JP2006173822A - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a most preferable output image reflecting a color correction result intended by a photographer set in a digital camera.
Photography color correction information acquisition means for acquiring photographic image color correction information in an input means, input color signal correction means for correcting an input color signal based on profile information, and a photographic color of the corrected input color signal Shooting condition color correction means for correcting based on the color correction information acquired by the correction information acquisition means, and output color signal change information storage for storing color conversion information for converting the corrected input color signal into an output color signal And color conversion means for converting the input color signal corrected by the input color signal correction means to the output color signal using the stored color conversion information.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing color correction of a color output by an output unit with respect to a color image signal input by an input unit.

  In the method of converting the input color image signal to the output image signal when outputting the input color image signal captured by the digital camera at the output device, the input means is a digital camera for the captured image data. Regardless of whether it is a scanner or a scanner, it is treated as a color image signal in a standard color space called sRGB, and color correction processing by the output device is performed so that a preferable image reproduction is achieved for the color image signal in the standard color space called sRGB. Applied and printed.

Here, according to Patent Document 1, a 3DLUT for performing gradation conversion processing and color correction processing for removing the influence of gradation processing performed in the digital camera is created and created on an image photographed by the digital camera. After processing with correction data, output color signal correction is performed to output an image.
JP 2002-016939 A

  However, in digital cameras, the image quality components such as exposure conditions, WB, gradation characteristics, color reproducibility, and sharpness in the captured image are unique on the camera development side in view of the CCD characteristics used in the camera. Thus, color correction processing is performed on the captured image data so that preferable gradation and color reproduction can be achieved.

  Various types of digital cameras have been developed by various manufacturers, and the CCD characteristics, exposure conditions, WB, gradation characteristics, color reproduction characteristics, etc. used in the digital cameras are different.

  On the other hand, in a digital camera, the photographer sets the intensity and hue direction for the color reproduction, gradation, and brightness of the acquired image information, and realizes a photographed image according to the photographer's preference. have.

  The captured image correction value set by the user in the digital camera is set for color correction when the user displays an image on a display monitor attached to the digital camera or a normal monitor. Therefore, in general, it can be said that a corrected color correction value is set in the sRGB color space. However, since the color reproduction range reproducible in the output device is different from the sRGB color space, the value of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera is not necessarily the correction value considering the color reproduction range in the output device. is not.

  As an example, when comparing the sRGB color space 1201 indicated by the mesh area as shown in FIG. 12 with the color reproduction space 1202 of a general printer indicated by the solid area, the sRGB color space is marked for the green area. large. Therefore, in the sRGB color space, when the parameter correction is performed to make the color setting in the digital camera vivid in response to the user's desire to reproduce the green vividly in the green image of the plant, the green region is reproduced. Although it is possible to improve the saturation at a constant rate, if the corrected captured image is output as it is in the output device, green saturation does not appear in the output reproduction space of the printer. This results in pasting the reproduction color space outline as indicated by the arrows, causing a reduction in color gradation and the like in green reproduction, resulting in degradation of image quality in the output image.

  Accordingly, as described above, 3DLUT for performing gradation conversion processing and color correction processing for removing the influence of gradation processing performed in the digital camera is created, and the gradation and color of the image corrected using the created data. Reproducibility will vary from one individual to another.

  For this reason, individual correction 3DLUTs must be created for various digital cameras, and since there is no information on the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of individual digital cameras, the correction results obtained by the generated 3DLUTs The reproduction accuracy is not necessarily optimal. In addition, in order to improve accuracy, complicated adjustments must be made to the parameters for creating the 3DLUT. Furthermore, in order to perform the optimum output color correction for the generated image corrected by 3DLUT in the output means, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of the image corrected by 3DLUT and perform various adjustments in the output color correction. There is. Since the value of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera is not a correction value considering the color reproduction range in the output device, the image reflecting the color correction condition set by the user in the digital camera is used as it is. When output is performed by the output device, the reproduction of the color correction effect set by the user is different from that intended by the user. In consideration of the color reproduction range in the output device, it is necessary to create an image that optimally reflects color correction information for any color reproduction, gradation, and brightness of the photographer set in the digital camera.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to realize a most preferable output image that reflects a color correction result intended by a photographer set in a digital camera.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an input signal acquisition means for acquiring an input color signal acquired by an input means, and a profile acquisition means for acquiring profile information for correcting color signal correction information in the input means; Photographed color correction information acquisition means for obtaining photographed image color correction information in the input means, input color signal correction means for correcting the input color signal based on the profile information, and the input color signal correction means. Shooting condition color correction means for correcting the input color signal based on the color correction information acquired by the shooting color correction information acquisition means, and color conversion for converting the corrected input color signal into an output color signal Output color signal change information storage means for storing information, and color correction information stored in the output color signal change information storage means, corrected by the input color signal correction means Characterized by comprising a color converter for converting the output color signal output force color signal by the output means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an output image that is most preferable to the user and reflects the user's intention for color correction.

Example 1
The outline and configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

  A CPU 101 is a RAM 103, an operation unit 104, an image processing unit 105, a monitor according to information data stored in the ROM 102, a control program, an OS (operating system), an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application), a device driver, and the like. Various controls of the 106, the input device 107, and the output device 108 are performed. Reference numeral 107 denotes an input device that reads and inputs information on chromaticity points to be evaluated recorded in an internal memory or an IC card provided in the digital camera. An output device 108 outputs an image by an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, a dot printer, or the like. The RAM 103 is a work area and a temporary save area for various control programs and data input from the operation unit 104. Reference numeral 104 denotes an operation unit that performs setting of the output device setting unit 107 and data input. Reference numeral 105 denotes an image processing unit which, in this embodiment, is used to acquire profile information, input color signal correction processing for correcting the input color signal based on the profile information, and convert the corrected input color signal into an output color signal. Image processing including color conversion processing is performed. Reference numeral 106 denotes a monitor that displays a processing result of the image processing unit 105, data input by the operation unit 104, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing unit 105 has the following configuration as the color correction device 201.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes an image data storage device that stores photographed image data of the digital camera input from the terminal 214.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a profile acquisition device that acquires profile information for correcting captured image data to faithful color reproduction image data from the shooting information of the digital camera input from the terminal 215. The profile information acquired from the profile acquisition device 203 is stored in the profile storage device 204.

  Reference numeral 205 denotes a faithful color correction device that corrects photographed image data stored in the image data storage device 202 to faithful color reproduction image data based on profile information stored in the profile storage device 204. The image data corrected by the faithful color correction device 205 is stored in the faithful color data storage device 206.

  An input correction data storage device 210 acquires and stores color correction information for a captured image set by the user at the time of shooting with the digital camera input from the terminal 216.

  The printing apparatus 213 has the following configuration for performing color correction processing for outputting a high-quality image based on the color reproduction characteristics and gradation characteristics of the printing apparatus.

  A color correction data storage device 207 stores color correction data for outputting a high-quality image based on the color reproduction characteristics of the printing device with respect to the faithful color image data stored in the faithful color data storage device 206. is there.

  208 is gradation correction data for storing gradation correction data for outputting high-quality images based on the gradation reproduction characteristics of the printing device with respect to the faithful color image data stored in the faithful color data storage device 206. It is a storage device.

  211 represents the color reproduction in the output device stored in the color space information storage device 212 based on the color correction information for the captured image set by the user at the time of shooting with the digital camera stored in the input correction data storage device 210 This is an input correction parameter creation device that creates a color correction parameter that appropriately reflects a color correction result intended by a user by referring to a range and stores the color correction parameter.

  In the color correction device 209, correction data stored in the color correction data storage device 207, the gradation correction data storage device 208, and the input correction parameter creation device 211 for the faithful color image data stored in the faithful color data storage device 206. Performs color correction processing by.

  The image data corrected by the color correction device 209 is output by the printing device 213.

  The processing steps of the image processing unit 105 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step 301, in the image processing apparatus, digital imaging data photographed by the digital camera is acquired from an internal memory of the digital camera or an IC memory in which photographing data of the digital camera is recorded. The digital imaging data includes tag information in a file format such as JPEG or Exif in addition to the image data that is color signal information.

  In step 302, profile information for correcting the image data corresponding to the digital imaging data acquired in step 301 and subjected to color correction processing by the digital camera to faithful color reproduction is acquired. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that profile information is created in the digital imaging data acquired in step 301 at the time of digital camera imaging, and the profile information is recorded in the tag information of the image data.

  In step 303, the color correction result by the digital camera is corrected with respect to the image data of the digital imaging data based on the acquired profile information, and further correction is performed on the image data that provides more faithful color reproduction.

  In step 304, a captured image correction condition set by the user in the digital camera is acquired from the tag information of the digital imaging data acquired in step 301.

  In step 305, based on the acquired photographic image condition, a color correction parameter optimized to realize the effect on the photographic image condition is created in the color reproduction space of the output means. In step 306, the color by the color correction parameter created in step 304 so that the image data obtained in step 303 with the faithful color reproduction is an image that matches the captured image condition set by the user. Perform correction processing.

  In step 307, the image data subjected to the color correction processing in steps 303 to 306 is subjected to print color correction processing for output in the output device and color conversion to an output signal.

  In print color correction processing, gradation processing and color correction processing that achieves high-quality image output in a printing device for image data corrected to reflect captured image correction conditions for color image data faithful to the subject Is done.

  In step 308, the printing color correction processing in step 307 and the image data color-converted to the output signal are output in the printing apparatus.

  According to the above process, when digital image data captured by a digital camera is output on a printing apparatus, regardless of the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of various digital cameras, it is based on the processing configuration and the reproduction characteristics of each digital camera. Using the profile information that is converted into a faithful color reproduction image, color correction is performed to create a faithful color reproduction image. High-quality image output is achieved by performing processing optimized for the color reproduction range in the printing device for the effect of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera on the created faithful color reproduction image. By realizing the color correction processing to be realized, it is possible to output digital image data taken by the digital camera with high image quality in accordance with the user's intention in the printing apparatus.

  The configuration of the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration for acquiring profile information for correcting the image data corresponding to the digital imaging data and subjected to color correction processing by the digital camera to faithful color reproduction in step 302 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Is shown in FIG.

  In the color correction device 201, an image data storage device 401 is a storage device that stores digital image data captured by the acquired digital camera. The digital imaging data includes tag information in a file format such as JPEG or Exif in addition to the image data that is color signal information, and profile information is recorded in the tag information of the image data.

  The image ancillary information analysis device 402 analyzes the tag information of the digital imaging data stored in the image data storage device 401 and extracts the recorded profile information.

  The profile acquisition device 203 performs tag information analysis on the profile information extracted by the image ancillary information analysis device 402, decompression processing of compressed data, and the like, and is necessary for color correction to correct the image data to a faithful color image. Data is acquired as final profile information.

  The profile storage device 204 stores final profile information acquired by the profile acquisition device 203.

  Here, the profile information includes all forms of data that perform color correction processing for correcting image data that has been subjected to color correction processing by a digital camera and corresponds to digital imaging data to faithful color reproduction. For example, matrix data for performing matrix processing on 3D color space information such as RGB, XYZ, and YCC, 3DLUT information, and 1D LUT and mathematical formula information in gradation processing may be used.

  Furthermore, program data for performing color correction processing may be used. In this form, information on the input data format, output data format, and color correction program are processed as profile information.

  Also, shooting information necessary for color correction may be included in a part of the profile information.

  For example, as color correction information for digital cameras, white balance (WB / AWB) adjustment value, exposure (AE) adjustment value, light source color temperature value, number of pixels, number of bits of image data, gradation processing parameters, color correction There are processing parameters. The color correction data set by the user in the digital camera of the present embodiment may also be stored as profile information, and the image correction information analysis device 402 extracts the color correction data set by the user. It is assumed that the data is stored in the input correction data storage device 210.

  Here, image processing in the digital camera will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the digital camera portion. Reference numeral 801 denotes a sensor which is an image pickup unit, and an image pickup element having four types of color filters shown in FIG. 9 on the element surface is arranged. A subject image is read out from the sensor 801 as an image signal for each pixel through a photographing lens (not shown). The image signal read from the sensor 801 for each pixel is subjected to processing such as CDS and AGC by the preprocessing circuit 802, and then A / D converted at a timing synchronized with the read clock by the A / D converter 803. The For color processing to be performed later, this A / D converter 803 has good linear characteristics, and it is desirable to perform it with 8 bits or more in view of quantization error.

  The A / D converted signal is once written in the buffer memory 804 and read from there for two-dimensional signal processing to be performed later.

  The luminance signal is read out from the buffer memory 804 in the order corresponding to the pixel arrangement of the image sensor, subjected to a predetermined band limitation by the low-pass filter 805, and then passes through the γ converter 814 and the enhancer 815 to obtain the high frequency component The luminance signal YH included is synthesized by the luminance low-frequency component YL obtained by the method described later by the luminance signal forming circuit 816 and output as the luminance signal Y.

  On the other hand, signals corresponding to the color signals Mg, Gr, Cy, and Ye are read from the buffer memory 804 and input to the four interpolation filters 806, 807, 808, and 809, and the synchronized color signals Mg, Gr, respectively. , Cy, Ye. These color signals are input to the RGB converter 810 and converted into R, G, and B3 signals. This is due to a matrix operation such as (Equation 1).

ここでマトリクスＡは撮像素子１のＭｇ，Ｇｒ，Ｃｙ，Ｙｅの分光特性Ｍｇ（λ) ，Ｇｒ（λ) ，Ｃｙ（λ) ，Ｙｅ（λ) をＲＧＢの理想分光特性Ｒ（λ) ，Ｇ（λ) ，Ｂ（λ） に近づけるように最適化された３行４列のマトリクスである。

Here, the matrix A represents the spectral characteristics Mg (λ), Gr (λ), Cy (λ), Ye (λ) of Mg, Gr, Cy, Ye of the image sensor 1 as RGB ideal spectral characteristics R (λ), G This is a matrix of 3 rows and 4 columns optimized to approach (λ) and B (λ).

  Next, white balance is obtained by adjusting the gain of the RGB signal from R, G, B to αR, G, βB in the white balance unit 811.

  Next, the γ conversion unit 812 performs γ conversion of the RGB signal by table conversion. In the color difference matrix unit 813

という変換を行い、前述した輝度の低域成分ＹL と色差信号Ｒ−Ｙ，Ｂ−Ｙとが生成される。色差信号Ｒ−Ｙ，Ｂ−Ｙは引き続くローパスフィルター818，819で所定の帯域制限がなされ、出力される。

Thus, the luminance low-frequency component YL and the color difference signals RY and BY are generated. The color difference signals RY and BY are subjected to predetermined band limitation by the subsequent low-pass filters 818 and 819 and are output.

  The low-frequency component YL of the luminance is subjected to a predetermined band limitation by the low-pass filter 817. As described above, the luminance signal YH including the high-frequency component and the luminance signal forming circuit 816 are combined and output as the luminance signal Y.

  After that, each of the luminance signal and the color difference signal is encoded and compressed by a compression circuit (not shown), and the compressed image data uses a semiconductor memory or the like according to a predetermined image format to be described later together with information at the time of photographing the subject. Recorded on the recording medium.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the parameters for the user to perform arbitrary color correction in the digital camera include saturation adjustment parameters, brightness adjustment parameters, hue rotation parameters (redness, yellowness, blueness enhancement, etc.) The intensity of each adjustment parameter set by the user in the digital camera corresponds to the matrix in equation (1) and the γ setting value in the γ conversion unit, respectively, and performs image correction.

  Therefore, it is possible to record the corresponding correction matrix and the degree of correction of the γ set value for the set user-specified color correction parameters as tag information in the image format.

  Therefore, in the case of a digital camera having the above-described image processing configuration, in order to convert the image data subjected to the image processing into an image having faithful color reproduction, the RGB conversion unit 810 or later in FIG. The color correction process may be performed so that the process traced in reverse is performed, and the color reproduction is faithful to the result of the reverse process.

  Therefore, after calculating the processing by the inverse matrix of each matrix calculation unit and the calculation process of the inverse gain in the digital turtle, create a three-dimensional table or matrix for the result of the processing by the faithful color correction parameter, or A program having a processing algorithm including the correction data is generated as profile information in this embodiment.

  Next, a process for correcting the image data corrected by the profile information based on the captured image correction condition in the digital camera will be described.

  The captured image correction value set by the user in the digital camera is set for color correction when the user displays an image on a display monitor attached to the digital camera or a normal monitor.

  Therefore, it can be said that the color correction value in the sRGB color space is set as the captured image correction in the digital camera. However, since the color reproduction range reproducible in the output device is different from the sRGB color space, the value of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera is not necessarily the correction value considering the color reproduction range in the output device. is not.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the faithful color reproduction image data is set so that the normal output color correction result in the output color reproduction space and the color correction by the digital camera in the sRGB color space correspond to the color reproduction space of the output device. The result is corrected and the result of color correction by the digital camera is reflected in the output color reproduction space.

  Here, in creating a correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space in the input correction parameter creation device 211, an optimum correction parameter is created based on the output color space information in the output device.

  The configuration of this embodiment has an input condition correction data storage memory that stores correction parameters suitable for the output color reproduction space in accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a memory that stores correction parameters referred to for input condition correction parameters for performing saturation correction. For each saturation correction value level in the digital camera, a parameter for performing gain conversion for changing the saturation in the faithfully reproduced image data is stored in the input condition correction data storage memory 1001.

An example of a correction parameter referred to for an input condition correction parameter is illustrated.
FIG. 13 shows the saturation correction parameters.

  In FIG. 13, the horizontal axis indicates the saturation of the input signal, and the vertical axis indicates the saturation reproduction value in the output color space. A is the maximum saturation value in the sRGB color space, and B is the maximum saturation value in the output color space. When the reference saturation correction parameter of the digital camera was 1301, the standard saturation correction parameter of the corresponding printer was 1303. The standard saturation correction parameter 1303 is a parameter stored in advance in the color correction data storage device 207.

  Here, when the saturation of the digital camera is increased by one level of saturation, the saturation correction parameter for the digital camera is 1302, but the saturation correction parameter for the printer is 1304 due to the saturation reproduction performance of the printer. It becomes a characteristic curve, and the color correction effect of the saturation digital camera in the color reproduction range of the printer is changed to a parameter that obtains the optimum result in the printer output.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a memory that stores correction parameters referred to for input condition correction parameters for performing brightness correction. A parameter for changing gamma in the faithfully reproduced image data is stored in the input condition correction data storage memory 1101 with respect to each lightness correction value level input in the digital camera.

  FIG. 14 shows the lightness correction parameters referred to for the input condition correction parameters.

  For the sRGB brightness range, if the digital camera's standard brightness correction parameter is 1401 for the input brightness range E to F and output brightness range A to B, the brightness range for the corresponding printer will be C to D. The brightness correction parameter was 1403. The standard brightness correction parameter 1403 is a parameter stored in advance in the gradation correction data storage device 208.

  When the brightness is reduced by one step by correcting the brightness of the digital camera, the brightness correction parameter for the digital camera is 1402. However, the brightness correction parameter for the printer is a characteristic curve such as 1404 that is different from the curve for simple linear compression of the brightness. The lightness range in the color reproduction range of the printer is changed to a parameter for obtaining an optimum result in the printer output with respect to the color correction effect of the digital camera.

  In this embodiment, as an example of a method for creating an appropriate correction parameter for the color reproduction space of each output device described above, with respect to the output correction parameter shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the brightness range of the color reproduction space in the output device, The result of linear compression / decompression is used for the saturation range.

  Further, the output correction parameters as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be defined for each hue or for each specified color area.

  According to the above process, when digital image data captured by a digital camera is output on a printing apparatus, regardless of the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of various digital cameras, it is based on the processing configuration and the reproduction characteristics of each digital camera. Using the profile information that is converted into a faithful color reproduction image, color correction is performed to create a faithful color reproduction image. Realizes high-quality image output by performing processing optimized for the color reproduction range of the printing device for the effect of the captured image correction set by the user on the digital camera for the created faithful color reproduction image This makes it possible to perform color correction processing and to output digital image data taken by a digital camera with high image quality in accordance with the user's intention in the printing apparatus.

(Example 2)
In the present embodiment, the digital device that is the input device 107 has a configuration for acquiring profile information for correcting image data corresponding to digital imaging data and subjected to color correction processing by a digital camera to faithful color reproduction. It has a configuration acquired from the camera.

  A configuration for acquiring profile information from a digital camera is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, an input device 107 shows a configuration in the digital camera, and CCD imaging data of a subject is acquired by the imaging apparatus 501. Correction data used for gradation and color correction in the digital camera for creating captured image data from the acquired CCD captured data is stored in the correction data storage device 502.

  The profile creation device 503 corrects the created captured image data to a faithful color reproduction image based on the gradation data in the digital camera stored in the correction data storage device 502 and the correction data used for color correction. Profile information is created.

  Also, photographing information necessary for color correction is included in a part of the profile information.

  For example, as color correction information for digital cameras, white balance (WB / AWB) adjustment value, exposure (AE) adjustment value, light source color temperature value, number of pixels, number of bits of image data, gradation processing parameters, color correction There are processing parameters. The color correction data set by the user in the digital camera in the present embodiment is also stored as profile information.

  In the image correction processing device 504, color correction processing is performed on the CCD shooting data of the subject acquired in the imaging device 501, using the correction data used for gradation and color correction in the digital camera, and shooting is performed. Image data is created.

  In the image data storage device 505, the created captured image data is stored.

  In the present embodiment, in a system that can transfer data directly from a digital camera to an image processing apparatus, represented by camera direct printing, captured image data and profile information are individually stored in the image processing apparatus. Obtained by the color correction device 201.

  The profile information is acquired by the profile acquisition device 203 of the color correction device 201 in the image processing device, while the captured image data is acquired and stored in the image data storage device 202 of the color correction device 201 in the image processing device.

Here, when creating a correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space in the input correction parameter creation device 211, an optimum correction parameter is created in the color correction device 201 in the image processing apparatus based on the output color space information in the output device. To do.
In the present embodiment, as an example of a method for creating an appropriate correction parameter for the color reproduction space of each output device described above, the output correction parameter shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is linear with respect to the color reproduction space in the output device. The result of compression / decompression is used.

  In accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera in the user settings at the time of shooting, the output device generates correction parameters suitable for the output color reproduction space based on the analysis of profile information and stores them in the input condition correction data storage memory.

  According to the present embodiment, the color correction apparatus 201 can obtain captured image data from a digital camera regardless of the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of the various digital cameras even if the captured image data is in an image file format without tag information. Based on the profile information for correcting the device characteristics of the digital camera and the color correction processing into a faithful color reproduction signal, color correction is performed to create a faithful color reproduction image. High-quality image output is achieved by performing processing optimized for the color reproduction range in the printing device for the effect of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera on the created faithful color reproduction image. By realizing the color correction processing to be realized, it is possible to output digital image data taken by the digital camera with high image quality in accordance with the user's intention in the printing apparatus.

(Example 3)
In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus is configured to acquire input of profile information for correcting image data corresponding to digital imaging data and subjected to color correction processing by a digital camera to faithful color reproduction. The digital camera information which is the device 107 is acquired, the digital camera information is referred to in a server connected via a network, and the profile information corresponding to the digital camera and captured image data is acquired from the server.

  In FIG. 6, information such as the camera model and the shooting condition of the image to be processed is passed as input device information to the input device information storage device 607 in the color correction device 201 in the image processing apparatus from the input device 107 and stored. . The camera model information stored in the input device information storage device 607 in the color correction device 201 is connected via the network I / F 606 to a server 601 that collects and stores profile information. In the server 601, the input device information passed from the image processing apparatus is analyzed in the input apparatus information analysis apparatus 602, and model information and photographing conditions necessary for creating profile information are acquired. From the profile storage device storing the data necessary to create the profile information corresponding to the model information and shooting conditions, the profile creation device 604 acquires the data corresponding to the acquired model information and shooting conditions, Create profile information necessary for color correction. The profile information created in the profile creation device 604 is transmitted to the image processing device via the network I / F 605 in the server 601.

  Also, photographing information necessary for color correction is included in a part of the profile information.

  For example, as color correction information for digital cameras, white balance (WB / AWB) adjustment value, exposure (AE) adjustment value, light source color temperature value, number of pixels, number of bits of image data, gradation processing parameters, color correction There are processing parameters. The color correction data set by the user in the digital camera in the present embodiment is also stored as profile information.

  In the color correction apparatus 201 in the image processing apparatus apparatus, the profile information transmitted from the server 601 is acquired in the profile acquisition apparatus 203, color correction data that can be processed in the color correction apparatus 201 is acquired, and the profile storage apparatus 204 Store.

  A correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space in accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera is stored as profile information in the input condition correction data storage memory in the profile storage device 204.

  Here, when creating a correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space, the color reproduction space information in the output device is transmitted to the server 601, and the profile creation device 604 performs an optimal correction based on the transmitted output color space information. The configuration may be such that the parameter is created and returned to the image processing apparatus.

  Alternatively, in the server 601, color reproduction space information for a plurality of output devices is stored in advance, and an appropriate correction parameter is created for the designated output device by a signal designating the output device from the input device 107. Alternatively, the image may be returned to the image processing apparatus.

  Alternatively, the color correction data set by the user is returned to the image processing apparatus as the degree of effect as profile information, and the image processing apparatus creates correction parameters appropriate for the color reproduction space information in the output device. Also good.

  Here, in this embodiment, as an example of a method for creating an appropriate correction parameter for the color reproduction space of each output device described above, the output correction parameter shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is linearly set for each color reproduction space. The result of compression / decompression is used.

  In accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera in the user settings at the time of shooting, the output device acquires correction parameters suitable for the output color reproduction space based on the analysis of the profile information and stores them in the input condition correction data storage memory.

  In the color correction device 201, even if the captured image data is in tag information and the image file format does not have profile information, or the captured image data is in an image file format that does not have tag information, In the processing device, the device information of the digital camera acquired from the digital camera is transmitted to the server via the network, so that the profile information for correcting the device characteristics of the digital camera and the color correction processing into a faithful color reproduction signal is obtained. Acquired from the server via the network, the device characteristics and color correction processing of the digital camera acquired regardless of the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of various digital cameras in the image processing device to faithful color reproduction signal Based on profile information to be corrected, color correction is performed to create a faithful color reproduction image That. High-quality image output is achieved by performing processing optimized for the color reproduction range in the printing device for the effect of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera on the created faithful color reproduction image. By realizing the color correction processing to be realized, it is possible to output digital image data taken by the digital camera with high image quality in accordance with the user's intention in the printing apparatus.

Example 4
In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus is configured to acquire profile information for correcting image data corresponding to digital imaging data and subjected to color correction processing by a digital camera to faithful color reproduction. The digital camera information recorded in the tag information of the image data is acquired, the digital camera information is referred to in the server connected via the network, and the profile information corresponding to the digital camera and the captured image data is acquired from the server. It has the structure to do.

  In FIG. 7, captured image data photographed by the input device 107 is stored in the image data storage device 401 in the color correction device 201 in the image processing device. In the image ancillary information analysis device 402, tag information of the imaging data stored in the image data storage device 401 is analyzed, and information such as a camera model and a shooting condition of an image to be processed is extracted as input device information. The camera model information extracted by the image ancillary information analysis apparatus 402 in the color correction apparatus 201 is connected through the network I / F 606 to a server 601 that collects and stores profile information. In the server 601, the input device information passed from the image processing apparatus is analyzed in the input apparatus information analysis apparatus 602, and model information and photographing conditions necessary for creating profile information are acquired. From the profile storage device storing the data necessary to create the profile information corresponding to the model information and shooting conditions, the profile creation device 604 acquires the data corresponding to the acquired model information and shooting conditions, Create profile information necessary for color correction.

  Also, photographing information necessary for color correction is included in a part of the profile information.

  For example, as color correction information for digital cameras, white balance (WB / AWB) adjustment value, exposure (AE) adjustment value, light source color temperature value, number of pixels, number of bits of image data, gradation processing parameters, color correction There are processing parameters. The color correction data set by the user in the digital camera in the present embodiment is also stored as profile information.

  Therefore, a correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space of the output device is obtained in accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera in the user settings at the time of shooting, and stored as profile information.

  The profile information created in the profile creation device 604 is transmitted to the image processing device via the network I / F 605 in the server 601.

  In the color correction device 201 in the image processing apparatus, the profile information transmitted from the server 601 is acquired by the profile acquisition device 203, and color correction data that can be processed by the color correction device 201 is acquired and stored in the profile storage device 204. To do.

  A correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space in accordance with the color correction level of the digital camera is stored as profile information in the input condition correction data storage memory in the profile storage device 204.

  Here, when creating a correction parameter suitable for the output color reproduction space, the color reproduction space information in the output device is transmitted to the server 601, and the profile creation device 604 performs an optimal correction based on the transmitted output color space information. The configuration may be such that the parameter is created and returned to the image processing apparatus.

  Alternatively, in the server 601, color reproduction space information in a plurality of output devices is stored in advance, and an appropriate correction parameter is created for the designated output device based on the designation signal of the output device from the input device 107, It may be configured to return to the image processing apparatus.

  Alternatively, the color correction data set by the user is returned to the image processing apparatus as the degree of effect as profile information, and the image processing apparatus creates correction parameters appropriate for the color reproduction space information in the output device. Also good.

  Here, in this embodiment, as an example of a method for creating an appropriate correction parameter for the color reproduction space of each output device described above, the output correction parameter shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is linearly set for each color reproduction space. The compressed result is used.

  According to this embodiment, in the color correction device 201, even if the captured image data is in the tag information and the image file format has no profile information, the digital camera acquired from the tag information of the captured image data in the image processing device Device information is transmitted to the server via the network, and profile information for correcting the device characteristics and color correction processing of the digital camera into a faithful color reproduction signal is obtained from the server via the network. In the processing device, color correction is performed based on the profile information that corrects the device characteristics of the digital camera and the color correction processing to the faithful color reproduction signal acquired regardless of the color reproduction characteristics and color correction processing of various digital cameras. Create a faithful color reproduction image. High-quality image output is achieved by performing processing optimized for the color reproduction range in the printing device for the effect of the captured image correction set by the user in the digital camera on the created faithful color reproduction image. By realizing the color correction processing to be realized, it is possible to output digital image data taken by the digital camera with high image quality in accordance with the user's intention in the printing apparatus.

(Other examples)
Note that the present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, and a printer), and a device (for example, a copying machine and a facsimile device) including a single device. You may apply to.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like is used. I can do it.

  In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an input device. It is a figure which shows the data format of an input device. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows sRGB color space and the color reproduction space of a printer. It is a figure which shows an example of a color correction parameter. It is a figure which shows an example of a color correction parameter.

Claims (15)

Input signal acquisition means for acquiring an input color signal acquired by the input means;
Profile acquisition means for acquiring profile information for correcting color signal correction information in the input means;
Photographic color correction information acquisition means for acquiring photographic image color correction information in the input means;
Input color signal correcting means for correcting the input color signal based on the profile information;
Shooting condition color correction means for correcting the input color signal corrected by the input color signal correction means based on the color correction information acquired by the shooting color correction information acquisition means;
Output color signal change information storage means for storing color conversion information for converting the corrected input color signal into an output color signal;
Color conversion means for converting the input color signal corrected by the input color signal correction means using the color conversion information stored in the output color signal change information storage means into an output color signal output by the output means; An image processing apparatus.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a digital camera, and the output unit is a printer.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a detachable storage device attached to the digital camera, and the output unit is a printer.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographed image color correction information in the input means is information for correcting brightness / saturation / hue / gradation.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographed image color correction information in the input unit is information attached to the input signal by the input unit.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographed image color correction information in the input unit is information distributed by the input unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a digital camera, the output unit is a printer, and the input unit is connected to the output unit via a wired / wireless network.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile information is gradation correction information / means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile information is color correction information / means.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile information is information attached to the input signal by an input unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile information is information distributed by the input unit.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the profile information is information distributed via a wired / wireless network based on input means identification information in input means information / information attached to the input signal.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input color signal is corrected by the profile information to information that faithfully reproduces color information of a subject.   In an image processing apparatus having an image processing step of converting an input color signal into an output color signal, an input signal acquisition step of acquiring an input color signal acquired in the input step, and correcting color signal correction information in the input step A profile acquisition step of acquiring profile information, a shooting color correction information acquisition step of acquiring captured image color correction information in the input step, and an input color signal correction step of correcting the input color signal based on the profile information; A shooting condition color correction step for correcting the input color signal corrected in the input color signal correction step based on the color correction information acquired in the shooting color correction information acquisition step, and the corrected input color signal An output color signal change information storage step for storing color conversion information for conversion to an output color signal, and color conversion information stored in the output color signal change information storage step An image processing method characterized by comprising a color conversion step of converting the output color signal output by the output step the corrected input color signal by the input color signal correction process to have.   A program for realizing the image processing method according to claim 14 using a computer.

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