returns to step 107 to continue processing.

The communication control unit 15 transmits data to the client device 3 via the telecommunication network 2 in accordance with an instruction input from the processing control unit 14. In addition, the communication control unit 15 outputs the data transmitted through the telecommunication network 2 to the processing control unit 14.

The telecommunication network 2 is a computer network such as the Internet. The client device 3 is a general personal computer, which operates on an operating system such as Windows (trademark), and runs general web browser software such as NetscapeNavigator (trademark). This client device 3 has a graphics card device each having its own color representation and a display device (CRT, liquid crystal display, EL display, etc.) connected to the graphics card device.                 

The client device 3 may also be a mobile phone equipped with a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), that is, a mobile terminal device accessible to a telecommunication network. These portable terminal apparatuses are usually provided with a liquid crystal display having predetermined color expression characteristics.

[Principle of Characteristic Estimation and Correction]

The following is composed of color representation characteristics and luminance balance, respectively, from information on whether the gray scales on the client device 3 side can be identified by the naked eye (display state information) and information on the state in which white or gray color is visible by the naked eye, respectively. The principle of how to estimate the display characteristics to correct the image data is explained.

In the graphics card or display device in the client device 3, in general, the luminance of each primary color (red (R), green (G), blue (B)) for each pixel is adjusted to determine the color of each pixel. have. Here, the relationship of the luminance of each primary color ideally is directly proportional to the luminance information as image data is preferable. That is, for example, the luminance on the red display, which is one of the primary colors, is preferably adjusted so that the luminance becomes r / N of the maximum luminance when the red data value indicates r in the N stages (Fig. 7). However, in the case where the amount of change in pixel luminance on the side with the lower luminance data value is small (in the case of a dark color lacking the expressive power), as shown in Fig. 8, the interval where the luminance data value is small has the actual luminance of " 0 " In some cases, there is a relationship that increases slightly, and in some cases, as shown in FIG. 9, a curve is drawn without being proportional (so-called gamma value? Is not "1").

Here, if the luminance data value of each primary color and the actual luminance on the display of each primary color are an ideal relationship as shown in Fig. 7, then the first test pattern image of each primary color is the client device (approximately shown in Fig. 10). In the display on the 3) side, it is possible to distinguish between adjacent gradations. However, when in the relationship shown in Fig. 8, the first test pattern image has a low luminance data value as shown in Fig. 11, and adjacent gradations close to black become impossible to identify, while the luminance data value is predetermined. If it is larger than the magnitude, suddenly, the difference between adjacent gray levels becomes clear and the identification becomes extremely easy. Furthermore, in the case of the relationship of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 12, an easy part and a difficult part appear between gray levels. That is, if information on whether or not the difference between each unit gradation and the gradation adjacent thereto is visually obtained as an evaluation for the first test pattern image, based on the luminance data value inherent in the client device 3 based on this, The relationship (color expression characteristic) of the change of the actual luminance with respect to is estimated.

In addition, in this case, evaluation is made based on whether or not each change can be identified while changing the gradation step by step, but by presenting different colors sequentially or at once and evaluating their relationship, You may estimate the color expression characteristic of.

Furthermore, even when the display state of the actual luminance with respect to the luminance data value for each primary color is estimated in this way, if the luminance balance between the primary colors is unknown, for example, if the red is strong, the color without the original saturation appears reddish. In order to solve this problem, the luminance balance between the primary colors is estimated by providing and displaying a second test pattern image on the client device 3, and selecting what appears to be white or gray (the color whose saturation is "0"). do.

In this manner, once the luminance balance between the actual luminance and the primary color for each luminance data value is estimated as the display characteristic, the process of adjusting the luminance data value for each color of the pixel of the image data and the luminance balance for each pixel is performed. Color correction of image data can be performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case of having display characteristics (solid line connecting original display) corresponding to gamma correction with gamma value γ = 0.68, the color gamma value gamma value of each original pixel of image data is shown. When color correction is performed with image data having a characteristic of 1 / 0.68 = 1.46 (the reverse characteristic of the display and indicated by a dotted line connecting the lozenge display), and displayed on the client device 3 side, the actual value of the luminance data value is displayed. The relationship between the luminance of the two can be made ideal (solid line connecting the square display).

In addition, when the color to be displayed of the image data is determined by the color LUT (CLUT: Color Lookup Table), such as GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) image data, color correction can be performed by correcting the information of the color LUT. Do. As the LUT, a standard LUT and a plurality of color corrected LUTs may be stored in advance in the memory 12, and an appropriate LUT may be selected according to the display characteristics to replace the original LUT. Thereby, color correction can also be performed.                 

In the above, the case of displaying 33 gray levels so that the user evaluates whether each level and adjacent gray levels can be identified has been described as an example. However, for example, if a certain point is not identified with adjacent gradations at all, but the next point is identified with adjacent gradations, the information in the display state changes drastically, resulting in insufficient estimation of characteristics (correction). In the case where it is difficult to form an inverse characteristic for the above), the same change processing may be performed by further subdividing the change unit of the gradation, for example, displaying the gradation of 65 steps.

As described above, the display state information is repeatedly acquired while increasing the number of gradations until the reverse characteristic for correction is obtained (until the characteristic estimation is possible), thereby enabling more detailed correction.

[interface]

The image processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment displays the first test pattern image as shown in FIG. 2 on the client apparatus 3, and at the same time understands what the user should evaluate in the acquisition processing of the display state information. It is preferable to display a question screen as shown in Figs. 14A and 14B for ease.

That is, in response to a question such as "What characters are displayed on the right side of 0000" as shown in FIG. 14A, button interfaces such as "01", "3232", and "The characters on the right side of the number are all visible" are repeated for each rectangular area. The display state information is obtained by detecting the click of the button interface by the user. In the arrangement as shown in Fig. 2, since there is no character string such as "3232" on the left side of the right half, the button interface "invisible" is disposed instead (Fig. 14B).

In addition, when there are many gradations and it is difficult to display the identifier of each blind spot, as shown in FIG. 15, a figure such as a heart-shaped display of Trump whose gradation is changed in steps is placed on each blind spot, and among the figures immediately adjacent to the left and right sides. The display state information can be obtained by detecting the click of the identifiable one.

[Confirmation of colored areas]

The description so far assumes that the color used for the image data stored in the image database 11 is an area of the color that can be displayed on the client device 3. However, there is a limit to the colors that can be displayed on the client device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (the area of the colors that can be displayed in the three primary colors of the color TV, such as the dotted lines connected by the triangular marks in FIG. The area of the color that can be displayed in the liquid crystal display device is relatively narrow in the case of a portable display (circle display) or a desktop monitor type (square display), as indicated by the solid line at 16. The representation of the color region is made possible by the above-described correction. It is not essential for every display.

Here, in the system according to the present embodiment, prior to the processing shown in Fig. 5, the model name of the display on the client device 3 side is obtained (by the question of the user, if possible, the system setting of the client device 3 is made). Acquisition of the color gamut that can be displayed on the display of the model name (which may be provided by the manufacturer or may have been investigated and found).

Further, when providing the image data requested from the client device 3, the information of the color gamut required for the representation of the image data and the area of the displayable color of the display is compared when the image data is expressed. If the area required for rendering is not included in the displayable color area (which is not included at all), the hue of the image to be displayed may not be completely reproduced. Do you want to display it anyway? ”, And when it is instructed to display it, the image data is provided after the correction is made. On the other hand, when instructed not to display, presentation of the image data is stopped.

[Simulation of the light source]

In addition, in the present embodiment, in addition to the process of estimating and correcting the above characteristics and the process of confirming the color gamut, a light source simulation process for correcting the color sense of the image data in accordance with the information specifying the light source on the client device 3 side Is done.

That is, simulation is performed by correcting the color under various environments. For this simulation, for each image data stored in the image database 11, the color temperature or mireded numerical value in the creation condition (shooting condition) of the image data is managed in association. The Mired number (Micro Reciprocal Degree) is 10 ₆ divided by the color temperature.

In addition, the image processing apparatus 1 in the case of performing this simulation is the information which designates the environment acquired by the client apparatus 3 (on a sunny day, cloudy day, morning, evening, a light source, daylight, white light, a fluorescent lamp, Mercury lamps, etc.) are obtained and the color temperature is corrected. For example, when the condition at the time of photographing image data is "a sunny day and the light source is daylight (so-called daylight)", the color temperature is about 5500K (corresponding miredite number is about 182), and it acquired from the client apparatus 3 If the environmental designation information is `` indoor and the light source is white light '', the color temperature is around 3200K (corresponding miredin number is about 313), so the difference is -1300K (the difference between the miredin value (the so-called LB number) ?) May correct the color temperature of " -131 "). Correction of this color temperature can be performed by changing a hue and chroma by a well-known method.

That is, the image processing apparatus 1 may perform this simulation separately from the estimation of the color expression characteristic, the estimation of the color balance, and the correction based on these estimations on the client apparatus 3 side.

[action]

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. In addition, it is assumed that image data of goods such as clothing is stored in the image database 11 of the image processing apparatus 1. The user on the client device 3 side approaches the image processing apparatus 1 for the purchase of a product and requests image data of the handled product. Then, the image processing apparatus 1 recognizes the client apparatus 3 from the IP address, the user name, or the like (requires input), and has the characteristics of color display characteristics and color balance in the past with respect to the client apparatus 3. Investigate whether there are any results. Here, if there is no result of the investigation of the characteristic, the client device 3 is provided with the first test pattern image as shown in Fig. 2, and the client device 3 displays this test pattern, A questionnaire is performed on the gradation difference that can be identified for each blind spot A, and the result is acquired by the image processing apparatus 1.

The image processing apparatus 1 acquires the color expression characteristic of the client apparatus 3 based on this result, and further provides the 2nd test pattern image like FIG. 3 to the client apparatus 3 side, and has the most chromaticity. A questionnaire is made for what appears to be low pure white or gray and the result is acquired by the image processing apparatus 1. As a result, the image processing apparatus 1 acquires the color balance characteristic of the client apparatus 3, and color-corrects the requested image data based on these, and provides it to the client apparatus 3. As shown in FIG.

The client apparatus 3 side receives and displays the image data in which the color expression characteristic and color balance are adjusted. For this reason, the user can see the color close to the original of the product image. Thus, an environment in which a product can be purchased based on the exact impression of the color of the product is provided.

In addition, since it is possible to simulate a light source, it is convenient for a user to examine the state of the goods in which impressions change in various environments, such as clothing, at the time of purchase, for example.

Furthermore, before estimating the display characteristics of the client device 3, the image processing apparatus 1 sets the contrast appropriately for the user of each client device 3, and sets the color as many colors as possible. It may be required to be. Also in the contrast adjustment in this case, it is preferable to provide and set image data for the adjustment.

[Applications]

Note that although the description so far has been performed before the image processing apparatus 1 recognizes display characteristics on the client apparatus 3 side and processes image data to be provided based on this recognition before providing the client, the client does not process the image data. The client program 3 may perform image processing by providing a processing program (and may include estimated characteristics or inverse characteristic information based on the same) together with the image data to cause the apparatus 3 side to perform the processing. good. Such a processing form can be easily implemented by techniques, such as Java (trademark).

Second Embodiment

An image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a stand-alone personal computer. That is, the image processing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment basically shows the CPU 21, the RAM 22, the ROM 23, the hard disk 24, and the CO-ROM drive as shown in FIG. 25, a removable device 26, an operation unit 27 and a display driver 28, each of which is connected to each other by a bus. In addition, the display device 30 is connected to the image processing apparatus 1 via the display driver 28. In addition, the operation unit 27 is composed of a keyboard and a mouse.

The CPU 21 basically performs a process of confirming the color gamut, a process of acquiring display state information to estimate color expression characteristics, a process of estimating color balance, and a process of correcting image data based on these estimations. do. These processes will be described later. The RAM 22 operates as a work memory of the CPU 21 and temporarily stores image data and the like during the processing of the CPU 21. The ROM 23 mainly stores software (software for starting processing of the operating system, etc.) executed by the CPU 21 when the image processing apparatus of this embodiment starts up.

In the hard disk 24, various programs processed by the CPU 21 are stored. The CD-ROM drive 25 reads data from the CD-ROM and outputs it to the CPU 21. The removable device 26 reads the data from the removable medium that records data electromagnetically and optically, such as a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk (MO), and outputs the data to the CPU 21.

The CPU 21 reads from the image processing program provided in the form of a CO-ROM or other removable medium from these, and records and executes it on the hard disk 24.

The operation unit 27 outputs the user's operation contents to the CPU 21. The display driver 28 is connected to the display device 30 to cause the display device 30 to display image data based on an instruction input from the CPU 21.

The display device 30 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like, and displays image data input from the CPU 21 through the display driver 28.

Here, the processing of the CPU 21 will be described. First, in order to confirm the color gamut, the CPU 21 examines the color gamut necessary for the representation of the image data to be displayed on the display device 30, and the color gamut and the display device 30 can be expressed. When the color gamut required for the representation of the image data is narrower than the color gamut that can be expressed by the display device 30 (even if a part of the color gamut necessary for the representation of the image data is excluded), Displaying a message requesting the user to determine whether to display the corresponding image data even in a situation, and as a result of the judgment input from the user through the operation unit 27, if the instruction to display the image data even in such a situation, the corresponding image The data is displayed on the display device 30. On the other hand, upon being instructed not to display image data, the display of the image data is stopped.

Further, as the processing corresponding to Fig. 5 for correcting image data based on the estimation result of the color expression characteristic and the estimation result of the color balance, the CPU 21 receives a display request of the image data and stores the image data in RAM ( 22, and it is checked whether the display characteristics (color expression characteristics and color balance characteristics) of the display device 30 are already stored in the RAM 22. If not stored, the first test pattern image is displayed on the display device 30 for each primary color, and visual evaluation information about the first test pattern image is acquired from the user through the operation unit 27, and then the evaluation information is displayed. On the basis of this, the color representation characteristic is estimated and stored in the RAM 22. Since acquisition of this evaluation information is the same as that of what was demonstrated in 1st Example, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In addition, the CPU 21 displays the second test pattern image on the display device 30 to allow the user to select the one with the lowest saturation and appear to be pure white or gray, and to adjust the characteristics of the color balance based on the selection. It estimates and stores the characteristic of this color balance in RAM22. Since the processing for selecting the one with the lowest saturation is the same as that described in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the CPU 21 acquires display characteristics including color representation characteristics and color balance characteristics, calculates reverse characteristics of the display characteristics, and corrects image data stored in the RAM 22 according to these reverse characteristics. To display on the display device 30.

Furthermore, also in this embodiment, the instruction for designating a light source may be received from the user, and a process of simulating the color temperature in the light source may be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In this manner, even in a local device not using a network, color reproducibility of image data recorded on a medium such as a CO-ROM can be improved.

[action]

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the recording medium such as a CD-ROM storing product image data or test pattern image data is read by the CO-ROM drive 25 and displayed on the display device 30, the CO The first and second test pattern images stored in the ROM are used to estimate the display characteristics by questioning the user, thereby correcting the product image data and displaying them on the display device 30, whereby the user accurately reproduces them. I can evaluate a product by the color which I did.

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is useful as an apparatus for accurately reproducing the color when displaying image data using a computer, and is particularly suitable for the embodiment of selling a product by providing a catalog image to a computer. .

Claims (35)

An image processing apparatus for providing image data to a client device to display the image data on the client device side. A test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are displayed by sequentially changing the unit gradation and then arranged in sequence by the unit gradation is transmitted to the client device, and the naked eye of the image element is transmitted from the client device. An information collecting unit for obtaining information as to display state information as to whether or not it can be identified by means of display state information; An estimating unit for estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; And And a correcting unit that performs color correction of the image data to be provided based on the estimated color display capability. And provide the color corrected image data to the client apparatus. The method of claim 1, The test pattern image is formed by arranging pattern elements consisting of only the primary colors sequentially by unit gradation for each primary color, The information collecting unit sequentially transmits test pattern images of each primary color, and sequentially acquires display state information in which the test pattern images of each primary color are visually determined on the client device side, And the estimating unit estimates the color display capability at the client apparatus side based on the display state information determined by the naked eye at the client apparatus side a test pattern image of each primary color. The method of claim 1, The information collecting unit transmits, to the client device, a second test pattern image in which sample data close to white or gray obtained by mixing primary colors at predetermined ratios are arranged in accordance with the predetermined ratios according to a predetermined rule. Further performing a process of acquiring status information shown by the naked eye on the client device side for the test pattern image, A second estimating unit for estimating the display intensity of each primary color on the client device side based on the state information shown by the naked eye on the client device side for the second test pattern image, And the correction unit performs color correction of the image data to be provided based on the estimated color display capability and the display intensity of each primary color estimated by the second estimation unit. The method of claim 1, The information collecting unit again provides a test pattern image obtained by subdividing the change unit of the gray level until the estimating unit can estimate the color display capability of the client side, and repeats the process of acquiring the display state information. An image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus having a display portion for performing display control of image data, A test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are sequentially changed by unit gray scales and displayed sequentially is displayed on the display unit to display a test pattern image that is arranged in sequence. An information collecting unit for obtaining the evaluation information as the display state information; An estimating unit for estimating the color display capability of the display unit based on the display state information obtained above; And And a correction unit for performing color correction on the image data to be displayed, based on the estimated color display capability. The method of claim 5, The test pattern image is formed by arranging pattern elements consisting of only the primary colors sequentially by unit gradation for each primary color, The information collecting unit sequentially displays the test pattern images of each primary color, and sequentially acquires display state information on the display unit for the test pattern images of each primary color; And the estimating unit estimates the color display capability of the display unit based on the display state information on the display unit for the test pattern images of each primary color. The method of claim 5, The information collecting unit displays, on the display unit, a second test pattern image in which sample data close to white or gray obtained by mixing primary colors at a predetermined ratio are arranged according to the predetermined ratio, according to a predetermined rule. Further performing the process of acquiring the status information in which the image is shown by the naked eye, And a second estimating unit for estimating the display intensity of each primary color of the display unit based on the state information shown by the naked eye of the second test pattern image, And the correcting unit performs color correction of image data to be displayed based on the estimated color display capability and the display intensity of each primary color estimated by the second estimating unit. The method of claim 5, And the information collecting unit again provides a test pattern image obtained by subdividing the unit of the gradation change until the estimating unit can estimate the color display capability of the display unit, and repeats the process of acquiring the display state information. An image processing apparatus. delete The method of claim 1, Color correction is performed by creating a color look-up table of each image data based on the display state information. The method of claim 1, And color correction is performed by selecting from a plurality of color search tables preset for each image data based on the display state information. delete The method of claim 5, And color correction is performed by creating a color search table of each image data based on the display state information. The method of claim 5, And color correction is performed by selecting from the plurality of color search tables preset for each image data based on the information of the discrimination or not. delete An image processing apparatus having a display portion for displaying image data, A test pattern image formed by arranging the image elements of a predetermined gradation and various other gradations to contact each other is displayed on the display unit, and visual identification of each image element of the test pattern image is performed. An information collecting unit which obtains information on the availability as display state information; And And a correction unit that corrects the color of the image data to be displayed based on the display state information obtained above. The method of claim 16, An image processing apparatus which provides image data to a client device so that the client device side displays the image data. An acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying a light source from the client device side; Based on the information specifying the light source obtained above, the image data to be provided is subjected to color correction and provided to the client device. The method of claim 1, An acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying a light source from the client device side; And the correcting unit performs color correction based on the estimated color display capability and information specifying the light source. The method of claim 5, And an acquisition unit for acquiring information for identifying the light source, And the correcting unit performs color correction based on the estimated color display capability and information specifying the light source. An image processing apparatus which provides image data to a client device so that the client device side displays the image data. A first test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are displayed by sequentially changing the unit gray scales and sequentially arranged to be changed by the unit gray scale is transmitted to the client device, and the first test pattern image is transmitted from the client device. The first display state information is acquired as information on whether the image elements included in the image can be visually identified as the first display state, and sample data close to white or gray obtained by mixing the primary colors at a predetermined ratio are respectively added to the predetermined ratio. Therefore, information for transmitting a second test pattern image arranged according to a predetermined rule to the client apparatus, and obtaining, as the second display state information, information about a state shown by the naked eye on the client apparatus side with respect to the second test pattern image. Collecting unit; An acquisition unit for acquiring information for specifying a light source from the client device side; A first estimating unit for estimating the color display capability of the client device side based on the first display state information; A second estimating unit for estimating the display intensity of the primary colors on the client device side based on the second display state information; And And a correction unit configured to perform color correction on the image data to be provided based on the estimated color display capability, the display intensity of the primary color, and the information specifying the light source. And providing the color corrected image data to the client apparatus. An image processing apparatus which provides image data of a product to a client device via a telecommunication network, and causes the client device side to display the product image data. Prior to providing the commodity image data, a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are sequentially changed and displayed in unit gray levels is sequentially transmitted and arranged in unit gray to the client device, and the client device An information collection unit for acquiring, as display state information, information on whether the image element can be identified by visual observation from the image element; An estimating unit for estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; A correction unit that performs color correction of the product image data based on the estimated color display capability; And And a transmitting unit for providing the product image data after the color correction to the client apparatus. The method of claim 21, An acquisition unit for acquiring information for designating a light source from the client device side; And the correction unit performs color correction of the product image data based on the evaluation information on the client side and the information specifying the light source. An image processing apparatus for reading specified product image data from a storage medium in which product image data is stored and stored and displaying the same on a display unit. Prior to the display of the merchandise image data, a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are sequentially changed and displayed in unit gray levels is sequentially transmitted and arranged in unit gray to the client device, and the client device An information collection unit for acquiring, as display state information, information on whether the image element can be identified by visual observation from the image element; An estimating unit for estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; And A correction unit that performs color correction of the product image data based on the estimated color display capability. And displaying the product image data after the color correction, on the display unit. The method of claim 23, Further comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring information specifying a light source, And the correction unit performs color correction of the product image data on the display unit based on the display state information and the information specifying the light source. And transmitting a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements sequentially changed by unit gradation to the client device, the pattern elements including the plurality of image elements sequentially changed by unit gradation, and identifying whether the image elements can be identified from the client device. Acquiring the information evaluated by the naked eye with respect to the display state information; Estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the display state information at the client device side obtained above; Performing color correction on the image data to be provided based on the estimated color display capability; And And providing the color corrected image data to the client apparatus. delete In the method for providing commodity image data, by providing the image data of the product to the client device via a telecommunication network, the client device side to display the product image data,  Prior to providing the commodity image data, a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are sequentially changed and displayed in unit gray levels is sequentially transmitted and arranged in unit gray to the client device, and the client device Acquiring, as display state information, information on whether the image element can be identified by visual observation from the image element; Estimating a color display capability on the client device side based on the obtained display state information on the client device side; And And performing color correction on the product image data based on the estimated color display capability. And providing the product image data after the color correction to the client device. delete Sending a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements sequentially changed by unit gradation and sequentially arranged by unit gradation to a client device, and visually identifying the image elements from the client device. A module for obtaining information on the availability as display state information; A module for estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the display state information at the client device side obtained above; A module for performing color correction of the image data to be provided based on the estimated color display capability; And And a module for providing the color corrected image data to the client device. delete A program for providing commodity image data for providing commodity image data to a client device via a telecommunication network to display the commodity image data on the client device side.  Prior to providing the commodity image data, a test pattern image including a plurality of image elements that are sequentially changed and displayed in unit gray levels is sequentially transmitted and arranged in unit gray to the client device, and the client device A module for acquiring, as display state information, information about whether the image element can be identified by visual observation from the image element; A module for estimating the color display capability at the client device side based on the obtained display state information at the client device side; And And a module for performing color correction on the product image data based on the estimated color display capability. And a program for providing product image data for supplying the product image data after the color correction to the client device. delete A computer-readable recording medium storing a test pattern image in which a pattern element including a plurality of image elements displayed by sequentially changing unit grays is sequentially changed and arranged in unit grays. And a test pattern image which is arranged such that the image element of a predetermined gray level is in contact with the predetermined gray level and various other gray level image elements, respectively. Generating basic picture elements of a predetermined gray scale; Generating an nth (n is an integer from 1 to N) image element of various gradations different from the predetermined gradation; And And arranging the n-th image element to be in contact with the basic image element, respectively.

Images