Output image adjustment method, apparatus and computer program product for graphics files

Abstract

When a memory card MC is inserted into slot, a control circuit of a color printer acquires and analyzes graphics processing control information GC from the memory card MC. A CPU corrects standard values for image quality parameters indicating graphics data qualities, to reflect the graphics processing control information GC. The CPU corrects image quality parameters to bring them into approximation with the corrected standard values, and adjusts image quality of the graphics data to reflect the corrected image quality parameters.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 051,805, filed on Jan. 15, 2002. The disclosure of this prior application from which priority is claimed is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to image quality adjusting apparatuses, computer program product and methods for adjusting image quality of graphics files.[0004]2. Discussion of the Background[0005]Image quality of graphics data produced by digital still cameras (DSC) and digital video cameras (DVC), scanners and similar devices can be adjusted as desired using a graphics retouching application run on a personal computer. Graphics retouching applications typically have an image adjustment function whereby image quality of graphics data is adjusted automatically. Using this image adjustment function, it is fairly easy to improve the image quality of graphics data output from ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a graphics processing device that can automatically adjust the image quality of graphics data to reflect the control information used during image quality correction. This is done without eliminating the intentionally set control information, allowing for individualized adjustments that improve the image quality of graphics data. The device includes an image quality processing control information related to the graphics data, an image quality parameter value acquiring mechanism, and an image quality adjusting mechanism. The device can also use standard image quality information to adjust the image quality of graphics data. Overall, the invention provides a way to automatically adjust image quality for individual sets of graphics data.

Problems solved by technology

As recognized by the present inventors, graphics data being processed, on the other hand, is generated under a variety of conditions, and thus image quality cannot always improved by a standard automatic image adjustment function, even where the image quality parameter values of the graphics data are modified using standard values.

If the automatic image adjustment function is performed on such graphics data, the result is that the intentionally created image quality is also adjusted automatically to standard image quality, so that the automatic image quality adjustment does not reflect the intent of the user.

Another problem is that automatic image quality adjustment tends not to preserve photographic condition settings made on the DSC end.

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