U.S. patent application number 11/698056 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for image retouching program.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Atsushi Hatta, Masaru Hoshino, Nobuhisa Takabayashi.
Application Number | 20070121141 11/698056 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19087180 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070121141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takabayashi; Nobuhisa ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Image retouching program
Abstract
Provided is photo retouching software which is easy for photo
studio personnel to use. Upon opening photo image(s), special photo
retoucher 11 converts photo image data thereof to working color
space image data. At such time(s), if working ICC profile(s) is/are
set which is/are different from ICC profile(s) previously embedded
in such photo image file(s), color perceptual matching is carried
out on the photo image data thereof based on such embedded ICC
profile(s) and working ICC profile(s) when such photo image file(s)
is/are opened. Furthermore, when such photo image(s) is/are
displayed at monitor(s), such image data is converted to monitor
color space image data through color matching using working ICC
profile(s) and monitor ICC profile(s).
Inventors: |
Takabayashi; Nobuhisa;
(Nagano-ken, JP) ; Hoshino; Masaru; (Nagano-ken,
JP) ; Hatta; Atsushi; (Nagano-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
19087180 |
Appl. No.: |
11/698056 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10229275 |
Aug 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
11698056 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/1872 20130101;
H04N 1/622 20130101; G06T 11/60 20130101; H04N 1/60 20130101; H04N
1/00167 20130101; H04N 1/00244 20130101; G06K 15/1807 20130101;
H04N 1/6013 20130101; H04N 1/00143 20130101; H04N 1/00188 20130101;
H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 1/6011 20130101; H04N 1/00172 20130101;
H04N 1/00161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.9 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 29, 2001 |
JP |
2001-259880 |
Claims
1. A computer program for image retouching, the image retouching
program being capable of causing a computer or computers to carry
out step or steps wherein a screen or screens in which a plurality
of retouching mode selection buttons respectively correspond to a
plurality of retouching modes associated with a retouching
operation or operations is or are displayed, the retouching mode
selection buttons being arrayed in order pursuant to sequence
within the retouching operation or operations; and step or steps
wherein at a time or times when a retouching mode selection button
or buttons is or are selected by a user or users from the displayed
screen or screens, a retouching operation or operations associated
with a retouching mode or modes corresponding to the selected
retouching mode selection button or buttons is or are made
available for being carried out by the user or users.
2. A computer program for image retouching, stored in a
computer-readable medium or media, the image retouching program
being capable of causing a computer or computers to carry out: step
or steps wherein a screen or screens in which a plurality of
retouching mode selection buttons respectively correspond to a
plurality of retouching modes associated with a retouching
operation or operations is or are displayed, the retouching mode
selection buttons being arrayed in order pursuant to sequence
within the retouching operation or operations; and step or steps
wherein at a time or times when a retouching mode selection button
or buttons is or are selected by a user or users from the displayed
screen or screens, a retouching operation or operations associated
with a retouching mode or modes corresponding to the selected
retouching mode selection button or buttons is or are made
available for being carried out by the user or users.
3. An apparatus for image retouching comprising: a component or
components wherein a screen or screens in which a plurality of
retouching mode selection buttons respectively correspond to a
plurality of retouching modes associated with a retouching
operation or operations is or are displayed, the retouching mode
selection buttons being arrayed in order pursuant to sequence
within the retouching operation or operations; and a component or
components wherein at a time or times when a retouching mode
selection button or buttons is or are selected by a user or users
from the displayed screen or screens, a retouching operation or
operations associated with a retouching mode or modes corresponding
to the selected retouching mode selection button or buttons is or
are made available for being carried out by the user or users.
Description
[0001] This is a divisional of application Ser. No.10/229,275 filed
Aug. 28, 2002. The entire disclosure of the prior application,
application Ser. No. 10/229,275 is considered part of the
disclosure of the accompanying divisional application and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF ART
[0002] The present invention pertains to art for retouching of
images.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] As a result of improvements in digital camera and electronic
printer performance, not only amateurs but also photographic
industry professionals have begun using digital cameras and
electronic printers. Amateurs as well as professionals typically
make use of a simple system wherein an electronic printer is
connected by way of a dedicated interface cable, LAN, or the like
to a personal computer on which a photo retouching program is
installed. Use of a sophisticated photo retouching program makes it
possible to carry out a diverse variety of retouching and/or color
correction operations on photographic images taken with a digital
camera, and/or freely vary the size and/or resolution of such
images. Inkjet printers are favorably used as such electronic
printers, as they permit printed output of high-quality full-color
photographs that are as good as silver halide photographs.
[0004] The typical system described above performs extremely well
in terms of its ability to permit each individual photograph to be
finished as necessary to achieve a quality print which can then be
output. However, at photo studios or other such sites dealing with
commercial or professional photographic prints, a variety of other
capabilities are required in addition to capabilities related to
high-quality print generation.
[0005] First and foremost, professionals demand the ability to
produce printed output having color that is consistent with what
they were expecting. One factor which interferes with this ability
is the fact that the characteristics affecting color in digital
cameras, computer display monitors, printers, and other such image
processing devices differ from device to device. For this reason,
the color of the original image taken with the camera, the color of
the image on the monitor screen, and the color of the image which
is printed out will all be different. Despite this, conventional
systems do not possess the capability to automatically adjust color
to compensate for differences in color characteristics among
devices. Unless the user has a good understanding of the color
characteristics of each device and manually adjusts color himself
or herself in, for example, photo retouching software or the like,
the user will be unable to produce printed output having color that
is consistent with what the user was expecting.
[0006] Second, the ability to efficiently process studio business
is demanded. For example, as the operation which takes the most
time at a photo studio is the retouching of photographs, there is a
demand for reduction in the amount of time that must be set aside
for same. Conventional photo retouching software is provided with
an extremely diverse variety of retouching functionalities so as to
also appeal to graphical designers and the like. However, as the
retouching carried out most frequently by photo studios is more or
less limited to a few particular categories, it is instead more
important that they be able to carry those particular categories of
retouching quickly and in routine fashion. Furthermore, as there
are any number of standard sizes which may be used for printed
output of commercial photographs, prior to printing it is necessary
to carry out print layout operations wherein photograph size is
made to conform to such a standard size and/or multiple numbers of
photographs of standard size are arranged on a sheet of media.
However, such print layout operations also represent an
inconvenience in conventional systems. There is therefore a demand
that such print layout operations be made capable of being carried
out easily and in routine fashion.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention was conceived primarily to address the
second of the foregoing problems, it being an object thereof to
provide photo retouching software that is easy for photo studio
personnel to use.
[0008] An image retouching program (photo retouching software) in
accordance with a first aspect of the present invention is capable
of causing a computer or computers to carry out step or steps
wherein a screen or screens in which a plurality of retouching mode
selection buttons respectively correspond to a plurality of
retouching modes associated with a retouching operation or
operations is or are displayed, the retouching mode selection
buttons being arrayed in order pursuant to sequence within the
retouching operation or operations; and step or steps wherein at a
time or times when a retouching mode selection button or buttons is
or are selected by a user or users from the displayed screen or
screens, a retouching operation or operations associated with a
retouching mode or modes corresponding to the selected retouching
mode selection button or buttons is or are made available for
being-carried out by the user or users.
[0009] An image retouching program in accordance with a second
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein an image or images
represented by image data present in a storage area or areas
specified by a user or users is or are displayed in thumbnail
fashion; step or steps wherein a priority (or importance) setting
or settings for an image or images displayed in thumbnail fashion
is or are accepted from the user or users; and step or steps
wherein at least either (1) or (2) is performed,
[0010] (1) being display on or near an image or images of a
priority or priorities set by the user or users for that image or
those images, and
[0011] (2) being arrayal of an image or images displayed in
thumbnail fashion in correspondence to a priority or priorities set
by the user or users.
[0012] An image retouching program in accordance with a third
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein an image or images
represented by image data present in a storage area or areas
specified by a user or users is or are displayed in thumbnail
fashion; and step or steps wherein one or more images selected by
the user or users from among image or images displayed in thumbnail
fashion is or are rotated in response to a request or requests from
the user or users while being displayed in thumbnail fashion.
[0013] An image retouching program in accordance with a fourth
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein an image or images
represented by image data present in a storage area or areas
specified by a user or users is or are displayed in thumbnail
fashion in a particular display region or regions; and step or
steps wherein a plurality of images selected by the user or users
from among image or images displayed in thumbnail fashion are
displayed in arrayed fashion in a display region or regions
different from the particular display region or regions.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of an image retouching program
according to any of the second through fourth aspects of the
present invention, an image retouching program is capable of
causing a computer or computers to carry out step or steps wherein
an image or images displayed in thumbnail fashion is or are stored
in the form of thumbnail image data different from original image
data for that image or those images; and step or steps wherein at a
time or times when an image or images for image data previously
displayed in thumbnail fashion is or are to be displayed in
thumbnail fashion again, the stored thumbnail image data is read
and an image or images is or are displayed in thumbnail fashion
without resorting to use of the image data itself.
[0015] An image retouching program in accordance with a fifth
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein a particular image or
images is or are displayed and a retouching operation or operations
is or are carried out on the image or images; and step or steps
wherein one or more other images capable of being selected as
subject or subjects of retouching operation or operations is or are
further displayed in thumbnail fashion in response to a request or
requests from a user or users while subject or subjects of
retouching operation or operations is or are displayed.
[0016] An image retouching program in accordance with a sixth
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having cropping functionality such that a region or
regions outside a rectangular cropping locus or loci specified by a
user or users on a particular displayed image or images is or are
cropped away so as to extract only a region or regions inside the
rectangular cropping locus or loci, is capable of causing a
computer or computers to carry out step or steps wherein
specification of an aspect ratio or ratios for the rectangular
cropping locus or loci is accepted from the user or users; and step
or steps wherein an aspect ratio or ratios of a rectangular
cropping locus or loci is or are controlled such that an aspect
ratio or ratios specified by the user or users is or are maintained
regardless of how big the user or users specifies or specify the
rectangular cropping locus or loci to be.
[0017] An image retouching program in accordance with a seventh
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having cropping functionality such that a region or
regions outside a cropping locus or loci specified by a user or
users on an image or images displayed on a particular display
screen or screens is or are cropped away so as to extract only a
region or regions inside the cropping locus or loci, is capable of
causing a computer or computers to carry out step or steps wherein
inclination of only the image or images is adjusted, the specified
cropping locus or loci being left unmoved on the display screen or
screens, in response to a request or requests from the user or
users.
[0018] An image retouching program in accordance with an eighth
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having cropping functionality such that a region or
regions outside a cropping locus or loci specified by a user or
users on a particular displayed image or images is or are cropped
away so as to extract only a region or regions inside the cropping
locus or loci, is capable of causing a computer or computers to
carry out step or steps wherein a positional fiduciary or
fiduciaries for assisting in positioning of the cropping locus or
loci is or are displayed (e.g., grid line or lines might be
displayed within cropping locus or loci, ruler or rulers (scale or
scales) might be displayed on or near side or sides of cropping
locus or loci, center mark or marks indicating center or centers of
region or regions delineated by cropping locus or loci might be
displayed within cropping locus or loci, and so forth).
[0019] An image retouching program in accordance with a ninth
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein a cursor or cursors
indicating a region or regions affected by a brush or brushes for
retouching processing is or are displayed on an image or images
subject to retouching processing.
[0020] An image retouching program in accordance with a tenth
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having a color/tone adjustment functionality or
functionalities respectively corresponding to a plurality of
color/tone adjustment modes, is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein, at a time or times
when switching between or among color/tone adjustment modes in
response to a request or requests from a user or users, a parameter
value or values set for an image or images subject to color/tone
adjustment at or before switching is or are applied to an image or
images subject to color/tone adjustment while in a post-switching
color/tone adjustment mode or modes.
[0021] An image retouching program in accordance with an eleventh
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having a color/tone adjustment functionality or
functionalities, is capable of causing a computer or computers to
carry out step or steps wherein specification of a color locus or
loci subject to color adjustment is accepted from a user or users;
and step or steps wherein color adjustment is carried out only on a
pixel or pixels having color or colors within the color locus or
loci specified by the user or users.
[0022] A preferred embodiment of this image retouching program is
capable of causing a computer or computers to carry out step or
steps wherein, responsive to a request or requests from the user or
users, another color locus or other color loci is or are specified
for region or regions at the perimeter or perimeters of color locus
or loci subject to color adjustment; and step or steps wherein
color adjustment is carried out on a pixel or pixels having color
or colors within the other color locus or loci specified by the
user or users so as to cause color adjustment effect to decrease in
continuous fashion as one goes from the color locus or loci subject
to color adjustment to the color locus or loci not subject to color
adjustment.
[0023] An image retouching program in accordance with a twelfth
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having a color/tone adjustment functionality or
functionalities, is capable of causing a computer or computers to
carry out step or steps wherein selection by a user or users of a
desired parameter or parameters from among a plurality of
parameters for a color adjustment filter or filters is accepted;
step or steps wherein a plurality of post-application images are
created which respectively represent results of application in
trial fashion, to an image or images subject to color/tone
adjustment, of color adjustment filter or filters for which the
parameter or parameters selected by the user or users is or are
varied in increment or increments and/or decrement or decrements of
a particular value or values relative to a particular parameter
value or values; and step or steps wherein the plurality of created
post-application images are displayed in arrayed fashion in
correspondence to respective parameter value or values for
respective color adjustment filter or filters respectively applied
in creating that plurality of post-application images, the
post-application image or images created by application of color
adjustment filter or filters having the particular parameter value
or values occupying a central location or locations therein.
[0024] A preferred embodiment of this image retouching program is
capable of causing a computer or computers to carry out step or
steps wherein selection by the user or users of a desired
post-application image or images from among the plurality of
post-application images displayed in arrayed fashion is accepted;
and step or steps wherein the plurality of post-application images
are rearrayed so as to cause the selected post-application image or
images to move to the center thereof. Another preferred embodiment
of this image retouching program is capable of causing a computer
or computers to carry out step or steps wherein selection by the
user or users of a parameters or parameters other than the
aforesaid selected parameters or parameters is accepted; and step
or steps wherein, for a post-application image or images selected
by the user or users, the creating step and the display step are
executed such that a color adjustment filter or filters for which
the other parameter or parameters selected by the user or users is
or are a particular parameter value or values is or are applied in
creating a post-application image or images in the central location
or locations or a post-application image or images selected by the
user or users.
[0025] An image retouching program in accordance with a thirteenth
aspect of the present invention, being a computer program for image
retouching having a color/tone adjustment functionality or
functionalities, is an image retouching program capable of causing
a computer or computers to carry out step or steps wherein
selection by a user or users of a first parameter or parameters and
a second parameter or parameters from among a plurality of
parameters for a color adjustment filter or filters is accepted;
step or steps wherein a plurality of first post-application images
are created which respectively represent results of application in
trial fashion, to an image or images subject to color/tone
adjustment, of color adjustment filter or filters for which the
first parameter or parameters selected by the user or users is or
are varied in increment or increments and/or decrement or
decrements of a particular value or values relative to a first
particular parameter value or values; step or steps wherein color
adjustment filter or filters for which the second parameter or
parameters selected by the user or users is or are varied in
increment or increments and/or decrement or decrements of a
particular value or values relative to a second particular
parameter value or values is or are respectively applied in trial
fashion to the plurality of created first post-application images
to create a plurality of second post-application images; and step
or steps wherein the plurality of created second post-application
images are displayed in arrayed fashion in correspondence to
respective first and second parameter values for respective color
adjustment filter or filters respectively applied in creating that
plurality of second post-application images, the post-application
image or images created by application of color adjustment filter
or filters having the first particular parameter value or values
and color adjustment filter or filters having the second particular
parameter value or values occupying a central location or locations
therein.
[0026] A preferred embodiment of an image retouching program in
accordance with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect of the present
invention is capable of causing a computer or computers to carry
out step or steps wherein specification by the user or users of a
magnitude or magnitudes for the increment or increments and/or
decrement or decrements of a particular value or values is
accepted. Another preferred embodiment is capable of causing a
computer or computers to carry out step or steps wherein,
responsive to a request or requests from the user or users, one or
more images from among the plurality of post-application images
and/or the plurality of second post-application images displayed in
arrayed fashion is or are displayed in enlarged and/or reduced
fashion.
[0027] An image retouching program in accordance with a fourteenth
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein another image
retouching program or other image retouching programs is or are
launched in response to a request or requests from a user or users
while a retouching operation or operations is or are underway; step
or steps wherein image data which is a subject of the retouching
operation or operations is passed to the other image retouching
program or programs and the retouching operation or operations is
or are temporarily halted; and step or steps wherein, upon
termination of the other image retouching program or programs,
image data which is a subject of the retouching operation or
operations is received from the other image retouching program or
programs and the retouching operation or operations is or are
resumed.
[0028] An image retouching program in accordance with a fifteenth
aspect of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein an image or images
subject to retouching is or are stored by one of storage methods
(1) and (2),
[0029] (1) being a method wherein an image or images resulting from
application to a pre-retouching original image or images of
retouching processing executed at or before a time or times of a
storage request or requests is or are stored, and
[0030] (2) being a method wherein data associated with retouching
processing executed at or before a time or times of a storage
request or requests is stored together with the pre-retouching
original image or images, without any change having been made to
the original image or images.
[0031] A preferred embodiment of an image retouching program in
accordance with at least any of the first through fifteenth aspects
of the present invention is capable of causing a computer or
computers to carry out step or steps wherein a desired retouching
operation or operations is or are performed on an image or images
subject to retouching; step or steps wherein a working color
profiles or profiles indicating a working color space or spaces for
the retouching operation or operations is or are automatically set
for an image or images subject to retouching; and step or steps
wherein, at a time or times when the retouching operation or
operations is or are completed, a retouched image or images subject
to retouching is or are output in linked fashion with the working
color profiles or profiles.
[0032] The foregoing image retouching program or programs may be
installed or loaded on a computer or computers by way of any of
various media such as disk-type storage, semiconductor memory,
communication network or networks, and so forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is drawing showing a schematic example of printer and
monitor gamuts.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall constitution
of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing constitution, function,
and operation at print server machine 2 and client machines 5A, 5B
in photo studio system 1.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing constitution, function,
and operation at print server machine 2 and center server machine
8.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing retoucher main window 110 of
special photo retoucher 11.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing COLOR PROFILE SETUP dialog box
130 of special photo retoucher 11.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing flow of processing for setting
of working ICC profile(s) at special photo retoucher 11 and for
color matching using such working ICC profile(s).
[0040] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing layout editor main window 140 of
layout editor 13.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing PREFERENCES dialog box 160 of
layout editor 13.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing functional constitution
of print server machine 2 and center server machine 8 for updating
printer ICC profile(s).
[0043] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing image display area 118 of
retoucher main window 110 when in BROWSE mode.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing control area 119 when in BROWSE
mode.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing image display area 118 when in
BROWSE mode at a time when COMPARE mode is selected from within
BROWSE mode.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an image display area and a
control area when in TRIM mode.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing CUSTOM TRIM SETTINGS dialog box
1021 as displayed when in TRIM mode.
[0048] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing SLIDE TABLE window 1022.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing image display area 118 when in
RETOUCH mode.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing control area 119 when in
RETOUCH mode.
[0051] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing image display area 118 when in
EASY submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0052] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing control area 119 when in EASY
submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0053] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing dialog box 1052 for changing
parameter(s) when in EASY submode.
[0054] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing image display area 118 when in
VARIATION submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0055] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing control area 119 when in
VARIATION submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0056] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing examples of conventions that
may be employed for arraying a ONE-INDEX plurality of results of
trial application.
[0057] FIG. 25 is a drawing showing examples of conventions that
may be employed for arraying a TWO-INDEX plurality of results of
trial application.
[0058] FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a screen in which a plurality
of results of trial application have been arrayed according to the
exemplary convention shown in FIG. 25.
[0059] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing image display area 118 when in
MANUAL submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0060] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing control area 119 when in MANUAL
submode of COLOR/TONE mode.
[0061] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing tonecurve view 1117 as
displayed in frontmost layer(s) of control area 119.
[0062] FIG. 30 is a drawing showing COLOR CHANGE dialog box 1122 as
displayed in frontmost layer(s) of control area 119.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0063] Before beginning description of embodiments, "color
profiles" and "color matching," repeated reference to which is made
throughout such description, will be described.
[0064] Each of the various image processing devices (e.g., cameras,
image scanners, display monitors, printers, etc.) has its own
unique color space(s) in which operations are carried out and its
own unique gamut(s) (gamut), i.e., locus or loci of colors that can
be created. For example, while display monitors all operate within
RGB color space, gamut will vary from monitor to monitor. Likewise,
gamuts of printers, which carry out operations in CMYK color space,
will be different for different printers. Furthermore, even the
same printer will exhibit different gamuts depending upon the type
of ink and printing medium (printing paper) used therewith.
[0065] FIG. 1 is drawing showing a schematic example of gamuts of
different devices. At FIG. 1, reference numeral 300 indicates gamut
visibly perceivable by human beings, reference numeral 301
indicates gamut capable of being printed out by a particular
printer, and reference numeral 302 indicates gamut capable of being
displayed by a particular display monitor. As shown in FIG. 1,
gamut varies depending on device.
[0066] An output device such as a monitor or printer is only
capable of expressing colors within the range of its gamut. An
input device such as a camera or image scanner is only capable of
storing colors within the range of its gamut. The fact that gamut
varies from device to device in this fashion means that the color
space within which the device operates will vary from device to
device. For example, while every printer operates within the same
type of color space, i.e., CMYK, gamut will be different for each
individual printer and for each ink and printing medium used
therewith. There therefore exist different CMYK color spaces for
each individual printer and for each ink and printing medium used
therewith. "Color profiles" refer to numerical representations used
to provide rigorous definition of the color spaces within which
various devices operate. A color profile includes indication of the
type(s) of color space peculiar to that device (e.g., RGB, CMYK,
LCH, etc.). But the primary information included as part of a color
profile is conversion table(s) for conversion of color space(s)
peculiar to that device (e.g., RGB, CMYK, LCH, and/or other such
color spaces) to device-independent color space(s) (e.g., XYZ, Yxy,
Lab, Luv, and/or other such color spaces), and/or for carrying out
conversion in the reverse direction. Such conversion tables make it
possible for characteristic gamuts of devices to be quantitatively
defined.
[0067] The International Color Profile format (International Color
Profile format) established by the ICC (International Color
Consortium) is a known standard for color profile format. In the
description that follows, "ICC profile" refers to a color profile
written in this International Color Profile format. "Color
matching," also called "color mapping," refers to the adjustment
(shift) which must be made to color values in image data subject to
conversion when converting image data in one particular color space
to image data in a different color space so as to cause colors in
the two color spaces to approximate one another. It is impossible
to cause colors to match perfectly when going between two different
color spaces if the gamuts thereof are different. But if, when
converting image data of one color space to image data of a
different color space, great care is exercised in shifting color
values of such image data so as to compensate for the difference in
gamuts between the two color spaces, it is possible to
satisfactorily approximate colors in going from one of the two
devices to the other. Processing for shifting color values in this
way is called color matching (or color mapping).
[0068] Color matching may be carried out through use of color
profiles, e.g., ICC profiles, respectively representing source
(conversion input) color space(s) and target (conversion output)
color space(s). For example, when converting RGB image data output
from a digital camera to CMYK image data to be printed by a
printer, color matching may be carried out through use of a color
profile for the RGB color space of the digital camera as source,
and a color profile for the CMYK color space of the printer as
target. This will allow a printout to be obtained which has
color(s) satisfactorily approximating color(s) as present in
pictures taken with the digital camera. Alternatively, when
converting RGB image data displayed on a monitor to CMYK image data
to be printed by a printer, color matching may be carried out
through use of a color profile for the RGB color space of the
monitor as source, and a color profile for the CMYK color space of
the printer as target. This will allow a printout to be obtained
which has color(s) satisfactorily approximating color(s) as
displayed on the monitor.
[0069] Color matching may be broadly categorized as falling into
one of two categories depending upon the method used to handle
colors present in the gamut of the source which lie outside of the
bounds of the target gamut. In the first method, source colors
lying outside of the target gamut are essentially discarded. In the
second method, source colors lying outside of the target gamut are
shifted so as to make them fall within the target gamut through use
of interpolation processing or the like. These two methods each
have advantages and disadvantages. Especially with conversion of
photographic images, there is less tendency that a person looking
at the post-conversion photographic image will be struck by a sense
of unnaturalness if the latter color matching method is used. This
latter color matching method is referred to as "perceptual
(perceptual) color matching."
[0070] An embodiment of the present invention is described below.
FIG. 2 shows the overall constitution of this embodiment.
[0071] At FIG. 2, each of a number of photo studios is equipped
with photo studio system(s) 1. Present at photo studio(s) there is
or are LAN(s) 4, such LAN(s) 4 connecting print server machine(s) 2
and one or a plurality of (e.g., two) computer machines
(hereinafter "client machines") 5A, 5B. Client machines 5A, 5B may
connect, e.g., via USB, to digital camera(s) 6. Furthermore, one or
a plurality of (here, two) electronic printers 3A, 3B is or are
respectively connected, e.g., via USB, to print server machine(s)
2. Each printer 3A, 3B is an inkjet printer employing for example
pigment-type inks, these being capable of producing high-quality
printed output that is extremely lightfast. Print server machine(s)
2 and the two printers 3A, 3B may be housed within a single
dedicated box-like casing (not shown), permitting installation at a
single location somewhere at the photo studio.
[0072] Client machines 5A, 5B are primarily used to read one or a
plurality of photo images from digital camera(s) 6 and store same
in disk storage and for editing one or more desired photo images
and generating therefrom data representing print job(s) of desired
number(s) of pages and other such operations. Included among the
editing of photo images carried out here are photo retouching
operations wherein desired enhancements such as trimming, local
modifications, global color adjustment, and/or the like are carried
out on individual photo images, print layout editing wherein one or
more desired photo images is or are arranged so as to occupy the
space on a sheet of media (printed page), and so forth. Print
server machine(s) 2, on the other hand, possesses or possess the
ability to accept print job data from client machines 5A, 5B and to
create respective page(s) of printed image(s) based thereon and
send same to printers 3A, 3B. Furthermore, print server machine(s)
2 possesses or possess the ability to manage status, print job
execution status and execution history, and other such information
(hereinafter "print information") pertaining to printers 3A, 3B,
and to communicate same to client machines 5A, 5B.
[0073] Moreover, existing separate from the photo studio(s) there
is or are center server machine(s) 8, whose role it is to centrally
manage operational status of photo studio systems 1 at a
multiplicity of photo studios. Print server machines 2 and client
machines 5A, 5B at respective photo studio systems 1 may
respectively communicate with center server machine(s) 8 via the
Internet 7. Center server machine(s) 8 gather print information for
respective photo studios from print server machines 2 of the photo
studio systems 1 thereof, this being stored in database(s) of
center server machine(s) 8, where it is managed. Upon being logged
onto by way of WWW browser(s) by user(s) at respective photo
studios, center server machine(s) 8 may provide such a WWW browser
with print information for that photo studio as stored in
database(s) of center server machine(s) 8. Furthermore, when
information indicating occurrence of prescribed event(s) previously
specified by user(s) at respective photo studios (e.g., a printer
paper jam or other such error) is received from such a photo
studio, center server machine(s) 8 may transmit such fact by
electronic mail to email address(es) previously specified by such a
user (e.g. an email address for a mobile phone belonging to such a
user). In addition, center server machine(s) 8 may, based on print
information from respective photo studios, calculate consumed
quantity or quantities of print media, ink, and/or other such
consumables at such a photo studio and may make arrangements for
supply of consumables to respective photo studios, carry out
billing for amounts in connection therewith, and so forth.
[0074] Furthermore, in one mode of photo studio business
management, intermediate management organization(s) (hereinafter
"dealer(s)") might be interposed between center(s) and the several
photo studios, each dealer managing business from a plurality of
photo studios. In such a case, each dealer would also have computer
machine(s) (hereinafter "dealer machine(s)") 9 whereon WWW
browser(s) and/or the like is or are installed. Moreover, upon
being logged onto by way of WWW browser(s) by respective dealers,
center server machine(s) 8 may provide such a WWW browser with
print information for photo studio(s) whose account(s) is or are
handled by such a dealer. Dealer machine(s) 9 may take the place of
center server machine(s) 8 in making arrangements for supply of
consumables to respective photo studios, billing for amounts in
connection therewith, and so forth based on print information for
respective photo studios.
[0075] Below, constitution and function of the various machines
mentioned above will be described in further detail with reference
to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows constitution and function at
print server machine 2 and client machines 5A, 5B in photo studio
system 1. FIG. 4 shows constitution and function at print server
machine 2 and center server machine 8. By looking at FIG. 3 and
FIG. 4 together, the relationship among the various machines with
respect to exchange of information therebetween will become
clear.
[0076] Referring first to FIG. 3, constitution and function of
client machines 5A, 5B will be described. Note that at FIG. 3,
client machines 5A, 5B are indicated collectively by the single
block of client system 5. The number of client machines contained
at client system 5 need not be two as in the present embodiment, it
being possible to employ any number so long as there is one or more
thereof. Furthermore, the plurality of application programs 11
through 17 such as will be described below which client system 5
possesses may be installed on all of the client machines comprised
by client system 5 or may be installed on any one machine only, or
may be installed in distributed fashion such that one program is
for example installed on client machine 5A, another program is for
example installed on client machine 5B, and so forth.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of application programs,
including special photo retoucher 11, layout editor 13, status
monitor 14, ordinary photo retoucher 15, image transfer driver 16,
and WWW (World Wide Web) browser 17, are installed at client system
5. Moreover, a program for sending and receiving electronic mail
(not shown) may also be installed at client system 5.
[0078] Special photo retoucher 11, being a specially designed photo
retouching program for photo studio use, is constituted so as to
permit prescribed retouching tasks typically required at photo
studios to be carried out efficiently and in routine fashion.
[0079] When beginning retouching operations on respective photo
image(s), this special photo retoucher 11 automatically (always,
unless otherwise requested by the user) causes ICC color profile(s)
to be set which indicates or indicate color space(s) in which those
retouching operations are to be carried out. The user may specify
the type of color space(s) for which ICC color profile(s) is or are
to be set. But where there is no specific specification from
user(s), special photo retoucher 11 will always cause ICC color
profile(s) to be set in accordance with default settings.
Furthermore, when outputting photo image(s) after retouching
thereof is finished, special photo retoucher 11 embeds such ICC
profile(s) in file(s) containing such photo image(s).
[0080] Note that color space(s) in which photo image editing
operations are carried out prior to printing, such as color
space(s) in which this special photo retoucher 11 carries out
retouching operations or color space(s) in which layout editor 13,
described next, carries out print layout editing operations, will
hereinafter be referred to as "working color space(s)" for such
photo images. Note also that ICC profile(s) indicating such working
color space(s) will hereinafter be referred to as "working ICC
profile(s)."
[0081] Layout editor 13, being an application program for print
layout editing intended for photo studios, is designed to permit
print layout editing operations, wherein one or more photo images
is or are arranged so as to occupy printed page(s) (the space(s) on
sheet(s) of print media) with size(s) of respective photo image(s)
being made to conform to desired standard size(s), to be carried
out quickly and in routine fashion. That is, as indicated by arrow
21, layout editor 13 reads from print server machine 2 a
multiplicity of templates respectively representing various basic
print layouts previously prepared and made available at print
server machine 2, and displays template(s) desired by user(s) at
monitor(s) of client system 5. The basic print layouts represented
by the respective templates are space(s) (print page(s)) of
standard print media size(s) capable of being used by printer(s),
e.g., A4, A3, or B4, etc., in landscape (horizontal) or portrait
(vertical) orientation, wherein one or a plurality of photo
frame(s) of standard photo size(s), e.g., 8.times.10 inch,
5.times.7 inch, 2.5.times.3.5 inch, or 1.75.times.2.5 inch, is or
are arranged. Many templates are such that photo frame(s) is or are
efficiently arranged so as to make sufficiently small the total
area outside of photo frame(s) in order to make economic use of
print media. By using graphical user interface(s) of layout editor
13 to drag and drop desired photo image(s) onto desired respective
photo frame(s) within template(s), user(s) can cause print page
layout editing to be carried out automatically.
[0082] When beginning print layout editing operations on respective
photo image(s), layout editor 13 also causes working ICC profile(s)
for working color space(s) in which such operations are to be
carried out to be set for such photo image(s). If particular ICC
profile(s) has or have previously been embedded in such photo
image(s), layout editor 13 uses such embedded ICC profile(s) as
working ICC profile(s). Because image(s) which has or have, for
example, been subjected to retouching by special photo retoucher 11
will already have embedded therein ICC profile(s) for color
space(s) in which special photo retoucher 11 operated, this means
that layout editor 13 will operate in exactly the same color
space(s) as the color space(s) in which special photo retoucher 11
operated. If, on the other hand, such photo image(s) does or do not
yet have ICC profile(s) embedded therein, layout editor 13
automatically guesses at ICC profile(s) which it assumes to have
been previously embedded in such photo image(s), using such assumed
ICC profile(s) as working ICC profile(s). User(s) may specify
exactly what ICC profile(s) is or are to be assumed in such a case.
But where there is no specific specification from user(s), layout
editor 13 will automatically use specific ICC profile(s) which has
or have been set by default as the ICC profile(s) which it assumes
and uses as if previously embedded in such photo image(s).
Furthermore, when outputting photo image(s) after print layout
editing is finished, layout editor 13 embeds working ICC profile(s)
automatically set as described above in file(s) containing such
photo image(s).
[0083] Upon completion of editing of the layout of all print pages
constituting a single print job, layout editor 13 creates data for
that print job, which is transferred to print server machine 2 as
indicated by arrow 22. Such print job data includes data indicating
layout of all print page(s) contained within that print job,
file(s) containing all photo image(s) to be placed on such print
page(s), and working ICC profile(s) embedded in such photo image
file(s).
[0084] Layout editor 13 is made available as an independent program
separate from retouching program(s) such as the special photo
retoucher 11, described above, or the ordinary photo retoucher 15,
described below. Moreover, client machines 5A, 5B, whereon such
programs are installed, are connected by way of LAN 4 so as to
permit mutual sharing of data, programs, and other such resources.
This makes it possible for studio business to proceed efficiently
and in such manner as to permit one user at a studio to for example
use one client machine 5A to carry out photo retouching operations
with retouching program 11 or 15 on photo image(s) acquired from
digital camera(s) 6, while in parallel fashion with respect thereto
another user might use the other client machine 5B to carry out
print layout editing operations with layout editor 13 on photo
image(s) which has or have already been retouched. Furthermore, if
there are three or more client machines, this will allow studio
business to proceed in all the more flexible and efficient
fashion.
[0085] As indicated by arrow 23, status monitor 14 obtains the most
recent history information pertaining to errors generated by
printers 3A, 3B and completion of execution (completion of
printing) of respective print jobs from print server machine 2 at
time intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes, etc.) previously set by
user(s), displaying same on display monitor(s) of client system
5.
[0086] Ordinary photo retoucher 15, being a conventionally known
ordinary photo retouching program, is provided not only with
retouching functionalities typically required at photo studios but
also with a diverse variety of retouching functionalities capable
of satisfying graphical designers and the like. With respect to
tasks within the bounds of retouching typically performed at photo
studios, special photo retoucher 11, described above, is designed
to allow operations to proceed more efficiently than would be the
case with ordinary photo retoucher 15. But in the event of a desire
to perform atypical retouching not supported by special photo
retoucher 11, user(s) may use ordinary photo retoucher 15 instead
of special photo retoucher 11.
[0087] Special photo retoucher 11, described above, is designed to
permit retouching operations to be performed in cooperation with
ordinary photo retoucher 15. That is, special photo retoucher 11
has button(s) on its graphical user interface for launching
ordinary photo retoucher 15. Moreover, if such button(s) is or are
pressed by user(s) while retouching operations are underway on
particular photo image(s), special photo retoucher 11 automatically
assigns specific file name(s) to and saves the photo image(s) on
which operations were underway, storing such file name(s), and
furthermore, as indicated by arrow 27, launches ordinary photo
retoucher 15 and informs ordinary photo retoucher 15 of such file
name(s), causing such photo image(s) to be opened therein. In
addition, special photo retoucher 11 itself become inactive. Upon
termination of ordinary photo retoucher 15 thereafter, special
photo retoucher 11 automatically becomes active again, reopening
the photo image file(s) having the file name(s) which was or were
stored. As a result, if the photo image(s) passed from special
photo retoucher 11 to ordinary photo retoucher 15 as described
above is or are stored with the same file name(s) prior to
termination of ordinary photo retoucher 15, this means that special
photo retoucher 11 will automatically reopen that or those photo
image file(s), permitting resumption of continued retouching
operations thereon. Combination of special photo retoucher 11 and
ordinary photo retoucher 15 in this way makes it possible for
retouching operations to proceed efficiently. Moreover, when photo
image(s) is or are passed from special photo retoucher 11 to
ordinary photo retoucher 15, because there is no guarantee that
working ICC profile(s) of such photo image(s) would be preserved by
ordinary photo retoucher 15, special photo retoucher 11 discards
such working ICC profile(s). Furthermore, when reopening such photo
image file(s), special photo retoucher 11 again causes working ICC
profile(s) to be set.
[0088] Image transfer driver 16, launched at time(s) of print
request(s) from ordinary photo retoucher 15, creates print job data
for photo image(s) open in ordinary photo retoucher 15 and
transfers same to print server machine 2, as indicated by arrow
24.
[0089] WWW browser(s) 17 is or are program(s) for accessing various
WWW servers available over the Internet 7 or LAN(s) 4. First among
the ways in which WWW browser(s) 17 may be used in connection with
photo studio business is for connecting to print information
server(s) (such a server representing a type of WWW server) 37 of
print server machine 2 and, as indicated by arrows 25 and 26,
accessing status, print job execution history, and other such
printer information for printers 3A, 3B which is managed by print
server machine 2. Second, as indicated by arrow 65 of FIG. 4, is
for connecting to WWW server(s) 82 of center server machine(s) 8
and accessing printer information or the like for such photo
studio(s) which is managed by center server machine(s) 8.
[0090] Next, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, function and
constitution of print server machine 2 will be described.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, programs including file
transfer server 31, print server 34, printer drivers 35A, 35B,
print information server 37, and log uploader 38, are installed at
print server machine 2.
[0092] File transfer server 31 possesses a multiplicity of
templates for use in print layout editing and carries out
processing for providing such templates to layout editor 13 of
client system 5, processing for accepting print job data from image
transfer driver 16 and/or layout editor 13 of client system 5 and
for transferring same to print server 34, processing for sending to
status monitor 14 of client system 5 information concerning the
situation with respect to occurrence of errors, termination of
execution of print jobs, and so forth at printers 3A, 3B which is
provided by print server 34, and so forth.
[0093] This file transfer server 31 possesses templates for a
variety of basic print layouts previously prepared and made
available at template library folder 32 within disk storage at
print server machine 2. Furthermore, when specific template(s) is
or are requested by layout editor 13 of client system 5, file
transfer server 31 reads the requested template(s) from template
library folder 32 as indicated by arrow 41, and transfers same to
layout editor 13 as indicated by arrow 21. Utilization of such
templates facilitates print layout editing at layout editor 13. It
is possible to make use of the shared templates which are centrally
managed by print server machine 2 no matter which client machine
5A, 5B is or are being used to carry out print layout editing.
[0094] Furthermore, file transfer server 31 receives print job data
from image transfer driver 16 and/or layout editor 13 of client
system 5 as indicated by arrow 22 (and/or 24), and stores such
print job data in job folder 33 within disk storage at print server
machine 2 as indicated by arrow 42. As shown in the drawing, the
print job data from layout editor 13, indicated by arrow 22,
comprises job script(s) for such print job(s), layout script(s) for
one or more pages included within such print job(s), file(s)
containing one or a plurality of photo image(s) included within
such print job(s), and working ICC profile(s) for such photo
image(s). What is here referred to as a job script is or are
file(s) containing description of item(s) necessary for management
of such print job(s); e.g., user name(s), printing priority, number
of copies to be printed, designation of type(s) (material(s)) and
size(s) of print media, designation of printer(s), time stamp(s)
for such print job(s), and/or the like. What is here referred to as
a layout script is or are file(s) containing description of item(s)
necessary for determining print layout on such respective print
page(s); e.g., template number(s), name(s) of file(s) containing
photo image(s) to be placed in respective photo frame(s) on
respective template(s), settings for print options (e.g., printing
of alignment mark(s), file name(s), etc.), and/or the like. To
reduce print job data volume, each photo image file is as a rule
sent only once in a single print job data transmission regardless
of how many of such photos are to be printed. Working ICC
profile(s) embedded in respective photo image file(s), as described
above, indicate working color space(s) in which editing operations
were carried out on such photo image(s) at client system 5.
[0095] Furthermore, upon receipt of request(s) from status monitor
14 of client system 5 for history information, file transfer server
31 communicates same to print server 34 as indicated by arrow 23,
and moreover, receives history information pertaining to printer
errors and completion of print jobs sent thereto from print server
34 responsive to such request and transfers same to status monitor
14 of client system 5 as indicated by arrow 23.
[0096] Print server 34 carries out processing for creating print
image data for respective page(s) from print job data, processing
for assignment of respective set(s) of print image data to
printer(s) 3A and/or 3B and for sending such set(s) of print image
data to printer driver(s) 35A and/or 35B for printer(s) to which it
or they was or were assigned, processing for managing status and
print job execution history of printer(s) 3A and/or 3B as provided
by printer driver(s) 35A and/or 35B, and so forth. Printer drivers
35A, 35B--respectively corresponding to printers 3A, 3B--carry out
processing for converting print image data received from print
server 34 into data of such form as to permit processing thereof by
printers 3A, 3B and for sending same to printers 3A, 3B, processing
for monitoring status of printers 3A, 3B and communicating same to
print server 34, and so forth.
[0097] Print server 34 reads print job data for respective print
job(s) from job folder 33 as indicated by arrow 43. As previously
mentioned, print job data includes job script(s) for such print
job(s), layout script(s) for print page(s), photo image file(s),
and working ICC profile(s) for photo image(s). Print server 34 uses
layout script(s) for respective print page(s) included within such
print job data, and uses file(s) containing photo image(s) placed
on respective print page(s), to create print image data for
respective print page(s) with layout(s) as edited by user(s).
[0098] In creating print image data for respective print page(s),
print server 34 reads such job script(s) and ascertains the
printer(s) and print media (hereinafter "output printer(s)" and
"output media") type(s) to be used for printing such print page(s).
In addition, as indicated by arrow 44, print server 34 reads, from
prescribed folder 39 at print server machine 2, ICC profile(s)
(hereinafter "printer ICC profile(s)") indicating color space(s)
(hereinafter "printer color space(s)") in which such output
printer(s) 3A and/or 3B is or are to carry out printing operations
using such output media. Previously saved within such folder 39 are
different printer ICC profiles for each type of print media
respectively capable of being used with printer 3A and printer 3B.
Furthermore, printer ICC profiles for all printers of all photo
studios are stored at center server machine 8, print server
machine(s) 2 of respective photo studio(s) being capable of
downloading printer ICC profile(s) for printer(s) 3A, 3B at such
photo studio(s) from center server machine 8 by designating, for
center server machine 8, machine number(s) for such printer(s) 3A,
3B (such machine numbers being identification numbers unique to the
individual printers).
[0099] After reading printer ICC profile(s) corresponding to output
printer(s) and output media from folder 39 as described above,
print server 34 uses the printer ICC profile(s) which was or were
read and working ICC profile(s) for respective photo image(s) on
respective print page(s) to carry out perceptual color matching on
respective set(s) of photo image data. This permits respective
set(s) of photo image data to be adjusted so as to produce color(s)
when printed out that is or are as close as possible to the
color(s) present during editing thereof. In addition, print server
34 uses such adjusted photo image data to create print image data
for respective print page(s). Print server 34 thereafter sends the
created print image data for respective print page(s) to printer
driver(s) 35A and/or 35B corresponding to output printer(s) as
indicated by arrow 45. Printer drivers 35A, 35B respectively
convert print image data (e.g., RGB-type bitmapped image data)
received from print server 34 into print data of such form as to
permit processing thereof by printers 3A, 3B (e.g., carrying out
color conversion from RGB to CMYK, halftoning, division into bands,
addition of required control information, etc.), and send the
created print data to the corresponding printer(s) 3A, 3B as
indicated by arrow 61 in FIG. 4.
[0100] Furthermore, at appropriate time or times, printer driver(s)
35A, 35B acquires or acquire from corresponding printer(s) 3A, 3B
the status (e.g., operational status, error status, consumables
status, etc.) of printer(s) 3A, 3B and sends or send acquired
printer status to print server 34 as indicated by arrow 46. Print
server 34 ascertains status with respect to execution of print
job(s) sent to printer driver(s) 35A, 35B based on the printer
status received from printer driver(s) 35A, 35B. Furthermore, as
indicated by arrow 47, print server 34 writes ascertained status of
printer(s) 3A, 3B, print job execution status, and other such
information to print information database 36 at print server
machine 2. As a result, a history of the status of printers 3A, 3B
and a history of executed print jobs come to be stored at print
information database 36. Moreover, studio user registration
information is also managed at print information database 36.
[0101] Furthermore, upon receipt of information request(s) from
status monitor 14 of client system 5 via file transfer server 31 as
indicated by arrow 51, print server 34 as indicated by arrow 47
reads from print information database 36 that information within
the error history and history of completed print jobs for
printer(s) 3A, 3B which is most recent and has not yet been
communicated to client system 5, and sends same to file transfer
server 31 as indicated by arrow 51. As has already been described,
this most recent error history and history of print jobs. for which
execution has been completed are immediately transferred to status
monitor 14 of client system 5 and are displayed at display
monitor(s) of client system 5.
[0102] Print information server 37 is a type of WWW server, and
upon being logged onto (arrow 26) by an entity having registered
user privileges from WWW browser 17 of client system 5, print
information server 37 creates web page(s) respectively displaying
content such as studio user registration information, printer
status history or histories, and/or print job execution history or
histories stored at print information database 36, and provides
same to such WWW browser 17 as indicated by arrow 25. Furthermore,
print information server 37 also has print job history search
capability or capabilities, and may receive search request(s) from
user(s) from WWW browser 17, may search print information database
36 for print job history or histories requested by user(s), and may
return search results to WWW browser 17. Moreover, print
information server 37 also has print job control capability or
capabilities, receiving control request(s) (e.g., for deletion,
changes in priority, number of copies to be printed, and/or other
such particulars of job content, etc.) from user(s) from WWW
browser 17 for print job(s) waiting to be printed and altering
information for such print job(s) within print information database
36. In addition, print information server 37 also has user
registration capability or capabilities, and upon being logged onto
from WWW browser 17 by an entity having administrator privileges at
such photo studio, may register new user information with print
information database 36.
[0103] Log uploader 38 reads new print information not yet sent to
center server machine 8 from print information database 36 at
regular intervals (and/or as needed, as the case may be) in
accordance with upload schedule(s) (time(s), time interval(s), etc.
at which uploading is to be carried out) previously specified by
center server machine 8, and uploads same to center server machine
81 as indicated by arrow 63 in FIG. 4.
[0104] Furthermore, log uploader 38 has a WATCHDOG MODE for
immediately reporting to user(s) abnormalities at photo studio
system(s) 1 occurring when user(s) is or are absent or the like. A
user wishing to make use of WATCHDOG MODE registers in advance with
log uploader 38 the type(s) of abnormality to be reported (e.g.,
various categories of printer errors, etc.) and email address(es)
(e.g., email address(es) for user mobile phone(s)) as desired by
the user. Log uploader 38 communicates such registered email
address(es) to center server machine 8. By putting log uploader 38
into watchdog mode at time(s) such as when such user(s) will be
away from photo studio(s) or the like, upon occurrence of the
specified abnormality or abnormalities log uploader 38 immediately
communicates the fact of occurrence of such abnormality or
abnormalities to center server machine 8. Upon receipt thereof,
center server machine 8 creates email reporting occurrence of such
abnormality or abnormalities, which it sends to such registered
email address(es). This makes it possible for user(s) to be made
quickly aware of abnormalities occurring at studio(s) of user(s)
even when such user(s) is or are away from such studio(s).
[0105] Next, referring to FIG. 4, constitution and function of
center server machine 8 will be described.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 4, application programs including upload
server 81, WWW server 82, and emailer 83 are installed at center
server machine 8.
[0107] Upload server 81, as indicated by arrow 62, communicates, to
log uploader(s) 38 of respective photo studio(s), upload
schedule(s) (time(s), time interval(s), etc. at which uploading is
to be carried out) managed by center database 84, each studio
having its own upload schedule(s), and moreover, receives the most
recent print information for such studio(s) sent thereto from log
uploader(s) 38 of respective studio(s) in accordance with such
upload schedule(s) and stores same at center database 84 of center
server machine 8.
[0108] Furthermore, at time or times when communication of
occurrence of abnormality or abnormalities is received from log
uploader(s) 38 of respective studio(s) while in watchdog mode,
described above, upload server 81 immediately passes such
communication of occurrence of abnormality or abnormalities to
emailer 83 by way of center database 84. Upon receipt thereof,
emailer 83 immediately creates email reporting occurrence of such
abnormality or abnormalities, which it sends, as indicated by arrow
66, to previously registered email address(es) 93 as desired by
user(s). This makes it possible for user(s) to be made quickly
aware of abnormalities occurring at studio(s) of user(s) even when
such user(s) is or are away from such studio(s).
[0109] Upon being logged onto from WWW browser 92 installed at some
computer machine(s) 91 (e.g., client machine(s) 5A, 5B, dealer
machine(s) 9, or other such computer(s), PDA(s), mobile phone(s),
and/or the like) by an entity having user, dealer, system-wide
administrator privileges, or the like, WWW server 82 reads from
center database 84 print information, user information, and/or the
like of a range commensurate with privileges with which such entity
logged on thereto, creates web page(s) displaying such information,
and sends same to such WWW browser 92 as indicated by arrow 65.
What is here referred to as a range commensurate with privileges
with which such entity logged on thereto might for example in the
case of user privileges mean "extending only to photo studio(s) of
such user(s) and only to such user(s)," or might in the case of
dealer privileges mean "extending only to photo studio(s) whose
account(s) is or are handled by such dealer(s) and only to user(s)
included in such account(s)," or might in the case of system-wide
administrator privileges mean "extending to all photo studio(s) and
to all user(s)."
[0110] Furthermore, also managed by center database 84 in addition
to print information and user information of respective photo
studio(s) is a variety of information including amounts of
consumables used at respective studio(s) as calculated by the
center and amounts billed by the center, various news-type
communications issued by the center, and so forth. Such information
is also communicated to respective user(s) and respective dealer(s)
by WWW server 82 and/or emailer 83.
[0111] Next, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and also to FIG. 5 and
following FIGS., operation of photo studio system(s) 1 and center
server machine 8 will be described in detail.
[0112] First, operation of photo studio system 1 will be described
more or less following the sequence of operations at a photo
studio.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 3, file(s) containing (e.g., JPEG format or
TIFF format) photo image(s) taken by digital camera(s) 6 is or are
acquired by client system 5 via for example USB from digital
camera(s) 6, and is or are stored in photo folder(s) 12 designated
by user(s) at client system 5.
[0114] Special photo retoucher 11 and/or ordinary photo retoucher
15 is or are launched by user(s) in order to carry out photo
retouching operations. The description below applies to the case
where special photo retoucher 11 is launched.
[0115] Special photo retoucher 11 displays graphical user
interface(s) (hereinafter "retoucher main window") 110 such as is
shown at FIG. 5 at monitor(s) of client system 5. As shown at FIG.
5, arrayed from left to right at the upper portion of retoucher
main window 110 are BROWSE button 111, TRIM button 112, RETOUCH
button 113, COLOR/TONE button 114, EFFECT button 115, and EXPORT
button 116. The order of arrayal of these buttons 111 through 116
from left to right parallels retouching operational procedure as
typically carried out by a user. Such operational procedure is more
or less as follows.
[0116] To wit, firstly, if BROWSE button 111 is pressed (e.g., by
left-clicking a mouse), BROWSE mode is entered, wherein thumbnail
images of all of the photo image files within desired photo
folder(s) 12 may be browsed and desired photo image file(s) may be
selected therefrom. Next, if TRIM button 112 is pressed (e.g., by
left-clicking a mouse), TRIM mode is entered, wherein photo
image(s) selected while in BROWSE mode may be displayed in its or
their entirety and unwanted region or regions other than region or
regions of such image(s) which is or are desired to be printed may
be cropped away so as to extract only the region or regions of such
image(s) which is or are desired to be printed. Next, if RETOUCH
button 113 is pressed (e.g., by left-clicking a mouse), RETOUCH
mode is entered, wherein desired brush(es) may be used to apply
desired modifications at desired location(s) within such photo
image(s). Next, if COLOR/TONE button 114 is pressed (e.g., by
left-clicking a mouse), COLOR/TONE mode is entered, wherein color
adjustment filter(s) may be used to apply desired color
adjustment(s) to entire photo image(s). Next, if EFFECT button 115
is pressed (e.g., by left-clicking a mouse), EFFECT mode is
entered, wherein special effects filter(s) may be used to apply
desired special effect(s) to entire photo image(s). Note that the
various types of image processing carried out on photo image(s) at
the foregoing TRIM through EFFECT modes is hereinafter referred to
as "enhancement."
[0117] Lastly, if EXPORT button 116 is pressed (e.g., by
left-clicking a mouse), EXPORT mode is entered, wherein file(s)
containing such photo image(s) may be saved to desired photo
folder(s) 12. Among the ways in which saving may be carried out are
two user-selectable methods, one of which is a method wherein photo
image file(s) resulting from application to the original photo
image(s) of all enhancements carried out at TRIM through EFFECT
modes is or are saved, and the other of which is a method wherein
file(s) containing description of parameters for all enhancements
carried out at TRIM through EFFECT modes is or are saved without
any change having been made to the original photo image
file(s).
[0118] Routinely selecting one mode after the other from BROWSE
mode to EXPORT mode and carrying out operations as described above
permits facilitation of retouching operations. Furthermore, there
is less chance of forgetting to carry out an enhancement which was
supposed to have been done. Furthermore, while carrying out
operations within the respective modes, at retoucher main window
110 shown in FIG. 5, photo image(s) subject to processing during
that step or those steps is or are displayed in image display area
118, and a variety of indicators indicating processing status as
well as various tools and console buttons used during that step or
those steps are displayed in control area 119.
[0119] At the initial BROWSE mode, special photo retoucher 11
automatically (always, unless otherwise requested by the user)
causes working ICC profile(s) to be set for photo image(s). The
user may personally change working ICC profile settings. But if
there is no special specification from the user, special photo
retoucher 11 will automatically cause working ICC profile(s) to be
set in accordance with default settings. Working ICC profile(s) set
at BROWSE mode will be applied to photo image(s) selected while in
BROWSE mode when processing proceeds from BROWSE mode to TRIM
mode.
[0120] To personally set working ICC profile(s) and/or confirm
current settings, a user presses (e.g., by left-clicking a mouse)
PREFERENCES button 117 within retoucher main window 110 while in
BROWSE mode. Upon so doing, a COLOR PROFILE SETUP dialog box 130
such as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in popup fashion. Note that
default profile settings are shown in the example of FIG. 6. At
this COLOR PROFILE SETUP dialog box 130, a user may select from
among three predetermined color management policies A through C at
COLOR MANAGEMENT POLICY field 131. Special photo retoucher 11 will
cause working ICC profile(s) to be set which has or have
preprepared parameters in correspondence to policy or policies
selected here by the user.
[0121] The foregoing three policies A through C are such as will
now be described.
[0122] Policy A causes ICC profile(s) previously embedded in such
photo image file(s) to be employed as working ICC profile(s).
(While this is not the case for the commonly available types of
digital camera,) high-quality digital cameras of the type used by
photo studios embed ICC profile(s) indicating the color space(s) of
that digital camera in files containing photo images taken
therewith and output such files (but note that the majority of the
commonly available types of digital camera do not embed an ICC
profile). Accordingly, by selecting policy A it is possible to use
a color space of a digital camera 6 as a working color space for
retouching. In other words, policy A represents settings for when
it is desired to print as faithful as possible to the original
color of photos taken with a digital camera 6; however, there is no
guarantee that colors will be good approximations of each other in
going between monitor and printer. Note further that this is the
default setting.
[0123] Policy B represents settings for when it is desired to print
so as to be faithful to the color displayed at monitor(s). For
example, the ICC profile of the publicly known "sRGB" color space,
corresponding to the color space of a typical monitor, might be set
as a working ICC profile. This setting will permit color matching
to be carried out between monitor and printer in comparatively
proper fashion. In other words, this will allow printout color(s)
to be made a good approximation of color(s) displayed at
monitor(s).
[0124] Policy C causes a standard ICC profile widely employed in
the industry--e.g., the ICC profile of the publicly known
"AdobeRGB" color space, a wide-gamut standard which is close to
printer color space and which has a wider gamut than monitor color
space--to be set as a working ICC profile.
[0125] Furthermore, by selecting MANUAL at COLOR MANAGEMENT POLICY
field 131 of FIG. 6, a user may use fields 132 through 135
therebelow to set desired ICC profile(s) as working ICC
profile(s).
[0126] First, at WORKING ROB COLOR SPACE SETUP field 132, working
ICC profile(s) may be specifically designated. Selecting DON'T
EXCHANGE here causes ICC profile(s) previously embedded in such
photo image(s) to be employed as working ICC profile(s).
Furthermore, respectively selecting "sRGB," "AppleRGB," or
"AdobeRGB" causes an ICC profile for the publicly known color space
of same name to be set as a working ICC profile.
[0127] Furthermore, at NO PROFILE EMBEDDED FILE SETUP field 133, it
is possible to set color space(s) to be assumed and used as if it
or they were the original ICC profile(s) of photo image(s) in the
event that ICC profile(s) is or are not yet embedded in file(s)
containing such photo image(s) (e.g., there is often no ICC profile
embedded in photo image files acquired from commonly available
types of digital cameras). The default setting is "sRGB." "sRGB,"
"AppleRGB," "AdobeRGB," or any arbitrary ICC profile managed by a
color management system at client system 5 may be selected and set
in correspondence to user preference.
[0128] Futhermore,by placing a check mark in the box next to ASK
PROFILE WHEN OPENING (this being the default setting), when any
arbitrary photo image file(s) is or are opened (photo image file(s)
selected while in BROWSE mode being, for example, opened when
processing proceeds from BROWSE mode to TRIM mode), special photo
retoucher 111 will force prescribed dialog box(es) for confirming
and setting working ICC profile(s) to be displayed in popup fashion
if ICC profile(s) is or are not yet embedded in such photo image
file(s). This makes it possible for user(s) to never forget to
confirm the type of working ICC profile(s) to be set for photo
image(s) in which ICC profile(s) is or are not embedded.
[0129] As described above, special photo retoucher 11 always sets
working ICC profiles for photo images at the initial BROWSE
mode.
[0130] FIG. 7 shows flow of processing for setting working ICC
profile(s) at special photo retoucher 11 as described above, and
for using such working ICC profile(s) during color matching between
working color space(s) and color space(s) of monitor(s) and/or
printer(s) which is carried out thereafter.
[0131] At FIG. 7, step 102 indicates setting of working ICC
profile(s) in BROWSE mode, described above. Thereafter, when
processing proceeds from BROWSE mode to TRIM mode, special photo
retoucher 11 reads photo image file(s) selected while in BROWSE
mode as indicated at step 101, and opens such photo image file(s)
as indicated at step 103. When such photo image file(s) is or are
opened, the photo image data thereof may be converted to image data
belonging to working color space(s) defined by working ICC
profile(s) set at BROWSE mode. At such time(s), if ICC profile(s)
previously embedded in such photo image file(s) (or ICC profile(s)
assumed as such by special photo retoucher 11) is or are set as
working ICC profile(s), no special change is made to the photo
image data thereof when such photo image file(s) is or are opened.
In contradistinction hereto, if working ICC profile(s) is or are
set which is or are different from ICC profile(s) previously
embedded in such photo image file(s) (or assumed as such),
perceptual color matching may be carried out on such photo image
data based on such embedded ICC profile(s) and working ICC
profile(s) when such photo image file(s) is or are opened. This
color matching permits such photo image data to be adjusted such
that color(s) most closely approximating color(s) represented in
the color space defined by the previous ICC profile is or are
representable in the working color space.
[0132] Furthermore, special photo retoucher 11 carries out
processing for display of such photo image(s) at display
monitor(s). More specifically, as indicated at step 105, special
photo retoucher 11 converts such photo image data to image data
belonging to monitor color space(s) defined by monitor ICC
profile(s) previously prepared and made available at client system
5. At time or times of such conversion, special photo retoucher 11
carries out perceptual color matching for such photo image data
making use of the foregoing working ICC profile(s) and the
foregoing monitor ICC profile(s) for such photo image data. This
permits such photo image data to be adjusted so that color(s)
displayed on monitor(s) will be as close as possible to color(s)
present in working color space(s). Furthermore, as indicated at
step 106, special photo retoucher 11 displays, on monitor(s) (more
specifically, at image display area 118 within window 110 shown in
FIG. 5), monitor color space photo image data produced by such
conversion.
[0133] Thereafter, as indicated at step 104, special photo
retoucher 11 carries out various enhancements on such photo
image(s) as requested by user(s) in TRIM, RETOUCH, COLOR/TONE,
and/or EFFECT modes. With every enhancement which is carried out
thereon, special photo retoucher 11 performs the foregoing steps
105 and 106 on the post-enhancement photo image(s), displaying such
post-enhancement photo image(s) on monitor(s).
[0134] Lastly in EXPORT mode, as indicated at step 107, special
photo retoucher 11 saves file(s) containing photo image(s) already
incorporating various enhancements to photo folder(s) 12 designated
by user(s), at which time working ICC profile(s) for such photo
image(s) is or are embedded in and saved with such photo image
file(s).
[0135] As already described with reference to FIG. 3, saved photo
image file(s) and working ICC profile(s) embedded therein are
thereafter sent to print server machine 2 following termination of
print layout editing and are converted to print image data by print
server(s) 34 at print server machine 2. At such time or times, as
indicated at step 108 in FIG. 7, print server(s) 34 carries or
carry out perceptual color matching on such photo image data using
working ICC profile(s) embedded in photo image file(s) and printer
ICC profile(s) corresponding to the output printer and output media
combination. This permits respective such photo image data to be
adjusted, this then being incorporated in print image data, so as
to produce color(s) when printed out that will be as close as
possible to color(s) present in working color space(s) of such
photo image(s).
[0136] A series of color matching processing operations such as has
been described above permits results such as the following to be
obtained.
[0137] In the event that ICC profile(s) embedded in photo image(s)
by digital camera(s) 6 is or are caused to be set as working ICC
profile(s) at the foregoing BROWSE mode, this will result in
printed output being obtained which has color(s) satisfactorily
approximating color(s) present in subject(s) photographed with
digital camera(s) 6. As this is in fact the basic default setting
(corresponding to the setting(s) shown by way of example at field
131 and/or field 132 in FIG. 6), user(s) is or are able to
automatically obtain the foregoing result even where no particular
setting has been entered for ICC profile(s).
[0138] On the other hand, in the event that monitor ICC
profile(s)--and/or ICC profile(s) like "sRGB" which is or are
extremely close thereto--is or are caused to be set as working ICC
profile(s), this will result in a printed output being obtained
which has color(s) satisfactorily approximating color(s) as
displayed on monitor(s). As this is in fact the default setting in
the event that there is no previously existing ICC profile(s)
(corresponding to the setting(s) shown by way of example at field
133 in FIG. 6), user(s) is or are able to automatically obtain the
foregoing result even where no particular setting has been entered
for ICC profile(s).
[0139] Repeated reference is now made to retoucher main window 110
of FIG. 5.
[0140] Upon pressing TRIM button 112 and entering TRIM mode,
selected photo image(s) is or are displayed at image display area
118. By dragging cursor(s) over photo image(s) at image display
area 118, user(s) may cause rectangular selection locus or loci of
dimensions as defined by drag start and end points to be set on
photo image(s), and may crop away region(s) outside such selection
locus or loci so as to extract only region(s) inside such selection
locus or loci. If desired aspect ratio(s) is or are previously
chosen from control area(s), i.e., from therewithin, then no matter
how a user might perform the foregoing drag operation the aspect
ratio(s) of the rectangular selection locus or loci set thereby may
be automatically controlled so as to have the foregoing chosen
aspect ratio(s). Furthermore, control area 119 includes button(s)
causing selection locus or loci to be rotated to the right and/or
rotated to the left in one-degree increments, pressing which
permits selection locus or loci to be rotated to the left and/or
rotated to the right in one-degree increments. This permits
facilitation of cropping operations.
[0141] Next, if RETOUCH button 113 is pressed and RETOUCH mode is
entered, photo image(s) as cropped in TRIM mode may be displayed in
image display area 118. Displayed at control area 119 there are,
within the same screen(s), a number of selectable choices of
prescribed retouching tools frequently used at photo studios;
slider bar(s) for adjusting intensity or intensities of enhancement
effect(s); list(s) of plurality or pluralities of brushes of
different size, degree of blurring, shape, and angle; and a
plurality of slider bars for adjusting size, degree of blurring,
shape, and angle of respective brush(es). After choosing, at
control area 119, desired tools(s), desired enhancement effect
intensity or intensities, and brush(es) having desired size(s),
degree(s) of blurring, shape(s), and angle(s), user(s) may place
cursor(s) at desired location(s) in photo image(s) within image
display area 118 and carry out desired enhancement(s) at such
location(s). At such time or times, because cursor(s) is or are
displayed on photo image(s) within image display area 118 as
graphic(s) (e.g., a closed graphic accurately indicating the
outline of a brush) having the same size, shape, and angle as
brush(es) (i.e., region(s) at which enhancement(s) will be applied)
used by user(s), user(s) can accurately ascertain location(s) in
photo image(s) at which enhancement(s) will be applied.
[0142] Next, if COLOR/TONE button 114 is pressed and COLOR/TONE
mode is entered, photo image(s) with enhancement(s) as applied in
RETOUCH mode may be displayed in image display area 118. In this
mode, photo image color may be adjusted. This mode comprises the
three submodes EASY, VARIATION, and MANUAL. Desired mode(s) may be
selected from among these three at control area 119.
[0143] Upon selection of the EASY submode, a plurality of
selectable choices of preprepared color adjustment filters are
displayed in control area 119. Such selectable choices might, for
example, include STANDARD COLOR CORRECTION, PORTRAIT PHOTO COLOR
CORRECTION, MAKE INTO MONOCHROME PHOTO, LIGHTEN, MAKE HEAVIER,
SHARPEN, SOFTEN, and/or the like. By choosing desired selectable
choice(s), it is possible to cause prescribed color adjustment
filter(s) corresponding thereto to be applied to the entirety or
entireties of photo image(s). It is also possible to manually alter
parameter(s) of respective filter(s).
[0144] Upon selection of the VARIATION submode, parameter setting
table(s) for allowing user(s) to freely set values of a prescribed
plurality of major parameters (e.g., brightness, contrast, gray
balance, saturation, sharpness, and/or the like) from among a
variety of parameters for color adjustment filter(s) is or are
displayed in control area 119. A desired parameter may be selected
from among the foregoing plurality of parameters at such parameter
setting table(s). Furthermore, displayed horizontally and
vertically in arrayed fashion at image display area 118 there may
be, within the same screen(s), a plurality of (e.g., 3, 9, 25,
etc.) photo images which respectively represent results of
application in trial fashion of a plurality of (e.g., 3, 9, 25,
etc.) color adjustment filters having different parameter values to
the same photo image(s). The photo image(s) centrally located
thereamong represents or represent the result of application in
trial fashion of color adjustment filter(s) having parameter
value(s) as currently set at control area 119. Furthermore,
respectively arrayed in order to either side of central photo
image(s) are results of application in trial fashion of color
adjustment filter(s) for which parameter(s) selected by user(s) at
the foregoing parameter setting table(s) is or are decreased in
step(s) of prescribed value(s) from currently set parameter
value(s), and conversely, results of application in trial fashion
of color adjustment filter(s) for which parameter(s) selected by
user(s) at the foregoing parameter setting table(s) is or are
increased in step(s) of prescribed value(s) from currently set
parameter value(s). Accordingly, user(s) can compare such plurality
of photo images differing with respect to color(s), and can easily
determine which color(s) is or are most preferred. Upon selection
by user(s) of photo image(s) having desired color(s), such selected
photo image(s) may automatically be made to move to the center of
image display area 118, and parameter value(s) for color adjustment
filter(s) applied to to such selected photo image(s) may be caused
to be set at control area 119. Upon proceeding to other mode(s)
and/or other submode(s), color adjustment filter(s) having
particular parameter value(s) as set at control area 119 may be
automatically applied to photo image(s).
[0145] Upon selection of the MANUAL submode, various tools and
indicators for even more detailed setting of color adjustment
filter parameters than at VARIATION submode are displayed at
control area 119, use of which permits more detailed adjustment of
color to be carried out.
[0146] Upon termination of color adjustment in the foregoing
COLOR/TONE mode, by next pressing EFFECT button 115, EFFECT mode is
entered, wherein special effects filter(s) may be used to apply
desired special effect(s) to entire photo image(s).
[0147] As described above, sequential execution of TRIM, RETOUCH,
COLOR/TONE, and/or EFFECT modes makes it possible for all
enhancements typically required at photo studios to be applied
without omission to photo image(s).
[0148] Now, in the event that during the course of TRIM through
EFFECT modes a user decides he or she wants to make use of ordinary
photo retoucher 15, all the user need do is press PHOTO APPLICATION
button 123 at retoucher main window 110 in FIG. 5. Upon so doing,
special photo retoucher 11 saves, to photo folder(s) 12, file(s)
containing photo image(s) incorporating results of enhancement(s)
performed up to that point in time, and launches ordinary photo
retoucher 15 using path(s) of such saved photo image file(s) as
parameter(s) for launch command(s), with special photo retoucher 11
itself furthermore becoming inactive. As a result, because ordinary
photo retoucher 15 is launched, opening that or those saved photo
image file(s), user(s) may use ordinary photo retoucher 15 to carry
out subsequent retouching operations. Upon termination of
operations with ordinary photo retoucher 15, saving of photo
image(s) incorporating the results of such operations to the same
photo folder(s) 12 under the same file name(s), and termination of
ordinary photo retoucher 15, special photo retoucher 11
automatically becomes active and reopens such photo image file(s),
causing ICC profile(s) to again be set for such photo image
file(s). As a result, user(s) is or are able to again use special
photo retoucher 11 to carry out subsequent operations.
[0149] Proceeding finally to EXPORT mode, when user(s) requests or
request that photo image(s) be saved, special photo retoucher 11
saves, to photo folder(s) 12, file(s) containing such photo
image(s), working ICC profile(s) set at BROWSE mode being embedded
therein.
[0150] With the foregoing, retouching operations carried out on one
photo image using special photo retoucher 11 are ended. Retouching
operations may thereafter be continued, such operations being
carried out on other photo image(s).
[0151] Repeated reference is now made to FIG. 3. If print layout
editing is to be done, user(s) launch layout editor 13. Layout
editor 13 displays graphical user interface(s) (hereinafter "layout
editor main window") 140 such as is shown at FIG. 8 at monitor(s)
of client system 5.
[0152] As shown at FIG. 8, layout editor main window 140 contains
PREFERENCES button 141, folder list 143, image list 144,
media/printer selection area 146, layout selection area 147, layout
display area 148, placement style/page setup area 150, option
selection area 151, print command area 152, and so forth.
[0153] If PREFERENCES button 141 is pressed (e.g., by left-clicking
a mouse), a PREFERENCES dialog box 160 such as is shown in FIG. 9
is displayed in popup fashion. At NO PROFILE EMBEDDED FILE SETUP
field 162 of this PREFERENCES dialog box 160, it is possible--just
as was the case at field 133 of the same name shown in FIG. 6--to
set ICC profile(s) automatically assumed and used as if it or they
had been embedded in photo image file(s) in which ICC profile(s) is
or are not yet embedded (e.g., the default setting being
"sRGB"--corresponding to a typical monitor color space).
[0154] List(s) of all folders belonging to client system 5 is or
are displayed at folder list 143 within layout editor main window
140. Upon selection by user(s) of desired folder(s) therefrom,
thumbnail images 145, 145, . . . for all photo image files saved in
such selected folder(s) are displayed at image list 144.
[0155] Furthermore, output printer(s) as well as type(s) and
size(s) of print media to be used during printing may be specified
at media/printer selection area 146. In specifying output
printer(s), one of the plurality of printers 3A, 3B shown in FIG. 4
may be specified explicitly, or autoselect (whereby the system.
automatically selects the most suitable or convenient printer(s))
may be specified. In the event that user(s) specifies or specify
particular printer(s) as output printer(s), the system carries out
printing of all pages in such job(s) and all sets of copies thereof
using only the particular printer(s) specified. On the other hand,
in the event that user(s) specifies or specify autoselect, the
system automatically selects printer(s) to carry out printing of
respective pages and respective sets of copies thereof in
correspondence to conditions at printers 3A, 3B. Where autoselect
has been specified, it therefore possible that printing of a single
job will be distributed across different printers.
[0156] Furthermore, at layout selection area 147, list(s) of
multiple varieties of layout templates saved in template library
folder 32 at print server machine 2 shown in FIG. 3 may be
displayed in for example pulldown menu, dialog box, or other such
fashion, permitting desired template(s) to be selected therefrom.
Selected template(s) is or are acquired by layout editor 13 from
template library folder 32 of print server machine 2 shown in FIG.
3 by way of file transfer server 31, and is or are displayed in
layout display area 148 at layout editor main window 140 shown in
FIG. 8.
[0157] Layout template(s) 149 displayed at layout display area 148
occupy space(s) of the same size(s) as print media size(s) selected
at media/printer selection area 146, and arrayed therein pursuant
to predefined layout(s) there may be one or a plurality of photo
frame(s) A through E of standard size(s) standardly used for photo
prints.
[0158] If desired thumbnail image(s) from image list 144 is or are
dragged and dropped by user(s) onto desired photo frame(s) within
template(s) 149 at layout display area 148, layout editor 13 will
open file(s) containing photo image(s) corresponding to such
thumbnail image(s), displaying such photo image(s) such that it or
they are placed within such photo frame(s). When placing photo
image(s) in photo frame(s), layout editor 13 carries out any
required adjustment with respect to photo image dimensions and/or
direction, such as changing photo image size and/or direction,
cropping portion(s) extending beyond photo frame(s), or adding
margin(s) to portion(s) falling short of photo frame size(s), in
accordance with placement style(s) set at placement style/page
setup area 150, described below. When user(s) have dragged and
dropped onto desired photo frame(s) within template(s) 149 all
photo images which the user(s) wants or want to print on the same
media, print layout for that or those print page(s) is
completed.
[0159] When placing respective photo image(s) in respective photo
frame(s) within template(s) 149 as described above, layout editor
13 automatically (always, unless otherwise requested by the user)
causes working ICC profile(s) to be set for such photo image(s) as
described below. To wit, if ICC profile(s) has or have previously
been embedded in such photo image file(s), such previous ICC
profile(s) is or are caused to be set as working ICC profile(s).
If, on the other hand, such photo image file(s) does or do not yet
have ICC profile(s) embedded therein, ICC profile(s) set at NO
PROFILE EMBEDDED FILE SETUP field 162 in dialog box 160 shown in
FIG. 9, described above, is or are treated as if it or they had
previously been embedded in such photo image file(s), and such ICC
profile(s) treated as if it or they had been embedded therein is or
are caused to be set as working ICC profile(s).
[0160] At placement style/page setup area 150, style(s) may be set
for placement of photo image(s) within respective photo frame(s) at
template(s) 149. Setup items include setting(s) pertaining to
rotation and setting(s) pertaining to trimming to be carried out if
aspect ratio(s) of photo frame(s) and photo image(s) do not match.
With respect to trimming styles, either AUTOTRIM (i.e., a style
such that photo image(s) is or are made to occupy photo frame(s)
without production of margin(s) therebetween by automatically
trimming excess regions at either end in the long direction of
photo image(s) so as to cause dimension(s) in the short direction
of photo image(s) to match dimension(s) in same direction of photo
frame(s)) or FIT WITHIN (i.e., a style such that photo image(s) is
or are made to occupy photo frame(s) without trimming of photo
image(s) by automatically adding margins at either side in the
short direction thereof so as to cause dimension(s) in the long
direction of photo image(s) to match dimension(s) in same direction
of photo frame(s)) may be selected. With respect to rotation
styles, either AUTOCLOCKWISE and AUTOCOUNTERCLOCKWISE (i.e., styles
such that photo image(s) is or are automatically rotated 90 degrees
in respectively clockwise and counterclockwise directions so as to
cause the long direction of photo image(s) and the long direction
of photo frame(s) to be in the same direction) or MANUAL (i.e., a
style permitting 90-degree manual rotation by user(s) in desired
direction(s)) may be selected. Because layout editor 13
automatically causes photo image(s) dropped in respective photo
frame(s) to be placed in such photo frame(s) using placement
style(s) as set here, photo image size adjustment operations are
very much facilitated.
[0161] At placement style/page setup area 150, where page(s)
currently being edited using template(s) 149 will fall within print
job(s); i.e., which page(s) therein it or they will correspond to,
may also be set. When editing print layout(s) of print job(s)
comprising a plurality of pages, one need only add page(s) at this
placement style/page setup area 150, and, for each respective page,
select template(s) as described above, dragging and dropping
desired photo image(s) onto respective photo frame(s) therein.
Layout editing is thus very much facilitated.
[0162] At option selection area 151, optional items may be set with
respect to PRINTER OPTIONS, PRINT OPTIONS, and AFTER PRINTING With
respect to PRINTER OPTIONS, when carrying out distributed printing
such that the same job(s) is or are printed in distributed fashion
across a plurality of printers (if autoselect is specified at
media/printer selection area 146, because the system automatically
assigns output printer(s) for respective pages and respective sets
of copies of such job(s) in correspondence to conditions at
printer(s) it is possible that distributed printing could occur),
whether the same page(s) is or are to be printed at the same
printer(s) and/or whether the same job(s) is or are to be printed
at the same printer(s) (whether distributed printing is to be
prohibited) may be set. If printing is carried out on the same
printer(s), print quality will be the same throughout all sets of
copies thereof.
[0163] With respect to PRINTER OPTIONS, moreover, whether it is
okay to use print media of the same type(s) but of larger size(s)
for printing when print media of the specified size(s) is or are
not loaded at specified printer(s) may be set. If OKAY is set here,
whether print media frame(s) of size(s) corresponding to print
media of the specified size(s) should be printed together therewith
may furthermore be set. Where it has been set that it is OKAY to
use print media of larger size(s) for printing, in order to
eliminate uneconomical use of print media the system automatically
controls print layout at respective page(s) of print media so as to
cause respective page(s) of such job(s) to print at location(s)
toward the end(s) of such larger sized print media. If, for
example, A4 size was specified for such job(s) but there is no A4
print media, printing instead being carried out on A3 print media
which is twice the size thereof, the system would print page(s) of
such job(s) in one of two A4-size regions produced as a result of
bisection of that A3 print media by the centerline thereof.
[0164] Furthermore, with respect to the situation where printing is
to be carried out on print media of size(s) larger than specified
size(s) as described above, either of the print styles GIVE
PRIORITY TO JOB or GIVE PRIORITY TO PRINT MEDIA may be caused to be
set in selective fashion at print server machine 2 (or this setting
may likewise be carried out at the layout editor). In the event
that GIVE PRIORITY TO JOB is set at print server machine 2, because
the system gives priority to finishing such job(s) as soon as
possible, even if there is or are empty margin(s) remaining on
print media of size(s) larger than specified size(s) sufficient to
allow printing of other page(s) when printing of particular print
job(s) on such larger-size print media is finished (e.g., even
where the last page(s) of such job(s) is or are printed on only a
region occupying one half of A3 print media, leaving a region in
the other half unprinted and empty), such print media is
immediately discharged and such print job(s) is or are immediately
concluded. On the other hand, in the event that GIVE PRIORITY TO
PRINT MEDIA is set at print server machine 2, because the system
gives priority to eliminating uneconomical use of such print media,
if there is or are empty margin(s) remaining on print media of
size(s) larger than specified size(s) sufficient to allow printing
of other page(s) when printing of particular print job(s) on such
larger-size print media is finished (e.g., where the -last page(s)
of such job(s) is or are printed on only an A4 region occupying one
half of A3 print media, leaving an A4 region in the other half
unprinted and empty), other print job(s) of specified size(s) such
as is or are capable of being printed in such margin(s) is or are
awaited, such print media being discharged only after page(s) of
such other print job(s) is or are printed in margin(s) of such
print media (e.g., after the first page(s) of subsequent print
job(s) is or are printed on A4 region(s) in the remaining half or
halves of A3 print media).
[0165] Furthermore, with respect to PRINT OPTIONS, whether to print
name(s) of file(s) containing respective photo image(s), alignment
mark(s) for respective photo image(s), line(s) indicating external
boundary or boundaries of respective photo image(s), studio
name(s), client machine name(s), job ID(s), operator name(s),
customer name(s), list(s) of name(s) of file(s) containing photo
image(s) placed on page(s), print date(s), arbitrary comment(s),
and/or other such supplemental information may be set (printing
such supplemental information facilitates post-printing operations
such as cutting and sorting of printed output by customer). In
addition, with respect to any customer name(s) to be printed,
list(s) of names of customers previously registered with the system
may be displayed in popup fashion and customer name(s) selected
therefrom.
[0166] Furthermore, with respect to AFTER PRINTING, whether to
return job completion communication(s) to server status monitor 14
from print server(s) 34 shown in FIG. 3 after completion of
execution of such print job(s) at printer(s), whether to leave data
in connection with such print job(s) undeleted at print server
machine 2 until deleted or altered by user(s), and other such
optional operations to be carried out following completion of
printing may be set. Absent a countermanding instruction for
deletion from a user or presence of prescribed conditions causing
deletion, print server machine 2 is such that print job data is as
a rule left undeleted following completion of printing, being
stored in disk storage at print server machine 2. Only in the event
that the foregoing AFTER PRINTING setting has been set such that
print job(s) is or are to be deleted following completion of
printing does print server machine 2 delete such print job data, in
which case it does so immediately after time or times when printing
of such print job(s) is completed.
[0167] Moreover, with respect to the foregoing deletion of print
job data, AVAILABLE SPACE and TIME PERIOD may be set as conditions
for automatic deletion of stored print job data at print server
machine 2. Where AVAILABLE SPACE has been set, if available disk
storage space at print server machine 2 decreases to such set
value(s) or less, print server machine 2 causes deletion of stored
print job data, in order of oldness, recovering available disk
storage space until it is the foregoing set value(s) or greater.
Where TIME PERIOD has been set, print server machine 2 stores print
job data for a time period corresponding to such set value(s)
(e.g., 7 days), automatically deleting such print job data at time
or times when stored time period(s) reach such set value(s).
[0168] At print command area 152, number(s) of copies to be printed
and printing priority or priorities may be specified and execution
of printing may be requested. When execution of printing is
requested, layout editor 13 generates print job data for print
job(s) currently being edited and sends same to file transfer
server 31 of print server machine 2 shown in FIG. 3. As has already
been described, print job data includes job script(s), layout
script(s) for all print page(s) included in such job(s), everything
placed within photo frame(s) at layout template(s) on such print
page(s), and working ICC profile(s) caused to be set for such photo
image(s). Note that photo image file(s) included within this print
job data is or are not original photo image file(s) but is or are
file(s) containing photo image(s) which has or have been subjected
to adjustment with respect to dimension and/or direction during
placement in photo frame(s) at layout template(s).
[0169] With the foregoing, print layout editing operations carried
out on one print job are ended. Print layout editing operations may
thereafter be continued, such operations being carried out on other
print job(s).
[0170] Repeated reference is now made to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0171] At print server machine 2, print job data sent from layout
editor 13 of client system is accepted by file transfer server 31
and stored within job folder 33, and furthermore, print job data
within job folder 33 is read by print server(s) 34. Based on such
print job data, print server 34 creates print image data for all
print page(s) making up such print job(s). At such time or times,
by carrying out perceptual color matching on such photo image data
using working ICC profile(s) for respective photo image(s) and
printer ICC profile(s) corresponding to the output printer and
output media combination, print server(s) 34 adjusts such photo
image data included within print image data so as to produce
color(s) when printed out that will most nearly approximate the
color(s) present in working color space(s) of such photo image(s).
In addition, print server 34 sends the created print image data for
respective print page(s) to printer driver(s) 35A and/or 35B for
output printer(s). This permits printing to take place at such
printer(s).
[0172] With respect to output printer selection, print server(s) 34
carries or carry out control as follows based on setting(s) entered
at media/printer selection area 146 of layout editor main window
140 shown in the aforementioned FIG. 8 and PRINTER OPTIONS
setting(s) entered at option selection area 151 (these settings
being written to job script(s)). To wit, if specific printer(s) has
or have been specified at media/printer selection area 146, print
server(s) 34 uses or use only such specified printer(s) as output
printer(s). On the other hand, if AUTOSELECT has been entered for
the printer specification at media/printer selection area 146,
print server(s) 34 is or are free to select output printer(s) in
correspondence to conditions existing at printer(s) at any given
time. Furthermore, even where distributed printing is to be carried
out, if setting has been made at the aforementioned PRINTER OPTIONS
in option selection area 151 to the effect that the same page(s)
and/or the same job(s) is or are to be printed at the same
printer(s), then print server(s) 34 selects or select the same
printer(s) as output printer(s) for all sets of copies of the same
page(s) and/or the same job(s).
[0173] As has already been described, print server(s) 34 ascertains
or ascertain execution status of respective print job(s) and/or
status of printer(s) 3A, 3B, recording same at print information
database 36. Information pertaining to user(s) at such studio(s) is
also recorded at print information database 36.
[0174] Status monitor 14 of client system 5 requests information
pertaining to errors generated by printer(s) 3A, 3B and/or
completion of execution of respective print job(s) from print
server machine 2 at time intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes, etc.)
previously set by user(s). Responsive to this request, print
server(s) 34 at print server machine 2 reads or read from print
information database 36 new history information, not yet sent to
client system 5, pertaining to completion of execution of print
job(s) and/or printer error(s), sending same to status monitor 14
of client system 5 by way of file transfer server 31, and status
monitor 14 displays that information on monitor(s) at client system
5.
[0175] Print job execution history or histories, status of
printer(s) 3A, 3B, and/or user information at print information
database 36 may be accessed at any time(s) by means of WWW browser
17 at client system 5. Moreover, administrator(s) at such studio(s)
may use WWW browser 17 to register new user(s) at print information
database 36.
[0176] Furthermore, by putting log uploader 38 of print server
machine 2 into WATCHDOG MODE, regardless of whether user(s) is or
are present thereat, upon occurrence of error(s) at printer(s) 3A,
3B or other such abnormality or abnormalities, electronic mail to
such effect may be sent substantially in real time from center
server machine 8 to email address(es) 93 of user(s). Various
information managed at center database 84 of center server machine
8 may also be accessed at any time(s) by means of WWW browser 17 at
client system 5.
[0177] FIG. 10 shows functional constitution of print server
machine 2 and center server machine 8 for updating printer ICC
profile(s).
[0178] As shown in FIG. 10, center server machine 8 possesses
printer ICC profile database 330, which stores printer ICC
profile(s) for all printers respectively installed at all photo
studio(s). Stored therein for each respective printer are a
plurality of printer ICC profiles respectively corresponding to a
plurality of usable types of print media. Printer ICC profile(s)
for respective printer(s) are associated with machine number(s) of
respective printer(s). At time or times when studio system(s) 1 of
respective studio(s) is or are installed, print server machine 2
carries out ICC profile download processing 333. ICC profile
download processing 333 is such that machine number(s) of
printer(s) 3A, 3B of such studio(s) is or are communicated to
center server machine 8, printer ICC profile(s) for such printer(s)
3A, 3B is or are downloaded from center server machine 8, and such
downloaded printer ICC profile(s) is or are stored in prescribed
folder(s) 39. Thereafter, when creating print image(s), printer ICC
profile(s) stored within such folder(s) 39 may be used for color
matching.
[0179] In order to investigate changes in printer(s) 3A, 3B with
time, user(s) may whenever appropriate or at regular internals
execute test pattern printing processing 334, which is installed at
print server machine 2. Test pattern printing processing 334 is
such that image data for prescribed test pattern(s) is downloaded
from center server machine 8. Embedded in downloaded test pattern
image data is or are ICC profile(s) indicating color space(s) of
such test pattern image data. Test pattern printing processing 334
is such that printer ICC profile(s) corresponding to combination(s)
of print media and printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being investigated is or
are read from folder(s) 39, perceptual color matching is carried
out using such printer ICC profile(s) and test pattern image data
ICC profile(s), adjusting such test pattern image data, and such
adjusted test pattern image data is used to carry out printing of
test pattern(s) at printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being investigated.
[0180] Test pattern printout(s) 336 obtained as a result thereof
may be sent from studio(s) to the center by mail, for example. At
the center, colorimetry may be carried out on such test pattern
printout(s) 336, and based on results of such colorimetry new
printer ICC profile(s) may be created which indicates or indicate
the present color space(s) of printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being
investigated, such new printer ICC profile(s) being input to center
server machine 8. At center server machine 8, printer ICC
profile(s) for printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being investigated which is
or are present at printer ICC profile database 330 may be updated
to such new printer ICC profile(s). Print server machine 2
thereafter downloads, from center server machine 8, new printer ICC
profile(s) for printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being investigated, and
updates printer ICC profile(s) for printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being
investigated which is or are present within folder(s) 39 to such
downloaded new printer ICC profile(s). Print server machine 2 can
then use such new printer ICC profile(s).
[0181] Moreover, electronic method(s) such as the following may be
used as method(s) for sending test pattern printout(s) 336 to the
center.
[0182] To wit, as shown in FIG. 10, a user at a photo studio mounts
test pattern printout(s) 336 and preprepared test pattern master
sheet(s) 337 on the platen of image scanner 388, and causes image
scanner 388 to scan in such test pattern printout(s) 336 and master
sheet(s) 337 in a single image scanning run. What is here referred
to as a test pattern master sheet 337 is a sheet on which a test
pattern is printed with accurate color(s), same being distributed
in advance to respective photo studio(s). Image data captured from
printout(s) 336 and master sheet(s) 337 which is output from image
scanner 388 may be acquired by print server machine 2, and may be
uploaded to center server machine 8 by means of captured image data
uploading processing 335. At center server machine 8, ICC profile
updating processing 332 is such that any difference in color(s)
between test pattern printout(s) 336 and master sheet(s) 337 is
detected based on such uploaded captured image data; furthermore,
based on results of such detection, new printer ICC profile(s) is
or are created which indicates or indicate the present color
space(s) of printer(s) 3A and/or 3B being investigated, and
corresponding printer ICC profile(s) within printer ICC profile
database 330 is or are updated.
[0183] The foregoing represents overall description of the present
embodiment(s). Next, focusing attention on that portion of the
foregoing embodiment(s) represented by special photo retoucher 11
installed at client system 5, detailed description will be provided
with respect to the function thereof. In the description that
follows, description will in particular be provided with respect to
BROWSE, TRIM, RETOUCH, and COLOR/TONE modes, which are included
among the foregoing 6 modes which special photo retoucher(s) has or
have. Note that while user(s) may carry out a variety of types of
editing at such respective modes, description will emphasis the
more typical thereamong.
[0184] First, BROWSE mode will be described.
[0185] FIG. 11 shows image display area 118 of retoucher main
window 110 when in BROWSE mode, and FIG. 12 shows control area 119
when in BROWSE mode.
[0186] Upon instruction from a user to launch special photo
retoucher 11, special photo retoucher 11 is launched, a screen such
as is shown at FIG. 11 being displayed at image display area 118 of
retoucher main window 110 (see FIG. 5), and a screen such as is
shown at FIG. 12 being displayed at control area 119. Describing
this in more specific terms, special photo retoucher 11 opens
thumbnail view 1000 and thumbnail toolbar 1001 at image display
area 118 as shown at FIG. 11, and opens information view 1002,
ROTATE buttons 1003A and 1003B, RATING buttons 1004A through 1004E,
SELECT buttons 1005A through 1005E, and DESELECT buttons 1006A
through 1006E at control area 119 as shown at FIG. 12.
[0187] Thumbnail view 1000 is an area wherein photo image(s) is or
are displayed in thumbnail fashion. The first time that it
launched, special photo retoucher 11 displays nothing at thumbnail
view 1000; the second and subsequent times that it is launched, it
reads thumbnail file(s) created as described below to display, at
thumbnail view 1000 as shown at FIG. 11, thumbnail image(s) which
was or were displayed at the time of the preceding termination
(i.e., the preceding time that QUIT button 124 was clicked) of
special photo retoucher 11 (selection of folder(s) from which photo
image(s) is or are to be read during browse may be accepted by
prescribed method(s) from user(s); e.g., by way of an image input
selection view (not shown) displayed when an OPEN/CLOSE toggle
button, not shown, at retoucher main window 110 is clicked). Upon
selection of particular thumbnail image(s) at thumbnail view 1000
by user(s) (e.g., by single-clicking a mouse or placing a
mouse-directed cursor on thumbnail image(s)), special photo
retoucher 11 causes rotate/rating window 1009 to be displayed in
popup fashion in the vicinity of such selected thumbnail image(s)
as shown in FIG. 11, and moreover, causes enlarged image(s) of such
selected thumbnail image(s) and information pertaining to such
image(s) (e.g., file name(s), file creation date(s), file
modification date(s), etc.) to be displayed at information view
1002 as shown in FIG. 12. Note that a plurality of thumbnail images
may be caused to be selected at thumbnail view 1000 by employing
prescribed method(s) (e.g., by clicking on thumbnail images one
after the other while pressing the CTRL key at a keyboard).
[0188] At rotate/rating window 1009 which is displayed in popup
fashion, upon selection by user(s) of any of four face emblems for
facilitating determination of whether image(s) is or are
wanted/unwanted (in other words, for setting importance (a.k.a.
priority) of image(s)), special photo retoucher 11 causes selected
face emblem(s) to be set for currently selected image(s) (face
emblem(s) caused to be set may be displayed together with thumbnail
image(s) at thumbnail view 1000). Furthermore, if either of the two
arrow-shaped marks at rotate/rating window 1009 is selected,
special photo retoucher 11 causes currently selected thumbnail
image(s) to be rotated in place in the direction indicated by the
arrow of the foregoing selected arrow-shaped mark (rotated to the
right or rotated to the left) through prescribed rotational
angle(s) (e.g., 90 degrees).
[0189] Now, when special photo retoucher 11 reads photo image
file(s) from folder(s) selected by user(s) and creates thumbnail
image(s) which it displays at thumbnail view 1000, it creates
thumbnail file(s) containing such thumbnail image(s) and saves
created thumbnail file(s) to folder(s) (hereinafter referred to as
"thumbnail folder(s)") other than the folder(s) (hereinafter
"original folder(s)") in which the foregoing original image file(s)
was or were stored. Hereafter, if selection is made pursuant to the
same original folder(s), reading is carried out not from such
selected original folder(s), thumbnail file(s) corresponding to the
foregoing selected original folder(s) being read instead from
thumbnail folder(s), and thumbnail image(s) contained within
thumbnail file(s) which was or were read is or are displayed (where
original photo image(s) has or have not been edited, thumbnail
image(s) displayed here is or are the same as thumbnail image(s)
for such photo image(s)). Because this permits elimination of the
need to create thumbnail image(s) each time that photo image(s) is
or are to be displayed in thumbnail fashion, the second and
subsequent times that photo image(s) from the same original
folder(s) is or are displayed in thumbnail fashion it is possible
to carry out thumbnail display faster than would be the case if
thumbnail image(s) had to be created. Moreover, thumbnail file(s)
which is or are created may contain not only thumbnail image(s) but
also specific type(s) of information; e.g., thumbnail image source
ICC profile(s) and working ICC profile(s) (displayed thumbnail
image(s) may be subjected to color conversion based on such ICC
profile(s)), information reflecting enhancement(s) (e.g., cropping
information, rotational information, retouch mask layer(s), APF
parameter(s), etc.) applied to photo image(s) corresponding to such
thumbnail image(s), and so forth.
[0190] Repeated reference is now made to FIG. 11.
[0191] Thumbnail toolbar 1001 is a user interface by means of which
special photo retoucher 11 is able to accept request(s) from
user(s) for toggling between or among styles in connection with
display at image display area 118. Thumbnail toolbar 1001 possesses
MODE selection area 1001A, SIZE selection area 1001B, INFO
selection area 1001C, and SORT BY selection area 1001D.
[0192] At MODE selection area 1001A, user(s) may select particular
thumbnail display style(s) from among a plurality of thumbnail
display styles. In more specific terms, if a user selects BROWSE
mode, special photo retoucher 11, as shown in FIG. 11, opens
thumbnail view 1000 to substantially fill image display area 118,
depicting thumbnail image(s) therein (this being the default
setting). On the other hand, if a user selects COMPARE mode,
special photo retoucher 11, as shown in FIG. 13, opens thumbnail
view(s) (hereinafter compare view) 1008 other than thumbnail view
1000 (editing processing carried out using compare view 1008 will
be described below).
[0193] At SIZE selection area 1001B, user(s) may select desired
image size(s) from among a plurality of image sizes for displayed
thumbnail image(s). In more specific terms, if a user selects SMALL
size, special photo retoucher 11 displays thumbnail image(s) such
that it or they are of small size (e.g., 80.times.80 pixels).
Alternatively, if a user selects MEDIUM size, special photo
retoucher 11 displays thumbnail image(s) such that it or they are
of medium size (e.g., 160.times.160 pixels) (this being the default
size). Or alternatively again, if a user selects LARGE size,
special photo retoucher 11 displays thumbnail image(s) such that it
or they are of large size (e.g., 320.times.320 pixels).
[0194] At INFO selection area 1001C, user(s) may select, from among
a plurality of types (e.g., file name, file creation date, file
modification date, display nothing), type(s) of image information
to be displayed together with thumbnail image(s) at thumbnail view
1000. As a specific example, if, as shown in FIG. 11, a user
selects FILE NAME, special photo retoucher 11 displays respective
file name(s) beneath respective thumbnail image(s) depicted at
thumbnail view 1000 (the default being set to FILE NAME).
[0195] At SORT BY selection area 1001D, user(s) may, from among a
plurality of types of image information (e.g., file name, file
creation date, file modification date, importance), select type(s)
to be used as basis or bases for arrayal of thumbnail image(s)
displayed at thumbnail view 1000. As a specific example, if, as
shown in FIG. 11, a user selects FILE NAME, special photo retoucher
11 arrays thumbnail image(s) based on file name(s) (the default
being set to FILE NAME); or if IMPORTANCE is selected, thumbnail
image(s) is or are arrayed based on the foregoing thumbnail image
importance setting (e.g., in order of height).
[0196] As has already been noted, enlarged image(s) of thumbnail
image(s) selected at thumbnail view 1000 and image information for
such image(s) (e.g., file name(s), file creation date(s), file
modification date(s), image size(s), etc.) are displayed at
information view 1002 shown in FIG. 12. In addition, CHECK ICC
PROFILE button 1007 may also be displayed. If this CHECK ICC
PROFILE button 1007 is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 displays
the contents of ICC profile(s) set for currently selected thumbnail
image(s).
[0197] ROTATE buttons 1003A and 1003B are buttons for causing one
or more thumbnail image(s) currently selected at thumbnail view
1000 to be rotated in place to the right or to the left through
prescribed rotational angle(s) (e.g., 90 degrees).
[0198] Buttons 1004A through 1004D, included among RATING buttons
1004A through 1004E, are buttons for causing importance(s) desired
by user(s) to be set for one or more thumbnail image(s) currently
selected at thumbnail view 1000, and button 1004E is a button for
clearing any importance(s) that may have been set for selected
thumbnail image(s) (i.e., for making it or them such that no
importance is set therefor).
[0199] Buttons 1005A through 1005D, included among SELECT buttons
1005A through 1005E, are buttons for simultaneously selecting all
thumbnail image(s), from among one or a plurality of thumbnail
image(s) currently selected at thumbnail view 1000, for which face
emblem(s) shown on respective button(s) 1005A through 1005D
(importance(s) corresponding thereto) is or are set. Button 1005E
is a button for simultaneously selecting all thumbnail image(s)
displayed at thumbnail view 1000.
[0200] Buttons 1006A through 1006D, included among DESELECT buttons
1006A through 1006E, are buttons for simultaneously deselecting all
thumbnail image(s), among one or a plurality of thumbnail image(s)
currently selected at thumbnail view 1000, for which face emblem(s)
shown on respective button(s) 1006A through 1006D (importance(s)
corresponding thereto) is or are set. Button 1006E is a button for
simultaneously deselecting all thumbnail image(s) displayed at
thumbnail view 1000.
[0201] Responsive to button(s) selected by user(s) among these
buttons 1003A and 1003B, 1004A through 1004E, 1005A through 1005E,
and/or 1006A through 1006E, special photo retoucher 11 may cause
thumbnail image(s) desired by user(s) among thumbnail image(s)
displayed at thumbnail view 1000 to be selected (or deselected),
may cause such thumbnail image(s) to be rotated, and/or may cause
importance(s) to be set for such thumbnail image(s). Also, while
not especially shown in the drawings, special photo retoucher 11
may be designed such that special photo retoucher 11 is capable of
displaying a user interface (button(s), combination box(es), etc.)
for accepting instruction(s) from user(s) for rotational angle(s)
desired by user(s) and/or for causing thumbnail image(s) desired by
user(s) to be displayed in inverted fashion such that top and
bottom, and/or left and right, are flipped, and is capable of
causing thumbnail image(s) desired by user(s) to be rotated through
rotational angle(s) desired by user(s) and/or displayed in inverted
fashion such that top and bottom, and/or left and right, are
flipped based on content of input obtained by way of that user
interface.
[0202] Now, by using special photo retoucher 11 and selecting
COMPARE mode in area 1001 A at thumbnail toolbar 1001, a user may
view and compare at the same screen any two desired images among
thumbnail image(s) displayed at thumbnail view 1000.
[0203] That is, as shown in FIG. 13, upon selection of the
foregoing COMPARE mode by a user, special photo retoucher 11
relocates the display locus or loci of thumbnail view 1000 to a
region in the lower half of image display area 118, and displays
compare view 1008 in a region in the upper half of image display
area 118. Immediately after displaying compare view 1008 there is
nothing displayed therein, but when thumbnail image(s) is or are
selected at thumbnail view 1000, special photo retoucher 11
displays selected thumbnail image(s) in a region in the right half
of compare view 1008 at prescribed size(s) (hereinafter "image
size(s) for comparison") larger than that or those of the selected
thumbnail image(s) (image(s) displayed at compare view 1008 is or
are hereinafter referred to as "image(s) subject to comparison").
When other thumbnail image(s) is or are thereafter selected at
thumbnail view 1000, special photo retoucher 11 displays selected
other thumbnail image(s) in a region in the left half of compare
view 1008 at image size(s) for comparison, relocating and
displaying in the right half region any image(s) subject to
comparison which was or were being displayed in the left half
region prior thereto. Then, each time that thumbnail image(s) is or
are selected at thumbnail view 1000, special photo retoucher 11
ordinarily (e.g., if the lock functionality described below is not
in use) displays the most recently selected image(s) in the left
half region at image size(s) for comparison, and in accompaniment
thereto, relocates and displays in the right half region any
image(s) subject to comparison which was or were being displayed in
the left half region, in first-in first-out fashion (but of course
this need not be limited to first-in first-out fashion). Moreover,
when thumbnail image(s) is or are displayed at compare view 1008 as
image(s) subject to comparison, special photo retoucher 11 displays
such thumbnail image(s) such that it or they is or are corrected
based on the foregoing specific type(s) of information (e.g.,
source ICC profile(s), working ICC profile(s), retouch mask
layer(s), APF parameter(s)) contained in thumbnail file(s) wherein
such thumbnail image(s) is or are recorded.
[0204] In the vicinity or vicinities of bottom(s) of image(s)
subject to comparison, special photo retoucher 11 displays
information pertaining to such image(s) (e.g., file name(s)) and
LOCK button(s) (button(s) showing picture(s) of lock(s)) (and also
displays image importance(s) (face emblem(s)) where it or they has
or have been set for image(s)). LOCK button(s) is or are for
locking image(s) subject to comparison so as to prevent location(s)
at which image(s) subject to comparison is or are displayed from
being relocated in first-in first-out fashion, and for releasing
such lock (there are two image(s) subject to comparison shown in
FIG. 13, both of which are in an unlocked state (the lock is in its
released state)). In the event that particular image(s) displayed
at compare view 1008, e.g., an image displayed in the left half
region, is or are clicked when LOCK button(s) thereof is or are in
the unlocked state, special photo retoucher 11 will lock such
image(s) such that it or they assume a locked state (at which
time(s), picture(s) of lock(s) shown on LOCK button(s) will be
toggled to picture(s) of lock(s) in its or their locked state).
Until such LOCK button(s) is or are again clicked, special photo
retoucher 11 maintains displayed location(s) of image(s) subject to
comparison in the left half region so as to prevent image(s)
subject to comparison from being relocated to the right half
region, causing the most recently selected image(s) at thumbnail
view 1000 to be displayed in the right half region only. In
addition, when such LOCK button(s) (i.e., LOCK button(s) when in
its or their locked state) is or are again clicked, special photo
retoucher 11 releases it or them from their locked state, causing
image(s) selected at thumbnail view 1000 to be displayed at compare
view 1008 in the aforementioned first-in first-out fashion.
[0205] Note that whereas the number of image(s) subject to
comparison that are capable of being displayed at compare view 1008
is two in the present embodiment, it is of course also possible to
design special photo retoucher 11 such that two or more images
subject to comparison are arrayed and compared.
[0206] Above, BROWSE mode has been described. As already described,
when processing proceeds from BROWSE mode to TRIM mode, special
photo retoucher 11 reads photo image file(s) selected while in
BROWSE mode, opening such photo image file(s). When such photo
image file(s) is or are opened, special photo retoucher 11 converts
such photo image data to image data belonging to working color
space(s) defined by working ICC profile(s) set while in BROWSE
mode. At such time(s), if ICC profile(s) previously embedded in
such photo image file(s) (or ICC profile(s) assumed as such) is or
are set as working ICC profile(s), special photo retoucher 11 makes
no special change to the photo image data thereof when it opens
such photo image file(s). In contradistinction hereto, if working
ICC profile(s) is or are set which is or are different from ICC
profile(s) previously embedded in such photo image file(s) (or
assumed as such), special photo retoucher 11 carries out perceptual
color matching on such photo image data based on such embedded ICC
profile(s) and working ICC profile(s) when it opens such photo
image file(s). Moreover, by means of this color matching, such
photo image data is adjusted so as to cause color(s) most closely
approximating color(s) represented in the color space defined by
the previous ICC profile to be represented in the working color
space (hereafter, with every application of an enhancement at TRIM,
RETOUCH, COLOR/TONE, and EFFECT modes, this processing is carried
out on the post-enhancement photo image(s) resulting
therefrom).
[0207] Furthermore, after BROWSE mode, it is often the case that
progress from one mode to another follows the order in which
buttons 111 through 116 are arrayed from left to right at retoucher
main window 110 (i.e., the order of retouching operations typically
carried out by a user), and when special photo retoucher 11
proceeds from one mode to another pursuant to this order (i.e.,
when going from the current mode to a mode downstream therefrom)
image(s) subjected to editing in the preceding mode enters or enter
the subsequent mode such that the results of editing applied
thereto are incorporated therein (i.e., image(s) displayed
immediately after entering the subsequent mode is or are such that
image(s) subjected to editing in the preceding mode incorporates or
incorporate the results of editing applied therein). If, for
example, responsive to user request in BROWSE mode, special photo
retoucher 11 proceeds to TRIM mode having rotated selected image(s)
90 degrees to the right, in displaying image(s) subjected to
editing when TRIM mode is entered, such image(s) will be rotated 90
degrees to the right.
[0208] In contradistinction hereto, when going from one mode to
another in an order reverse with respect to the order in which
buttons 111 through 116 are arrayed from left to right (i.e., when
proceeding from the current mode to a mode upstream therefrom),
special photo retoucher 11 causes the results of editing applied to
image(s) subjected to editing in the preceding mode to be reset
(i.e., to be such that the results of editing are not incorporated
therein) upon entering the subsequent mode. However, when again
returning to the immediately preceding mode preceding the
transition from mode to mode, image(s) displayed incorporate
results of editing applied in such mode(s).
[0209] Special photo retoucher 11 saves results of editing
performed in respective mode(s) (values of parameters set therein)
notwithstanding transition(s) to other mode(s). Results of editing
performed in respective mode(s) are at prescribed time or times,
e.g., both/either (1) when nothing is selected at BROWSE mode (when
switching editing screens) and/or (2) upon termination of special
photo retoucher 11, results of editing performed in respective
mode(s) which had been saved are deleted (as a specific example
hereof, at both/either the foregoing time(s) (1) and/or (2) a
dialog box might be displayed asking a user whether it alright to
carry out deletion, with results of editing performed in respective
mode(s) being deleted in the event of input to the effect that it
is alright to do so, or with results of editing performed in
respective mode(s) being left undeleted in the event of input to
the effect that deletion should not be carried out and that such
results should be left undeleted). Furthermore, where results of
editing are saved, if previously created thumbnail file(s) contain
thumbnail image(s) for pre-editing version(s) of image(s) to which
such results of editing have been applied, special photo retoucher
11 uses such results of editing to update such thumbnail
file(s).
[0210] Next, TRIM mode will be described.
[0211] FIG. 14 shows an image display area and a control area when
in TRIM mode.
[0212] Upon entering TRIM mode, special photo retoucher 11 opens
trim view 1009 and cropping toolbar 1011 in image display area 118,
and displays in control area 119 various buttons 1012A through
1014B and 1016, radio button(s) for specifying aspect ratio(s)
(hereinafter "cropping aspect ratio(s)") of cropping frame(s) 1010,
described below, and so forth. Furthermore, special photo retoucher
11 displays, at trim view 1009 in image display area 118, photo
image(s) selected while in BROWSE mode (if rotation was caused to
be set while in BROWSE mode, display will incorporate same).
[0213] By default (immediately after entering TRIM mode), special
photo retoucher 11 causes rectangular cropping frame(s) 1010 to be
set such that it or they overlap the upper periphery of trim view
1009. By placing mouse cursor(s) on cropping frame(s) 1010 and
dragging, user(s) may specify locus or loci to be extracted from
photo image(s), and furthermore, by placing cursor(s) within
specified locus or loci (e.g., at time(s) when such a cursor might
switch to a picture of a person's hand) and dragging, specified
locus or loci may be moved. Special photo retoucher 11 crops away
region(s) outside cropping frame(s) 1010 specified by user(s) so as
to extract only region(s) inside such cropping frame(s) 1010.
[0214] Furthermore, throughout this processing, special photo
retoucher 11 displays region(s) outside cropping frame(s) 1010 in
color(s) as set at cropping toolbar 1011 (e.g., in a color as
desired by a user and at a transparency of 50%, in a shade of gray,
etc.).
[0215] Moreover, if the SHOW GRID check box at cropping toolbar
1011 is selected, special photo retoucher 11 will display grid
line(s) within cropping frame(s) 1010 as shown in FIG. 14. This
facilitates adjustment of size and position of cropping frame(s)
1010. Note that positional fiduciaries for assisting in positioning
of cropping frame(s) 1010 are not limited to grid line(s), it also
being possible for example to employ ruler(s), center mark(s)
indicating center(s) of region(s) enclosed by cropping frame(s)
1010, and/or other such fiduciaries. Furthermore, inasmuch as
"positioning" as used here refers not to positioning of particular
point(s) on cropping frame(s) 1010 but to overall positioning of
cropping frame(s) 1010, the foregoing grid line(s) may also serve
to assist in setting of inclination and/or size of cropping
frame(s) 1010.
[0216] In addition, each time that rotation button 1012A or 1012B
at control area 119 is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 causes
image(s) displayed at trim view 1009 to be rotated 90 degrees to
the left or to the right (note that at such time(s) cropping
frame(s) 1010 is or are also caused to be rotated together with
image(s)). Furthermore, if image inclination adjustment button
1013A, 1013B, 1014A, and/or 1014B is or are clicked, special photo
retoucher 11 maintains cropping frame(s) 1010, shown in the
foreground, such that current settings thereof (i.e., current
display position(s), size(s), and angle(s)) are left unchanged
while only image(s), shown in the background, is or are rotated in
1-degree or 0.1-degree steps to the left or to the right
(conversely, image(s) may be maintained unchanged while only
cropping frame(s) 1010 is or are rotated). At such time(s), if
cropping frame(s) 1010 extend beyond image(s), special photo
retoucher 11 reduces the size(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 so as to
prevent cropping frame(s) 1010 from extending beyond such image(s).
Special photo retoucher 11 displays at image inclination display
field 1015 the number of degrees that displayed image(s) is or are
rotated to the right (in other words, the inclination(s) of the
current image(s)).
[0217] Also, if cropping aspect ratio(s) has or have previously
been specified by user(s) at control area 119, no matter how
user(s) might perform the foregoing drag operation special photo
retoucher 11 controls the aspect ratio(s) of the cropping frame(s)
1010 set thereby so as to have the foregoing specified aspect
ratio(s). Here, when image(s) displayed at trim view 1009 is or are
long vertically (or when displayed as long horizontally due to
rotation), special photo retoucher 11 places mark(s) in PORTRAIT
radio button(s) at control area 119, setting the shape(s) of
cropping frame(s) 1010 so as to be rectangle(s) which is or are
long vertically. On the other hand, when image(s) displayed at trim
view 1009 is or are long horizontally (or when displayed as long
vertically due to rotation), special photo retoucher 11 places
mark(s) in LANDSCAPE radio button(s) at control area 119, setting
the shape(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 so as to be rectangle(s)
which is or are long horizontally. Following such setting, user(s)
may freely choose and set shape(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 so as
to be long vertically and/or long horizontally.
[0218] Specification of cropping aspect ratio(s) may be carried out
by means of any of (A) manual specification, (B) direct
specification, and/or (C) selective specification.
[0219] If (A) manual specification is to carried out, user(s)
places or place mark(s) in MANUAL radio button(s) 1017 at control
area 119. By thereafter dragging cropping frame(s) with a mouse,
user(s) may freely change cropping aspect ratio(s) of cropping
frame(s) 1010 (i.e., shape(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 may be made
long vertically and/or long horizontally).
[0220] If (B) direct specification is to carried out, user(s)
places or place mark(s) in the bottommost radio button(s) 1018 at
control area 119. User(s) thereafter enter value(s) for one term or
set of terms for desired cropping aspect ratio(s) at input field(s)
1020A, and enter value(s) for the other such term or set of terms
at input field(s) 1020B, these fields being located in the same
row(s) as such radio button(s). As a result hereof, no matter how
user(s) might thereafter change the size(s) of cropping frame(s)
1010 by dragging with mouse(s), special photo retoucher 11 controls
the cropping aspect ratio(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 so as to
maintain cropping aspect ratio(s) entered at input field(s) 1020A
and/or input field(s) 1020B. In more specific terms, if for example
cropping aspect ratio is "3:4"and the shape of cropping frame 1010
is set so as to be long vertically (portrait), special photo
retoucher 11 constantly controls the rectangular shape of cropping
frame 1010 such that it is maintained at "vertical dimension:
horizontal dimension=4:3"; or alternatively, if the shape of
cropping frame 1010 is set so as to be long horizontally
(landscape), the rectangular shape of cropping frame 1010 is
controlled such that it is maintained at "vertical dimension:
horizontal dimension=3:4".
[0221] If (C) selective specification is to carried out, user(s)
places or place mark(s) in that or those radio button(s) 1018
corresponding to desired cropping aspect ratio(s) among plurality
of radio button(s) 1019. As a result hereof, no matter how user(s)
might thereafter change the size of cropping frame(s) 1010 by
dragging with mouse(s), special photo retoucher 11 controls the
cropping aspect ratio(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010 so as to
maintain cropping aspect ratio(s) selected by user(s) in
correspondence to whether the shape(s) of cropping frame(s) 1010
was or were set so as to be long vertically and/or long
horizontally.
[0222] As a result of specification by user(s) of cropping aspect
ratio(s) by means of such method(s) (B) and/or (C), it is possible
to make the aspect ratio(s) of image region(s) which is or are left
as a result of cropping always be desired aspect ratio(s).
[0223] Moreover, choices for cropping aspect ratio(s) may be
preprepared in default fashion or may be furnished by the user(s)
him/herself or selves. Where choices for cropping aspect ratio(s)
is or are to be furnished by the user(s) him/herself or selves,
user(s) clicks or click SETTINGS button 1016. Upon so doing,
special photo retoucher 11 displays CUSTOM TRIM SETTINGS dialog box
1021 shown in FIG. 15. At CUSTOM TRIM SETTINGS dialog box 1021,
user(s) may input desired cropping aspect ratio(s) and name(s) for
identification thereof (e.g., "regular photo", "panorama size",
etc.) (clicking the DEFAULT button makes it possible to revert to
cropping aspect ratio(s) preprepared in default fashion).
Thereafter clicking on OK causes special photo retoucher 11 to
display at control area 119 the cropping aspect ratio(s) and
identifying name(s) which were input at that dialog box 1021.
[0224] Above, TRIM mode has been described. Furthermore, special
photo retoucher 11 is such that thumbnail image(s) browsed during
BROWSE mode may also be viewed responsive to user request during
the course of editing operations performed while in TRIM mode (or
alternatively not only there but also during the course of editing
operations performed while in other mode(s)). In more specific
terms, special photo retoucher 11 is such that when the
aforementioned OPEN/CLOSE toggle button, not shown, is clicked
while in TRIM mode, SLIDE TABLE window 1022 is displayed at image
display area 118 as shown in FIG. 16, thumbnail image(s) displayed
at thumbnail view in BROWSE mode being displayed in list fashion at
this window 1022 (Note that the image(s) displayed here need not
include all of the thumbnail image(s) which was or were displayed
at BROWSE mode. Any type(s) of image(s) may be used, such as, for
example, image(s) having comparatively high importance setting(s);
or, where reservation request(s) is or are received from user(s),
image(s) requested to be reserved pursuant to such request(s);
etc.).
[0225] Next, RETOUCH mode will be described.
[0226] FIG. 17 shows image display area 118 when in RETOUCH mode,
and FIG. 18 shows control area 119 when in same mode.
[0227] Upon entering RETOUCH mode, special photo retoucher 11 opens
retouch view 1025 and retouch toolbar 1026 in image display area
118 as shown in FIG. 17, and as shown in FIG. 18 displays in
control area 119 a number of selectable choices of prescribed
retouching tools frequently used at photo studios; slider bar(s)
for adjusting intensity or intensities of enhancement effect(s);
list(s) of plurality or pluralities of brushes of different size,
degree of blurring, shape, and angle; and a plurality of slider
bars for adjusting size, degree of blurring, shape, and angle of
respective brush(es).
[0228] First, special photo retoucher 11 displays at retouch view
1025 of image display area 118 the full extent of photo image
region(s) (hereinafter "extracted image region(s)") extracted in
TRIM mode. Here, special photo retoucher 11 is such that when
combination box 1027 and/or button(s) 1027A and/or 1027B is or are
actuated by user(s), extracted image region(s) displayed at retouch
view 1025 is or are enlarged and/or reduced in correspondence to
such actuation. Furthermore, special photo retoucher 11 is such
that when button 1029 is clicked and mouse(s) is or are dragged at
retouch view 1025, and/or slider bar(s) 1030A and/or 1030B is or
are actuated, extracted image region(s) displayed at retouch view
1025 is or are scrolled in correspondence thereto. Also, when
button 1030 is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 accepts
specification from user(s) of image display locus or loci to be
displayed at variation view (described in detail below) in the
COLOR/TONE mode which follows (in more specific terms, scrollable
image view(s), not shown, is or are opened, wherein the full extent
of extracted image region(s) is or are shown and wherein, at such
view(s), specification via mouse of field(s) to be displayed at
variation view is solicited from user(s)), specified field(s) being
displayed at variation view.
[0229] Furthermore, responsive to user request, special photo
retoucher 11 changes the manner in which extracted image region(s)
is or are displayed at retouch view 1025. Describing this in more
specific terms, when the PREVIEW radio button is selected at
retouch toolbar 1026, special photo retoucher 11 causes extracted
image region(s) currently being edited to be displayed at retouch
view 1025. But when the ORIGINAL radio button is selected, special
photo retoucher 11 causes original image(s) (image(s) to which no
editing processing has been applied; hereinafter "original
image(s)") corresponding to extracted image region(s) to be
displayed at retouch view 1025. And when the COMPARE A radio button
is selected, special photo retoucher 11 causes retouch view 1025 to
be split into two sections, original image(s) being displayed in
one section and extracted image region(s) being displayed in the
other section such that the two sections are respectively
independent (i.e., such that if original image(s) in the one is or
are for example scrolled responsive to user request, extracted
image regions(s) in the other is or are not scrolled). But when the
COMPARE B radio button is selected, special photo retoucher 11
causes retouch view 1025 to be split into two sections, original
image(s) being displayed in one section and extracted image
region(s) being displayed in the other section such that the two
sections move in tandem (i.e., such that if original image(s) in
the one is or are for example scrolled responsive to user request,
simultaneously therewith extracted image regions(s) in the other is
or are scrolled by the same amount and in the same direction as the
one is scrolled).
[0230] As described above, special photo retoucher 11 is capable of
controlling display of image(s) at retouch view 1025. Responsive to
user request, special photo retoucher 11 permits application, on
image(s) displayed at retouch view 1025 (but not on original
image(s)), of enhancement processing through employment of
brush(es) of size(s), degree(s) of blurring, shape(s), and angle(s)
as desired by user(s). As shown in FIG. 18, special photo retoucher
11 displays tool(s) for creating and/or selecting brush(es) desired
by user(s) in control area 119.
[0231] In more specific terms, special photo retoucher 11 is
provided with TOOLS field 1034, EFFECT field 1035, and BRUSH field
1036 at control area 119, and a plurality of radio buttons for
selecting a number of prescribed retouching tools are displayed at
TOOLS field 1034. At TOOLS field 1034, in correspondence to
selected radio button(s), special photo retoucher 11 applies, at
brush(es) selected by user(s) and/or at locus or loci designated by
user(s) at retouch view 1025, processing for any of (1) increasing
brightness by prescribed value(s), (2) decreasing brightness by
prescribed value(s), (3) increasing saturation by prescribed
value(s), (4) decreasing saturation by prescribed value(s), (5)
applying blurring pursuant to prescribed algorithm(s) (e.g.,
Gaussian blur algorithm(s)), (6) increasing sharpness, (7)
increasing smoothness, (8) noise and/or color fringing artifact
reduction (e.g., restoring to its or their original color(s) the
color(s) of pixel(s) in particular region(s) which has or have
acquired color(s) other than its or their original color(s)).
[0232] Furthermore, when the CLONE radio button at TOOLS field 1034
is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 carries out processing for
copying locus or loci at retouch view 1025 as desired by user(s) to
arbitrary user location(s) (where particular pixel(s) is or are
specified by user(s), color(s) of such pixel(s) may also be
sampled). Moreover, when the PAINT radio button is selected,
special photo retoucher 11 solicits selection from the user of
desired color(s) among a plurality of colors, and applies selected
color(s) to brush(es) selected and/or newly created by user(s). And
when mouse(s) is or are thereafter dragged over image(s) by
user(s), special photo retoucher 11 carries out enhancement
processing making use of such brush(es).
[0233] At EFFECT field 1035, special photo retoucher 11 displays
slider bar 1037 and button(s) 1038A, 1038B. In correspondence to
user actuation of such slider bar 1037 and/or button(s) 1038A,
1038B, special photo retoucher 11 sets degree(s) to which
enhancement processing making use of brush(es) selected and/or
newly created by user(s) is to be applied and have effect
(enhancement effectiveness; or expressed differently, enhanced
portion and extracted image region application mixture ratio).
Special photo retoucher 11 applies enhancement processing within
locus or loci affected by brush(es) wielded by user(s) on image(s)
at retouch view 1025 in correspondence to degree(s) so set.
[0234] Special photo retoucher 11 displays, at control area 119,
palette 1031 comprising a prescribed number of, e.g., 6.times.6,
subpalettes at BRUSH field 1036. Respective subpalettes in the top
three rows of this palette 1031 are subpalettes for fixed brushes
(brushes which cannot be deleted), and respective subpalettes in
the bottom three rows are subpalettes for brushes created by
user(s) in the manner described below. At respective subpalettes,
special photo retoucher 11 shows brush shape and/or radius
respectively saved thereat (size, degree of blurring, shape, and/or
angle respectively differ for respective brushes (though they may
of course be the same)). Special photo retoucher 11 is such that
when a subpalette desired by a user is selected at palette 1031, if
such subpalette already has a brush then such brush is displayed at
CURRENT BRUSH display field 1032, and moreover, brush preview
cursor (e.g., a closed graphic accurately indicating the outline of
a brush such as shown in FIG. 17) 1033, indicating in preview-like
fashion the locus of application of the enhancement performed by
that brush, is displayed, to scale, on image(s) at retouch view
1025 (because enhancement locus is a function of pixels,
enlargement or reduction of image(s) displayed at retouch view 1025
will cause the size of the brush preview cursor to change in
accordance therewith). This makes it possible for a user to
ascertain the portion(s) (locus or loci) of image(s) at which
enhancement(s) will be applied before actually carrying out
enhancement processing.
[0235] Furthermore, special photo retoucher 11 displays at BRUSH
field 1036 a plurality of slider bars and/or button(s) for
adjusting brush(es) displayed at CURRENT BRUSH display field 1032.
In correspondence to slider bar(s) and/or button(s) actuated by
user(s), special photo retoucher 11 changes the size(s), degree(s)
of blurring, shape(s), and/or angle(s) of brush(es) displayed at
CURRENT BRUSH display field 1032. Furthermore, in correspondence
hereto, special photo retoucher 11 changes the size(s), shape(s),
and/or angle(s) of brush preview cursor(s) 1033.
[0236] Responsive to request(s) from user(s) (when SAVE button 1039
is pressed), special photo retoucher 11 saves, at subpalette(s) of
palette 1031 designated by user(s), brush(es) whose size(s),
degree(s) of blurring, shape(s), and/or angle(s) has or have been
adjusted in this fashion. Brush(es) saved herein remain saved until
such time as it or they is or are selected by user(s) and DELETE
button 1040 is pressed.
[0237] Above, RETOUCH mode has been described. Next, COLOR/TONE
mode will be described.
[0238] Upon entering COLOR/TONE mode, special photo retoucher 11
displays, at image display area 118, photo image(s) with
enhancement(s) as applied in RETOUCH mode. As has already been
described, this mode comprises the three submodes EASY, VARIATION,
and MANUAL. Below, the respective submodes will be described in
detail.
[0239] First, EASY submode will be described.
[0240] FIG. 19 shows image display area 118 when in EASY submode,
and FIG. 20 shows control area 119 when in same submode.
[0241] When the EASY tab at control area 119 is clicked, special
photo retoucher 11 enters EASY submode, displaying EASY control
screen 1050 in front layer(s).
[0242] Displayed at EASY control screen 1050 are a plurality of
radio buttons respectively corresponding to a plurality of
preprepared color adjustment filters. Special photo retoucher 11
causes color adjustment filter(s) corresponding to selected radio
button(s) to be applied to the entirety or entireties of photo
image(s) (extracted image region(s) and/or original image(s);
hereinafter "image(s) subject to color/tone editing") displayed at
easy view 2000 of FIG. 19. In more specific terms, special photo
retoucher 11 might for example carry out STANDARD COLOR CORRECTION,
PORTRAIT PHOTO COLOR CORRECTION, MAKE INTO MONOCHROME PHOTO,
LIGHTEN, MAKE HEAVIER, SHARPEN, SOFTEN, and/or other such
processing on image(s) subject to color/tone editing in
correspondence to selected radio button(s). This makes it possible
for desired type(s) of color/tone adjustment to be carried out in
one-click fashion.
[0243] Moreover, at this EASY submode, it is possible to manually
change color adjustment filter parameter(s) of respective
selectable color adjustment filters. For example, if a change in
the parameter(s) of the HEAVY color adjustment filter were desired,
a user might click SETTINGS button 1051 corresponding to the HEAVY
filter. Upon so doing, special photo retoucher 11 displays, in
frontmost layer(s), dialog box 1052 for changing parameter(s) as
shown in FIG. 21. At this dialog box 1052, user(s) can adjust the
effect of enhancement(s) applied by the HEAVY color adjustment
filter (e.g., whether to make color or monochrome and/or how
strongly to cause color tone, brightness, color balance,
saturation, and/or sharpness to have its or their effect(s)).
Special photo retoucher 11 causes the HEAVY color adjustment filter
to reflect the results of adjustments made at this dialog box
1052.
[0244] Furthermore, at this EASY submode, it is possible for
user(s) to create and increase the number of types of selectable
color adjustment filters. In more specific terms, it is for example
possible to increase the number of types of selectable color
adjustment filters by loading color adjustment filter(s) created
and saved in MANUAL submode (name(s) of such additional color
adjustment filter(s) is or are displayed at USER DEFINED SETTINGS
field 1055). Parameter(s) for such additional color adjustment
filter(s) may be changed at the aforementioned dialog box for
changing parameter(s) which is displayed in frontmost layer(s) as a
result of clicking the SETTINGS button displayed at EASY control
screen 1050.
[0245] Above, EASY submode has been described. Next, VARIATION
submode will be described.
[0246] FIG. 22 shows image display area 118 when in VARIATION
submode, and FIG. 23 shows control area 119 when in same
submode.
[0247] When the VARIATION tab at control area 119 is clicked,
special photo retoucher 11 enters VARIATION submode, displaying
VARIATION control screen 1060 in front layer(s).
[0248] As shown in FIG. 22, upon entering VARIATION submode,
special photo retoucher 11 displays, horizontally and vertically in
arrayed fashion at variation view 1065 of image display area 118, a
plurality of (e.g.,9 or 25) photo images which respectively
represent results of application in trial fashion of a plurality of
(e.g., 9 or 25) color adjustment filters having different parameter
values to the same photo image(s). The photo image(s) centrally
located thereamong represents or represent the result of
application in trial fashion (thumbnail image(s)) of color
adjustment filter(s) having parameter value(s) as currently set at
control area 119 (immediately after entering VARIATION submode,
such image(s) representing results of enhancement processing
applied up to that point). Furthermore, respectively arrayed in
order to either side of central photo image(s) are results of
application in trial fashion of color adjustment filter(s)
representing decrease(s) in step(s) of prescribed value(s) from
currently set parameter value(s) (i.e., parameter value(s) of color
adjustment filter(s) applied to photo image(s) centrally located
thereamong), and conversely, results of application in trial
fashion of color adjustment filter(s) representing increase(s) in
step(s) of prescribed value(s) from currently set parameter
value(s). Moreover, displayed beneath those respective trial
application results are amounts of increments in parameter value(s)
as measured relative to parameter value(s) applied to central photo
image(s) (more specifically, when the ONE-INDEX radio button,
described below, is selected, a single increment might be displayed
in prescribed color(s) for a single photo image; and when the
TWO-INDEX radio button is selected, two increments might be
displayed in arrayed fashion in respectively different colors for a
single photo image).
[0249] Special photo retoucher 11 is such that when photo image(s)
desired by user(s) is or are selected from among this plurality of
photo images (trial application results), such selected photo
image(s) is or are made to move to the center of variation view
1065, in accompaniment to which display location(s) of other photo
image(s) is or are also made to move, a plurality of photo image(s)
being displayed as described above such that selected photo
image(s) is or are at the center thereof (i.e., display at
variation view 1065 is updated), and in addition, parameter
value(s) for color adjustment filter(s) applied to such chosen
photo image(s) is or are caused to be set at control area 119.
Furthermore, when proceeding to other mode(s) and/or other
submode(s), special photo retoucher 11 applies color adjustment
filter(s) having particular parameter value(s) as set at control
area 119 to photo image(s) displayed after entering such mode(s)
and/or submode(s).
[0250] Special photo retoucher 11 is such that in correspondence to
user operations carried out at color/tone toolbar 1066, photo
image(s) selected by user(s) from among a plurality of photo
image(s) displayed at variation view 1065 may be displayed in
enlarged and/or reduced fashion, the aforementioned central photo
image(s) may be scrolled by itself or themselves, and/or image
region(s) to be displayed as photo image(s) at variation view 1065
may be set.
[0251] Display format at variation view 1065 may be altered
pursuant to content of user input at VARIATION control screen 1062
shown in FIG. 23 (display format at variation view 1065 may be
updated each time that new content is input).
[0252] That is, in correspondence to radio button(s) selected at
CONTROL field 1061 of VARIATION control screen 1062, special photo
retoucher 11 determines which of a plurality of parameters
displayed at CONTROL INDEX field 1062, described below, is or are
to be selectable parameter(s). In more specific terms, special
photo retoucher 11 is such that when the SINGLE radio button is
selected, that or those parameter(s) among the foregoing plurality
of parameters which is or are basic parameter(s) (e.g., only
brightness, contrast, gray balance, saturation, and sharpness) is
or are set so as to be selectable; in contrast to which, when the
FULL radio button is selected, all parameters other than gray
balance(s) are set so as to be selectable. If the FULL radio button
is selected, more detailed setting of basic parameter(s) may be
carried out (e.g., taking the case of brightness, detailed
adjustment, such as through highlight zone filtering and/or dark
zone filtering, is made possible).
[0253] Furthermore, in correspondence to radio button(s) selected
at CONTROL INDEX field 1062, special photo retoucher 11 determines
the number of parameters which is or are to have effect during a
single iteration of the foregoing trial application (hereinafter
"filtering").
[0254] In more specific terms, if for example the 1 INDEX radio
button is selected, only one parameter will be allowed to have its
effect during a single filtering iteration; and in still more
specific terms, only radio button(s) in X column 1070 will be
enabled, radio button(s) in Y column 1071 being disabled. When
particular radio button(s) is or are selected from among radio
button(s) in X column 1070, special photo retoucher 11 causes a
plurality of instances of trial application results, representing
results of filtering as described above with respect to
parameter(s) corresponding to such radio button(s), to be displayed
in arrayed fashion pursuant to prescribed convention(s), e.g.,
convention(s) selected by user(s) from among conventions (A)
through (D) shown in FIG. 24.
[0255] In contrast, when the 2 INDEX radio button is selected, two
parameters will be allowed to have their effect during a single
filtering iteration; and in still more specific terms, radio
button(s) in X column 1070, as well as radio button(s) in Y column
1071, will be enabled. When particular radio buttons are
respectively selected at X column 1070 and Y column 1071, special
photo retoucher 11 employs color adjustment filter(s) for which two
parameters corresponding to the two selected radio buttons differ
in step(s) of prescribed value(s), carrying out filtering as
described above, to obtain a plurality of instances of trial
application results. Moreover, special photo retoucher 11 causes
such plurality of instances of trial application results to be
displayed in arrayed fashion pursuant to prescribed convention(s),
e.g., the convention shown in FIG. 25, in correspondence to which
of X column 1070 and Y column 1071 each of the two parameters was
selected from. As a result, a plurality of photo images (trial
application results) are displayed as shown for example in FIG.
26.
[0256] At CONTROL INDEX field 1062, special photo retoucher 11
causes parameter values applicable to the foregoing central
image(s) to be respectively displayed in a plurality of edit boxes
1080A, 1080B, . . . respectively corresponding to a plurality of
parameters. Furthermore, when entering this VARIATION submode from
other mode(s) and/or other submode(s), special photo retoucher 11
causes parameter(s) set for photo image(s) up to that point to be
displayed at edit boxes 1080A, 1080B, . . . . In addition, when
user(s) enter parameter value(s) directly at edit boxes 1080A,
1080B, . . . , special photo retoucher 11 uses such entered
parameter value(s) to update the foregoing central photo image(s)
and to update the plurality of photo images displayed at variation
view 1065 in accompaniment thereto.
[0257] Furthermore, in correspondence to radio button(s) selected
at STEP field 1063, special photo retoucher 11 determines the
size(s) of the unit parameter increment(s) and/or decrement(s) at
the aforementioned plurality of instances of application of color
adjustment filter(s) (i.e., the amount(s) by which parameter
value(s) is or are stepped). For example, parameter value(s) of
color adjustment filter(s) might be increased and/or decreased in
large increments and/or decrements (e.g., by 8 units) when the
ROUGH radio button is selected, might be increased and/or decreased
in medium-sized increments and/or decrements (e.g., by 4 units)
when the MEDIUM radio button is selected, and might be increased
and/or decreased in small increments and/or decrements (e.g., by 2
units) when the ACCURATE radio button is selected.
[0258] Furthermore, in correspondence to radio button(s) selected
at SAMPLE field 1064, special photo retoucher 11 determines the
number of photo images displayed at variation view 1065. For
example, when the "3.times.3" radio button is selected, a total of
9 photo images--3 in the vertical direction and 3 in the horizontal
direction--are displayed as shown in FIG. 22; when the "5.times.5"
radio button is selected, a total of 25 photo images--5 in the
vertical direction and 5 in the horizontal direction--are displayed
(note that whereas in the present embodiment the same number of
images are thus displayed in the vertical direction and horizontal
direction, these of course need not be the same number).
[0259] Furthermore, when button 1090 is clicked, special photo
retoucher 11 saves the display screen at variation view 1065 as a
single image to a file of prescribed format (e.g., TIFF format).
Image(s) recorded in such file(s) may be printed. This permits
confirmation of actual results of printing of each of the plurality
of photo images displayed at variation view 1065, allowing more
precise enhancement settings to be carried out in correspondence to
those results. In addition, when a display screen at variation view
1065 is saved as a single image, prescribed information (e.g.,
value(s) of respective parameter(s) for photo image(s) centrally
located therein) may be affixed to such image; and when such image
is printed, prescribed information affixed thereto may be caused to
be printed together therewith.
[0260] Above, VARIATION submode has been described. Lastly, the
MANUAL submode will be described.
[0261] FIG. 27 shows image display area 118 when in MANUAL submode,
and FIG. 28 shows control area 119 when in same submode.
[0262] As shown in FIG. 28, when the MANUAL tab at control area 119
is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 enters MANUAL submode. Upon
entering VARIATION submode, special photo retoucher 11 displays
photo image(s) (original image(s) and/or image(s) wherein
enhancement processing performed up to this point in other mode(s)
and/or other submode(s) has been applied) at manual view 1101 of
image display area 118 as shown in FIG. 27, and moreover, displays
MANUAL control screen 1100 in front layer(s) at control area 119 as
shown in FIG. 28.
[0263] Special photo retoucher 11 displays at MANUAL control screen
1100 various tools and indicators for even more detailed setting of
color adjustment filter parameters than at VARIATION submode.
[0264] In correspondence to whether the SIMPLE or FULL radio button
is selected at CONTROL field 1111 of this screen 1100, special
photo retoucher 11 determines whether to make only the basic
parameter(s) among the parameters displayed at fields 1112 and 1113
adjustable or whether to make all of the parameters adjustable. If
FULL is selected, more detailed setting of basic parameter(s)
(e.g., brightness, contrast, gray balance, etc.) may be carried out
(e.g., taking the case of brightness, detailed adjustment, such as
through highlight zone filtering and/or dark zone filtering, is
made possible).
[0265] Furthermore, when the SAVE button at this screen 1100 is
clicked, special photo retoucher 11 saves parameter(s) currently
applied to image(s) displayed at manual view 1101 and the value(s)
thereof (and/or color adjustment filter(s) having such value(s)).
When saving such parameter(s) and value(s) thereof, special photo
retoucher 11 displays dialog box(es), not shown, in frontmost
layer(s), accepts input from user(s) at such dialog box(es) of
name(s) for identifying parameter(s) and value(s) thereof which
have been or are to be saved, and, responsive to user request,
saves identifying name(s) which has or have been input such that it
or they is or are linked to parameter(s) and value(s) thereof which
have been or are to be saved.
[0266] Furthermore, when the LOAD button at this screen 1100 is
clicked, special photo retoucher 11 loads parameter(s) and value(s)
thereof saved at time or times when the SAVE button was clicked,
displays dialog box(es) (not shown) listing identifying name(s),
and causes value(s) of parameter(s) linked to identifying name(s)
selected by user(s) at such dialog box(es) to be applied to photo
image(s) displayed at manual view 1101.
[0267] Furthermore, in correspondence to user actuation at a
plurality of parameter adjustment slider bars (shown without
reference numerals) and/or parameter adjustment buttons (buttons
displaying "+" and "-" symbols) displayed at fields 1112 and 1113,
special photo retoucher 11 updates value(s) of parameter(s)
reflected in currently displayed photo image(s). Furthermore,
special photo retoucher 11 displays, in respective edit box(es)
(fields between buttons displaying "+" symbols and buttons
displaying "-" symbols) corresponding to respective parameter(s),
respective parameter value(s) reflected in currently displayed
photo image(s). In addition, when parameter value(s) is or are
directly input at edit box(es), special photo retoucher 11 applies
such parameter value(s) to currently displayed photo image(s).
[0268] Furthermore, when the SHOW TONECURVE check box 1116 at this
screen 1100 is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 displays
tonecurve view 1117 displaying tonecurve(s) in frontmost layer(s)
as shown in FIG. 29. When mouse cursor(s) is or are placed at
specific location(s) within this tonecurve view 1117 and is or are
dragged, special photo retoucher alters tonecurve(s) in
correspondence to such dragging, and also applies parameter(s)
pursuarit to such tonecurve(s) to currently displayed photo
image(s).
[0269] Furthermore, in correspondence to button(s) selected by
user(s) from among a plurality of buttons displayed at NOISE
REDUCTION field 1118 of this screen 1100, special photo retoucher
11 carries out reduction of noise and/or color fringing artifacts
(e.g., restoring to its or their original color(s) the color(s) of
pixel(s) in particular region(s) which has or have acquired
color(s) other than its or their original color(s)).
[0270] Furthermore, in correspondence to button(s) selected by
user(s) from among a plurality of buttons displayed at SELECTED
COLOR CONTROL field 1119 of this screen 1100, special photo
retoucher 11 corrects specific color component(s) in currently
displayed photo image(s) (such correction may for example employ
APF-type stored color correction functionality
(multiple-tonecurve-type correction functionality). In more
specific terms, special photo retoucher 11 applies specific
parameter value(s) corresponding to selected button(s) from among a
plurality of specific prepared parameter (e.g., skin color (red)
component(s), green component(s), sky (blue) component(s)) values,
and/or specific parameter value(s) manually set by user(s), to
currently displayed photo image(s). This permits editing such as
correction for brightening of skin color only (emphasizing the
redness thereof) to be carried out.
[0271] Furthermore, when the ON radio button is selected at
SELECTED COLOR CHANGE field 1120 of this screen 1100 (OFF being
selected by default), special photo retoucher 11 toggles CUSTOM
button 1121 from its disabled state to its enabled state, and, when
this CUSTOM button 1121 is clicked, displays COLOR CHANGE dialog
box 1122 in frontmost layer(s) as shown in FIG. 30.
[0272] At this dialog box 1122, special photo retoucher 11
displays, in SELECTIVE COLOR field 1123, medicine dropper buttons
1126A through 1126C as well as color locus or loci subject to
color/tone adjustment, or more specifically, control axes 1127A
through 1127C for controlling enhancement effectiveness and locus
or loci of application of enhancement(s) with respect to hue,
saturation, and brightness. Furthermore, special photo retoucher 11
displays, in SHIFT AMOUNT field 1124, slider bars 1128A through
1128C, buttons 1129A through 1131B, and edit boxes 1132A through
1132C for respective adjustment of hue, saturation, and brightness
at recently selected pixel(s) in current image(s).
[0273] When medicine dropper button 1126A at SELECTIVE COLOR field
1123 is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 samples and holds
color(s) (hereinafter, stored color(s)) belonging to pixel(s) at
location(s) of mouse cursor(s) on currently displayed photo
image(s) (hereinafter referred to as "current image(s)") when
mouse(s) is or are clicked (i.e., pixel(s) selected by user(s)).
Moreover, special photo retoucher 11 displays, at edit boxes 1132A
through 1132C, respective values for hue, saturation, and
brightness belonging to stored color(s) which was or were sampled.
Special photo retoucher 11 carries out this series of operations
each time that mouse(s) is or are clicked over current image(s). In
other words, only one stored color may be held.
[0274] In contradistinction hereto, when medicine dropper button
1126B is clicked, special photo retoucher 11 samples and holds a
plurality of stored colors in correspondence to mouse clicks
performed over current image(s). At such time or times, special
photo retoucher 11 determines maximum value(s) and minimum value(s)
for each of hue, saturation, and brightness from stored color(s)
sampled up to the present time, and plots on corresponding control
axes 1127A through 1127C the maximum values and minimum values so
determined. Moreover, in correspondence hereto, special photo
retoucher 11 widens and/or narrows locus or loci of application of
enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C for each of hue, saturation, and
brightness.
[0275] Furthermore, when medicine dropper button 1126C is selected,
special photo retoucher 11 narrows current loci of application of
enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C so as to prevent hue(s),
saturation(s), and brightness(es) belonging to stored color(s) at
pixel(s) selected by user(s) on current image(s) from falling
within respective current loci of application of enhancement(s)
1140A through 1140C.
[0276] Components in directions of axes at control axes 1127A
through 1127C signify values for hue, saturation, and brightness;
components perpendicular to directions of axes signify enhancement
effectiveness (degree to which applied enhancement(s) is or are to
have effect). Curves 1300A through 1300C indicating loci of
application of enhancement(s) as well as enhancement effectiveness
are indicated at control axes 1127A through 1127C.
[0277] Loci of application of enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C,
indicated by curves 1300A through 1300C, respectively have main
loci of application 1301A through 1301C, where enhancement
effectiveness is 100%, at the central portions thereof, and have
subordinate loci of application 1302A through 1302C, where
enhancement effectiveness is less than 100%, to either side
thereof. Curves 1300A through 1300C exhibit linearly decreasing
slope at subordinate loci of application 1302A through 1302C as one
goes from the endpoints of main loci of application 1301A through
1301C to the endpoints of loci of application of enhancement(s)
1140A through 1140C (i.e., enhancement effectiveness at subordinate
loci of application 1302A through 1302C goes from 100% to 0%,
decreasing continuously at constant rate, as one goes from the
endpoints of main loci of application 1301A through 1301C to the
endpoints of loci of application of enhancement(s) 1140A through
1140C). As a result, because enhancement effect is such that
application goes continuously from 100% to 0% over loci of
application of enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C, high-quality
image(s) may be obtained wherein it is not possible to distinguish
location(s) at which enhancement(s) has or have been performed from
location(s) at which enhancement(s) has or have not been
performed.
[0278] In correspondence to mouse drag operation(s) having specific
location(s) on control axes 1127A through 1127C and/or specific
location(s) on curves 1300A through 1300C as start point(s),
special photo retoucher 11 changes loci of application of
enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C, and/or main loci of application
1301A through 1301 C and/or subordinate loci of application 1302A
through 1302C present therein.
[0279] Furthermore, at SHIFT AMOUNT field 1124, when any of slider
bars 1128A through 1128C and/or buttons 1129A through 1131B is or
are actuated, and/or when numeric value(s) is or are entered at
edit boxes 1132A through 1132C, special photo retoucher 11 alters
hue, saturation, and/or brightness of recently selected pixel(s) in
current image(s) in correspondence thereto.
[0280] Enhancement(s) may be applied to current image(s) based on
hue, saturation, and/or brightness as described above.
[0281] Repeated reference is now made to FIG. 28.
[0282] Of the two radio buttons displayed at HISTOGRAM field 1500
on MANUAL control screen 1100, in correspondence to whether the
FULL IMAGE or PREVIEW AREAS radio button is selected thereat,
special photo retoucher 11 determines whether the locus or loci of
current image(s) to be displayed in histogram fashion should be the
entirety or entireties of current image(s) or should be limited to
locus or loci currently displayed at manual view 1101 (see FIG.
27). Special photo retoucher 11 displays, at histogram view 1501,
histogram(s) for current image locus or loci as determined above
for current image(s).
[0283] Furthermore, in correspondence to which check box(es) is or
are selected among the four check boxes displayed at HISTOGRAM
field 1500, special photo retoucher 11 displays histogram(s) with
respect to gray, red, green, and/or blue for current image locus or
loci as determined above. When a plurality of check boxes are
selected, special photo retoucher 11 divides the histogram display
region at histogram view 1501 into equal horizontally long zones in
correspondence to the number thereof so selected, displaying
histogram(s) in the respective zonal regions obtained thereby.
[0284] Furthermore, in correspondence to mouse drag operation(s) by
user(s) of saturation preview tools 2100A, 2100B and/or saturation
locus adjustment slider 2111 displayed at HISTOGRAM field 1500,
special photo retoucher 11 may cause saturation range(s) to be set
and/or cause display to be emphasized (e.g., by causing shading to
be applied) at specific region(s) of current image(s) (e.g.,
region(s) at which RGB=0, 0, 0 and/or 255, 255, 255). When
saturation range(s) is or are set, clicking SATURATION INDICATE
button 2200 (which is enabled only when the GRAY check box is
selected) causes special photo retoucher 11 to cause current image
region(s) comprising the set of pixel(s) having saturation outside
saturation range(s) set as described above to flash such that the
pixel(s) thereof is or are intermittently displayed in, for
example, complementary color(s) (e.g., region(s) comprising the set
of pixel(s) having saturation from 251 through 255 might be made to
flash when saturation range is set to 0 through 250).
[0285] Whereas embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, these have been presented as examples for purposes
of describing the present invention and without intent to limit the
scope of the present invention to these embodiments alone. The
present invention may accordingly be carried out in the context of
a wide variety of other embodiments without departing from the
essence thereof.
[0286] Whereas in the foregoing embodiments functionality for
editing photographs and creating print job and functionality for
sending print jobs to printers and managing print information were
split between separate computer machines, these being a client
machine and a print server machine, such constitution wherein
functionalities are split between or among separate machines has
been presented only by way of example and it is possible to carry
out the present invention in the context of other machine
constitutions. For example, all of the foregoing functionalities
may be carried out by a single computer machine. Printer(s) may
also split a portion of the foregoing functionalities. Or the
foregoing functionalities may be split even more finely among even
more computer machines.
[0287] Furthermore, at FIG. 30, loci of application of
enhancement(s) 1140A through 1140C need not necessarily be made up
of main loci of application 1301A through 1301C and subordinate
loci of application 1302A through 1302C. Expressing this
differently, curves 1300A through 1300C need not be linear, it
being possible to design and/or modify special photo retoucher 11
so as to permit free alteration thereof by user(s) through mouse
drag operation(s)
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