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Selection of image data for output

a technology of image data and output, applied in the direction of digital output to print units, image enhancement, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of improper output of image data generated by image generating devices, blurred image, improper output of improper images,

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-12-03
SEIKO EPSON CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The present invention relates to an image data processing technique for executing image data output decisions.
[0008]In order to attain at least part of the aforementioned problem, there is provided an image output device for outputting an image using image data generated by an image generating device and image generation record information that is associated with the image data and that includes operation information for the image generating device at the time that the image data is generated. The image output device comprises an image data processing device and an output section. The image data processing device comprises an analyzer for analyzing at least one of the image data and the image generation record information, and for determining, on the basis of the image data, an image quality parameter relating to quality of an image; and a selector for performing, on the basis of the image quality parameter, a output target decision regarding whether to select each image data as an output target. The output section outputs an image using the image data that has been selected as the output target by the selector.

Problems solved by technology

Image data generated by an image generating device is sometimes generated under improper operating settings.
Additional examples are cases of improper exposure resulting in an image that is too bright or too dark; and cases where camera shake caused by an unsteady hand during shooting results in a blurred image.
These improper images are typically not desired to output.
In such instances, it is typically necessary for the user, when outputting images from an output device, to select whether or not a particular image should be output; and this selection process is particularly arduous where a large number of images are being handled.

Method used

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  • Selection of image data for output
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  • Selection of image data for output

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

embodiment 1

H1. Embodiment 1 of Image Selection Based on Camera Shake Characteristic of an Image

[0145]FIGS. 25(a)-25(c) illustrate the output target decision process of this embodiment. The two images IMG25a and IMG25b shown in FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b) are images of a human figure. The difference between these two images is that image IMG25a was generated with a relatively brief exposure time, whereas image IMG25b had a relatively long exposure time. In image IMG25a, the human figure is sharp. In image IMG25b, on the other hand, the human figure is blurred. When the orientation of the image generating device changes during the time that the image generating device is exposed to light, the position of the subject within the image changes, so that the resultant image is a blurred image. This blur is called camera shake, and is more likely to occur the longer the exposure time, so that an image that is blurred due to camera shake, like image IMG25b, is more likely to be produced the longer the exposu...

embodiment 2

H2. Embodiment 2 of Image Selection Based on Camera Shake Characteristic of an Image

[0147]FIGS. 26(a)-26c) illustrate the output target decision process of this embodiment. The two images IMG26a and IMG26b shown in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b) are images of a car against a background of trees. While these two images were both produced with a long exposure time of the image generating device at the time of image generation, image IMG26a shows an image produced with the time setting set manually and intentionally by user, whereas image IMG26b shows an image produced with the time setting set automatically. In image IMG26a, the trees in the background are not blurry, while the moving car appears blurred in the direction of travel. In image IMG26b, on the other hand, both the background trees and the car are blurred due to camera shake. Certain image generating devices allow the exposure time, for example, the shutter speed, to be set by the user. The user can deliberately set a slow shutter s...

embodiment 3

H3. Embodiment 3 of Image Selection Based on Camera Shake Characteristic of an Image

[0149]FIGS. 27(a)-27(c) illustrate the output target decision process of this embodiment. The two images IMG27a and IMG27b shown in FIGS. 27(a) and 27(b) are images of a human figure. These two images are based on image data generated under low-light or dark conditions, and the exposure time is quite long. Image IMG27a shows an image produced with firing of a supplemental light source, such as a flash, whereas image IMG27b shows an image produced in the absence of a supplemental light source. In the image of image IMG17a, the human figure appears bright and sharp. In the image of image IMG17b, on the other hand, the human figure appears dark, and is blurred due to camera shake. When image data is generated under low-light conditions, the image generating device tends to set a longer exposure time in order to be able to let in more light. However, when image data is produced while firing a flash or ot...

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PUM

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Abstract

Either image data or image generation record information is analyzed to determine an image quality parameter relating to image quality, and an output target decision regarding selection of image data as an output target is performed on the basis of the image quality parameter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 665,679, filed Sep. 19, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to an image data processing technique for executing image data output decisions.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Image data generated by an image generating device is output from a suitable output device according to user preference. Known image output devices include CRTs, LCDs, printers, projectors, and television receivers; known image generating devices include digital still cameras (DSCs), and digital video cameras (DVCs).[0006]Image data generated by an image generating device is sometimes generated under improper operating settings. Examples of such image data include image data focused on a subject other than the intended subject. Additional examples...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F15/00G06K9/60G06K9/00G06T5/20G06T7/00G06T7/40H04N1/21H04N1/409H04N5/91H04N101/00
CPCG06T7/0002G06T7/403G06T2200/24H04N1/00005H04N2201/3252H04N1/0005H04N1/00071H04N1/2112H04N1/2158H04N1/00047G06T7/44
Inventor HAYAISHI, IKUOKOIZUMI, TAKAHIKO
Owner SEIKO EPSON CORP